Rains welcome Indian, Pakistani teams in Bangalore

BANGALORE: Dark clouds, cool breeze and light rain welcomed the Indian and Pakistani teams as they landed here Wednesday for the third and final cricket Test, beginning at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Saturday.

Soon after the two teams arrived by the same plane from Kolkata, where the second Test ended in a draw at the Eden Gardens Tuesday, it rained in the afternoon.

Although the rain stopped after a while, a cool and pleasant breeze continued to sweep the city.

"Today is an off day. We will have nets tomorrow," said Indian team manager Lalchand Rajput.

Pakistani players also took it easy. Pakistan team's media co-ordinator Javed Akhtar said the players would have their first practice session Thursday.

In the afternoon, Pakistani wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt, manager Talat Ali and Akhtar went out of the team hotel for some work while coach Geoff Lawson went shopping with another member of the support staff.

India lead the three-match series 1-0, having won the first Test in Delhi.