The fifth ODI between India and Australia in Cuttack has been officially abandoned due to inclement weather. Australia maintain their 2-1 lead in the seven-match series with two games to go.
The umpires and match referee had a brief inspection on the match-day before rendering the outfield unfit for play due to incessant rains in the region during the past few days.
Both teams had a look at the ground on the eve of the match and the waterlogged outfield convinced them of no possibility of play. They didn’t arrive at the venue on the day of the match.
This is the second washout of the series, following the abandonment of the fourth ODI in Ranchi after one innings. That means the series is now essentially a five-match affair. While India will have to win the remaining two ODIs to take the series, Australia need a solitary win.
The teams will now fly to Nagpur where the sixth ODI is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, October 30. The final match will be played in Bengaluru on November 2.
With the fifth ODI being washed out, India retain their No.1 spot on the ICC ODI Rankings.
