PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AFP) — Inadequate ground drainage and maintenance systems resulted in the abandonment of the third day without a ball being bowled in the fourth and final Test between the West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday.

No play has been possible since the first day on Thursday in Trinidad, when the West Indies reached 62 for two before lunch after choosing to bat first.

Since then, heavy showers on Thursday afternoon have left the ground completely saturated.

Despite the best efforts of the ground staff, conditions did not improve satisfactorily on the third day for play to be possible in the morning session.

Notwithstanding bright sunshine, the outfield remained sodden in many areas around the square.

Showers returned at midday to eliminate any prospect of play later in the day.

With this match seemingly destined for a draw, India, despite a 2-0 lead in the series, will lose their number-one ranking in Test cricket to arch-rivals Pakistan.

India need to win the series 3-0 to retain the top position in the rankings, following Pakistan’s 2-2 series draw in England.