Another day, another washout

Another day, another washout. The match officials clearly do not support euthanasia, or else they would have quietly put this match to sleep at the start of the fourth day, which was abandoned without a ball being bowled even before the scheduled start.

After the storm on the third afternoon and more overnight rain, the Queens Sports Club ground in Bulawayo was left more sodden than ever. Even given a day of sunshine and drying winds, it is unlikely that any significant play will be possible on the fifth scheduled day, and impossible that a result can be achieved.

"Rain saves Zimbabwe again" was the jocular comment of a Bangladeshi journalist, as his team reached 88 for 5 in the three hours' play possible on the third day, which is likely to remain the only play possible in the match. It will be the second draw in Bangladesh's brief Test history, both against Zimbabwe and both due to rain rather than skill.

Zimbabwe could well do with a rare victory and are paying the penalty for arranging a tour at the height of their rainy season. There is now concern that the five-match one-day series, due to start back in Bulawayo next Saturday, could also be ravaged by the weather.