India v Aus 3rd Test: First day's play washed out

The first day's play of the third Test between India and Australia has been called off without a ball being bowled because of rain.

There was hope of a delayed start but the dark clouds hovering above the venue refused to go away and when the drizzle returned followed by another shower, the umpires decided to call it a day after lunch had been taken.

Play was officially called off at 1pm local time.

The hours of play will be advanced by half an hours during the next four days to make up for lost time and scheduled to start at 9.00am local time provided the inclement weather improves.

It has started to rain once again at Mohali with local time 12.30 pm.

With dark clouds gathering around the stadium, play is likely to called off.

The prognosis for match starting looks bleak as it is drizzing again while the players are having lunch as scheduled.

There was to be an inspection of the ground at noon local time.

The wet oufield has delayed start of proceedings in Mohalil.

It has stopped raining but the covers are still on.

Play could start in about two hours' time but the bad news is more rain is forecast in the afternoon.

The start of the third Test between India and Australia in Mohali has been delayed.

Play was scheduled to begin at 9.30 am local time but the toss has been delayed because it's raining in Mohali.

India lead the series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2-0.

FIRST TEST - INDIA WIN BY 8 WICKETS

SECOND TEST - INDIA WIN BY AN INNINGS

Australia will be further depleted after suspending four players, including Shane Watson for not doing 'homework', with wicketkeeper Mathew Wade being unfit while Glen Maxwell is also out.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur and captain Michael Clarke have stood by the decision to suspend Watson, fast bowlers James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson and backup batsman Usman Khawaja, saying it was the "last straw" after repeated warnings to the squad about discipline and professionalism.

The tourists lost the first match in Chennai by eight wickets and the second Test in Hyderabad by an innings 135 runs.