Rain wins the day in first Proteas vs West Indies ODI

16 March 2023 - 17:19 By Anathi Wulushe in East London
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Umpire Bongani Jele holds an umbrella while inspecting the pitch before the first ODI between SA and the West Indies is called off due to rain at Buffalo Park in East London on March 16 2023.
Umpire Bongani Jele holds an umbrella while inspecting the pitch before the first ODI between SA and the West Indies is called off due to rain at Buffalo Park in East London on March 16 2023.
Image: Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko

The opening one-day international between South Africa and the West Indies at Buffalo Park in East London on Thursday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.

The signs were ominous, with grey skies and inclement weather from early morning ahead of the scheduled 12.30pm toss for a 1pm start.

Reserve umpire Bongani Jele performed numerous inspections throughout the afternoon but there was never a realistic chance of playing and the game was called off at 4.30pm.

The Proteas are starting a fresh era under new white-ball coach Rob Walter after their 2-0 Test series victory over the Windies last week.

The sides will meet again at the same venue for the second ODI on Saturday.

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