England's freaky weather is threatening Saturday's Champions Trophy clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan which though has been rendered inconsequential.
After yesterday's New Zealand versus Australia match was washed out, it rained most of the day today. The weatherman has predicted rain over the weekend too.
Pakistan's plans for an outdoor session at the Edgbaston cricket ground today was ruined by the elements.
Rains almost throughout the afternoon forced the Pakistan players to train at the indoor nets at the Edgbaston Cricket Centre.
The Indians were not scheduled to train. Only Irfan Pathan and Murli Vijay turned up for some batting practice but had to beat a hasty retreat because the entire Edgbaston square, including the practice wickets were under covers.
Though out of reckoning for a semifinal berth, Pakistan players looked a happy bunch turning up in small groups from their hotel. Saaed Ajmal and the tall pacer Muhammad Irfan were the first to arrive while skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and coach Dav Whatmore turned up later in the team bus.
"Can you see any hint of tension in the boys?" asked Pakistan's team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.
"The boys are just fine and enjoying themselves here," he added.
With several former cricketers criticising the team for their Champions Trophy performance, the media here has been kept at arm's length.
Citing a Pakistan Cricket Board diktat, Cheema said, "Can't help you with interviews as I am only following instructions."
With nothing but honour at stake, the Pakistan manager, however, said the players were looking forward to the India match.
"It's no point looking back. We will be playing at Birmingham which has been a good ground for us," he said.
In the 2004 Champions Trophy, Pakistan had beaten India by three wickets at Edgbaston.
