India wastes $25,000 as big wet hits Sydney

India could be forced to pay $25,000 for the deflating sight of watching rain tumble down on the famous SCG today.

India captain Virat Kohli signs an autographs at the SCG yesterday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

India could be forced to pay $25,000 for the deflating sight of watching rain tumble down on the famous SCG today.

Meteorologists are predicting Sydney will cop an astonishing two months’ worth of rainfall in these next 24 hours, with India’s only Test warm-up due to start today all but certain to be a complete washout.

Not only is the dire forecast a massive blow to India’s preparations to face Australia in the first Test in Adelaide next week, but to add insult to injury, the cricketing powerhouse may also take a hit in the back pocket as well.

India lobbied hard to change the tour match against the Cricket Australia XI from a three-day fixture starting Thursday to a proper four-day game beginning today, but to make the late change happen, early discussions with CA centred around the BCCI footing the bill for the extra day of ground hire.

It’s understood costs associated with putting on a match at the SCG, like employing security and filling catering requirements adds up to about $25,000 a day — money that could be quite literally washed down the drain.

In 2011-12 India threatened to walk out on a practice game in Canberra because there was rain forecast.

Cricket Australia XI captain Sam Whiteman is hoping his unheralded team of rookies can join forces with mother nature in “spoiling” India’s preparations.

“It’s meant to pour down tomorrow isn’t it? Could be a long day sitting in the sheds,” said Whiteman.