The weather had the last laugh in Chittagong

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

With the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa poised for an entertaining finish at the end of the third day, the match ended in disappointing fashion as the fourth and fifth day was washed out due to persistent rain.

After being kept under wraps by Bangladesh for the first two days, the Proteas launched their counter-attack on the third day and were on the verge of wiping Bangladesh’s lead out when play ended.

With the fourth and fifth day both being abandoned without a single ball bowled, South Africa were unable to get some much-needed batting practice after being bowled out for 248 in the first innings. Furthermore, Proteas pace bowler Dale Steyn remains stranded on 399 Test wickets and will have to wait until the second Test in Dhaka on Thursday to become the 13th member of the 400-wicket club.

However, Steyn’s chances of entering the elite club and South Africa’s hopes of winning the series may be dashed by the fact that rain has been forecast for all five days of the second Test.