GALLE: The second day`s play in the first Test between India and Sri Lanka on Monday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to bad weather.

The morning start had already been delayed by a wet outfield at the Galle International Stadium when a thunderstorm soon after ensured there would be no play before lunch.

The umpires scheduled an inspection at 2:30 pm (0900 GMT) as the skies cleared briefly, but another spell of heavy rain in the afternoon wiped out any hope of play.

Twenty-two overs were lost due to rain on the first day in which Sri Lanka, electing to bat after winning the toss, made 256-2 with Tharanga Paranavitana on 110 and Mahela Jayawardene on eight.

Rain has been forecast on all five days of the match, which marks the final Test appearance for Sri Lanka`s world bowling record holder Muttiah Muralitharan.

The off-spinner needs eight scalps to reach the unprecedented 800-wicket mark, to build on his record haul of 515 one-day wickets.

India, the top-ranked Test side, are looking for their first series win in Sri Lanka in 17 years.

BDST: 1559 hrs, July 19, 2010