Mumbai: The start of play in the three-day tour match between the visiting Australian cricket team and Ranji trophy champions Mumbai has been delayed due to early morning rains.

Mopping up operations were on to make the ground ready for the start of the match.

The wicket was covered but water had seeped under the covers and has made the area adjacent to the pitch very damp.

The two umpires K Hariharan and T K Handu are expected to make an announcement about a possible time of start later.

The umpires have decided to make another inspection at 11 a.m.

The Australian team, which came to the ground has gone back to the hotel.