Mohali, Mar 14 (IANS): The first day of the third cricket Test between India and Australia was washed out without a ball being bowled due to heavy rains here on Thursday.

Rainfall accompanied by strong winds, after fresh snowfall occurred in parts of Himachal Pradesh, delayed the start of the match at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here in the morning.

After a wait of more than three hours, there was no sign of rains abating, prompting the umpires to call off the day`s play. The skies were overcast with thick, dark clouds.

The rain, which started late Wednesday night, continued in the morning, and the ground staff covered the pitch and the main square. The match was to begin at 9.30 a.m.

Play will start at 9 a.m. on all the remaining days and toss will take place at 8.30 a.m. Friday morning.

Met officials here said intermittent showers could continue throughout Thursday.

Both teams had been practicing here till Wednesday with bright and sunny conditions prevailing over the region.