Lucknow: The toss for the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was on Wednesday delayed due to fog engulfing the Ekana Stadium. The next inspection by the match officials will take place at 9.25 pm.

The toss inspection was originally set for 6.50 pm but was first pushed back to 7.30 pm. It was then delayed to 8 pm, followed by further postponements to 8.30 pm, 9 pm and finally 9.25 pm as persistent fog continued to reduce visibility at the venue.

“Toss has been further delayed. The next inspection will be at 9.25 PM IST,” said an update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on their ‘X’ account.

The decision was taken as a thick layer of smog will create hindrance for the fielders if the balls are hit in the air.

The BCCI's Tours and Fixtures Committee's decision to slot matches in the eastern and northern regions of the country during winters has certainly come under scanner.

Earlier on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for ‘very dense fog’ in 13 districts of eastern and central Uttar Pradesh. It also issued a yellow alert for dense fog in 27 districts from the eastern to western parts of the state.

The fog at the stadium has been so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated at the opposite end. With fog set to get worse, there are concerns over whether the match will happen or not. It is to be noted that this is the first time Lucknow is hosting a T20I game in the month of December.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa noted on the live broadcast that delaying play could prove counterproductive, as fog is likely to intensify as the evening progresses. Fortunately for India, ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took part in the warm-ups ahead of the match, after he missed the third T20I in Dharamsala due to personal reasons.

But vice-captain Shubman Gill has been apparently ruled out due to a foot injury, with Sanju Samson likely to come into the playing eleven. India is leading the five-game series 2-1, with two matches remaining, and are considered a favourite to clinch the series if they manage to win in Lucknow. But for that to happen, the game needs to take place in biting cold conditions, provided the fog goes down.

India currently lead the series 2-1. After winning the first T20I, India lost the second match before winning the third to take the lead in the five-match series.

(With inputs from PTI & IANS)