The first day of the two-day pink ball game between India and the Prime Minister's XI was washed out due to persistent rain.

Chances of play were remote with a steady drizzle bedding in from almost 10am right through to about 5.30pm during which time the covers stayed firmly on. The Indian team did come over to the ground but there wasn't much reason for them to stick around.

The rain did stop, briefly, late in the day, and there was a flurry of activity, with the covers being peeled off and members of both teams' support staff being briefed by the two umpires. But when the groundstaff restored the covers, packed up and left at 6.30pm, it was clear that there would be no cricket. Much heavier rain came through at 7pm.

The game is expected to resume as a 50-over affair starting from 2.40pm on Sunday. Tickets for Saturday's play will be refunded.

The second Test is a day-night game from December 6 in Adelaide, where India were bowled out for 36 in their last outing there.