The one-off Take a look at between Afghanistan and New Zealand was known as off on Friday (13) and not using a ball being bowled, marking solely the eighth time in Take a look at cricket historical past that such a scenario has occurred.
The primary two days of the sport had been cancelled due to a moist outfield, elevating vital considerations concerning the preparedness of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports activities Advanced. The remaining three days had been then washed out as a result of persistent rain.
An inspection was held on Friday (13) morning however with puddles of water nonetheless current on the uncovered sections of the outfield, it was a foregone conclusion that the match could be deserted with out even the toss going down.
“It’s nonetheless raining in Better Noida and as a result of frequent rains, the fifth and ultimate day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Take a look at has been known as off by the match officers,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board mentioned in a press release.
Solely seven matches within the historical past of Take a look at cricket have been deserted and not using a ball being bowled relationship again to 1890. The final time it occurred was nearly 26 years in the past, in 1998. By the way, it was a match involving the Kiwis. They had been scheduled to play India in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Nonetheless, it’s the first time such an prevalence has taken place in an Indian venue. There had been incessant rain right here for the previous two weeks and the shortage of services, like correct floor covers to unfold throughout the 30 yard circle, sub-par drainage, lack of skilled floor workers and insufficient super-soppers, triggered most injury.
Regardless of vibrant sunshine on the primary two days, no play was potential because the umpires cited “gamers security” as a priority.
The midwicket space was a specific concern. To handle the difficulty, groundsmen introduced in dry sections of grass from the follow space to “transplant” within the midwicket zone.
Whereas the BCCI tried to help by offering extra equipment and the Delhi Delhi & District Cricket Affiliation and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Affiliation serving to out, it was just a little too late.
Afghanistan, who had been granted their Take a look at standing in 2017 and have performed solely 9 worldwide red-ball video games earlier than this fixture, had been the hosts.
It was the primary time Afghanistan, who don’t get to play too many Checks with huge nations, was scheduled to tackle New Zealand.
This fixture was, nonetheless, not part of the ICC’s World Take a look at Championship cycle. As for the stadium, match referee Javagal Srinath’s report on the preparedness of the venue will go a great distance in deciding its destiny.