Play has been called off on Day 5 of AFG vs NZ Test in Greater Noida due to incessant and frequent rain. This marks the end of the game as play has not been possible even on a single day. The game, which was supposed to begin on September 9, has now been abandoned without even the toss taking place. This is the first Test in Indian cricket history to be washed out without a ball being bowled.
AFG vs NZ Test completely washed out
With forecast for rain through the week, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was criticized for choosing Greater Noida as the venue. Adding to the frustration, the ACB attempted to justify its choice, claiming that the venue was logistically more feasible compared to the other options that were offered (Kanpur, Anantapur).
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Frustrating saga comes to an end
In what is a complete mockery of cricket, no play was possible over the span of five days. On Day 1 and 2, the play was called off due to wet outfield owing to poor drainage facilities at the Greater Noida Sports Complex stadium. The embarrassing episode saw the ground staff even make a desperate effort to get the game started on Day 3 by digging up a ‘pain spot’ near the mid-wicket area and filling it with dry grass cut out from the practice pitches. That was not all, table fans were also used in a last-ditch effort to dry the wet outfield and get it game ready.
The final nail in the coffin came on Day 4 and 5 as it rained through the morning, forcing play to be called off before the game was scheduled to begin. While Afghanistan have made multiple flips overthe choice of the venue, the glaring lack of facilities in Greater Noida has come to the fore.
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