News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Cricket » First time in India! Test match called off without a ball being bowled

First time in India! Test match called off without a ball being bowled

Source: PTI
Last updated on: September 13, 2024 12:48 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida

IMAGE: This was only the eighth time in Test cricket history that a match was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Photograph:Black Caps/X

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was called off on Friday without a ball being bowled owing to incessant rain in Greater Noida, making it only the eighth instance of a match being abandoned in such a manner in the history of five-day games.

It was the first time that a Test was abandoned without any play at an Indian venue.

The first two days of the game were cancelled because of a wet outfield, raising significant concerns about the preparedness of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. The remaining three days were then washed out due to persistent rain.

An inspection was held on Friday morning but with puddles still present on the uncovered parts of the outfield, it was a foregone conclusion that the match would be abandoned without even the toss taking place.

"It is still raining in Greater Noida and due to frequent rains, the 5th and final day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test has been called off by the match officials," the Afghanistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida

IMAGE: The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida. Photograph: Black Caps/X

Before this, only seven matches in the history of Test cricket have been abandoned without a ball being bowled dating back to 1890. The last time it happened was almost 26 years ago, in 1998.

Incidentally, it was a match involving the Kiwis. They were scheduled to play India in Dunedin, New Zealand but no action was possible due to inclement weather.

In the same year and on the same day, a Pakistan-Zimbabwe Test in Faisalabad was also called off without any play owing to thick winter fog.

Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida

IMAGE: The last time a Test match was abandoned without a ball being bowled was almost 26 years ago. Photograph: Afghanistan Cricket Board/X

There had been incessant rain in Greater Noida for the past two weeks and the lack of facilities, like proper ground covers to spread across the 30 yard circle, sub-par drainage, lack of trained ground staff and inadequate super-soppers, caused maximum damage.

Despite bright sunshine on the first two days, no play was possible as the umpires cited 'players safety' as a concern because of damp patches on the outfield.

 

While the BCCI tried to assist by providing additional machinery and the Delhi Delhi & District Cricket Association and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association helping out, it was a little too late.

Afghanistan, who were granted their Test status in 2017 and have played only nine international red-ball games before this fixture, were the hosts.

It was the first time Afghanistan, who don't get to play too many Tests with big nations, was scheduled to take on New Zealand.

This fixture was, however, not a part of the ICC's World Test Championship cycle. As for the stadium, match referee Javagal Srinath's report on the preparedness of the venue will go a long way in deciding its fate.

 

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Bangladesh's tour of India 2024

Bangladesh's tour of India 2024