With rain showing no intention of easing off, the only Test match scheduled between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida is now under serious threat. Since Thursday was the third day without any play, this does mark a significant step in limiting such delays.
Since June 2018, this is the first Test match for Afghanistan at their adopted home ground in Greater Noida, India. However, complaining of the weather hampering warm-up, the umpires called off the day’s play after announcing their decision outside the ground. Up to now, not even the toss has taken place.
This one is test number ten for Afghanistan since their Test status was received back in 2017. Instead, following the scheduled last day of the match on Friday, Tim Southee’s men are due to tour Sri Lanka for 2 tests. They will then fly back to the subcontinent for 3 more Indan Tests.
This will be the first test holding for Greater noida and the authorities have received flak for poor infrastructure including design flaws which have meant pathetic drainage system. Earlier this week efforts to dry the surface of the ground using stand electric fans have met with failure owing to rain.
Since security conditions have not permitted Afghanistan to play matches at home, they have made use of the Greater Noida ground for some T20Is and ODIs since 2017, due to the film from the Board of Control for Cricket in India allowing them to host their matches on all these facilities. Weather also highlighted the venue’s shortcoming in the wet condition.
