Day three of the historic Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, has been called off, making it the third consecutive day without any possible play.
After the first two days of the match were washed out, day three met a similar fate. Overnight rain in Greater Noida resulted in puddles on the outfield, making it unfit for play. Both teams reportedly didn’t leave their hotel as the play was called off before the scheduled start, 9:30 am local time. The toss is yet to take place.
There have also been several reports of mismanagement and lack of basic facilities at the venue by reporters present. On day two, the ground staff dug up the wet patches, trying to replace them with artificial turf before using fans to dry the surface. The outfield was responsible for an injury to Ibrahim Zadran during the training session.
Welcome to 3rd day of play that is already abandoned!#AFGvNZ pic.twitter.com/8nBc749jBK
— Daya sagar (@sagarqinare) September 11, 2024
Greater Noida has been one of Afghanistan’s adopted home grounds. Although it has hosted international white-ball games since 2017, this is the first time a Test match is being played here.
Concerns have been raised about whether the match could have been held elsewhere since the quality of ground and outfield needed for a Test has to be superior. It’s worth noting Afghanistan have previously played Tests at neutral venues in Dehradun, Lucknow and Abu Dhabi.
Greater Noida was reportedly selected as the host venue because of its proximity to Delhi and better connectivity with Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, which increases the possibility of drawing crowds.
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