The groundsmen at the Greater Noida Sports Complex are working to ready the field for the one-off Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan. However, they are struggling with a stubborn wet patch on the outfield. As a result, no play was possible on the first day, and the second day remained suspended while various solutions were being tried.
Heavy rainfall has been the foremost input into this issue which has frustrated attempts to start the match and possibly even the toss. To reduce this wet ground problem, ground workers were making attempts by digging up that section completely and trying to replace it with man-made grasses that were already dry enough for use in playing.
Some groundsmen went as far as bringing in pieces of grass from training grounds to cover the hole they made in the outfield. Fans are blowing in there however they are not helping out at all yet.
Take a look at how the drastic measures are unfolding at the venue right here:
The groundsmen at the Greater Noida Stadium have been cutting patches of grass from the practice facility and installing them in the outfield of the main ground. 😓#AFGvNZ | Video: @ShayanAcharya/@rvmoorthyhindu pic.twitter.com/D0ut1YjZgz
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) September 10, 2024
Media personnel covering the game have criticized the facilities at the Noida venue. The standard of facilities is not up to the expected levels for an international contest between two prestigious teams in world cricket.
Play in Noida is expected to be called off for a second consecutive day, with both teams still staying at the hotel
Even though every effort has been made to make sure that the match can start promptly, there are no signs indicating that any play may take place on Day 2. Moreover, with rainfall predicted for Day 3, things will likely continue in the same vein.
Reportedly, neither side has left their hotel so far and given that the first session has already been called off, it’s just a matter of time before today’s play in Noida is officially cancelled. The encounter was part of a New Zealand tour of the subcontinent. Over the next few months, they will play Test matches against Sri Lanka and India.
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