NEW DELHI: Persistent rain has put the only Test between
Afghanistan
and
New Zealand
at
Greater Noida
at risk. Thursday marks the fourth consecutive day without any play.
This match is Afghanistan's first Test at their adopted home ground near New Delhi. Due to continuous rain, the field remains too wet for play. Umpires inspected the field before the scheduled start at 9:30 am local time and stated that no play would be possible.
So far, even the toss has not occurred.
This is Afghanistan’s 10th Test since they gained Test status in 2017. New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, are scheduled to travel to
Sri Lanka
for two Tests after the scheduled final day on Friday. They will then return to the subcontinent for three more Tests against India.
Greater Noida is hosting its first Test and has faced criticism for inadequate facilities, including poor drainage. Attempts to dry the field earlier in the week, using hand-held electric fans, have been unsuccessful due to ongoing rain.
Afghanistan, unable to host matches at home due to security issues, have used the Greater Noida ground for several T20Is and ODIs since 2017, thanks to an offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India to use its facilities. The wet weather has revealed the venue’s limitations in handling such conditions.
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