As was seen in the third day of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match, the test faced familiar story. torrential down pour that made the officials to abandon the match early. According to local time, the officials decided to call off rest of the day due to water logging on outfield at 9:15 a. m. The previous night it had rained and the ground was sopping wet this could only mean that.
It was an early call off which left players as well as fans absolutely fuming. One comes across the scenario where after 72 hours, there is no movement of the case and any chances of a result appear somewhat farfetched. Afghanistan and New Zealand were ready to take the field but mother nature had an entirely different idea.
Weather Disrupts a Historic Test Match
The Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match was billed for what could have been a historical event. It was the Afghan team’s inaugural Test match against New Zealand. Sadly though, rain became the dominant factor and the event. This really brought about a lot of question marks of whether any cricket at all would be played ever. The first two days had been washed away by down pour.
Incidentally, rain is never ruled out from cricket, however, what has happened here is unexpected and that is, players lost three days of practice. For Afghanistan this Test was a great achievement. Such and inviting a side like New Zealand was hosting indeed a great honor. But to the teams’ disappointments, the weather intervened a lot, hence giving the two teams very few opportunities to show their talent.
Three Days Abandoned: A Test of Patience
First Two Days Lost to Rain
There had been so much rain during the match actually. The first couple of days did not really produce any results at all. The players stayed indoors in their respective hotels hoping that the weather will clear up soon. Afghanistan coming into the scene had wanted to face one of the giant came among the test playing nations. But the rain did not allow them to demonstrate what they are capable of doing.
Daily the ground staff attempted doing all that could be done to make the ground playable. Thus, little work could be completed, thanks to the torrential rains which made it impossible to work. Even so the outfield condition was bad and no form of play could be initiated successfully by the two teams. The relations between the two teams were just impossible and any play could not be made as the umpires intervened in the final call.
Officials Call Off Day 3 Early
By the end of the Day 3 it seemed like all hope was lost. This event was held on the outfield and unfortunately rain had been raining throughout the night and the outfield was already wet and the rain intensified the wetness. The ground staff was scrambling feet to evacuate the water and everyone knew that pitch was going to take time. In the course of the first inspection, it was deemed fit to stop the game for the day.
This meant that for the third successive day of a Test match which is facing a fair amount of rain normally. The first three days of a Test match have been washed out only once and that was 2008. Interestingly that match was between New Zealand who were featuring against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Greater Noida is a clear example of how history repeated itself for the annoyance of all parties concerned.
Frustration Grows Among Players and Fans
For Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match was an opportunity for the side to expose more of its skills specially in the longest form of the game. People always expect their team to do good especially in a friendly match against strong team like the New Zealand team. To everyone’s disappointment the rain continued and it grew heavier which meant no chance of play for both teams.
There was anger on the floor from the players of the two teams. To be out of the field is always disappointing, and this is what Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has says about his team. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson also had the similar views. The players had worked assiduously with preparing for this series and then the weather had confined them inside.
Impact of Rain on the Series
Chances of a Result Look Slim
Time has already run out on this Test match because after three days is already too late to get a decision. And even if play is possible on the remaining two days there often is not enough time for either side to gain a victory. The likely outcome of this competition is now looking like a draw and this is something that will not please the fans.
Afghanistan had a dream of outplaying New Zealand and see how they fare against a quality team in the world. However, again, due to a lot of rain time which is or has been spent outside, those plans are at risk. The rain has made this classic meeting a waiting game in this historical event.
Historic Context of Rain-Interrupted Matches
Interuptions by rain are no rarity in Test cricket but three lost days in a row can hardly be considered usual. The last time that happened was in December 2008 in the Test match between New Zealand and Banglades with the first three days of the match cancelled. The match could be played only for two days, and the result of this confrontations was quite expected – a draw.
Rain interruptions are as much a part of the game just like what happens with the Lion King Simba in the circle of life. But today’s drainage systems often guarantee that the matches can continue immediately the weather is awful. For this reason, while the ground staff tries to maintain the field, they find it impossible to do so when there is too much of rain.
Venue and Ground Conditions
Greater Noida Sports Complex Under Pressure
For this crucial Test match, this great ground was deemed appropriate to be hosting at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. This venue was used for several internationals in last few years. But, the facility has been criticized on its drainage system during this Test. Even if the ground staff tried their best to maintain the ground and make it fit for use, the outfield however, becomes almost intolerable during very bad weather.
Heavy rainfall has become a major challenge to the ground staff as they are having hard time working on damp ground. They have been fixing the field around the clock to remove the outfield, but has not had a chance. Although the staff has made all efforts to do so the circumstances are still unbearable to handle.
Efforts of the Ground Staff
The ground staff in Greater Noida has struggled right through this Test match. They have strived to make the boundaries and avoiding water on the pitches as well. Sadly, the problem has now turned into a major one because of the blocking by heavy rains. Such extreme conditions are definitely not conducive for any drainage system no matter how effective it is.
Some fiscal commentators have commented that the staff must be working hard but the volume of rain has become too much. Every morning they have gone to scrutinize the field with expectations of a chance to prepare it for the play. However the rains have continued to pour and now they are left without a single ray of hope.
Players’ Reactions to the Washed-Out Days
Afghanistan’s Disappointment
This Test as far from being a game was a life or die affair for Afghanistan. It was an opportunity to perform the tests on the international level. New Zealand is a powerful team and it is a great opportunity for Afghanistan to host such a team, Afghans wanted to enjoy the moment to its fullest. However, through the rain, they have been denied the opportunity of doing just that.
The Afghanistan skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi was fuming when he said about his team. Both sides had been working very hard to get to this stage of the series and were ready to entrench themselves on the field. But due to three days which were washed out, they have been left with little time to impress.
New Zealand’s Perspective
New Zealand arrived at this Test as favourites, but the rain has made the two sides almost equal. The Kiwi captain Kane Williamson also had the same feeling regarding the weather. The Kiwis had wanted this match to be an introduction for other matches to come but the rain has kept them grounded.
New Zealand’s bowlers in particular, had been looking forward to getting a look in as to what was in store for them in Greater Noida. But it has rained and that has not given them the chance to do so. Despite that, both teams still hope for some action on the two days, but the prospects seem rather dim.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match has been totally washed out by rain. Given that the match is at best extremely unlikely given that three days have been washed out by heavy downpours. Both the fans, the players and the officials can only pray for a resumption of play but as the forecaster predicts more rain again, it has to be a draw. The two sides will need to think about the next games they will be playing in the league next time. For now the rain remains the overriding theme of this historic event.
FAQs
1. Why was Day 3 of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test called off?
Again the third day was washed out due to continuous rainfall which made the outfield wet.
2. How many days have been lost to rain so far?
Continuous rains have washed off three consecutive days right through out the day and night.
3. Was this Afghanistan’s first-ever Test against New Zealand?
In fact, this Test match was the first of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test series.
4. Is a result still possible in this Test match?
With three days lost, the likelihood of a result are virtually non existent.
5. What has been the reaction from fans and players?
There is across the board disappointment with the on field interruption’s by the weather.
