Groundsmen at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida were hard at work preparing the field with artificial grass ahead of the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand. However, despite their efforts, play was called off for a second consecutive day due to rain and poor ground conditions. The pitch was covered in anticipation of more rain, with ground staff using electric fans to dry the wet patches. One area of the outfield was even dug up and refilled with dry soil and fresh turf.
The venue, hosting its first Test match, has been criticized for its basic drainage system and facilities, with some referring to it as “ill-equipped”. Despite the sunny weather on Monday and Tuesday, the outfield remained soaked from the preceding monsoon rain. The teams stayed in their hotels in the morning, but New Zealand later put up nets on the ground for practice. New Zealand was unable to complete any training sessions leading up to the Test due to the wet conditions.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered Afghanistan venues in northern Indian cities to train and host matches outside of their troubled nation. Afghanistan has hosted several Twenty20 and one-day internationals in Greater Noida since 2017, but officials have expressed disappointment with the current situation. An ACB official was reported as saying, “This is a huge mess. We are never coming back here.” This Test match was only Afghanistan’s 10th five-day match since gaining Test status in 2017.
There has been no public reaction from New Zealand, who are scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests before returning for three matches against India. The ongoing issues with the ground conditions in Greater Noida have cast a shadow over the Test match, with one official describing it as a “huge mess”. Despite the challenges faced, both teams are continuing with their preparations and staying focused on the upcoming matches.
The failure to start the Test match on time due to the wet conditions highlights the need for better drainage systems and facilities at cricket venues. Ground staff’s efforts to dry the pitch with electric fans and repair wet patches demonstrate their dedication to ensuring the match can be played. As the host of several international matches, Greater Noida will need to address these issues to maintain its reputation as a suitable cricket venue.
In conclusion, the situation at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida has posed challenges for the ongoing Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand. The poor ground conditions have led to the postponement of play for two consecutive days, with officials expressing disappointment and frustration. Moving forward, improvements in drainage systems and facilities will be necessary to prevent similar issues in future matches. Both teams are adjusting their schedules and remaining focused on upcoming matches, despite the setbacks faced in Greater Noida.
