The match was once again put into a final whirlwind as the ongoing downpour in Greater Noida forced the match to be abandoned for the second day in a row before its scheduled kick-off time. The first Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand is on the verge of being called off before a single ball has been bowled.
“We’ve had over 1,200mm of rain in seven days,” the broadcaster said as play was abandoned on Day 4. “There’s just too much rain, there’s no cricket today. We’ll be back on Day 5, but the reality is there’s no play at all. I can’t imagine anything other than it being abandoned early tomorrow morning.”
Most of the field was covered and soaking wet from the rain that fell overnight. Some of the water spilled into the outfield, forming several puddles. Players from both teams stayed at their hotels, a feature that was also apparent on Wednesday, as were the grim images. The game was suspended at 9:15 a.m. and the coin toss had not yet taken place.
Afghanistan will play their 10th Test since gaining full membership in 2017. For New Zealand, the one-off Test match marks the start of a subcontinent expedition that will see them play two Tests in Sri Lanka before playing three Tests in India. Unlike the five matches, this one is not part of the World Test Championship.
