Afghan-NZ test abandoned without a ball bowled
Afghanistan’s one-off test against New Zealand became the eighth in format history to be abandoned without a ball bowled as rain washed out the fifth and final day in Greater Noida on Friday. Due to two weeks of persistent rain, the first test between the sides appeared hopeless. The Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sport Complex near Delhi hosted its first test. Afghanistan plays home matches abroad due to traveling team security concerns.
Due to its proximity to Delhi, the Afghan board chose Greater Noida over two other Indian venues for simpler transit from Kabul. It’s disappointing. “We’d prepared and trained well,” Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott told reporters. “I hope it’s a lesson that anything might happen—everything must be checked thoroughly and ready for test-match cricket. I think the ground workers worked hard. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened, and we’ve had unusually heavy rain for this time of year.”
New Zealand coach Gary Stead was angry after they were denied an opportunity to adjust to the subcontinent’s conditions before a rigorous two-month schedule that includes five more Asian tests. “The most disappointing part for us is that we lost the opportunity to be match-hardened and match-ready when we go into our test match (against Sri Lanka) next week,” Stead. Very dissatisfied, folks. An opportunity to play Afghanistan. The opportunity is rare.” NZ will sail to Sri Lanka on Saturday for a two-test series in Galle starting Sept. 18.
