After the first day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test in Greater Noida was called off due to unsuitable conditions for play, the second day has also faced similar delays due to overnight rain and poor drainage facilities at the stadium.
Despite clear skies at the start of scheduled play time, the damp outfield has once again caused a delay in the start of the match just like how things unfolded on the opening day of the Test match, where no overs were bowled.
The match, held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, has faced several issues, including poor drainage, inadequate facilities, and mismanagement. Fans and teams are growing frustrated as hopes of play on Day 2 diminish.
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Latest updates for Day 2 of Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match at Noida
The Day 2 of the Test Match between the two sides at Noida has been called off despite several attempts from the ground staff to dry the surface.
The second day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test continues to face delays. At 12:03 local time, the latest inspection revealed no improvement in conditions, and another inspection is now scheduled for 15:00 local time.
The current state of the outfield at Greater Noida in the Test between Afghanistan & New Zealand 🏟️👀 pic.twitter.com/8uJrqpWMWm
— Sport360° (@Sport360) September 10, 2024
The players remain at their hotel, as there is little hope of play starting soon.
Earlier at 11:50 local time, the ground staff laid out covers near the pitch in anticipation of more rain.
At 09:13 local time, it was reported that new wet patches appeared after heavy rain the previous evening.
The groundsmen at the Greater Noida Stadium have been cutting patches of grass from the practice facility and installing them in the outfield of the main ground. 😓#AFGvNZ | Video: @ShayanAcharya/@rvmoorthyhindu pic.twitter.com/D0ut1YjZgz
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) September 10, 2024
AFG vs NZ Test: What are the weather and outfield conditions in Greater Noida?
Rain was a major concern before the match, but clear skies on Day 2 have shifted the blame to the ground itself. The poor drainage system has led to a soggy outfield, with ground staff struggling to fix wet patches.
The situation became so dire that they resorted to digging up the outfield and covering it with artificial grass. Fans and even table fans were used to dry the surface, but the progress has been slow.
Poor facilities and mismanagement at Greater Noida
The problems at the venue go beyond the playing field. Reporters have highlighted the lack of basic facilities, including poor seating arrangements, no public announcement system, and inadequate media resources.
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The players were reportedly unhappy with the facilities at the ground as well, with an Afghanistan Cricket Board official stating that the team is unlikely to return to this venue again.
The stadium, which has hosted Afghanistan in the past, has not seen any improvements in facilities over the years. The venue was also banned by the BCCI in 2017 due to match-fixing allegations during corporate matches.
With no play yet on Day 2, the focus now shifts to the ground staff's efforts to fix the outfield and whether any play will be possible.
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