The historic one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Noida has been marred by severe outfield issues, leading to four consecutive session delays. Despite minimal rainfall, the match has turned into a logistical disaster as the poor drainage system and substandard outfield conditions have prevented any play from happening so far.

Wet outfield and poor drainage delay play for two days

Day 1 of the Test witnessed a complete washout, with no balls bowled due to the wet conditions on the field. Although there was brief rain in the evening of Day 1, no precipitation followed thereafter. However, the outfield remained waterlogged, and the groundsmen were unable to prepare the field for play, delaying the start of Day 2 as well. The situation led to frustrations as the field remained unplayable for an extended period.

#Afghanistan vs #New Zealand, Only Test at Greater Noida, #AFG vs NZ, Sep 09 2024 - Live #Cricket Score
Match delayed by a #wet #outfield
12.25pm We hear that the New Zealand team bus has arrived now pic.twitter.com/NufmxwQ9ua

— Abdul Jabbar (@AbdulJabba44077) September 10, 2024

Bizarre masures to dry outfield raise eyebrows

On Day 2, in a desperate attempt to get the game started, the ground staff resorted to unusual methods. Visuals showed them cutting grass patches from drier parts of the field and placing them over the wet areas. Additionally, fans were brought onto the ground to speed up the drying process. Despite the efforts of 20-25 workers, including 15 outsourced personnel, the conditions remained far from ideal. The first session ended without a toss being conducted.

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Reports also revealed that the ground management brought in five super soppers—two automatic and three manual—to help dry the field, but the process was slow and ineffective. To make matters worse, the covers used to protect the pitch were rented from a local tent house, indicating the venue’s lack of readiness for hosting a Test match. The lackluster preparations have tarnished the reputation of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, which was hosting its first-ever Test match.