The highly anticipated inaugural Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan in Greater Noida suffered a disappointing start as the opening day was abandoned without a single ball bowled due to a wet outfield. Despite multiple inspections conducted by match officials throughout the day, the conditions were deemed unfit for play.
Although there was no rain on Monday, the ground has been affected by heavy rainfall over the past week, leaving the outfield saturated. The lack of a modern drainage system at the venue further exacerbated the issue, hindering the ground’s ability to dry adequately. With rain and thunderstorms predicted for the entire week, the future of the Test match remains uncertain. It is unclear how many days of the match will be affected by the persistent wet conditions.
This Test marks a significant occasion as the first encounter between New Zealand and Afghanistan in the longest format of the game. Afghanistan, having achieved Test status in 2017, has played 10 Tests to date, but has faced a challenging run in recent times, suffering losses in their previous three matches against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.
For New Zealand, this Test is their first since March, signaling the beginning of a busy period in the subcontinent. They will be involved in a series of crucial matches, culminating in a three-Test series against India in October-November. The team will be hoping to regain their momentum and make a strong statement in this demanding period.
