GREATER NOIDA: The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was delayed again on Tuesday, with the toss still yet to take place, after overnight rain.
The toss was scheduled for 9:00 am (03:30 GMT) on Tuesday, day two of the five-day contest. However, despite a sunny morning, the outfield remains damp following 10 days of rain.
Umpires will inspect the field at midday (06:30 GMT) to assess a possible start at the venue, which is hosting its first Test and where drainage is basic.
The ground staff dug up a wet patch in the mid-on area — a trouble spot since day one — and are attempting to cover it up with artificial grass.
The first day’s play of the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was called off Monday without the toss due to earlier rain creating a wet outfield.
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Umpires made repeated inspections throughout Monday at Afghanistan’s adopted home ground near the Indian capital New Delhi at Greater Noida, the first Test at the venue.
Afghanistan has hosted several T20I and ODI since 2017 at the venue, which lacks world-class facilities.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered Afghanistan venues to train in and host matches outside their troubled nation, including in the northern Indian cities of Lucknow and Dehradun.
The minnows have played nine matches and lost six — including their bruising introduction when they lost the debut match against India inside two days.
After the one-off Test against Afghanistan, Tim Southee’s New Zealand will tour Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, then return to India for three five-day matches.
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