India vs Bangladesh: No More International Games In Kanpur After 'Washout' Row? Report Says...
NDTV
Despite a rain-free morning and bright sunshine later in the day, day three's play of the second Test between India and Bangladesh was called off without a ball being bowled at the Green Park Stadium.
Despite a rain-free morning and bright sunshine later in the day, day three's play of the second Test between India and Bangladesh was called off without a ball being bowled at the Green Park Stadium. The unexpected cause? A ‘wet outfield'. Frustration grew as both teams remained at their hotel, while match officials inspected the field three times, all without covers. But there was no play, leading to two days now lost due to rain. Shiv Kumar, the pitch curator of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) maintained that everything was under control in Kanpur. But he admitted to having confusion regarding the match officials' reservations. “They gave us three different time for inspection but never told us what is the issue. Which area was wet or whatever is the problem. I told them that you can start the match but if you have any concern let me know,” he told IANS.
With the morning and lunch sessions already lost, match referee Jeff Crowe conducted multiple inspections, but the soggy patches on the field, particularly in the deep mid-wicket area near Pavilion C, left him unsatisfied.
The damp 30-yard circle also continued to concern, leading to the push of the pitch inspection to 2pm. Crowe, alongside reserve umpire Virender Sharma and TV umpire Rod Tucker, insisted on further delays, hoping for sunlight to dry the affected areas before allowing play to resume.
Before the third inspection which was scheduled at 2pm, a senior ground official told IANS that the match officials wanted ground to dry up with natural light but were never told about the exact area of wet patch.
“Match officials have asked us to wait for the natural light then only we can continue the play. The pitch and another part of the ground are perfectly good, there are certain areas of concern but we can start the play.”
