September 12, 2024

Match at Risk of Abandonment After Fourth Day Washed Out

Unrelenting rain in Greater Noida has once again disrupted play, with the match being called off before the scheduled start for the second consecutive day. Despite some morning drizzle, the persistent downpour has left the first-ever Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand on the verge of a complete washout.

With no play possible so far, the match stands at risk of ending without a single ball being bowled. This weather-related interruption highlights the challenging conditions faced in this historic Test, potentially undermining the anticipated clash between the two teams.

“There has been more than 1200 mm of rain over seven days,” the broadcaster said as the fourth day’s play was abandoned. “The scale of rainfall has made it absolutely impossible for cricket today. We are going to come back on day five just in case, but the reality is there will be absolutely no prospect of play. We can’t envisage anything else but an abandonment very early tomorrow morning.”

Historical Instances of Abandoned Test Matches Due to Rain

Overnight rain left the covers on the majority of the ground soaked, with water spilling into the outfield and creating a few puddles. As a result, both teams stayed in their hotels, and, like the previous day, play was called off at 9:15 am before the toss could even take place.

In the past decade, there have been three similar instances where play was abandoned after four days of rain: India vs. South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015, Bangladesh vs. South Africa in Dhaka in 2015, and West Indies vs. India in Port of Spain in 2016.

In the history of men’s cricket, seven Test matches have been abandoned without a single ball being bowled. The most recent of these was in 1998 in Dunedin between India and New Zealand.

This Test is Afghanistan’s 10th since becoming a Full Member in 2017. For New Zealand, it marks the beginning of their tour of the subcontinent, which will include two Tests in Sri Lanka and three in India. Unlike those matches, this one is not part of the World Test Championship.

Bartlett Injured; Dwarshuis Added as ODI Cover

Xavier Bartlett’s tour may be over after he suffered a side strain in his fourth over during the first T20I against England in Southampton. Although Ben Dwarshuis has flown to the UK, he has not yet been officially added to the ODI squad.

Australia now faces the possibility of losing another pace bowler, as Bartlett’s injury is a significant setback. Despite a shaky start, including a no-ball on his first delivery that led to confusion and a missed celebration by captain Mitchell Marsh, Bartlett later took the wicket of Jordan Cox. Marsh gave him four consecutive overs, a rare move for a quick bowler in a T20 match. However, Bartlett had to stop before finishing his final two deliveries due to his injury.

Injury Coverage and Squad Adjustments

If Xavier Bartlett’s tour is indeed over, it will add to Australia’s injury woes, following the losses of Spencer Johnson (side strain) and Nathan Ellis (hamstring). Riley Meredith, who was initially called up for the Scotland series after Josh Hazlewood’s calf injury, remains with the squad for the England T20 matches due to Ellis’s injury.

Bartlett’s injury increases the likelihood of Meredith being included in the squad for the second T20I in Cardiff on Friday. Allrounders Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly are also potential replacements. While Ben Dwarshuis, who is currently set to fly in as cover for the ODIs, has not yet been officially added to the squad, he brings some experience with three T20I appearances.

Bartlett, who made a strong impression earlier this year with consecutive four-wicket hauls against the West Indies, was not scheduled to play in the ODIs. His side injury may also impact his availability for Queensland’s domestic season, which starts with the Marsh Cup later this month, followed by the Sheffield Shield in October.

On a positive note, Josh Hazlewood returned to action with a strong performance in Southampton, taking 2 for 32, including the crucial wicket of Liam Livingstone. He and Mitchell Starc will be part of the one-day series, while Pat Cummins is missing the tour to focus on strength and conditioning for the upcoming home summer.