Guwahati T20I called off due to wet patches on pitch


PTI, Jan 6, 2020, 9:52 AM IST

Guwahati: The first T20 International between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to damp patches on the track, with Assam Cricket Association (ACA) groundsmen failing to prevent the rainwater from seeping into the covers.

It started pouring 15 minutes before the scheduled time after India skipper won the toss and elected to bowl.

The umpires held several inspections but the dampness on the pitch did not allow a single ball to be bowled, much to the disappointment of a strong 35000 crowd at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, which was hosting only its second T20I.

The cut off for a five-over shootout was 9.46 pm but the outfield could not be prepared in time and match referee David Boon called off the match shortly before 10 pm.

The groundsmen even used vacuum drier to remove the damp patches on the pitch but it did not help much after water leaked into the covers.

Terming it a “school-boy error”, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra lashed out at the ACA’s negligence, while former India opener VVS Laxman called it an “elementary mistake”.

“It’s nothing but a schoolboy error. The 22-yard is a sacrosanct place and they have left a few holes in the cover as some amount of water seeping in. It is some amount of negligence. You can’t have an excuse at this level,” Chopra said.

The groundsmen toiled hard for two hours, using a steam iron, roller, and a big drier to clear up the dampness but it all turned out to be futile.

The second match of the three-match series will be played on Tuesday in Indore while the final game is scheduled to be held in Pune on January 10.

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was out of action for four months due to stress fractures in his back, was named in the eleven by Kohli, who won the toss.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 Cr

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Rafi@100: When Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to Mohammed Rafi in 1990 movie ‘Kroadh’

Delhi HC denies anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar in UPSC cheating case

Sindhu marries Venkat Datta at Udaipur in a private ceremony

Today’s Cong is ‘duplicate Congress’ led by ‘fake Gandhis’, claims Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

Ahead of Delhi polls, Kejriwal helps women, elderly register for welfare schemes

Related Articles More

Vinod Kambli admitted to hospital due to deterioration in health

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Sindhu marries Venkat Datta at Udaipur in a private ceremony

Tanush Kotian replaces recently retired Ashwin in India’s squad

The ability to take 20 wickets is not that good in Indian team: Cheteshwar Pujara

MUST WATCH

Tulunadu Daivaradane

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja


Latest Additions

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 Cr

Vinod Kambli admitted to hospital due to deterioration in health

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Gurugram: 21 cybercriminals arrested for duping Rs 125 cr in fraud cases across country

Rafi@100: When Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to Mohammed Rafi in 1990 movie ‘Kroadh’

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.