The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida has yet to host its first Test match, with the venue struggling to overcome issues related to a wet outfield. For the second consecutive day, ground staff have been working tirelessly to address the problems, which have garnered significant attention in the lead-up to and during the first two abandoned days of the Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand.
what happened on Day 2?
In short, nothing of note happened in terms of cricket. Despite only a brief spell of rain the previous evening, the lack of play over two days highlights the inadequate preparation of the ground. New Zealand arrived for a practice session but avoided the outfield, opting to use one of the practice pitches instead. Afghanistan did not show up for their scheduled session, and they suffered a setback when Ibrahim Zadran was ruled out due to an ankle sprain sustained from slipping on the wet outfield.
On Day 2, ground staff focused on two major problem areas on the outfield. The eastern section was particularly problematic, requiring urgent patchwork. Wet grass was cut and replaced with drier patches from the practice nets area, a labor-intensive process involving precise measurements and multiple trips. On the western side, pedestal fans were deployed to expedite drying, with three fans working by midday. Unfortunately, both areas were left uncovered during the rainstorm the previous evening, exacerbating the issues.
What’s causing the problems with the outfield?
The primary issue is the ground’s drainage. The outfield is clay-based, which is less ideal for cricket grounds. Typically, non-premier Indian venues use a layer of “khet ki mitti” (farm soil) topped with sandy loam. The high clay content in “khet ki mitti” impairs drainage by reducing the soil’s ability to conduct water, leading to water accumulation and persistent dampness.
How much of the issue is due to the weather?
The weather has certainly played a role. Greater Noida has experienced rain for about a week leading up to the Test, compounding the problems with the already subpar outfield.
Who selected this venue?
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chose Greater Noida from three options offered by the BCCI: Kanpur, Bengaluru, and Greater Noida. The ACB favored Greater Noida due to its familiarity and convenient location, being a two-hour drive from New Delhi International Airport. Kanpur’s Green Park is preparing for the India-Bangladesh Test starting September 27, and Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium had recently hosted a Duleep Trophy match.
Could the ground have been better prepared?
Potentially. A straightforward solution for grounds with poor drainage is to use covers for the entire playing area. While large venues like Eden Gardens and Galle employ this method effectively, Greater Noida lacked such covers. Moreover, removing waterlogged covers requires specialized knowledge, which may be lacking at a venue that seldom hosts international matches. The last international match at this ground was in 2020.
Has the venue had prior issues?
Yes, the venue faced a BCCI ban in 2017 due to anti-corruption concerns, leading to a suspension of matches since then.
Any hopes for Day 3?
With another overcast and cooler day on Day 2, the outfield’s drying process has been slow. Rain on the second evening after play was abandoned early poses a fresh challenge for the ground staff, leaving the prospects for Day 3 uncertain.
