Kanpur Test: Day 3 also washed out, draw imminent
Play on Day 3 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh was also called off without a ball bowled.
Play on Day 3 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh was also called off without a ball bowled. Despite no rain in the city since the scheduled start on Sunday, September 28, no play was possible due to a wet outfield. Overnight rain had led to damp patches on several parts of the outfield.
After three inspections -- 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm IST -- the umpires decided to call off the day's play. The on-field umpires and officials had a long chat with the ground staff before taking the final call after the third and final inspection.
Only 35 overs have been bowled so far in the second Test. Bangladesh reached 107 for 3 on Day 1 before rain played spoilsport. The second day, on Saturday, was also washed out without a ball being bowled and the trend continued on Sunday. It was disappointing to see play abandoned on Sunday as the quality of the drainage system and infrastructure at Green Park came into the spotlight.
Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal, who is part of the broadcast team, confirmed that he heard from the team manager of the tourists that the play was called off on Sunday, keeping in mind the safety of the players. There were several damp patches on the outfield and cloudy conditions in the morning did not help with drying. The sun peeped out of the dark clouds during the third inspection, but the officials seemed to have feared injury risks on a wet outfield.
The Test match is headed toward a draw as only two days of play are left. The forecast for the last two days -- Monday and Tuesday -- is much better, but it looks unlikely that either of the two teams will be able to push for a favourable result.
India are leading the two-match series 1-0 after having hammered Bangladesh by 281 runs in Chennai last week. R Ashwin's all-round heroics and hundreds from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant helped India dominate the series opener.
India and Bangladesh will meet in a three-match T20I series between October 6 and 12 in Gwalior, Delhi and Hyderabad. The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) announced a power-packed squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, for the T20I series.
After the end of the T20I series, India welcome New Zealand for a three-match Test series. New Zealand were beaten 2-0 in a Test series in Sri Lanka that ended on Sunday.
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