The first test match between India and New Zealand ended in a draw, but it was filled with thrill and excitement. Both the teams played their A-game and were neck-to-neck with each other. The second and last Test between the two teams has gone underway in Wankhede, however, the first day has been cut short due to the wet outfield. As the play on the first session was curtailed, netizens slam the richest cricket board BCCI.
The fans were all set for a dose of cricketing action on the morning of 03rd December, however, their hopes were dashed as rain played a spoilsport in Mumbai. The toss was delayed and could only take place at 11:30 in the morning. The play finally started at 12 PM but the fans were not happy with the conditions in the stadium as netizens slam the richest cricket board BCCI.
Netizens slam BCCI for the long delay on Day 1
After the continuous rain in Mumbai for the last two days, the ground was drenched and the groundsmen toiled hard to prepare the ground so the game could be started. Even after the hard work of the groundsmen, the match was delayed and netizens took to Twitter to criticize the poor drainage system in the Wankhede stadium.
Interestingly, the groundsmen were seen using vacuum cleaners to dry the wet patches on the outfield, especially the area at the bowlers’ run-up. Before the start of the game, umpire Nitin Menon was concerned about the area near the bowlers’ run-up. Even umpire Anil Chaudhary agreed to the fact that the conditions won’t be really suitable for cricket. Below are the reactions of fans to the long delay.
Why such an inefficient drainage system ?
Isn't @BCCI richest board ?— Harsha (@harsharajbs) December 3, 2021
#MumbaiTest #indvsnz yet another match gets affected due to wet outfield. #ICC should take into account huge losses. Not good for test cricket lovers. The least you could do is cover the whole playing ground not just pitch. Is it too much for #BCCI, the richest body in the world?
— Howdy_Tweeps (@Howdy_Tweeps) December 3, 2021
BCCI the richest cricket board is having worst drainage system. I think Sri Lanka cricket groundsmen will do better job than this. #INDvNZ
— Pradeep Bedra (@pradeepbedra) December 3, 2021
Vacuum cleaner being employed as a drier at the run-up. Highly innovative! #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/GAl4ppXYR1
— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) December 3, 2021
“Our main concern is the 30-yard circle and the bowlers’ run-ups,” said Nitin Menon “The conditions will not be 100% because it has rained last two days. But once the sunshine is out, we may get better conditions. Safety is the only thing, the resit is fine,” Anil Chaudhary was quoted saying.
The match had a delayed start and the Indian skipper Virat Kohli opted to bat first after winning the toss. The team has lost two quick wickets after a steady opening partnership of 80 runs between Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill.