The Greater Noida cricket ground, the designated venue for the historic Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, faced an unexpected challenge: an overnight downpour that left the pitch and outfield waterlogged. The ground staff, despite the difficult conditions, worked tirelessly to get the pitch ready for the crucial game, a testament to their dedication and the significance of the match.

A Rainy Welcome

The Afghanistan team, returning to India after four years for this special Test match, arrived to a waterlogged stadium. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi jokingly remarked, “We could easily swim here,” highlighting the unexpected weather. The ground staff, in a race against time, attempted to dry the pitch using table fans, while the players, including opener Ibrahim Zadran, expressed their concerns about the soggy outfield. This unusual reception, with rain threatening the planned practice sessions, underlined the unpredictability of weather conditions and the challenge it posed for both teams’ preparations.

A Relentless Effort: The Pitch Curator’s Story

Amit Sharma, the pitch curator at the Greater Noida ground, shared the challenges of preparing the pitch for a Test match, especially amidst the unseasonal downpours. He spoke of the relentless efforts made by his team to get the ground ready. He described how they diligently covered the entire stadium, only for the overnight storm to blow away the covers.

“We left the entire stadium covered last [Wednesday] evening, but the overnight storm blew away the covers. As I woke up, I rushed to the venue after the security guard sent me a video,” Sharma explained. He emphasized his optimism despite the rain, emphasizing the quality of the black soil pitch prepared for the match. He reiterated, “We have prepared a good black soil strip that would see an even competition between the ball and the ball. I can control everything on the field, but the weather is not in my hands. You could also check on the internet that it would rain every day till September 8.”

From White Ball to Test Cricket

Sharma’s experience and dedication were further highlighted by his role in preparing pitches for various formats, from T20Is and ODIs to Ranji Trophy matches. He expressed excitement for this first time opportunity to prepare a Test pitch, emphasizing the extra care and planning involved.

Tackling the Weather Challenge

Sharma and his team, ranging between 8 to 10 dedicated men, employed innovative methods to tackle the rain-soaked conditions. They utilized big table fans to dry the pitch and employed large tractor tires to secure the covers against potential future storms. They remained determined to have the pitch ready for the highly anticipated Test match, with Sharma concluding, “We are a team of 8-10 people who have been working here. But 10-15 men will also join us before the game begins. The hustle has just begun. We can’t calm down until the first ball of the match is bowled.”

The Unforeseen Impact: A Game of Uncertainty

The persistent rain and the ensuing struggle to get the pitch ready underscore the inherent uncertainties of outdoor sport. The situation also highlights the need for adaptability and resourcefulness. With the match just days away, it remains to be seen if the rain will abate and if the pitch will be fit for a high-intensity, five-day contest. The ground staff’s efforts symbolize the spirit of perseverance in the face of unforeseen challenges, leaving the cricket world eagerly anticipating the outcome of this important Test match.

Takeaways

• The weather played a major role in impacting the preparation for the Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand.
• The dedication of the ground staff was crucial in getting the pitch ready despite the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall.
• The incident underlines the unpredictability of weather in cricket and the constant battle against the elements to ensure the game goes ahead.
• It is a reminder of the challenges faced by ground staff in preparing pitches, especially in weather conditions that are prone to change.
• The commitment of the ground staff to getting the pitch ready showcases the true spirit of cricket and its importance even in the face of challenging circumstances.