Harshita
GUWAHATI: The first match of the T20 International series of India against Sri Lanka was scheduled on Sunday 5th January but not a single ball was bowled. The match was abandoned at the Barsapara Stadium due to damp pitch. However, what came as a shock for everybody was the use of hair dryers to dry up the pitch.
The ground and its staff were hilariously trolled by the fans and also invited several criticisms to its way for their carelessness. Former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan was a bit disappointed as the pitch seemed not to be covered properly. He said, "When there is water on the wicket that really changes the dynamics of the game. Everyone was shocked because the rain stopped and in today's day and age this is the last thing on your mind that water has gone on the wicket through the covers. Bit disappointing but we don't know the exact story. Maybe the pitch wasn't covered properly because to hear a cover not being taken properly is something which is unheard of."
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Just before the start of the game at 7 pm, it started raining heavily in the scheduled place. The rain continued for nearly half an hour but the pitch contained so many dry patches that it made it impossible for the match to be started. The staff tried to control the damage done on the pitch by using hair dryers and vacuum dryers to remove the dampness which led to certain negative comments.
See some of the fans' reaction here:
Richest cricket board in action 😂😂🤦♂️
— nonpsychic (@praveendeshai) January 5, 2020
Where are those Indians Who Were Laughing on Pakistan For Using Helicopters for drying Outfield Now see you're using Hair Dryers 😂🤣#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/aIbBIVhE6x
— Usama speaks Cricket 🏏 (@LeoUsamaa) January 5, 2020
This is the modern day ground equipments for BCCI! 😂👍🏻#INDvSL #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/pxEHl2Zrjr
— V I P E R™ (@Offl_TheViper) January 5, 2020
Why are the ground staff using life hacks on the pitch 😂 #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/h2UIfMCkUK
— Abhyudaya Mohan (@AbhyudayaMohan) January 5, 2020
Former India opener and now a commentator, Aakash Chopra was also disappointed to see a lack of preparation for such a big international match. He said, "The outfield is bone-dry so I'd say it's a schoolboy error that the water has seeped onto the pitch. Perhaps there are a few holes in the covers. It's really disappointing preparation for an international game."
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The second T20I of the series will be played in Indore on 7th January while the third will be hosted by Pune on 10th January.
