India A vs Australia A - Commentary

Right then, history has been created in Greater Noida, not quite the way one would have intended it to but this game between Afghanistan and New Zealand is the first Test of the 21st century to be abandoned without a ball being bowled and the Kiwis have now been a part of 3 out of the 8 such abandoned Tests. Anyway, it is time for both teams to move on as they will be in action soon. Afghanistan will now head to Sharjah as they host South Africa for a three-match ODI series beginning on the 18th of September. New Zealand will continue their subcontinental tour as they head to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, which will also start on the 18th of September. You can switch tabs and check the complete schedule and tune in to our coverage on matchday as well. Till then, take care and goodbye!

The broadcasters do come live for a few minutes to re-confirm the news and it is such a shame and the visuals from the ground show how much water there still is on the covers and on the outfield as well. There was never really any chance of play once the first two days were abandoned even when the sun was out during the time of play. Heavy and persistent rain on the morning of Day 3 really sealed the fate of this game and neither of the teams nor the fans will be pleased to see such a fate of a Test match.

UPDATE - 3.15 am GMT - It is now official and the final day of the Test match has also been called off due to rain which means, this becomes the 8th Test match in history to be ABANDONED WITHOUT A BALL BEING BOWLED as confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. The broadcasters gave an indication on Day 4 that it was inevitable and the wait for the final day would just be a formality and unfortunately, the players and the fans go home empty-handed. Stay tuned as we might get to hear from the broadcasters and from the teams as well pretty soon.

Hello and welcome back folks! It is Day 5 of the One-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida and we haven't had any play at all on the first four days of the game. Also, once again there has been overnight rain which means we should be bracing ourselves for an official confirmation pretty soon which might be made at 3.30 am GMT, in about half an hour. So, stick around as we bring you the latest updates.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

UPDATE - 3.45 am GMT - The broadcasters are now live and they inform that there won't be any play possible on Day 4 and they will come back on Day 5 but also inform that in all likeness the news on Day 5 will be that the Test match will be abandoned. This means that once everything is confirmed on day 5, it will be the eighth Test match in history to be abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Incidentally, the last such instance also involved New Zealand as their Test match against India was abandoned in Dunedin in 1998. Anyway, the broadcasters show that they will be live at 3.40 am GMT on Friday which is Day 5 of the Test match and we can expect an official announcement about the play being called off which is such a shame. Do join us from 3 am GMT for the build-up and until then, take care and goodbye!

UPDATE - 3.30 am GMT - The news from the ground is that all the repair work we saw happening on Day 2 was completed but unfortunately, it has started to drizzle at the venue right now. The weather forecast isn't the best for the remaining two days and it looks like we are in for another long delay at the start of Day 4. Stay tuned for further updates regarding the state of play.

After the first two days were called off due to the outfield being unfit for any play, Day 3 was abandoned pretty early due to persistent rains. There isn't any rain currently at the venue but there was some overnight rain which means we will have another delay to begin Day 4 and the overhead conditions aren't promising either. Stick around as we bring you the latest updates from the ground.

Hello and welcome everyone to our coverage of the One-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand from Greater Noida. We have had three days fly by in the game and there's been no action and it looks like we won't have any action soon on Day 4 either.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

UPDATE - 3.50 am GMT - Well people, it is a quick decision and Day 3 has been called off due to rain. Given what we saw on the first two days with clear weather and yet, the outfield was unable to get ready for play, so, with rain still pouring down, there seems to be no chance that the ground would get ready for any play today. The broadcasters have confirmed the news and it looks like the beginning of the end for this Test match. Do join us on Thursday for Day 4 scheduled to start at 4 am GMT with our coverage beginning an hour in advance as usual but if there is any decision taken regarding the fate of this Test match prior to that, we will surely update the same. Till then, take care and goodbye!

UPDATE - 3.35 am GMT -  The toss that was scheduled to take place at 3.30 am GMT, has been delayed. A bad news to start the day folks. It's raining at the moment in Greater Noida. So, get ready because it's going to be another that sort of day where we keep waiting for some positive update from the venue. It has been a damp start to this Test match. In fact, there hasn't been a start at all due to the wet conditions in Greater Noida. No play has been possible on the first two days. There was no rain throughout the two days but no play was possible due to the wet outfield, caused by overnight rain.

After the first 2 days of the Test match were called off due to wet ground conditions, we are now waiting for the start of the Test match on day 3 assuming that the ground conditions are favorable for the start of play. Both Afghanistan and New Zealand camps want to get out on the field and play a good brand of cricket as this is the only test match in the series. The ground staff and the Umpires will keep an eye on the playing conditions again before the Toss and other formalities and decide the start of play. Let's hope we see some action from both sides today. With three days left to play the Test match, the toss is going to play a huge favor in the outcome of the match. Stay tuned for Toss and other Match updates.

... DAY 3, FIRST SESSION ...

UPDATE - 9.34 am GMT - The news all of us dreaded from the start of Day 2 is here! Play has been abandoned on Day 2 as well and after two days, we haven't even had the toss even after there being sunshine for most part of the play timings. The evening and overnight rains have been key and the outfield simply isn't fit to play cricket and neither side would want to risk their players. There's not much anyone can do apart from hope that there is no further overnight rain and we are able to kick off the Test match on Day 3. Day 3 will officially start at 4 am GMT but you can join us an hour in advance for the build-up and the latest playing conditions. Cheers!

UPDATE - 9.30 am GMT - The umpires are out for their inspection as the Kiwis continue their batting net practice on one side of the pitch. We should have some official news soon, so, don't go anywhere. Also, both teams are now at the venue it is a warm and muggy afternoon in Greater Noida but the prospect of play on Day 2 seems bleak.

UPDATE - 8.30 am GMT - We are still quite some time away from the inspection. It is quite disappointing that despite all the sunshine we have had, the ground is still not ready but a few of the Kiwi players have set up their net practice and have been going at it for about an hour. Also, in other cricketing news, Rinku Singh is all set to join the India B side for the next round of Duleep Trophy fixtures. With a lot of players joining the national team for the upcoming Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz Khan is an exception who will feature in the next round of the Duleep Trophy starting on September 12.

UPDATE - 7.15 am GMT - The relaying of the surface we talked about early on was actual pieces of turf cut out from the net practice area. The ground staff dug a few square patches in the area of concern and stitched the grass from the practice area in that region. This seems to be the very first time we are seeing something like this. Also, it seems that the New Zealand team has arrived at the venue and at this very moment there are more than a few people on the field as the sun continues to shine on the ground.

UPDATE - 6.32 am GMT - Right then, the official was scheduled for 6.30 am but we have further bad news now as another inspection is scheduled for 9.30 am GMT which is almost 3 hours away and the teams are still in their hotels. Also, there are some covers and rags besides the pitch now which means that the ground staff anticipate a spell of rain. With every passing update, chances of play on Day 2 start getting bleaker and bleaker. Let's hope for the best now as we bring you the latest updates from the ground.

UPDATE - 5.45 am GMT - We are still three-quarters of an hour away from the official inspection but things certainly seem to be heading in a positive direction thus far. The sun is still out and the ground staff are working around the clock to get that one huge patch of turf fixed. Stick around for further developments regarding the start of play.

UPDATE - 5 am GMT - Not much change in the visuals from the ground but there is some more movement and the sun is beating down in Greater Noida which is a huge positive. Let's hope that the weather holds up well and the ground staff can complete the repair work. There's still an hour and half left for the inspection, so, stick around for more updates.

UPDATE - 4.15 am GMT - Not much to report from the ground except that the weather is clear and the ground staff are doing everything they can to get the ground fit for play. Meanwhile, the White Ferns just announced their Women's T20I World Cup squad and the likes of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set to play their 9th T20 WC which is almost unheard of. Stay tuned for further updates.

Farvez Maharoof is now having a closer look at the outfield. He says that there are new patches to worry about, one particular area is around the edge of the supposedly 30-yard circle and the ground staff seem to be relaying a part of the surface with turf brought from somewhere else.

UPDATE -3.43 am GMT - The broadcasters are live and the weather seems to be pleasant but the thunderous downpour last evening and last night means that there won't even be an inspection until 6.30 am GMT which is a huge shame and the teams haven't even arrived at the venue. The outfield is really wet underneath and the ground staff are working overtime to get some sort of a fix in. Strap yourselves in as we are in for a long delay.

UPDATE - 3.31 am GMT - The toss has been officially delayed! Toss was scheduled for 3.30 am GMT and there has been no rain to start the morning but there was some overnight rain and the outfield seems to have taken some beating yet again. Given Day 1 was a complete washout, there are 98 overs scheduled for the remaining 4 days but with the start of Day 2 seemingly delayed as well, things are looking bleak. Hopefully, the weather stays dry and we can soon get the toss done and get a start time. Stay tuned.

With Day 2 finally offering a chance for action, much focus will be on how the pitch plays and the strategies both teams will adopt. The shortened four-day format raises questions about the right approach, especially at the toss. Stay tuned as we bring you the toss, team updates, and all the pre-match analysis leading up to the start of play!

For Afghanistan, this is only their tenth Test match since gaining full-member status in 2017. As cricket’s nomads, they continue their journey without a permanent home ground, and Greater Noida becomes their ninth venue in ten matches. Their red-ball experience remains limited, with their only multi-Test series against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. Despite losing their last three Tests, Afghanistan is looking for an upset victory to boost their profile and push for more opportunities in the format.

Although this match isn’t part of the World Test Championship, the Black Caps will be eager to begin their six-Test subcontinent tour with a win, especially after suffering a maiden defeat to Afghanistan earlier this year. Positioned third in the WTC standings, New Zealand faces an uphill battle to reach the top two, with two Tests in Sri Lanka and three in India still ahead.

After a full day lost to wet conditions, New Zealand and Afghanistan are set to begin their historic four-day Test on Day 2 at Greater Noida, a new Test venue. This is the first time these two nations face each other in the red-ball format, and both sides are returning to Test cricket after a significant break. New Zealand last played a Test in March and an international in June, amidst challenges of players opting for casual contracts over national duties.  

... DAY 2, FIRST SESSION ...

UPDATE (10.39 AM GMT) -The inevitable has happened, play has been called off for the day! Quite disappointing as there was bright sunshine throughout but the damage caused by the overnight rain just couldn't be repaired. This now makes it a 4-day game. Do join us earlier for Day 2 at 4 am GMT. Until next time, goodbye and take care! 

Update 9.30 am GMT - Nothing new to update, the waiting game continues. Another inspection will take place at 11 am GMT. The chances of any play on Day 1 look very bleak.

Update 8.39 AM GMT - Well, no news about when the game could possibly start. For now we just have another inspection in around an hour's time. 

Update 7.34 am GMT - The sun is beating down but the officials have some concerns about a couple of patches on the ground. Still, waiting for an official confirmation about the next update, hopefully, we will get some action today. An inspection will take place at 8.30 am GMT.

Update 6.09 am GMT - The conditions remain to be dodgy and we have another inspection scheduled at 0730 GMT. Difficult to see the ground conditions improving. Despite all the sun beating down at the moment, difficult to dry it. Early Lunch has been taken as well. 

Update 5.50 am GMT - An inspection will happen in less than 10 minutes. The rain has slowed down and the grounstaff are doing their work. Let's hope we get some positive news. Fingers crossed.

Well, not the best of news to begin with! It was raining all night and the outfield has taken a real beating. The drainage here is not the best so the conditions are not at its best for the game to begin and hence, the TOSS HAS BEEN DELAYED! There's going to be another inspection in around 30 minutes. 

It is time for Day 1 of the first and only Test between Afghanistan and the Kiwis. A really good challenge for the hosts who haven't had a lot of experience of the red ball. The Kiwis on the other hand, have done decently in this format. They are favourites yet again as they head into this encounter. Toss and teams in a bit. 

... MATCH DAY ...

Cricketing action continues all across the globe and now, Afghanistan welcome New Zealand for a one-off Test match in India. The Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground will play host to this historic Test match as the Kiwis embark on a journey of 6 Test matches in the next couple of months in the subcontinent, a first for them as they have never played more than three Tests in the subcontinent in the same year. Given New Zealand's record of just 16 wins out of 90 in the subcontinent, Kane Williamson and his men will be itching to turn things around and pick up crucial away victories. Neither side has played a game since the T20 World Cup a few months ago now and Afghanistan will be looking to put the heartache of a semifinal loss behind them and start afresh. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan as he has done in this format and Rashid Khan's absence from the Test side continues as he has taken a break from the longest format of the game due to medical advice. With no Noor Ahmad or even Mujeeb in the team, Qais Ahmad becomes their lead spinner for this game. Zahir Khan is the other spinner who will have a big role to play with the inexperienced likes of Shams Ur Rahman and Zia-ur-Rehman also in the side. Ibrahim Zadran will be vital for them up top and the likes of Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah will provide stability in the middle order and Azmatullah Omarzai will be expected to be at his best in that all-rounder role which is pretty crucial to Afghanistan's chances. New Zealand on the other hand seem to have a pretty strong squad, one that is fairly seasoned in playing in India. Skipper Kane Williamson will certainly will be the one to watch out for but the likes of Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra can all take the game away from the opposition on their own. The spin attack seems to be bolstered as well with the likes of Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell in the mix and then the likes of Ravindra and even Glenn Phillips can roll their arm over and get crucial breakthroughs. On paper, New Zealand have a well-balanced side for such conditions and given the amount of newbies in the Afghan side, coupled with their frontline spinners missing from the squad, it will be difficult for the hosts to get the win. However, they have been prolific in subcontinental conditions and might just be able to give the Kiwis a run for their money. Who are you backing to clinch this exciting red-ball contest?