One-off Test: Afghanistan vs NZ opening day's play called off

NEW DELHI: The opening day of the one-off Test between

New Zealand

and

Afghanistan

in

Greater Noida

was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a

wet outfield

on Monday.
Despite multiple inspections by the match officials throughout the day, the conditions were deemed unfit for play, reported PTI.
Although there was no rain on Monday, the ground has been affected by heavy rainfall over the past week, and the lack of a modern

drainage system

has exacerbated the issue.

With rain and thunderstorms predicted for the entire week, it is uncertain how many days of the Test will be affected.
This marks the inaugural

Test match

between New Zealand and Afghanistan, who were granted Test status in 2017.
Afghanistan, having played 10 Tests to date, have suffered losses in their previous three matches against

Bangladesh

,

Sri Lanka

, and Ireland.
For New Zealand, this Test will be their first since March, and it will commence a hectic few months in the subcontinent, culminating in a three-Test series against India in October-November.