Trinidad board launches probe after Test washout
MUMBAI, Aug 23, (RTRS): The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board has launched an investigation after only 22 overs could be played over five days in the fourth and final Test between West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval due to a soggy outfield.
The lack of action meant India won the four-Test series 2-0 but surrendered top spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings to Pakistan, less than a and India at the Queen’s Park Oval,” TTCB President Azim Bassarath said in a statement after the match.
“We have jointly launched an investigation to determine what occurred with a view to remedying the situation so that this does not occur in the future.
“Once this has been done, it will be presented to the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board).” The abandonment and lack of modern equipment at the ground have been panned by critics and former cricketers as the Test format struggles to attract spectators in the Caribbean.
Former West Indies captain Viv Richards was among those critical of the organisers.
“Folks here have some questions to answer,” the batting great said on television commentary. “Not having a Super Sopper (mechanical mop) is unacceptable.”
The ground might also face action from the governing ICC if Sri Lankan match referee Ranjan Madugalle submits an adverse report against the venue. Centurion on Saturday.
“It’s disappointing that a Test series becomes a one-off,” said Du Plessis. “Test cricket is about longer, stronger, who can do it for the longest time.”
But he said there were several positives for South Africa going into Centurion for the decider.
“Winning the toss on a greenish wicket, our opening pair had a real solid partnership against a quality seam attack. Looking back we had a good score in the conditions although it was disappointing that we didn’t score 300 or 350,” he said
“We got ourselves into positions where we just needed one guy to bat a bit longer.”
Du Plessis said opening bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, both returning after injuries, had been outstanding in the six overs each which they had bowled.
“The guys were relentless. They hit excellent areas and didn’t give the New Zealand batsmen any free runs.”
Following Monday’s washout, Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat blamed unseasonal rain and a re-laid outfield for the loss of play at the Kingsmead ground.
He said the outfield had been relaid in June following complaints by players about conditions during a Twenty20 international and a one-day international there in August 2015, also involving New Zealand.
“However, the unseasonal rain at this time of year impacted our preparations of the newly laid outfield,” he added. ‘India Green’ captain Suresh Raina (right), is watched by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel as he holds a pink ball during a Duleep Trophy cricket match between ‘India Green’
and ‘India Red’ in Greater Noida on Aug 23. (AFP) spot-fixing scandal on their tour of England in 2010.
Pakistan have also been forced to play their home matches in the United Arab Emirates since an armed attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, a significant disadvantage.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan branded the rise “historic”.
“The ascension to the top of the ICC Test rankings culminates an incredible journey for Pakistan cricket,” he said.