IND vs AUS: Third T20 called off due to wet outfield, series ends in a draw
The formal announcement was made at 8. 15 pm and the Australians were the first to leave the stadium followed by the Indian team. Interestingly, there was no formal prize distribution too at the end to the surprise of the many at the stadium.
Published : Oct 13, 2017 21:42 IST
The third and final T20 international between India and Australia was abandoned due to wet ground conditions at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Friday night.
The ground was apparently wet despite there being no rain at the stadium. The decision to abandon the match – after two inspections at 7.00 pm and 7.45 pm – in the three-match T20I series also meant the series ended in a one-all draw.
The formal announcement was made at 8. 15 pm and the Australians were the first to leave the stadium followed by the Indian team.
Interestingly, there was no formal prize distribution too at the end to the surprise of the many at the stadium.
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Earlier, the match referee Richie Richardson was seen having inspection in the company of the two umpires — the outfield especially the wet patches near the boundary.
Then, Richardson was seen speaking to the two captains Virat Kohli and David Warner. After this, there was an announcement that there would be a second inspection.
Later, the match officials including the match referee, the umpires went around the ground and took the final call because the ground was not fit to play as per international standards.
This was an anti-climax of sorts to the near-capacity crowd which was there at the venue much before the start of the match hoping for some action.
The element of uncertainty was always there in the air as heavy rains lashed many parts of the city late in the evening.
Ironically, it did not rain and there was only a drizzle for a while just after the second inspection, forcing the ground staff to bring on the covers.