The Afghanistan cricket team is all set to play a one-off Test against New Zealand from September 9-13 at the Noida Sports Complex located in Greater Noida. The Afghan side has already started their preparatory camp at the venue, but according to a report by The Indian Express, the start of their practice was far from ideal. Heavy rain in the Delhi NCR on Thursday meant that they had a hard time in training properly.
The report said that the practice pitch was flooded and the ground staff used 2 table fans to dry the ground. The report further mentioned that there were no super-soppers or covers to protect the 30-yard circle. Seeing this, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi took a sly dig at the facilities.
“Boys, we should have brought our swim gear. No way we are going to play here. Good place to swim,” Shahidi was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
“We have trained in much poorer conditions, but what would you say to the New Zealand team management,” Shahidi added.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan would be playing the Test match without their star player Rashid Khan as he has taken a break from the format in particular for the next few months. He has come to this decision in order to nurse his back after having undergone a surgery last year.
