[Watch] Groundsmen dig up patch of wet outfield in Noida as NZ vs AFG 2024 Test remains on hold 

Groundsmen at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground are attempting to prepare the ground for the one-off Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan, but have been stumped against a persistent patch of wet outfield. No play was possible on the opening day, and play remains suspended on Day 2, with all sorts of potential solutions being implemented.

The major source of concern that has prevented the toss from commencing, let alone the match, has been the wet outfield despite rain staying away for quite a while. To resolve the wet outfield concern, groundsmen were seen digging up the patch entirely and trying to fill it with artificial and dry grass to be fit to play.

The groundsmen have even brought cut-and-dried patches from the practice facility to fill the dug-up area on the outfield. The area is being dried with fans, but to no avail so far.

Have a look at how the drastic measures are transpiring at the venue right here:

The facilities at the venue in Noida have been criticized by the media personnel trying to cover the game. The standards are reportedly unfit for an international contest between two reputed sides in world cricket.

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Play is likely to be abandoned in Noida for the second straight day with both teams still in the hotel

Despite all the measures taken to ensure that the match begins as soon as possible, there is no indication to suggest that any play will occur on Day 2. Furthermore, with a forecast of rain, more of the same is likely to materialize on Day 3.

According to sources, neither team have left the hotel so far, and with the first session already called off, it is only a matter of time before the day's play in Noida is abandoned officially.

The clash marked the start of the subcontinent tour for New Zealand. The Kiwis will face Sri Lanka and India in Test matches in the coming months.

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