Guwahati T20I called off due to wet patches on pitch

first T20 International between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to wet patches on track, with Assam Cricket Association (ACA) groundsmen failing to prevent rainwater from seeping into covers. 

It started pouring 15 minutes before scheduled time after India skipper won toss and elected to bowl. rain spell lasted less than an hour but ground could t be prepared in time. 

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pitch inspections

umpires held several inspections but dampness on pitch did t allow a single ball to be bowled, much to disappointment of a strong 35,000 crowd at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, which was hosting only its second T20I.  cut off for a five-over shootout was 9:46 pm but outfield could t be prepared in time and match referee David Boon called off match shortly before 10 pm.

groundsmen toiled hard for two hours using a steam iron, roller, and a big drier to clear up dampness but it all turned out to be futile after water leaked into covers. Terming it a "school-boy error", cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra lashed out at ACA's negligence, while former India opener VVS Laxman called it an "elementary mistake".

"It's thing but a schoolboy error. 22-yard is a sacrosanct place and y have left a few holes in cover as some amount of water seeping in. It is some amount of negligence. You can't have an excuse at this level," Chopra said.

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'Official reason is heavy downpour': ACA Secretary

ACA secretary Devajit Saikia feigned igrance, saying he has idea about seep.

"Official reason is heavy downpour. Two spells of heavy showers did t allow ground to be ready in such a short time," Saikia said. "I've idea about it. I've t spoken to curator or groundsmen. Once I speak to m, I will get to kw wher re were any lapses," he added.

second match of three-match series will be played on Tuesday in Indore while final game is scheduled to be held in Pune on January 10. India pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was out of action for four months due to stress fractures in his back, was named in eleven by Kohli, who won toss. 

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