IND vs SL: Hair dryers and irons used to dry outfield as opening T20 called off

Even with Guwahati staff's best effort, Opening T20 between India and Sri Lanka on Sunday was called off due to wet patches on track. Guwahati ground staff toiled hard to repair a damp pitch, but what grabbed eyeballs was staff using hairdryers, steam irons, and vacuum cleaners to dry wet patches on pitch.

rain lashed out 15 minutes before commencement of game after skipper Virat Kogli opted to bowl after winning toss. rain spell, however, lasted less than an hour but ground could t be prepared in time. 

READ: Guwahati T20I called off due to wet patches on pitch

As per sources, rainwater seeped through leaking covers that were used to cover pitch at Barsapara Stadium. Commentator Aakash Chopra opined about same and expressed disappointment over such preparation of an international game. He went on to term  dry outfield as a 'schoolboy error'. However, us of a hairdryer for damp patches on pitch gave way to criticism.

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.

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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 followed by decided in Pune on January 10. 

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