India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, Day 3: BCCI faces backlash over 'worst venue' Kanpur as Day 3 washout sparks fan outrage
PTC News Desk: For the second consecutive day, the Green Park stadium in Kanpur saw no cricket action as Day 3 of the second and final Test match between India and Bangladesh was washed out without a single ball being bowled. Surprisingly, there had been no rainfall since Sunday morning, yet the umpires announced the cancellation of play after their second inspection at 2 pm IST, sparking outrage among fans on social media.
While Kanpur experienced some overnight rain that delayed the players from taking the field, the weather improved by the afternoon. The sun was shining, and the ground appeared to be in playable condition, raising hopes that the match would resume.
However, the umpires identified wet patches near the bowlers' run-up area on the outfield that could not be dried, leading to the disappointing announcement.
Fans expressed their frustration online, questioning the effectiveness of the drainage system at Green Park and labeling it as the "worst venue." Many criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for what they perceived as inadequate facilities at the ground.
Also Read: Israeli airstrike eliminates key Hezbollah leader Nabil Kaouk, military reports
Looking ahead, the weather forecast from AccuWeather predicts that Monday and Tuesday will be "mostly sunny," with rain chances dropping significantly to just 3 per cent. However, with only two days of play remaining, the likelihood of a drawn match has increased considerably, especially with Bangladesh currently at 107 for three in their first innings.
Earlier in the Test, on Day 1, India made the bold decision to bowl first after winning the toss, marking the first time in nine years that they opted for this strategy at a home Test match. The Indian team maintained their playing XI, despite speculation regarding the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav instead of Akash Deep. This decision paid off quickly as Akash Deep claimed two quick wickets with the new ball, while Ravichandran Ashwin added another wicket after lunch.
As the match moves into Day 4, it will resume with Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim at 6* and Monimul Haque at 40*, both part of a crucial 27-run fourth-wicket partnership as they aim to secure a draw against India.
Also Read: Terrorist killed in Kathua, J&K; operation still in progress
- With inputs from agencies