First day’s play washed out

Visakhapatnam: The three-day match between India 'A' and New Zealand 'A' slated to be played at the Visakhapatnam Port Stadium was called off for the day due to heavy downpour since early Wednesday morning. With the waterlogged outfield, thick dark clouds hovering over the stadium and no trace of the sun coming out, match referee Rajender Jadeja along with umpires Virender Sharma and Nanda Kishore called of the match at 10.50 am after a thorough inspection.

The playing time would be extended by 30 minutes in the post-lunch session between lunch and tea on the remaining two days, according to GJJ Raju, Vice-President, Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). He complimented the Port Trust authorities for the efforts they put in preparing the ground in a short time. "The outfield is quick and the strip is a fine batting track", said Raju, a former Andhra and South Zone opener.

Meanwhile, the city police made elaborate security arrangements at the venue. Security personnel drawn from CRPF, Rapid Action Force, Armed Reserve and the Civil Police manned the playing area, the stadium and the players’ dressing rooms to ward off any threat from the Samaikyandhra Students JAC, according to the IV Town Police Inspector S. Bala Surya Rao.

Bomb disposal squads were also pressed into service. It may be recalled that the Students JAC gave indications, clear enough, to disrupt the match.