DURBAN, South Africa — The first Test between South Africa and New Zealand at Durban ended in a draw Tuesday after poor conditions prevented play, setting up a series-deciding final match beginning at the weekend.
No play took place after rain fell during the lunch break on the second day Saturday, when New Zealand was on 15 for two in reply to South Africa’s first innings total of 263.
Rain fell throughout the rest of Saturday and into early Sunday morning and further play was ruled out on days three, four and five because of a wet, soft outfield which the umpires decided would be dangerous for players.
By Monday, the weather had cleared and there was no further rain but the outfield conditions did not improve sufficiently for play to resume.
The series now hinges on the second and final Test starting at Centurion Saturday.
Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat in part blamed unseasonal rain and a re-laid outfield for the loss of play at the Kingsmead ground.
He said Monday the outfield had been relaid in June following complaints by players about conditions during a Twenty20 international and a One-Day International there in August 2015, also involving New Zealand.
“However, the unseasonal rain at this time of year impacted our preparations of the newly laid outfield,” he added.
Trinidad board launches probe after washout
The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board has launched an investigation after only 22 overs could be played over five days in the fourth and final Test between West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval due to a soggy outfield.
The lack of action meant India won the four-Test series 2-0 but surrendered top spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings to Pakistan, less than a week after taking over the number one position from Australia.
Rain halted play on the first day of the Test after West Indies had reached 62 for two wickets and no further play was possible over the next four days despite periods of sunshine.
“As hosts, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and QPCC (Queen’s Park Cricket Club) regret that limited play was possible in the 4th Test Match between WI and India at the Queen’s Park Oval,” TTCB President Azim Bassarath said in a statement after the match.
“We have jointly launched an investigation to determine what occurred with a view to remedying the situation so that this does not occur in the future.
“Once this has been done, it will be presented to the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board).”
The abandonment and lack of modern equipment at the ground have been panned by critics and former cricketers as the Test format struggles to attract spectators in the Caribbean.
