PANJIM: The fears of rain disrupting third and final ODI between India and Australia came true as the match at Fatorda stadium on Sunday was called off because of a wet outfield. The result meant India won the three-match series 1-0. The opening match in Kochi too was called off due to rain, while India won the second ODI in Vizag by five wickets.
In the absence of proper drainage and drying facilities, it was nearly impossible for the groundstaff to get the outfield ready despite their best efforts. There was bright sunshine since morning and fans thronged to the stadium hoping for some action later in the day, but the capacity crowd of 27,000 could only wait in anticipation before trooping home disappointed.
Earlier, after the second inspection, the game suffered a further setback when the sightscreen at the press box end collapsed. However, quick work by the groundstaff saw it re-erected in a matter of 30 minutes. The match organiser, Goa Cricket Association, has already promised to refund the entire ticket amount through branches of Federal Bank all over India from October 28.
Cricket and Soccer are sports that I follow with passion. Fatorda stadium is not up-to the mark for playing an international cricket match because every other ball would be flying over and out of the stadium and into some house. The Gods of the rains were not happy with organizers due to their past records on ticket corruption hence, played spoilt sport.
ReplyDeletePoor cricket fans and the vendors lost in the process.