IND vs NZ, 1st Test Day 1: Saba Karim Explains How Hawk-eye Delay Meant Play Was Impossible Even After Rain Stopped and Covers Came Off

Persistent rain did not allow any play on day one of the first test between India and New Zealand on Wednesday at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Heavy rain over the past 48 hours had delayed the toss and officials made the decision to take lunch without a ball being bowled. The entire day’s play was then called in the afternoon after the covers were briefly taken off the pitch.

The match officials came out to inspect the pitch around 2 PM after the outfield and the first layer of covers were removed around 1.50 PM. The play was called off at 2.34 PM.

India vs New Zealand: 1st Test, Day 1 – HIGHLIGHTS

Many fans wondered why the match could not be started even though the covers had come off.

Former India cricketer Saba Karim explained on JioCinema why the start was delayed, meaning no play was possible on Day 1.

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The delay was due to the Hawk-Eye technology.

With the DRS rule in use, Hawk-Eye technology is usually installed on the pitch and stumps the day before the match. He revealed that it usually takes about an hour and a half to fully install the Hawk-Eye Technology but since it had has raining in Bengaluru since yesterday, covers had not been removed till the afternoon.

More rain is expected over the next few days, but the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has world-class drainage facilities and play could start within 45 minutes.

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India is currently atop the World Test Championship standings, and a 3-0 win in this series against New Zealand would all but assure its spot for the final at Lord’s next June.

After beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the preceding test series, a full-strength Indian squad was once again available for selection.

New Zealand has already been on a long sub-continental tour. It began with the one-off washed out test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India, followed by a 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka.

The second and third tests will be played in Pune and Mumbai, respectively.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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