Debasis Sen, Port of Spain: India’s hopes of remaining the number 1 ranking in Test cricket lay shattered, as the fourth days play got abandoned due to soggy outfield. Continuing repair work on a saturated outfield has seen yet another day of play lost in the fourth and final test between the West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday. Only 22 overs were bowled on the first day of the match as the West Indies reached 2-62.
Not a single ball has been bowled over the next three days despite the best efforts of ground staff and continuous sunshine, because of the unfit state of the ground.
The umpires along with both coaches Anil Kumble and Phil Simmons arrived at a decision that the ground was not fit to play.
The Indian captain Virat Kohli did express his frustration of having to stay back in the hotel room. Virat tweeted, “When you are waiting at the hotel & getting bored. Rains are annoying when a match is going on #TestOfPatience.”
The Indian players preferred staying at their hotel as there was no official confirmation about the start of the days play. Coach Anil Kumble along with manager Riaz Bagwan did arrive at the ground to have an inspection.
With this match seemingly destined for a draw, India, despite a 2-0 lead in the series, will lose their number one ranking in Test cricket to arch rivals Pakistan. India need to win the series 3-0 to retain the top position in the rankings following Pakistan’s 2-2 series draw in England.