The fifth ODI between India and at the Barabati Stadium here on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Incessant rain, ranging from drizzle to heavy, for the past week, left the outfield unplayable.
The two on-field umpires, S. Ravi and Nigel Llong of England, along with TV umpire C. Shamsuddin, inspected the outfield and the pitch at 11 a.m. They quickly returned to the pavilion to submit their report. On the basis of their report the match was called off.
Later, making a formal announcement, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Asirbad Behera said the pitch was fit for play, but the outfield was rendered unplayable. The umpires announced abandonment of the ODI at 11.15 a.m.
“We knew the game would be called off since Friday, but as per ICC guidelines we had to wait for the umpires’ inspection and their report,” he said.
Behera also confirmed that the three-day tour match between the touring West Indies and Uttar Pradesh, to be held here from October 31, had been shifted out after the Board agreed to the OCA’s request.
“The condition of the ground was such it would require about four days of sunshine to make it match ready,” he said.
Australia is leading the series 2-1. The next match is at Nagpur (October 30) and the final game at Bangalore (November 2). India will have to win both the encounters to win the series.
