The clouds finally gave way for the sun to smile and the players rejoiced. But the match officials, after four inspections, called off play citing a slippery outfield on the penultimate day of the all-important Ranji Trophy tie between host Tamil Nadu and Gujarat at the ICL Sankar Nagar grounds here on Wednesday.
Despite the bright sunshine the whole day through, the match failed to kick off as the overnight rain had left the ground soaking wet. The groundsmen worked day and night to see ball on bat but in vain. They looked frustrated as well.
The visiting side also seemed to be more disturbed than the host. “We requested for a shift in venue due to bad weather condition. We could have hosted it in Gujarat. It could have well served the purpose for both teams but it did not happen,” said Vijay Patel, its chief coach.
ADVERTISEMENT
Knowing pretty well that there is not much left in the game from here, R.P. Singh, the visitors’ strike bowler and guest player, preferred to fly out from here.
“He left this morning. But there’s nothing to worry because we have medium pacers Kalaria and Jasprit to back the team. They are equally talented.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The pitch may also assist the spinners. So we decided otherwise,” he added.
With just a day to go, the teams will now look forward to go the full extent for some result. A bold gamble from here may earn the teams those crucial points that they desperately need or will they prefer not to take the risky route remains to be seen.