Rain Washes Out Historic Test Matches: A Look Back at Abandoned Encounters
In the annals of cricket history, there are matches that stand out for their thrilling contests, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. However, there are also those that are remembered for a different reason: being abandoned due to inclement weather.
One such match was the Dunedin Test during India’s tour of New Zealand in 1998-99. The first Test of the series was scheduled to be played at Carisbrook, Dunedin, but rain and wet conditions prevented any play throughout the five days. The toss never took place, and the match was called off without a single ball being bowled.
A similar fate befell the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground on the outskirts of Delhi. Rain and wet conditions again prevented even the toss from happening, leading to the abandonment of the match.
The Greater Noida stadium has been Afghanistan’s adopted home for their ‘home’ series in recent years. The match against Bangladesh was the eighth Test in history that didn’t see even a single ball being bowled, and the first in 26 years since the India vs New Zealand game in December 1998.
Here is a complete list of the eight abandoned Tests in history:
1. England vs Australia – Old Trafford – 1890
2. England vs Australia – Old Trafford -1938
3. Australia vs England- Melbourne- 1970-71
4. New Zealand vs Pakistan – Dunedin – 1988-89
5. West Indies vs England – Georgetown, Guyana – 1989-90
6. Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Faisalabad – 1998-99
7. New Zealand vs India – Dunedin- 1998-99
8. Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Greater Noida – 2024
These abandoned matches serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the weather and its impact on even the most anticipated sporting events. While fans may be disappointed when a match is called off, the safety of the players and the integrity of the game must always come first.
