Persistent rain forced the abandonment of the first unofficial One-Day International between India A and Australia A at Green Park Stadium here on Tuesday, without a single ball being bowled. Incessant downpours throughout the day prevented even the toss, dashing hopes for an exciting start to the three-match series.
Players from both sides, including emerging talents like India's Sai Sudharsan and Australia's Cooper Connolly, remained confined to the dressing rooms, while a sparse crowd of around 5,000 disappointed fans dispersed early. The match, part of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) pathway programme to nurture future stars ahead of major tournaments, highlights the unpredictable weather challenges in Indian domestic cricket, especially during transitional post-monsoon periods.
Green Park's drainage woes resurfaced, drawing sharp criticism from observers. The venue, a historic Test ground hosting international matches since 1949, faced similar issues last October when a Test against Bangladesh lost nearly three full days to rain interruptions, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to invest ₹20 crore in upgrades. Despite partial improvements, Tuesday's deluge—over 50 mm in four hours, per India Meteorological Department records—exposed lingering vulnerabilities in subsoil piping and outfield recovery.
Former India A coach Sairaj Bahutule lamented the setback, noting it disrupts vital match practice for the young squads preparing for the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy and bilateral tours. Australia A, touring India for the first time since 2018, arrived with a squad blending Sheffield Shield performers and U-19 World Cup alumni, aiming to adapt to spin-friendly conditions.
The series serves as a crucial grooming ground for both nations. India A, captained by Tilak Varma, recently clinched a 1-0 verdict in the preceding two-match unofficial Test series, securing a thrilling three-wicket win in the second game at Visakhapatnam after the opener ended in a draw.
Standouts included Yashasvi Jaiswal's gritty 161 and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar's 5-92, signalling depth in the talent pool beyond seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Australia A, led by Max Bryant, seeks redemption after a 3-0 ODI whitewash by England A earlier this year, focusing on bolstering their middle order against India's spin arsenal featuring the likes of Tanush Kotian and Washington Sundar.
Also Read: India Suffers Collapse Against Sri Lanka, Lose 3 Wickets in Single Over
With the second ODI slated for Friday at the same venue, the BCCI is scrambling to accelerate drainage repairs and explore contingency plans, including a reserve day. Meteorologists forecast clearer skies ahead, offering optimism for uninterrupted play. This rain-hit opener underscores the need for resilient infrastructure in Indian cricket's grassroots ecosystem, where such series bridge domestic and international levels.
As both teams recalibrate, the encounter promises high-stakes action, potentially fast-tracking prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup hosted by India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Also Read: World Para Athletics: Yogesh Kathuniya Adds Another Silver to Stellar Career