The 3rd and the final T20I between India and Australia that was scheduled to play at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday were called off without a ball being bowled due to wet outfield. The prize distribution ceremony was also scrapped as a part of the security measure especially after the unfortunate rock throwing incident on the Australian team bus outside the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Periodic rain falls for almost ten days before the match resulted in wet patches all over the ground. The groundstaff did their best to make sure that the crowd witnesses a minimum of a five-over game but that wasn’t to be; as the ground couldn’t be brought back to playing condition till the cut off time. After waiting for a couple of hours, the umpires decided to call the match off with a packed Uppal Stadium not even getting the chance to witness the toss.
Despite the match being called off, the prize distribution should have gone normally, but management decided to scrap it due to security measures. As per reports in the New Indian Express, the action was taken keeping in mind the unfortunate incident in Guwahati. The cricket fanatics in India often get unruly so that the reason behind the cancellation of the prize distribution ceremony. Players from both the sides left the ground as soon as the match was called off.
Meanwhile, the spectators will be reimbursed 70% of the ticket as per reports. The officials stated the fact that the stadium is built in such a way that water accumulates in the outfield when there is a downpour. So despite their best efforts, the match had to be cancelled.
While the Australian team will be heading home for the much awaited Ashes series, the Men in Blue, on the other hand, will be playing a limited overs series against New Zealand starting from October 22 in Mumbai.