Rain can play a spoilsport in India’s first Test match against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens starting from tomorrow. According to weather experts, there are chances of rain pouring in when the first balls will be played on 16th November. Earlier, Eden Gardens has faced a whole lot of problems due to for not having proper drainage and ground cover facilities.
Recently, an IPL match was called off for the same reason. An international match between South Africa and India was also abandoned without a ball being bowled due to wet outfields. However, the situation changed once former India captain took over the President’s role of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
“The sky over Calcutta will remain overcast from Wednesday to Friday under the impact of a well-marked low-pressure area that is making its way up the Bay of Bengal along the Indian coast,” a weather department official was quoted saying to The Telegraph.
The southpaw brought a ‘hover-cover’ from England to cover the pitch and also improved the drainage facility to avoid waterlogging. The association also bought two more super soppers to dry out the field as early as possible.
CAB ground committee head Debabrata Das seemed confident about the facilities and said that they could drain the ground in 20 minutes even if it rains for 4 hours.
“We have brought in machines which can absorb water that is left on the pitch cover. We have all the modern equipment which is necessary now, including zero-point grass cutters and super soppers,” he said.
Virat Kohli & Co will look to continue their red-hot form and hold on to their no one spot in ICC Test Rankings whereas the visitors will look to win their maiden Test in India.