The touring New Zealand team go into the first Test without any warm-up action as the practice match was called off on the second day at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong on Saturday.
The only practice match for the tourist scheduled in the itinerary could not get underway as the second day also passed like the first day without a ball being bowled.
The three-day match between touring New Zealand and BCB XI at the MA Aziz Stadium had to be abandoned because of inclement weather and unplayable ground conditions, said a press release of the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Saturday.
‘A water-logged outfield due to incessant rain in Chittagong had prevented any play on day one yesterday (Friday) and with the conditions not likely to improve significantly over the second and third days, the match referee Akhtar Ahmad called off the game on Saurday morning,’ the press release added.
‘Match referee consulted the grounds staff and fellow match officials and explained the situation to management of both teams. The teams have understood that the prospects of having any play in this game appear remote and hence the decision to abandon the match,’ said Gazi Ashraf Hossain, chairman of the tour management committee.
‘We feel sorry for the fans and cricket organisers in Chittagong but weather factors are beyond our control,’ added Ashraf.
Bangladesh’s all-rounder Sakib al Hasan believes that the abandonment of the match is a blessing in disguise for the hosts as the Black Caps lost the opportunity to adapt to the conditions.
‘I think they are the ones who missed the warm-up match as they have to adapt to this condition,’ Sakib told reporters.
‘In that sense it is good for us,’ said Sakib.
Sakib added that the Kiwis will also miss the services of their experienced left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, who has pulled out of the series with injury.
‘Certainly his absence will make a difference,’ said Sakib.
‘He was the most successful bowler against us so definitely it will make a huge difference. Still there are some good players and we must be prepared for that.’
According to Sakib, whether there is any shortage of preparation without the practice match for him can only be judged after the performance in the first Test.
Tigers are scheduled to play the first Test against New Zealand from October 9-13 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.
‘Whether there is any preparation gap for not having the practice match can only be measured after the Test match. If we do well then there won’t be any shortage but if we play badly then there will be,’ said Sakib.
Sakib was expected to play for the Board XI as he has been without any match since injuring his thumb in the Caribbean Pre3mier League and only featured once in the Dhaka Premier League.
‘I think there is a difference with the red and white balls. It makes a difference in bowling and some adjustments are needed to be made while batting. I am a professional and must know how to adapt,’ he added.
-With New Age input
