Anil Kumble criticises Trent Bridge preparations after India washout

India's game with New Zealand was abandoned without a toss, with a wet outfield causing initial concerns after persistent rain all week, before the heavens opened as the day went on

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Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble has criticised the ground preparations at Trent Bridge after India’s World Cup match with New Zealand fell victim to a total washout.

The match was abandoned without a toss, with a wet outfield causing initial concerns after persistent rain all week, before the heavens opened as the day went on.

One of the major problem areas on the ground was inside the 30-yard circle on a patch next to the main covers, where the water had run off, making the particular area unplayable and dangerous.

Kumble said on Star Sports: “My question is there’s been plenty of rain, there was a prediction for a lot of rain this week.

“Could they have reinforced more covers in Nottingham and covered most of the area of the ground?

“The advantage in one sense in England is that you have a large cover. But the disadvantage is when it rains like this. The areas around the bowling run-up are wet,” Kumble added.

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Both India and New Zealand remain unbeaten.

The abandonment means that the tournament has already seen a record four games end without a result, with a lack of reserve days scheduled for inclement weather causing consternation, given the importance of each game.

“Factoring in a reserve day for every match at the World Cup would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver,” said the ICC's outgoing chief executive, Dave Richardson, in a statement.

England captain Eoin Morgan agreed with Richardson’s reasoning when questioned on his perspective.

“The tournament is quite a long tournament as it is,” he said. “I think to have reserve days in the group stages is too much. I do think later in the tournament they are necessary, but for group stage games it's part and parcel of being anywhere in the world the fact that it might rain at some stage.”

The circumstances in Nottingham do, however, mean that both New Zealand and India remain unbeaten, with the Black Caps staying top of the 10-team table.

Our coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is brought to you in association with Cricket 19, the official video game of the Ashes. Order your copy now at Amazon.co.uk

 

 

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