New Zealand’s tour match called off due to dangeorus pitch conditions

New Zealand warm up match against the Cricket Australia XI was called off due to pitch conditions deemed 'Dangerous'

Sydney: New Zealand‘s tour match against the Cricket Australia XI was abandoned Friday on concerns over the state of the pitch in Sydney. Stumps were drawn by the umpires during the lunch interval on day two of the three-day game at Blacktown after the CA XI declared their first innings at 503 for one. The Black Caps had been due to bat in reply in their final warm-up ahead of the first Test against Australia, starting in Brisbane on November 5.The surprise abandonment seriously disrupts New Zealand’s preparations for the Test series opener as they were looking to gain valuable batting practice with a near full-strength lineup. The Black Caps did not bowl any of their pace bowlers in the opening session on day two. ALSO READ: Aaron Finch, Ryan Carters ravage New Zealand bowlers in Cricket Australia XI tour match

The CA XI declared their first innings closed shortly before the scheduled lunch interval after Aaron Finch, 288 not out, and Ryan Carters (209) set a record for an opening partnership for a first-class match in Australia. The stand surpassed the previous record of 456 set in the 1923-24 season by Victoria’s Bill Ponsford and Edgar Mayne against Queensland at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. CA are yet to officially comment on the abandonment amid reports the wicket had become “dangerous”.  The match was originally scheduled as a four-day fixture before it was reduced to three days earlier this week so New Zealand could travel to Brisbane for the first Test earlier than originally planned.

Earlier, in the day Cricket Australia had announced Batsmen Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja recalled by Australia for next week’s first cricket Test against New Zealand in Brisbane. Burns was selected ahead of Cameron Bancroft to open the batting alongside David Warner, while Khawaja was expected to fill the vacant No.3 position in a 12-man squad.Khawaja has not played for Australia since the 2013 Ashes series, while Burns played two Tests against India last southern summer. The rest of the squad is as expected, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and veteran batsman Adam Voges both retained. It is a time of transition for the national side following the retirements of skipper Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris. ALSO READ: Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja part of Australia squad for 1st Test vs New Zealand at Brisbane

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