SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 30: Aaron Finch of the CA XI shakes hands with Ryan Carters after scoring his double and a half century during the international tour match between the Cricket Australia XI and New Zealand at Blacktown International Sportspark on October 30, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
The tour match between Cricket Australia XI and New Zealand at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney has been abandoned after agreement between the two teams.
There were farcical scenes earlier in the day when the Black Caps reportedly tried to declare twice without facing a ball, after the hosts declared their first innings on 1-503 thanks.
Play was at first suspended, but the end appeared to be nigh when stumps were pulled out and the CA XI players left the ground.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations Sean Cary said: “The decision has been agreed between the two teams to abandon the match due to the wicket’s deteriorating surface becoming unfit for First-Class cricket.
“Preparation of the wicket was compromised by poor weather conditions in Sydney early this week.
“In response, we’re working with New Zealand Cricket to provide alternative preparation for the team ahead of next week’s First Test.”
The unprecedented scenes came after Aaron Finch and Ryan Carters combined to record the highest ever first-class opening partnership in Australia.
Read more at FoxSports.com.au