New Zealand’s rising star Rachin Ravindra revealed the Test team’s endeavours while being stuck in the hotel during the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand was washed out without a single ball being bowled or even a toss. However, the Kiwis kept themselves entertained by playing a Test series in the corridors of their team hotel in Greater Noida. New Zealand captain Tim Southee and Rachin teamed up against Tom Blundell and Devon Conway and the all-rounder said that their team win in what was a competitive contest.

“It’s certainly disappointing whenever the rain falls, but as mates and teammates we always find ways to keep ourselves busy,” Ravindra said. “There was a bit of a hallway cricket test series going on – me and the skipper versus Tommy Blundell and Dev Conway,” he told New Zealand Herald. “I think we came away victorious 6-1 in the series and each was five matches, so it did get quite competitive. We’re competitive people, we were going at each other a little too much, but it was nice to get the juices flowing.”

Afghanistan vs New Zealand washed out

Poor drainage and persistent rain in Greater Noida didn’t allow the contest to take place. The Kiwis flew from India to Sri Lanka for a 2-match Test series, starting September 18 in Galle. Rachin earned his first-ever central contract for New Zealand cricket this year and the all-rounder will aim to cement his place in the Test team and become their all-format player.

“Whenever you get opportunities to play in foreign conditions and acclimatise to those conditions, it helps,” Ravindra said. “Even though it’s only been dribs and drabs over the last few days, we’ve definitely made use of what we can and the facilities have been great.

New Zealand prepare for Sri Lanka series

Rachin said that it had been a great learning experience from Sri Lankan veteran Rangana Herath. He also added that their team’s spinners, alongside Herath, helped him to get acclimatised to the sub-continent conditions.

“We’ve got players who have had experience in these conditions and who are world-class players. Working with the spinners, being able to bowl in tandem with [Mitchell Santner] and [Ajaz Patel] and learn from Rangana – a guy who’s taken 400-odd test wickets – I’m just trying to pick their brains as much as I can.