New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) After the main pitch at Ferozeshah Kotla grounds here was found dangerous for play Sunday, Match Referee Alan Hurst tried to shift the game to the secondary pitch but it was also not adequately prepared.
Hurst had no other option but to abandon the fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka due to unplayable condition.

“The decision to abandon the match was taken by myself, in consultation with the on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Shavir Tarapore, and both captains as it was clear that the pitch had extremely variable bounce and was too dangerous for further play,” Hurst said in a statement.

“I’d like to commend the on-field umpires and captains for continuing as long as they did in the hope that the pitch may settle down. Unfortunately, this did not happen.”

“Before abandoning the match, consideration was given to shifting the match to a secondary pitch. However, it was deemed impractical as the secondary pitch was not adequately prepared,” he added.

The match was called off with Sri Lanka 83-5 in 23.3 overs after being put into bat by the home side.