Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) India's middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane said on Friday the sparse attendance on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand was due to the absence of overhead cover, to protect the spectators from the sweltering heat, at the Eden Gardens.
"It's too hot and humid here. From the spectators' point of view, you need cover from the heat, and if that is absent it is very difficult to sit throughout the day and watch cricket," Rahane, who scored 77 runs of India's 239/7, said at a media meet after stumps.
"The 5,000-6,000 people who turned up for the match was good to see but I feel that is the main reason."
According to several estimates, around 10,000 spectators turned up on the first day.
Friday marked the start of the Durga Puja festival with Mahalaya in Kolkata.
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