India’s captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan leave the pitch after the sun angle halted play in Napier (Marty MELVILLE)

Napier (New Zealand) (AFP) – Rain often disrupts cricket, but in New Zealand it was the sun that forced players off the field on Wednesday during the one-day international against India.

The low angle of the sun hitting the Napier wicket was too much for batsmen, fielders and umpires, and senior umpire Shaun George took the players off the field with India 44 for one in reply to New Zealand’s 157.

“Everyone is being protected,” George said, adding it was the first time he had experienced play called off because of the sun.

It was a welcome break for India captain Virat Kohli, who had previously been dismissed when the sun was in his eyes.

“In 2014, this (sun break) rule wasn’t there. I actually got out in a game feeling like the sun was in my eyes,” he said.

“I’m glad it is (a rule) now because it was impossible to watch the ball in that particular phase. It was funny but it was something new.”

Play resumed after about 30 minutes, with the disruption reducing the match by one over. India’s target was reduced by two runs to 156, which they easily reached in 34.5 overs.

Shikhar Dhawan was not out 75 while Kohli lasted another 18 overs after play resumed before being dismissed for 45.

In addition to the usual rain and bad light, cricket matches have been stopped for a variety of bizarre reasons over the years.

An unseasonal April snowstorm in 2016 suspended a county match between Somerset and Surrey at London’s Oval.

A 1980 Test match between India and England in Mumbai had to be rescheduled due to a solar eclipse.

And a match in South Africa’s domestic Castle Cup in 1995 was delayed for 10 minutes after a shot for six landed in a pan of fried calamari, forcing the players to wait for the ball to cool down.

Disclaimer: This story is published from a syndicated feed. Siliconeer does not assume any liability for the above story. Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Content copyright AFP.