Virat Kohli-led Team India is in Cape Town for the 1st Test and they have been officially asked not to use the shower for more than two minutes, according to The Indian Express. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the water crisis that Cape Town is facing. The Indian cricket team has humbly accepted the South African government’s directive for a larger cause. With many Indian cricketers having faced similar problems back home, the decision is not expected to be a major upset for the team.
When @ImRo45 hit the nets here in Newlands #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/OS6FNceaqo
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2018
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Why is there a water crisis in Cape Town?
The winters are extremely dry in Cape Town because of which dam levels are extremely low. The city council has allotted merely 87 litres of water per person per day or 10,000 litres for a month. Even tourists are being warned upon arrival to consume less water and even avoid flushing the toilets. The city is threatened to be the first in the world to become completely waterless by April, with all the taps running dry. The local press has also predicted that soon there will not be any water flowing from the tap and the city would have to depend heavily on desalination.
Winter is Here! #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/HBcicStQoa
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2018
What does it mean for the upcoming series?
With sinking underground water, the pitch is expected to remain dry, which is something the Indian cricket team is used to. However, the grass cover is enough to make the Newlands pitch prove to be a challenge for the visitors. Even cricket enthusiasts have been planning ahead, keeping in mind the crisis. The spectators will be carrying bottles filled with water and cans full of water in their car to avoid any problems they face under the dry overhead conditions.
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The 1st Test starts from January 5 at Newlands, Cape Town with the 2nd and 3rd Test to be played on January 13 and 24.
