The abandoned BBL Sunday’s match between Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers could be rescheduled, Cricket Australia has confirmed. The match was suspended due to an “unsafe field.”
Only 6.5 overs of play were possible on Sunday after Melbourne Renegades won the toss and opted to bowl first. The match was suspended due to field conditions and the referees made this decision unanimously.
Ground crew at Simonds Stadium, Geelong, had spent the day trying to fix the pitch after water leaked through the covers during heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. Despite their best efforts, water spilling through the covers could not be completely drained.
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Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers match abandoned on Sunday
🗣️ “Is it safe?”
🗣️ “Probably not.”The match has been delayed due to the state of the pitch, this ball being the last straw…#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/WV6zDRMsnH
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 10, 2023
Since the match was canceled due to some unforeseen conditions, Cricket Australia has now issued a statement saying that the match could be rescheduled.
“The GMHBA Stadium field was affected by rain in the days before the game. “Ground staff worked throughout the day to rectify the situation and the referees deemed the field safe for play to begin.” read Cricket Australia’s statement.
“However, in the seventh over, the umpires abandoned the game as they deemed there was a foreseeable risk to the safety of the players. “Each team will receive one point unless the game can be rescheduled. “Fans will be refunded the cost of their tickets.” the CA statement reads further.
Cricket Australia to conduct comprehensive review: Adam Voges
Meanwhile, Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges was left disappointed with the way things turned out. He also shared his opinion on the same.
“CA will conduct a thorough review of the extremely frustrating circumstances that led to the abandonment of the game and great disappointment to fans and players.” “I think we were all a little worried before a ball was bowled tonight about the state of the wicket.” he said, quoted by Perth Now.
“There was clearly a patch on the wicket that had been affected and had water on it, so I don’t think any of us are too surprised by how he played, but it is disappointing. It seemed like things got worse with those six overs. “We’re just thankful that no one was seriously hurt by this.” Voges also spoke about how the wicket looked before kick-off.
The Perth Scorchers coach concluded by saying he was disappointed with how the match ended as they were desperate for points.
“We came here for all the points and to win a game tonight, so to split the points without having committed any crime is frustrating, but I think it’s the playing conditions.” Voges concluded by saying.
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