The Scorchers had scored 30 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 6.5 overs when the umpires paused the game to check the pitch. After the inspection, the match was called off.
The Geelong pitch became a concern after 6.5 overs.
The Melbourne Renegades’ Big Bash League match against Perth Scorchers was called off after 6.5 overs due to safety worries about a pitch damaged by water.
The game between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League was canceled after 6.5 overs because the pitch was damaged by water, raising safety concerns.
The Scorchers were at 30 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 6.5 overs when the umpires paused the game to check the pitch. After the inspection, the match was called off.
The choice was made because batters, especially Josh Inglis from the Scorchers, were worried about the uneven bounce of the ball. At that moment, Aaron Hardie had scored 20 runs off 23 balls, and Inglis was not out with 3 runs off 7 balls.
Umpire Ben Treloar explained to Seven that they decided to stop the game because the last delivery behaved unusually and, in their opinion, posed a danger.
“When we began the game, we examined the pitch thoroughly. However, sometimes issues only become apparent when you start playing on it. Initially, we were optimistic after the first few overs, but then the pitch conditions worsened. The last incident was significant enough for us to view it as a safety concern.”
Perth Scorchers captain, Ashton Turner, mentioned that there were concerns about the pitch even before the game started. Despite the doubts, they decided to give it a try in hopes of playing the match.
“At the beginning of the day, we were aware of uncertainties regarding the pitch, but credit to both teams, we gave it a fair shot,” he said. “We had sufficient reasons to call off the game, and I believe the umpires made a tough but probably the right decision.”
“There were certainly concerns about the condition of the pitch, but we felt it was important to try and make something happen. Fortunately, no one got hurt, and according to the playing conditions, it makes sense to call off the game if there’s a risk of injury.”
He suggested that officials should explore ways to continue the game in situations like this.
“I believe we need more flexibility in the playing conditions,” he said. “I’ve heard suggestions about playing from one end, and there’s a way to have a cricket game. We just need some adaptability in the playing conditions to make that happen.”
Aaron Finch, the experienced player from the Renegades, mentioned on the Fox Sports broadcast that the deliveries had created significant divots or holes in the pitch.
“Josh Inglis expressed concern about the danger while he was batting,” Finch said. “The bounce was just unpredictable. If it bounces towards someone’s body or head, it could lead to serious problems.”
“It’s difficult to determine if it’s too dangerous when nobody has been hit, but we don’t want to wait for someone to get seriously injured.”
In a statement, the Melbourne Renegades explained, “On Sunday morning, the club learned that the GMHBA Stadium pitch had been damaged by water during heavy rain on Saturday. The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust worked to improve the wicket’s condition throughout the day, and match officials considered the surface safe to start the game.”
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten added, “Our initial concern is for our fans, the dedicated supporters we have in Geelong and Victoria. We are extremely disappointed with the events that unfolded tonight.”
“We had a crucial match against the Scorchers, and our fans have every reason to feel very disappointed. It was supposed to be an exciting night of cricket, and we will address the consequences of this in the coming days. The club is committed to refunding all tickets purchased by the general public.”
