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The Big Bash League game between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers was called off after 6.5 overs due to safety concerns about a water-damaged pitch.
The Scorchers were 30 for 2 after 6.5 overs when umpires stopped play to inspect the pitch, ultimately leading to the game being abandoned.
In a statement, Cricket Australia said: “CA will conduct a thorough review into the extremely frustrating circumstances that have resulted in the game being abandoned and a huge disappointment for fans and players.”
Umpire Ben Treloar told Seven: “That last delivery we saw behave quite uncharacteristically and in our minds we thought it behaved dangerously so that was the reason for coming off.”
“When we initially started we saw the pitch, we had a good look at it, [but] until you start playing on it sometimes these things don’t present themselves. After the first few overs we were quite hopeful it was going to be okay but then it started to go south and that last one was enough for us to consider it dangerous.”
“There were definitely question marks over the nature of the wicket but think we needed to try and make something happen. Fortunately no one got hurt and the playing conditions say that no one has to get hurt to call it off which I think is common sense.”
Turner also suggested that officials might need to explore alternative options for carrying on a game in such situations.
Renegades veteran Aaron Finch mentioned that the deliveries had taken “big divots” out of the surface.
“Josh Inglis said it felt dangerous when he was batting,” Finch said. “It’s just bouncing ridiculously. If that’s bouncing on line with someone’s body or their head, then that could [cause] some real issues.”
In a statement, Melbourne Renegades said: “On Sunday morning, the club was made aware that the GMHBA Stadium pitch sustained some water damage during Saturday’s heavy rain. Kardinia Park Stadium Trust undertook work throughout the day to improve the condition of the wicket and match officials deemed the surface safe to commence play.
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten added: “Our first thoughts are with our fans – the loyal supporters we have across Geelong and Victoria. We are incredibly disappointed in tonight’s events.”
“We had an important match against the Scorchers and our fans have a right to feel incredibly let down. It should have been a great night of cricket and we will discuss the outcomes of that in the days ahead. The club will ensure that all general public ticket purchasers are refunded”
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