The Big Bash League encounter between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers has been abandoned after just 6.5 overs due to safety concerns arising from a water-damaged pitch.
The pitch at GMHBA Stadium was rain-affected in the days prior to the game. Ground staff worked throughout the day to rectify the situation and umpires considered the pitch safe for play to start.
However, in the seventh over umpires abandoned the game, deeming there was 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.
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.
Despite the diligent efforts of the ground staff in Geelong to dry the pitch following heavy overnight rain that seeped under the covers, Renegades captain Nic Maddinson deemed the pitch "absolutely drenched" during the toss. Consequently, he elected to put the Scorchers in to bat.
After 6.5 overs, with the Scorchers at 30 for 2, umpires halted play to inspect the pitch. Subsequently, the decision to abandon the fixture was made, with concerns raised by batters, notably Josh Inglis from the Scorchers, about inconsistent bounce.
Umpire Ben Treloar explained, "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." Despite initial optimism about the pitch's condition, issues emerged after the first few overs, leading to the decision to abandon the match.
This turn of events highlights the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and underscores the paramount importance of ensuring player safety in cricket competitions.
