Watch the moment cricket umpires ABANDON Big Bash League game as Ricky Ponting slams ‘ridiculous’ scenes between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers
- Big Bash League play was suspended on Sunday
- Concerns were raised about the condition of the pitch.
- Ricky Ponting slams ‘ridiculous’ scenes
The Big Bash League game between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers was abandoned on Sunday due to player safety in Geelong.
The umpires removed the players from the field during Perth’s innings after concerns were raised about the condition of the wicket.
The condition of the pitch was greatly affected by the rain that fell on it during the build-up to the game, and the uneven bounce of the pitch caused concern among the on-field umpires.
After Will Sutherland’s fast delivery flew past Josh Inglis at the crease, cricket legend Ricky Ponting had had enough.
“I’m going to say this: I think it’s a little funny,” he told Channel 7. “We went into this game hoping that the wicket would play better than we thought and better than it looked, but this game is… if it’s straight, where will it go? Right under your grill.
The Melbourne Renegades’ game against the Perth Scorchers was abandoned on Sunday.
The referees escorted the players off the field out of concern for their safety.
Renegades star Aaron Finch said: “I didn’t hear anything the umpires said but obviously they are concerned about the way the balls are bouncing off that wet area.
“It’s very long. Length six to seven meters. Several balls fall there. They’re obviously a little concerned about it.”
“It was used (by the curators), but even here they just take out big holes in the surface. You can see the one Josh Inglis just got, it’s caught on the seam and is bouncing funny.
“If it’s related to someone’s body or head, then it can become a serious problem.”
Renegades captain Nick Maddinson made his views clear on the field.
“The gate is completely wet,” Maddinson said.
The game was abandoned after 6.5 overs with the visitors struggling at 2-30.