Curators stop short of BBL apology

The abandoned BBL|13 match between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers at GMHBA Stadium is set to have lasting ramifications.

Cricket Australia has committed to a “thorough review” and lashed the result as “extremely frustrating” after umpires called off the match in the seventh over.

Rain seeped through the covers overnight, with the Renegades and CA made aware on Sunday morning that the pitch had received water damage.

Works throughout the day saw the umpires deem the pitch fit for cricket, but variable bounce and seam in the opening overs posed a severe risk to Scorchers batters.

Earlier, Renegades captain Nic Maddinson had won the toss and sent Perth in, stating the pitch was “absolutely drenched” and he had no idea what it was going to do.

Maddinson and Scorchers captain Ash Turner both supported the decision post-match.

A delivery from Renegades all-rounder Will Sutherland that took off from a full length was the final straw for umpires in calling the game off.

CA hasn’t ruled out a replay of the match, however each term will be awarded one point should that not eventuate.

Curators of GMHBA stopped short of an apology for the events, with Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin saying in a statement: “We regret the unfortunate events that occurred tonight at GHMBA Stadium.

“We understand the disappointment this has created. This is not the experience that Kardinia Park Stadium trust anticipated for the teams or the patrons that came to watch this game tonight.”

Sunday night’s game is the only match GMHBA Stadium is fixtured to host in BBL|13.

Former Australian all-rounder Simon O’Donnell suggested a CA investigation was appropriate.

“I think there’s more questions to be asked of GMHBA Stadium on what was presented last night,” he said on SEN Breakfast.

– SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN