BBL 2023-24: Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers match abandoned due to bad pitch

Fourth match of the BBL 2023-24 between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers was being played in Geelong Stadium.

In Australia’s Big Bash League, a clash between Melbourne Renegades and the defending champions Perth Scorchers has been abandoned in Geelong Stadium. Umpires after a bit of discussion decided to call off the game citing poor and ‘dangerous pitch’ to play a cricket match. This is the first game in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL), a game has been called off due to a dangerous pitch. 

Melbourne Renegades skipper Nic Maddinson won the toss and invited Perth to bat first. Perth lost two early wickets and the pitch had an uneven bounce throughout the 6.5 overs that were bowled. Players and umpires were surprised with the way the pitch was behaving during the action and right at the end of the 7th over, a few Melbourne Renegades players came closer to the wicket and had a brief look and discussion. 

Water leaked through covers

This also brought umpires into the game and after a brief discussion, the game was suspended. Perth had lost two wickets in the powerplay and they were reeling under pressure on 30 for 2 in 6.5 overs. After calling off the game, umpires on the sidelines informed about the decision to the broadcasters and said the uncharacteristic bounce forced them to relook at the conditions and call off the game between Perth and Melbourne Renegades. 

On-field umpire Ben Treloar said, “The last delivery that we saw behaved uncharacteristically and in our mind, we thought it behaved dangerously as well so that was the reason for coming off.” He also added that the first few overs were hopeful for us and things were going ok, but then it behaved dangerously for a cricket match. Geelong witnessed intense rain and the wicket was still wet according to Fox Sports, a bit of water leaked through covers onto the pitch. 

Commentators were also in shock after the way pitch behaved during the game and Michael Vaughan sensing the danger asked, “Is there a genuine threat to the batsmen or is it just really difficult to bat?” Adam Gilchrist was present with Vaughan in the commentary box and he replied, “I think there is a genuine threat.” Aaron Finch also highlighted the dangerous nature of the pitch from the middle of the action in Geelong. 

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