Melbourne Renegades' first home outing of the Big Bash League 13 got hit with an unwanted historical feat on Sunday. The Renegades clash against the Perth Scorchers became the first one in BBL history to be abandoned due to pitch conditions. The clash was slated to take place at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong but just after 6.5 overs, the game was abandoned due to 'dangerous' pitch conditions.
Some of the deliveries saw uneven bounce and it was also getting 'dangerous'. The delivery at 6.5 also saw an unpredictable bounce which seamed massively while the batter Josh Inglis tried to drive it. "The last delivery behaved uncharacteristically, it behaved dangerously and we were forced to halt play. We had a look at the pitch, it didn't seem unplayable, we've seen such divots previously as well. We've got a few processes, some follow-up, we consulted and came up with the final decision," the on-field umpires said.
Watch the last delivery here:
This was the first time in BBL's history that a game has been abandoned due to the pitch conditions. The weather in Geelong has not been kind for some hours. Rain gripped the venue in the lead-up to this game and it went beneath the covers too, resulting in the playing surface getting damp.
(The ball's) taking some big divots out of the surface. It's just bouncing ridiculously. If that's on line with someone's body or their head then that could (cause) some real issues," Renegades batter Aaron Finch said to Fox Sports.
Looking at the surface, the Renegades opted to bowl first. "The wicket's absolutely drenched so we just want to have a look what's going to happen," Nic Maddinson said at the toss.
