An incredible and unplanned event damaged the pitch where the WBBL match abandoned due to a hole in the pitch forced the abandonment of the WBBL fixture between the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes at Karen Rolton Oval.
Routine rolling of the surface during the innings break took a bizarre turn when a stray cricket ball from a nearby warm-up slipped under the heavy roller and embedded itself in the wicket.
How the Pitch Was Damaged
As the roller continued over the ball, its weight forced the ball deep into the surface to leave a significant, ball-shaped cavity at the centre of the pitch. The match officials inspected the damage and ruled the surface unfit for play, given the drastic change from the conditions faced by the Strikers in the first innings.
Official Statement and Decision-Making
The club, in a statement shared via the Strikers’ Instagram account, felt that changed conditions on the pitch were unfair for the Hurricanes to bat.
After a discussion among the umpires, the match referee, and the two captains, a decision to call off the match was reached. There was unanimous agreement that conditions had been “materially changed” to a level that compromised fairness and safety.
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Match Circumstance at Time of Abandonment
Before the abandonment, the Hurricanes who were already secure as hosts for the WBBL final following seven wins from nine matches—were due to chase the Strikers’ competitive total of 167 for 4. Strikers batter Madeline Penna anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 off 51 while Hurricanes bowlers shared the wickets.
Impact on Strikers’ Finals Chances
The abandonment was a severe blow to the Adelaide Strikers’ finals campaign. It marked their third no-result of the season, leaving them in sixth place, with only one match remaining against Sydney Sixers. A victory in the final fixture is now important to keep their WBBL finals hopes alive.
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