The Large Bash League recreation between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers was deserted resulting from security considerations across the pitch.
Batters struggled with the various bounce of the ball throughout the opening six overs, resulting in discussions between the groundstaff, captains and match officers earlier than the match was referred to as off.
Rainfall throughout the weekend in Geelong, Australia, was the reason for the pitch state and the group confirmed their disapproval by booing when the information was introduced.
Within the seventh over, Josh Inglis was hit within the groin by one Will Sutherland supply, then edged one other earlier than a full ball flew over his bat to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.
“I didn’t hear anything that the umpires were saying but obviously they’re concerned with how the balls are bouncing from that wet patch here,” stated Renegades’ Aaron Finch.
“It is on that good size. It is six to seven metre size. Just a few balls are getting in there. They’re clearly a bit bit involved with that.
“It has been tapped in (by curators) but it surely’s simply taking some huge divots out of the floor there as effectively. It is gripped the seam and it is bouncing ridiculously. If that is on line with somebody’s physique or their head then there may very well be some actual points.
“You don’t want to wait for someone to get seriously injured and go ‘we did think it was unsafe’.”
Standing umpire Ben Treloar added on Fox Cricket: “We wanted to give it every chance, that’s why we started play. It looked all right on top and the first few overs, we were really quite hopeful with what we saw.
“However simply on the finish, that final one, that was sufficient for us to contemplate that harmful. It was that final supply, that was the one which acquired us to that harmful place and the security of the gamers is paramount.”
The Scorchers, who are the defending champions, were 30-2 when play was stopped after 41 deliveries.
Cricket Australia confirmed each team will receive one point unless the game can be rescheduled and fans will be refunded the cost of their tickets.
“The pitch at GMHBA Stadium was rain-affected within the days previous to the sport,” said a Cricket Australia statement.
“Floor employees labored all through the day to rectify the state of affairs and umpires thought of the pitch secure for play to begin.
“However, in the seventh over umpires abandoned the game, deeming there was foreseeable risk to the safety of the players.”