Renegades vs Scorchers: Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist criticise pitch drama after Big Bash match abandoned

Liam O'Loughlin

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Renegades vs Scorchers: Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist criticise pitch drama after Big Bash match abandoned image

English great Michael Vaughan has criticised the scenes of Sunday night's Big Bash fixture, with the match abandoned in the seventh over due to safety concerns at GHMBA Stadium. 

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first in Geelong, Melbourne Renegades captain Nic Maddinson claimed the pitch was 'drenched', before umpires suspended play after 6.5 overs of the Perth Scorchers' innings. 

The officials would deliberate for a short period before deciding to abandon the clash, with both teams awarded one point unless the game could be rescheduled for a later date. 

Cricket Australia offered full refunds to all fans who attended the contest and claimed they would conduct a 'thorough review' into the circumstances that led to the abandoned BBL match.

MORE: Who will replace David Warner for Australia?

Michael Vaughan questions 'frustrating' Big Bash pitch drama

According to Vaughan, who is part of the Fox Cricket commentary team for the summer, the heavy rainfall on Saturday should have been an indicator to the ground staff and BBL officials regarding the need for extra measures.

“I just get frustrated with cricket... cricket has a habit of these scenarios,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure they knew it was going to rain all day yesterday, can’t you get extra covers in?

“We always just think ‘Oh it’s unfortunate’... but seriously, you can’t get enough covers to cover an area of turf and get more covers in to make sure today’s game goes ahead.

“I just find sometimes in cricket we make too many excuses for things that should not happen. That shouldn’t be the case that a game gets abandoned because water got on the pitch.

“If you get rain that is unexpected I completely understand that. But I’m pretty sure yesterday it was always going to rain all day... why not get more covers in to make sure what happens tonight doesn’t happen.”

The ground staff involved attempted to dry the pitch out on Sunday after discovering the water that had seeped through the covers, but there efforts were all for naught.

Australian legend Adam Gilchrist also raised concerns and admitted everyone involved became aware of the issue at hand prior to the bat flip. 

“The moment we got to the ground we were all a bit suspicious,” he said.

“There is talk how much do you talk about and do you try ignore it and let the show carry on because of all the contributing factors, the fans, the kids who are here, us as broadcasters and the players.

“It was very, very obvious and then Nic Maddinson said it at the toss. The suspicions with the smoke and fire... there was plenty of smoke and the fire turned up.”

Why was the Big Bash abandoned?

Sunday night's clash between the Renegades and Scorchers was abandoned due to safety concerns, with the pitch deemed unplayable for the batsmen due to multiple damp spots. 

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust boss Gerard Griffin apologised for the incident at the ground in Geelong.

“We regret the unfortunate events that occurred tonight at GHMBA Stadium," he said in a statement.

"We understand the disappointment this has created.”

At this stage, there are no clear plans to reschedule the game, with both franchises earning one point for a draw.

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.