A CRICKET match had to be abandoned in Australia after a ball was sensationally crushed into the wicket and left a gaping hole.
The Adelaide Strikers were hosting the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League at the Karen Rolton Oval when the clash was brought to an abrupt end in bizarre circumstances.
The Strikers had set their Australian counterparts Hurricanes a target of 168 to win when chaos ensued.
As both teams prepared for the run chase, a stray ball was crushed into the wicket by a roller and left a massive hole in the surface.
After officials inspected the damage that had been done, it was decided that the match had to be abandoned.
A statement released by Cricket Australia read: “During the innings break and with teams warming up, a ball was inadvertently rolled onto the pitch while the roller was being used.
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“The ball went beneath the roller creating a hole in the pitch.
“As a result, the pitch conditions were changed significantly. After consultation between the match referee and the umpires, it was considered unreasonable to expect the Hurricanes to bat in conditions that were materially different than those the Strikers had experienced.
“Both team captains were consulted by the officials and were accepting of this decision.”
The Strikers had posted 167-4 during their 20 overs at the crease, with Madeline Penna top-scoring thanks to her unbeaten knock of 63.
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But the incredible chain of events were particularly costly for Adelaide because they were officially ruled out of qualifying for the Women’s Big Bash League Finals.
The Hurricanes are four points clear at the table’s summit, having won seven games, and had already guaranteed top spot.
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt posted figures of 1-22 when bowling for Hobart.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who was rewarded with her first full central contract earlier this week, also took a wicket for the visitors.
Tammy Beaumont, who was part of the England side to win the 2017 Women’s World Cup, opened the batting for Adelaide and scored 29.