WBBL Chaos: Match Between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes Abandoned After Pitch Damage

By Deepesh Sharma | Adelaide: In an unusual turn of events at the Karen Rolton Oval, the WBBL clash between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes was called off due to a hole forming on the pitch. The bizarre incident occurred during the innings break when a roller accidentally ran over a stray ball, causing the pitch surface to sustain irreparable damage.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to WBBL regulations, the pitch is rolled during the innings break to ensure an even surface. During this process, a ball from a nearby fielding warm-up rolled under the heavy roller, leaving a ball-sized indentation in the pitch. The roller’s weight made the hole permanent, creating unsafe conditions for play.

Adelaide Strikers confirmed the incident via Instagram:
“The match between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes at Karen Rolton Oval has been abandoned. During the innings break, a stray ball rolled under the roller, causing a hole in the pitch. Officials and both team captains agreed that continuing the match was unsafe.”

Impact on the Match

At the time of abandonment, the Strikers had completed 20 overs for 167/4, after losing the toss. Madeline Pena top-scored with an unbeaten 63, while Bridget Patterson added a quickfire 24 off 12 balls to boost the total. Net Silver-Brunt bowled economically, conceding just 22 runs in four overs and claiming one wicket.

Following a consultation between the match referees, umpires, and both captains, it was agreed that conditions would be unfair for the Hurricanes, and the match was officially abandoned.