The covers for the Sydney Cricket Ground have come below fireplace after an embarrassing try to capitalise on the rain backfired when water leaked onto the sq..
The Daily Telegraph reported new NRMA sponsored moist climate covers that precipitated the leak had been finally banished on day 4 after day three’s washout.
SCG groundstaff had been compelled to return to their common clean set of covers after the set sarcastically emblazoned with NRMA Insurance failed of their obligation to maintain the pitch and sq. dry.
Watch Australia v South Africa. Every Test match stay and ad-break in play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Cricket Australia had requested the SCG groundstaff to make use of the brand new covers carrying the identify of one in every of their companions, NRMA and the tag line on the pitch cowl sarcastically learn, assist.
The injury was not disastrous and didn’t delay play, however reportedly the seams across the brand break up in them, inflicting water to seep in below the covers and make for additional work for groundstaff.
SCG workers used additional hair dryers in a frantic bid to dry out the run-ups and the wicket block surrounding the pitch, earlier than play finally began at 1.45pm on day 4.
Cricket Australia and Venues NSW issued a joint-statement to clarify the covers leak.
“Ground staff and the cricket operations team have confirmed there were no delays in play due to a small leak in the covers,” the assertion learn.
“The delay to play today was caused by a small section of sodden turf off the wicket square where water had accumulated overnight. The SCG had 56mm of rain overnight and this morning.
“NRMA Insurance had no involvement in the construction of the covers or the requirement for them to be used for this match and ground staff had no issue with the new set of covers.”
There was a window of time on Saturday morning when there was a possibility to get again on the sector, however there wasn’t sufficient time to get the pitch space ready earlier than one other downfall arrived.
Groundstaff had been pissed off they couldn’t use their very own covers, which they’re accustomed to, whereas the ultimate inspection at lunch time meant turf needed to be shifted round to repair the run-ups.
Isu Guha led a refrain of commentators calling for improved covers to cowl all the wicket block, and known as for a re-examination of the protecting gear in gentle of the embarrassing incident.
“You would think they could invest in some better covers,” Guha stated on Fox.
“You have the hover covers at Lord’s that come off really quickly and then at The Oval it literally covers the whole of the ground across the square for moments like this where bowlers are looking around at the pitch ends where it can be a bit dangerous.
“I’m pretty staggered that it’s not better equipped.”
Originally printed as ‘Invest in some better covers’: Calls for SCG overhaul after embarrassing sponsor leak
