During the match between city rivals Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars, on Friday, a bizarre incident took place as the ball hit the stadium roof twice, and the batters went on to get six runs following the collision.
In the second innings, Stars’ wicketkeeper Joe Clark mishit a delivery by Renegades pacer Will Sutherland which went up high in the air and ended up striking the roof of the Dockland stadium. Further, the ball landed in the third-yard circle, and the on-field umpire declared it a six.
Here’s the video:
A similar incident also took place in the 13th over when all-rounder Beau Webster smashed Tom Rogers‘ delivery to the ceiling. And as before, six runs were added.
Here’s the video of the 2nd incident:
Notably, Dockland Stadium is the only cricket stadium in the world with an indoor roof.
Talking about the match, Stars opted to field first and restricted Renegades to 162/7. Sam Harper‘s 51 (36) and Jonathan Wells‘ 44 (24) helped their team to put a fighting total on the board.
In reply, Stars started well as they were 88/1 in 8.5 overs, but eventually fell six runs short of the set target. Clarke, the talk of the town for his controversial six, scored a 37-ball 59 for his team.
Fans on social media were against the umpire’s decision and were convinced that it should have been a dead ball. However, according to the tournament’s rule book, the match officials were right.
The previous rules got changed in BBL|02 after Renegades skipper Aaron Finch smashed the white leather into the roof, and soon it was declared a dead ball.
During Friday’s game, Finch spoke to the commentators about the recent incidents, where he criticised the call made by the on-field umpire.
“That would have been two simple catches tonight. They were both straight up. That would have been out,” said mic’d up Finch.
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