'Deemed safe for play': Cricket Australia defends poor condition of Marvel Stadium turf during BBL clash
Updated . First published at
Cricket Australia has released a statement in response to the condition of Marvel Stadium's turf during the BBL clash between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers on Monday night.
The ground was patchy at best, with the outfield a particularly worrisome spot all night.
The shocking conditions came after Marvel Stadium hosted multiple events ahead of the BBL season, including four Coldplay concerts last month.
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Just last week, the stadium hosted RMIT University graduation ceremonies, which left the ground in tatters, with divots and bare patches across large parts.
It was evident that the turf was in a bad shape when Scorchers batter Keaton Jennings (9 off 12) was run out, after his bat got caught in the uneven turf early in his side's innings.
The Renegades run out onto Marvel Stadium. Cricket Australia via Getty Imag
CA leapt to the defence of the staff who ticked off the condition on Sunday night.
"The league and clubs work closely with all venues to ensure they meet all required standards, including outfields," CA said in a statement given to 9News Melbourne's Tom Morris.
"There are many tenants and events at Marvel Stadium, with extensive foot traffic over the outfield in the period immediately prior to the BBL.
"As is standard procedure, match officials inspected the venue on Sunday. While there are bare patches on the outfield, it was deemed safe for play.
"Both teams also trained at the venue on Sunday night.
"We anticipate the outfield will continue to improve ahead of the remaining BBL matches at the venue."
During the innings break, the Renegades had motorbike riders performing tricks on parts of the ground outside the boundary rope.
