WBBL match abandoned due to hole in the pitch

The WBBL match between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes was abandoned at Karen Rolton Oval after a cricket ball was accidentally rolled into the pitch by the heavy roller during the innings break creating an irreparable hole.

The pitch was being rolled during the innings break, as per normal WBBL rules, when a ball from a nearby fielding warm-up went under the roller on the pitch and was rolled into the surface.

The heaviness of the roller pressed the ball into the pitch and created a ball-shaped hole in the middle of the surface. Strikers released a statement on their Instagram explaining why the match was abandoned after the hole was created.

"As a result, the pitch conditions were changed significantly," the statement said. "After consultations 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 the decision."

Hurricanes, who had already qualified to host the final after winning seven of their first nine games, were preparing to chase Strikers' total of 167 for 4 before the match was abandoned. Madeline Penna had made 63 not out off 51 for Strikers, batting through the innings to set up the total. Wickets were shared by Hurricanes bowlers.

The abandonment was another blow to Strikers' finals hopes as it is their third no result for the season. They now sit sixth with one game left against Sydney Sixers. They need to win that to be assured of a place in the finals.