Unfit pitch results in abandoned game

Warriors 17 for 1 (Prince 8, Morkel 1-9) drew with Titans
Scorecard

The Supersport series match between Titans and Warriors at Willowmore Park in Benoni was abandoned after just seven overs as a result of an unfit pitch - the crease at the southern end of the ground was moist, affecting the bowler's delivery stride.

The situation led to Peter Muzzell, an expert on pitches in South Africa, being flown in from East London to inspect the conditions, and he will submit a report as a part of Cricket South Africa's effort to investigate this matter. Titans, the home team, are likely to be fined for the embarrassing result.

The problem was evident from the first ball of the second over of the day. Titans bowler Ethi Mbhalati found that his front foot dug several centimetres into a soft crease. During subsequent overs, the ground staff tried, unsuccessfully, to tackle the problem with sawdust and other equipment.

With no improvement in conditions, the players had to leave the field after 5.5 overs in the hope that the ground staff and the sun could repair the damage.

On resumption, it became obvious that play was impossible, and after seven more deliveries the game was called off for the day. Following further discussions between the umpires, match referee, captains and Muzzell it was decided the match had to be abandoned.

"Both umpires as well as both captains will be required to submit a report," Brian Basson, Cricket South Africa's general manager for cricket operations, said after the abrupt end. "There will also be a report from Muzzell, who went to the ground as soon as we established that there was a problem with the pitch.

"The umpires were of the opinion that the pitch would get worse even if it dried out and that it would not be suitable for a first-class match."

This is not the first time that matches in South Africa have been abandoned due to an unfit pitch, and a penalty could be enforced. "Yes, action can be taken - a maximum fine of R150 000 and points can be deducted from the Titans," Tiffie Barnes, the match referee, told SuperCricket. "Muzzell also inspected the pitch and he said there was a lot of moisture underneath. He said it probably will not have improved by tomorrow, but might be better by Saturday."