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Leaky covers delay play on crucial final day of Ashes Test

18th December, 2017
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A leak in protective covers has caused a wet patch on the WACA Ground pitch, forcing a delayed start to the final day of the third Ashes Test.

Ground staff are using blower vacuums in a bid to dry the damp patch with Monday’s play delayed indefinitely.

“There was a bit of leakage overnight so they’re doing a bit of a drying job with the blowers,” umpire Marais Erasmus told BT Sport.

His umpiring colleague Chris Gaffaney said the damp patch was on a good length at one end of the pitch.

“I guess it was from where the covers join,” Gaffaney told BT Sport.

Hampering the ground staff’s efforts to dry the pitch, showers have fallen frequently at the ground with the covers taken off, then replaced, three times in a 30-minute period.

Play had been due to start at 1000 AWST (1300 AEDT) with England facing a scrap for survival at 4-132 in their second innings, 127 runs behind Australia.

England coach Trevor Bayliss said the tourists wanted the pitch in a similar condition to Sunday before resuming play.

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“At the moment there is a few soft spots in the wicket,” Bayliss told the Nine Network.

“We are more than prepared to come out and play if we can get it as close as we can to yesterday.

“It’s up to the umpires. Whatever the umpires say, that’s what we’ll do.”

Bayliss said the blower vacuums were unlikely to fix the problem.

“It probably needs a little bit more wind and probably a little bit of sun, I would say,” he said.

“It is unfortunate really. It was going to be a good day of cricket – it might still be at some stage.”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann was more optimistic.

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“Looks pretty good to be fair. Hopefully they get on soon. The umpires will make a decision,” Lehmann told Nine.

“Hopefully it is pretty quick to play. Exciting day’s Test cricket ahead.”

Heavy rain fell in Perth on Monday morning with showers forecast to ease in the afternoon.

Australia lead the five-match series 2-0 and can capture the Ashes with a win on Monday.

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