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Drama as smoke forces Thunder-Strikers clash to be abandoned

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21st December, 2019
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Play had to be suspended during the fifth over of the Sydney Thunder’s chase against the Adelaide Strikers after smoke in Canberra raised concerns.

There were fears there would be no match at all in the build-up, yet initially, the conditions at Manuka Oval were better than expected, allowing the Strikers to get their season underway as they posted 5/161 after being sent in by the Thunder.

However with the Thunder on 1/40 in reply and in front under Duckworth-Lewis method, smoke forced players off the field with umpires citing fears surrounding air control and visibility.

Thunder captain Callum Ferguson, unbeaten on 27 from 14 deliveries, appeared miffed with the call which came just four balls shy of the five-over requirement to guarantee a result if play was unable to resume.

However, Umpire Paul Wilson told Fox Cricket the decision had to be made.

“We would not have started if it was like this,” Wilson said.

“I understand that the Thunder have got four balls to go but we can’t take that into consideration. It’s really about air quality and obviously the smoke coming in here.”

Though it was hoped that play could resume before the cutoff time, the smoke remained too prevalent, forcing the match to be abandoned.

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The Strikers and Thunder will come away with a point each.

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