Playing at Docklands Stadium, Brisbane Heat openers Nathan McSweeney and Jack Wood made a slow start, scoring 31-0 in the first four overs. However, they picked up the pace, with Matt Renshaw continuing the momentum after McSweeney’s dismissal in the eighth over.
With the score at 103-1 after 11 overs, Renegades captain Will Sutherland came in for his second spell. But Renshaw immediately put him under pressure, smashing three consecutive sixes over midwicket, square leg, and covers.
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After the third six, the umpire summoned Sutherland, pointing to the protected area of the wicket—a region where bowlers are not allowed to step during their follow-through. As a result, Sutherland was removed from the attack, and Josh Brown completed the over.
Just four overs later, the same incident happened again—this time with Fergus O’Neill. A stunned Sutherland covered his face in disbelief. He was also caught on the stump mic exclaiming, “It’s a T20 game!”—seemingly frustrated that such strict rules applied in a short-format match.
According to the Big Bash League 2024/25 Playing Conditions, the protected area is defined under clause 41.11. It includes a rectangle extending 5 feet (1.52 meters) in front of the popping creases and 1 foot (30.48 cm) from the stumps’ center lines.
While Sutherland may have argued that these rules should not apply in T20 cricket, clause 41.13.1 states that a bowler cannot enter the protected area in his follow-through without a valid reason, even if the ball is delivered.
Though it’s unclear exactly when the first two warnings were given, TV commentator Mark Howard noted that Sutherland had already received a warning in the first over.
Brisbane Heat posted a solid total of 196-4. At the time of writing, the Melbourne Renegades were 129-4 in 11.4 overs.
Stay updated for more on this unusual Big Bash League incident.
]]>The incident occurred at the end of the fourth over of Hobart’s innings, when a fire broke out in an entertainment area designated for a DJ setup. Umpires swiftly halted play while Gabba staff rushed to contain the blaze, using a fire extinguisher and blanket to bring the situation under control.
According to Fox Sports journalist Eloise Sohier, several fans at the sold-out Gabba had to be evacuated from the affected area. The DJ booth, positioned directly above one of the scoreboards, sent smoke billowing through the stands, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Despite the interruption, Hobart Hurricanes clinched a thrilling five-wicket win, successfully chasing down Brisbane Heat’s total of 6-201. With scores level and just one ball remaining, Matthew Wade smashed a full toss from Xavier Bartlett for six, sealing a spectacular victory for the visitors.
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This isn’t the first time The Gabba has witnessed unexpected interruptions during major sporting events.
While The Gabba remains one of Australia’s premier sporting venues, its history of unforeseen disruptions continues to add to its unique legacy.
]]>Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan is thinking about leaving Australia’s Big Bash League. Rashid, who plays for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, isn’t happy with how Australia has treated his home country, Afghanistan. His decision comes after Australia kept delaying the Afghanistan series for various reasons.
Cricket Australia (CA) recently announced the indefinite postponement of Australia’s T20I series against Afghanistan, which was supposed to happen later this year. CA explained that they made this decision after talking with the Australian government, citing concerns about “a significant decline in human rights for women and girls” in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
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The star spinner, who plays for Gujarat Titans in the current Indian Premier League season, expressed deep disappointment with Cricket Australia’s decision. He’s seriously thinking about withdrawing from Australia’s T20 League. Rashid, known as one of the top spinners globally, highlighted how Afghanistan benefits from playing against top teams in world cricket.
“It’s really upsetting; you want to face the best teams to improve your cricket skills. You usually only get to play against Australia in World Cups, not in bilateral series,” Rashid Khan told ESPNcricinfo.
He emphasized the importance of recent series, like the T20 matches against India, in boosting Afghanistan’s confidence on the international stage.
“We almost chased down 200 runs against India. Just think, if we hadn’t played those matches, where would we find the confidence? Playing against top teams means a lot to us,” Rashid said.
]]>As the excitement builds for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been hit with a major setback. Star English all-rounder Tom Curran was ruled out of the recently-concluded Big Bash League (BBL) due to knee injury after playing just a few games. This has raised concerns about Curran’s availability for the forthcoming IPL season.
Having been acquired by RCB for a noteworthy INR 1.5 crore in the recent auction, Curran’s journey to RCB is taking unexpected turn even before getting started because of his injury. The Bengaluru-based franchise had pinned high hopes on Curran’s all-round abilities to significantly impact the IPL 2024 campaign.
In the wake of Curran’s potential unavailability, RCB are now forced to explore alternative options to fill the void left by the injured all-rounder. The team will likely consider capable all-rounders who can contribute effectively with both bat and ball.
One potential candidate that RCB might target is the seasoned Caribbean all-rounder Jason Holder. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2024 auction, Holder’s wealth of experience and versatility could make him an ideal replacement for Curran. The 32-year-old brings a proven track record in all facets of the game.
RCB could also turn their attention to James Neesham, the T20I specialist from New Zealand. Neesham’s stellar batting prowess and classy bowling skills make him a compelling option to fill the void if Curran leaves. His inclusion could bring valuable depth to the squad of the Faf du Plessis-led side.
An intriguing option for RCB could be Michael Bracewell, who was part of the team’s squad in the previous season but was released ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. The 32-year-old Kiwi all-rounder might triumphantly return to his old camp, providing the franchise with a familiar face to compensate for Curran’s unfortunate injury.
]]>Tom Curran will serve the remainder of his four-match ban for umpire intimidation after having an appeal against the suspension rejected by the Big Bash League.
The England allrounder was charged and found guilty of a Level 3 breach of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct following an incident which took place before Sydney Sixers’ match against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.
Sixers launched an appeal hoping to prove the application of the regulation was inconsistent with previous instances and though Curran is said to have displayed genuine remorse, the ban remains.
Having already missed the victory over Adelaide Strikers on Friday (December 22), he will miss the next three games against Melbourne Stars (December 26), Sydney Thunder (December 30) and Brisbane Heat (January 1).
His stint is only scheduled to run for the first nine matches of Sixers’ campaign having signed a deal with Desert Vipers in the ILT20, which begins on January 19.
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In a lengthy statement responding to the judgement, Curran has sought to clarify his actions which saw him warned not to run on the pitch during practice before the game against the Hurricanes earlier this month.
Umpire Muhammad Quesrshi then stood next to the stumps to deter Curran, who has played two Tests, 28 ODIs and 30 T20Is for England, from repeating the action.
But Tom Curran approached the crease again, with Quesrshi having to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
“The interaction with Umpire Quesrshi took me by surprise at a time when I was very focused on my pre-match routine,” he said. “I didn’t expect the stand-off that resulted.
“I deeply regret the way I reacted to it and the resultant impact for Umpire Quereshi, the Sydney Sixers and myself personally.
“My intention was always to veer off to Umpire Quershi’s right, in a similar way to my run up at the other end. I had never considered running into him and never considered that he would think that was my intention. However, on reflection, I should have repositioned my run up a metre or so to my left. I would not do the same if the situation arose again, and I am sorry.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I also could have approached Umpire Quereshi during the fixture to discuss the interaction, hear his perspective and offer mine. I regret not doing this.
“I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practice my run-up in the direction of Umpire Quereshi and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him.”
Head of cricket Rachael Haynes added: “While we support Tom as a valued member of the club, in no way do we condone any sort of disrespect towards match officials. This was a regrettable situation and one that Tom has shown remorse for.
“We sought to appeal the original decision based on previous Code of Conduct cases. Whilst not disagreeing that Tom Curran had breached the code through his conduct, we felt that the charge was inconsistent with other offences. Following the ruling, we respect that not to be the case.”
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