Cricket fans and commentators have blasted the state of the field used for the BBL derby between the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers on Saturday night, in a game where Sam Konstas was dismissed for 0 before a likely Test debut. Ben Dwarshuis was the unlikely hero for the Sixers, hitting 20 not out from eight balls in a final-ball victory.
But the talk of the cricket world was how poor the field was at Engie Stadium (Sydney Showgrounds) at Olympic Park. Large sections of the outfield were covered in sand, and there were mis-matched patches of grass around the field due to a number of recent concerts and music festivals at the venue.
Sam Konstas fell for a duck, while the field used for the Sydney Thunder and Sixers clash was widely slammed. Image: Getty/Fox Cricket
Fans and commentators took to social media to express their dismay, describing it as “embarrassing” and “horrific” for the BBL as a product when so much money is poured into the competition and it’s valued at around $10 million. One person wrote: “How does this pitch reach the standard for a BBL game? Embarrassing by Engie Stadium and the Big Bash for accepting this.”
The ‘CricBlog’ Twitter account wrote: “Outfield isn’t even Sunday league standard. Hope there isn’t an injury because of it.” While another person commented: “Quite nice to see a cricket match played at a ground where cattle are allowed to graze on the outfield.”
How is Engie Stadium always in such poor condition? The pitch and outfield are a disgrace every year. Get some groundskeepers!! #BBL14 #BBL @ThunderBBL
— The Alaskan (@cockroachBLUE) December 21, 2024
The Thunder need to be a Sydney team still but they need to be given a better stadium and outfield.
Unfortunately, right now without sharing the SCG, Canberra is the better ground#BBL14
— Joshy (@the_joshy_boy) December 21, 2024
Bondi beach transformed into a cricket stadium
— Ian Johnson (@IanJohn98502975) December 21, 2024
Sam Konstas falls for duck in final Test audition
The match marked Konstas’ final audition before the Boxing Day Test, but it didn’t exactly go to plan. The 19-year-old has been called into Australia’s squad for the fourth Test against India, although selectors haven’t guaranteed him a debut just yet.
Josh Inglis is also in the squad and hit 49 in the Perth Scorchers’ loss to Hobart Hurricanes, although it looks odds-on that Konstas will get the nod. Playing for the first time since being called into the Test squad, Konstas went to cut a shot ball from Akeal Hosein and bottom-edged onto his stumps for a duck.
Speaking later on Fox Cricket, Konstas said axed Test opener Nathan McSweeney had been among the first to congratulate him following an initial call from chief selector George Bailey. “I was so thrilled and called my parents straight away, and they were very emotional,” Konstas said.
“Mum was in tears, so I was trying not to cry. Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs. I’m very excited. I want to be challenged and I’ve got a few plans against India’s bowlers. I feel like I’m moving really nicely so hopefully I get that opportunity.”
Ben Dwarshuis the hero as Sixers beat Sydney rivals Thunder
Chasing 164 for victory, the Sixers looked dead and buried when they needed 47 from the final four overs. But Jordan Silk (36 not out from 25) helped them take 17 from a Nathan McAndrew over, before Dwarshius provided the late heroics.
After launching Lockie Ferguson for six from the first ball he faced, the Sixers bowler then took charge with 15 needed from Chris Green’s final over. Green’s first three balls were hard to get away but he was hurt by two straight wides outside off.
Ben Dwarshuis celebrates after the Sydney Sixers’ victory over Sydney Thunder. (Photo by Jason McCawley – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Then with seven needed from two balls, Dwarshuis smashed Green over the long-on rope for six, before taking a quick single off the last ball to seal the win. It came after Dwarshuis also hit 14 not out from six balls on Monday night to help the Sixers beat the Melbourne Renegades.
“One of the attitudes we have in this team is to win from any position,” Dwarshuis said. “Coming in first ball is something in my role I practice, trying to hit the first one for six. So it was nice to do it tonight, especially against Lockie, one of the world’s best.”
with AAP
