Big Bash Big Drama – BBL 2023: Bizarre event occurred in the Big Bash League game between Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. Joe Clarke, the wicketkeeper-batter for the Stars, mishit a delivery from Renegades bowler Will Sutherland in the third over of their inning, sending it into the retractable roof of the arena. The on-field umpire immediately signaled a six when the ball ultimately landed inside the thirty-yard circle. Thirteen overs later, all-rounder Beau Webster smacked Tom Rodgers to the roof in a similar occurrence. Although the ball this time landed close to the pitch, six runs were once again awarded. Follow BBL 2023 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Big Bash Big Drama: Controversy UNFOLDS in BBL 2023, Watch as BATSMAN awarded 2 SIXES after BALL hit the roof: CHECK OUT
It should be six or not? New controversy emerge in #BBL after two sixes hi the Marvel Stadium roof in @RenegadesBBL and @StarsBBL matchpic.twitter.com/s6k4PEZ4GT
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) January 14, 2023
Both would have given the Renegades opportunities to catch the ball, but due to BBL rules, the Stars were given six runs instead. The instances sparked further controversy about the rule. They would have been considered dead balls under former rules, which retired great Mark Waugh suggested should be resurrected.
“The thing is, it’s cost them [the Renegades] 12 runs which is just wrong,” Waugh said on the Fox Sports broadcast. “At the minimum, it should be a dead ball. It should not be six runs. Twelve runs is a big difference in this game, let alone the fact that they would’ve been out. You can’t do much about that, but there’s no way it should be an automatic six.”
Before the first incident, Clarke had reached 16 from 10 balls. He took advantage of what was essentially a lifeline by smashing two fours and five sixes. Clarke’s “free” six runs were hailed by Stars coach David Hussey, whose brother Mike Hussey struck the ceiling while playing a one-day match for Australia against a World XI in 2005.
The Marvel Stadium roof rule is back in the spotlight… #BBL12
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 14, 2023
“I think it actually got Joe going, too, which is nice,” Hussey said on Fox Sports.
Aaron Finch, the Renegades’ interim captain, was frustrated by the happenings. Ironically, it was Finch’s shot from 2013 that initially caused the regulation to change.
“It would’ve been two simple catches tonight. They’re both straight up,” Finch said on Fox Sports. The rule is what it is,” he added later. “It’s the same for both teams, so I don’t think you can complain. It would’ve been two dismissals and Joe Clarke was in the third over, so that makes a big difference in the game.”
Notably, despite getting such sixes, Stars’ run chase ended up falling six runs short. The Stars finished their innings on 156 in 20 overs while chasing a target of 163. Melbourne Stars have only won three of their 11 games, and they are still at the bottom of the standings.
Big Bash Big Drama: Controversy UNFOLDS in BBL 2023, Watch as BATSMAN awarded 2 SIXES after BALL hit the roof: CHECK OUT
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