Fans at Optus Stadium have been instructed to seek shelter due to lightning, with the wild burst of weather forcing the start of the Scorchers’ Big Bash League opener to be delayed.
Exactly an hour before the first ball of the clash between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers was set to be bowled, a message was shown on the venue’s screen and played over the PA system telling attendees to seek cover.
“Due to approaching lightning, and in the interest of safety, it is necessary to evacuate the seating bowl,” the message read.
“Please follow directions from stadium staff and seek shelter.”
Rain began to tumble down at the venue at 3.40pm, with flashes of lightning seen and the sound of thunder heard shortly after.
The bat flip was scheduled to take place at 3.45pm but has been pushed back due to the inclement weather.
Camera IconThe state of play as the lightning warning was first put into effect. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Cricket Australia’s storm policy states players should not return to the field until 30 minutes after the last sounds of thunder have been heard, leading to the start of the game being delayed.
Scorchers captain Mitch Marsh could see the funny side of the delay.
“We could be in Melbourne here, couldn’t we?” Marsh joked with Fox Cricket.
“It’s been a beautiful couple of days, very hot, so this is pretty weird. I certainly wasn’t expecting this today.
“A bit of patience required and we’ll be out there soon, hopefully.”
Players were going through their warm-ups and media had assembled on the ground at the time but slowly filtered off after hearing the news.
Camera IconSixers players Ben Dwarshuis and Charlie Stobo walk from the field as lightning delays the warm up period. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
WA Cricket’s ground staff remained on the job as all others sought cover, putting the full covers on the pitch.
The hessian cover had been on the pitch for much of the build-up to the game but no rain was seen at Optus Stadium in the hours before the game.
The storms are set to clear later in the afternoon, according to the The Bureau of Meteorology.
On a scorching Sunday, the mercury read 38C as the shelter notice rang out, with a max of 40C forecast for the day.
Ahead of the first Test of The Ashes at Optus Stadium in November, Australia’s players and coaches were forced to take cover due to lightning being seen in the vicinity of the venue.
More to come
