Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley defends Sydney Test despite impact of rain, bad light

01-05-2023
4 min read
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Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has defended the placement of the SCG Test, with rain and bad light again rearing its ugly head.

Sydney has become synonymous with poor weather in recent years, with the ground suffering more washed-out days and rain delays than any other Test cricket venue in Australia.

The first day of play between Australia and South Africa on Wednesday saw just 48 overs bowled, before a mixture of light rain and poor light stopped play.

It caused plenty of outrage from commentators, fans and players alike, with the lack of clear direction or reasoning leaving many frustrated. 

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Steve Waugh took to social media to slam the ICC and urged them to 'move with the times' after farcical scenes at the SCG.

Speaking on SEN RadioHockley sympathised with the fans and players, admitting the delays were frustrating for all involved. 

“I think he [Waugh] is voicing the frustration of all of us," he said.

"I think that clearly the rules are there with safety in mind and I think that has to be everyone’s priority. There’s a big move to LEDs from the traditional bulbs and that we see fewer and fewer of these types of delays.

"I think Steve was voicing everyone’s frustration and it’s a frustration that we share. The rules are there for people’s safety and we have to prioritise that at all costs.

“I think it was just extremely frustrating, particularly the combination of light and rain. I just really feel for everyone – the fans here at the ground and watching all around the world – and the players.

"To see bad light in the heart of the Australian summer, it’s something you might expect at Headingley in early-June."

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Sydney's place in the cricket calendar has also come into question, with many pushing Cricket Australia to move the fixture to December. 

But when quizzed on whether early-January was the ideal time for the Sydney Test, Hockley defended the schedule. 

“I think so – it’s an iconic event on the sporting calendar," he said.

"People plan their entire holidays around it, we saw over 30,000 people come out yesterday.

"Particularly now with the pink Test in its 15th year and the positive impact [of that].

"There is so much going on around the ground, but we want to see as much play as possible.

Due to the delays for bad light, some fans may have been asking why a pink ball couldn't be used in order to continue play.

Hockley however pointed out the impact on the contest to change the ball mid-game.

“I think changing of the ball during play is really problematic," he said.

"I think that introduces a little bit too much variability into the game. When you take the new ball, the state of the ball is a key part of the nuance of Test cricket.

"Calls for a pink ball, I can’t see that getting too much traction."