Plunket Shield match abandoned

The eighth-round Plunket Shield match between Canterbury and the Auckland Aces at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora, was abandoned this morning because of safety concerns over the pitch.

Only three overs were bowled on the first session of the third day before umpires Ash Mehrotra and John Dempsey decided to remove the players from the field and abandon the game – with Auckland at 66 for six in reply to Canterbury’s 485 for six declared.

NZC GM Domestic Andrew Rogers said the umpires took the course of action on the basis of safety after several deliveries had behaved erratically when Auckland resumed the day at 57 for five.

“The umpires were of the view that the pitch was not safe and fit for play; that the players’ welfare was the number one priority and, accordingly, abandoned play,” said Mr Rogers.

“It’s too early to say exactly why the pitch didn’t meet playable standards  – we’ll certainly be launching an investigation to look at that.”