Australia vs South Africa: Current and former stars clash over Test cricket’s bad light rules
Some of the most influential voices in Australian cricket believe the game’s bad light rules are threatening the Test format’s brittle existence. Re-live all the talking points from the SCG.
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Current and former players have clashed over whether cricket’s archaic bad light rules are turning the game into a farce.
Test greats Allan Border and Steve Waugh slammed the lack of cricket played at the SCG on the first day of the final Test, with 31,264 fans walking away having seen only 47 overs play and television broadcasters left furious just a day after committing over $1.5 billion to bankroll the sport.
But Australian top scorer Marnus Labuschagne (79), filthy at being dismissed one ball before bad light stopped play for the final time, sympathised with the frustration of fans but urged the brigade of former players to think back to what it was like to face a 150km/h fast bowler in the dark.
“That’s such a tough question. They’ve all played, so they understand when it’s dark and someone is bowling fast,” Labuschagne said, with Australia 2-147 at stumps after rain also impacted the day.
“I think perhaps their decisions are coming more from the spectators’ point of view.
“I feel like that for the spectators. I walked (to go back on at one point) and then we didn’t go out, and I said, ‘well that’s the quickest way to lose spectators right there.’
“But the reality of the game is it’s got to be safe and when you’ve got two teams that are bowling fast, you can’t be out there when it’s too dark.
“It’s hard to argue because of course we want to be entertaining a stacked crowd. But it doesn’t always work like that.”
South African strike weapon Anrich Nortje, who dismissed Labuschagne with a rip snorting delivery when the light meter probably would have said the teams should have been off the field – sided with Labuschagne and said fans and broadcasters must understand the very real dangers that exist for batters and fielders.
“It’s tough, because it was really dark at that stage, and it gets dark. It’s not just the batting team, but fielders can’t pick the ball up in certain areas in the field, so it’s really hard to play, and then if a chance comes and it goes down, it’s just a hard one,” Nortje said.
“To come off when it’s dark, it’s probably just the right decision.
“At a stage it can get unsafe, if the ball is maybe a bit harder and you’re coming in with two guys bowling quickly.”
However, pressure is mounting on cricket’s decision-makers to radically overhaul the rules of the game, after Test cricket was literally viewed in a bad light at the SCG.
The Sydney Cricket Ground’s greatest champion Steve Waugh, who rarely makes public comment, joined his brother Mark in scathing criticism of the scenes on day one.
“Test cricket needs to realise there is a lot of competition out there,” Waugh wrote on Instagram.
“Not using the lights when the players are off for bad light simply doesn’t add up. Lots of unhappy spectators who can’t understand the rationale and reason for no play.”
Aside from a brief delay in getting the lights on when South Africa had to bowl its two spinners, the lights were on for the majority of the day and still could not stop the agonising delays for bad light.
Mark Waugh on Fox Cricket said that in itself was embarrassing, and that there was no excuse for leaving the field in Test cricket if the lights are on.
Border agreed.
“The light is good with the lights on - you could play in this light in my opinion,” Border said on Fox.
“I’ve been arguing this case for 20-odd years - the current light rule is too soft. We come off too easily when it darkens up in the afternoon.”
Labuschagne dismissed a suggestion that pink balls should be brought into play if light was an issue and didn’t hide his anger at being given out at a time when it was probably too dark to be facing quicks.
“I’m definitely very frustrated. Obviously it always makes you very angry as a batter when you get out and then everyone walks with you off the field,” Labuschagne said.
“It definitely really makes you think that specific ball was probably under the light meter and you’re getting out.”
Labuschagne said he’d never seen an SCG pitch turn so much on day one, and believes Australia is in a great position to win the match after winning the toss and batting first on a pitch that he feels will deteriorate quickly.
Re-live all the action from day one of the third test at the SCG
5.53PM: IT'S ALL OVER: RAIN WINS
Play has been officially suspended for the day - with players and umpires conceding defeat late on day one.
Australia will resume tomorrow at 2-147, with Usman Khawaja on 54 and Steve Smith yet to face a ball.
And the rain today means an early 10am start for the remainder of the Test.
So we’ll be back bright and early tomorrow to take you through more action (and possibly more weather updates!)
5.45PM: NO UPDATE FROM THE SCG
It’s been close to 45 minutes since Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed - and before another ball was bowled, play was halted for bad light.
The light hasn’t improved. And rain has fallen for the bulk of those 45 minutes, but play has not yet been called - although that decision seems imminent, even if umpires can wait until 6.30pm to make that call.
Having said that, the crowds seem aware of what is likely to happen. The stands are empty, and the only punters still here are seemingly sitting in the Members Bar.
5.01PM: WICKET! MARNUS’ LUCK RUNS OUT
15 minutes after play resumes under gloomy skies, and Marnus Labuschagne’s luck runs out.
He gets a ripper of a delivery from Anirch Nortje, and the Aussie No.3 gets an edge through to the keeper as he tries to fend the ball away.
He goes for 79.... and the very next ball, with Steve Smith arriving at the crease, and the umpires call for bad light again.
Australia are 2-147.
If only Marnus Labuschagne had survived one more delivery... the luck from the Summer of Marnus has finally run out. And his face says it all.
And the hessian comes back on. The punters are now heading for the exit. They think that’s all she wrote, today. And they could be right.
4.40PM - PLAY.... GETTING CLOSER?
Stop me if you’ve heard this before. But the umpires have had another light inspection, and they are now satisfied that it is safe to play.
Players will have another quick warm-up and we could be back underway shortly.
Unless, of course, the light deteriorates in the next ten minutes. Or the rain returns.
Scheduled restart is 4.45pm.
4.00PM - ‘YOU CAN’T FILL THAT VOID’: WARNER'S RETIREMENT PROMISE
David Warner and Usman Khawaja have made a pact not to leave the game together to ensure Australia does not tumble into a black hole it knows too well.
Australia went four years without winning a series after Greg Chappell, Rod Marsh and Dennis Lillee retired together at the SCG against Pakistan in 1984.
Times were not as desperate after Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne quit together against England at the SCG in 2006 but Australia wobbled nonetheless.
Australia’s late chairman of selectors Laurie Sawle once said Australia must learn from the Lillee-Marsh-Chappell exits that every effort must be made to ensure exceptional players do not leave the game at the same time.
The message seems to have got through to openers Warner and Khawaja, both 36, who first played together when they were seven.
There is a prospect this SCG Test against South Africa will be their last five-dayer on home soil though neither has made a firm decision on their future.
Warner failed after an early edge on the first morning while Khawaja, who looked like a driven man in the nets before the game, again excelled on a ground which was a stone’s throw away from where he grew up.
“We’re going to enjoy the next 12 months, enjoy it as much as we can,’’ Warner told Fox Cricket.
“For us it’s about not leaving this team with a big hole. I know through those five-year transition period when a lot of the greats left, they’re big holes to fill with the amount of games you play.
“We always talk about games played and how much that means into a team’s performance and perspective with experience. You can’t fill that void.”
Life beyond Khawaja and Warner remains a challenging puzzle for Australia with several worthy options but none who immediately suggest they are of the elite quality of the men they will replace.
Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris and South Australia’s Henry Hunt are the leading options.
“We’ve got great players coming through with Renshaw now coming back into the fold,” Warner added.
“He spoke about learning his lessons from when he first came in, which is awesome.
“Marcus Harris has 15 to 20 Tests under his belt. He’s got that experience, now it’s taking that game to the next level for him and establishing his spot.
“The team is in a great spot for when we decide to leave, or get tapped on the shoulder.”
3.45PM: BAD LIGHT... AGAIN STOPS PLAY
I was wrong. I have failed you. play was set to resume - I promise! - only for the umpires to knock the bails off after doing a test on the light on offer at the SCG.
Unfortunately it didn’t hit the requisite numbers and South Africa were turned back to the sheds despite there being no rain falling at the SCG.
3.40PM: PLAY CLOSE TO RESUMING
We’re going to get back out there tonight, with the rain stopped, the covers cleared and the players ready to go.
We’ll give you updated session times when we have them, but at the moment there are 47 overs remaining to be bowled today - and provisions to extend play beyond the scheduled finishing point of 5.30pm.
Australia resume at 1-138, with Usman Khawaja on 51 and Marnus Labuschagne on 73 with yet another century in sight.
3.10PM: MARNUS’ STRANGE SMOKO REQUEST
There’s no particular weather update from the SCG - the rain has eased during the tea break, but the groundstaff and heavy covers remain unmoved.
So let’s go back and have a look at another bizarre Marnus Labuschagne moment, of which there are many during every Test.
On his way to yet another half-century earlier today, the Australian No.3 became distracted and frustrated by some loose fabric in his helmet and motioned to the sheds for assistance - by motioning that he wanted a cigarette.
“There must’ve been a few frayed bits of material coming from the helmet and perhaps just getting into his eyeline,” Michael Hussey said on Fox Cricket.
“So he just used the lighter to burn them.
“The 12th man’s going be asking the guy next to him “what’s he want?” (as Marnus motions for a cigarette).”
As ever, Kerry O’Keeffe had his own unique take on what Labuschagne’s gesture meant.
“I don’t now what they’re smoking, but I’m happy out here,” said O’Keeffe, getting inside the mind of Marnus.
“With Dean Elgar’s field placement and where they’re bowling...”
When that footage was played on the big screens around the ground, fans were given a gentle reminder that the SCG is a no smoking, no vaping venue.
It’s unclear who in the Australian dressing room had such quick access to a cigarette lighter, however.
2.45PM: WEATHER UPDATE: IT’S BAD
An early tea has been taken at the SCG, where bad light stopped play midway through the middle session.
But in more ominous signs, the covers are coming out to protect the pitch. And we’re not just talking about the hessian this time - the heavy covers are out, now.
Rain was predicted to hit early afternoon and clearly the groundstaff feel it is almost here.
There’s plenty of rain - and hail - coming in from western Sydney so it could only be a matter of time here.
Fans have been told over the loudspeakers that we have bad weather in the area and to “seek shelter from exposed areas”.
That doesn’t sound good to me. And two minutes later.... THE HEAVEN’S EXPLODE.
People have been sent scrambling for the exits as the rain hammers down on the SCG.
2.20PM: PLAY STOPPED FOR BAD LIGHT
Bit of a delay here at the SCG - bad light has stopped play.
After taking drinks in the middle session, Australia are 1-138, with Usman Khawaja on 31 and Marnus Labuschagne on 73... but that’s where it will stay for the moment.
Because the clouds have taken over. It’s not raining, but it is incredibly gloomy at the SCG right now.
The lights have been on since before the start of this session, but it is still difficult for the batsmen and Australia have taken the offer to head back to the sheds.
It should give both sides time to watch the controversial no-catch which gave Labuschagne - the luckiest batsman on the planet? - another life today.
2.05PM: MARNUS SURVIVES AS TENSIONS RISE AT SCG
South Africa think they have Marnus Labuschagne out caught in the slips to a fantastic low catch by Simon Harper off Marco Jansen.
It’s low, and the soft signal is out as the decision was sent to the TV umpires, but after a
a long delay it is confirmed that Labuschange will survive - on 70 - in a decision that has upset South Africa.
“They felt they had their man. Simon Harmer thought he pouched it...” says Adam Gilchrist of South Africa’s reaction to the not-out verdict.
On front-on vision, it looks it could be out. Side on, it appears the ball bounces just before it reaches Harmer’s fingers.
“They’d be spewing, the South Africans,” says Proteas great Shaun Pollock.
Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja passes 50.
1.35PM: MARNUS POSTS 50, AUSTRALIA 100
After a gritty first session - punctuated with a bit of Covid news, that you might have heard - Australia have opened the shoulders a little bit after lunch.
Across the last 10 overs they’ve lifted the runrate to 4.1, and it’s coming from Australia attacking South Africa’s spinners.
Marnus Labuschange creamed his ninth boundary, off Kagiso Rabada rather than one of the spinners, to bring up his half-century from 102 balls - which also raised the 100 for Australia.
The following over Labuschagne thumped back-to-back boundaries off Keshav Maharaj - making if five boundaries off his past 12 deliveries.
1.25PM: WATCH: SKULL’S PERFECT TAKE ON ZAMPA MANKAD
1.13PM: KHAWAJA SAVED AS PLAY RESUMES AT CLOUDY SCG
Play is back underway at the SCG, despite fears during the lunch break that rain might play a role straight away in the afternoon session.
The hessian came out to protect the wicket in case of rain as dark clouds came over the SCG - prompting the stadium lights to be unleashed amid the gloom.
Upon the resumption, Usman Khawaja is gunned for LBW - attempting a reverse sweep against Simon Harmer on just the second ball of the session.
Khawaja immediately reviews and is saved by DRS as replays show there was plenty of glove before it hit the pads.
Still, legendary Australian captain Allan Border is unimpressed.
“First ball you face after lunch and you pull out the reverse sweep, I just question that decision,” says Border in commentary for Fox Cricket.
“It’s not so much the shot... it’s just the timing of the shot (straight after lunch).”
12.30PM: AUSTRALIA FIGHTS BACK AT SCG
Australia has rebuilt after the early loss of David Warner on the first morning of the Sydney Test, with Marnus Labuschagne “setting up a tent” at the SCG.
Fox Cricket commentator Ian Smith said Labuschagne, 30 not out at lunch, had the look of a man who was setting up camp and going nowhere after batting beautifully.
Usman Khawaja – who made twin centuries at the SCG last summer – is again settling in on his favourite pitch to be unbeaten on 25 at the break with Australia 1-68.
It was a crucial toss for Australia to win on a deck they feel could deteriorate as the match and make batting treacherous.
Warner was out for 10 when he slashed at an Anrich Nortje delivery and was caught at slip in the fourth over.
11.55AM: PROOF THE WORLD HAS CHANGED
Want proof that the world has moved on from Covid? This might be the image that ends the debate.
Last summer Pat Cummins missed a Test because he had a momentary encounter with a Covid-position acquaintance - falling victim to the dreaded ‘close contact’ ruling.
Now, you can test positive during a Test, continue to play your role in the Australian team and make your way around the SCG without a mask.
11.35AM: AUSSIES STEADY THEMSELVES BEFORE DRINKS
After a wild start to the day - with Matt Renshaw’s Covid announcement coming shortly after David Warner’s early wicket - Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja have settled things down at the SCG.
On a wicket that looks like it will not be batsman-friendly the whole way through this Test, Australia reached 1-30 after the first hour’s play.
It’s a hard graft, with Khawaja on 12 from 42 balls and Labuschagne an even more patient 6 from 31.
Their slow-scoring followed a brisk 10 from David Warner, before he fell to Anrich Nortje.
11.15AM: AUSSIES ROCKED BY POSITIVE COVID TEST
Australia has been rocked on the opening morning of the SCG Test, with recalled batsman Matt Renshaw confirmed as having Covid.
Renshaw, recalled to bat at No.6 for Australia after years in the wilderness, looked under the weather as players warmed up on Wednesday and stood separately from teammates during the Australian anthem.
He’s also sitting separately in the team dugout, on a plastic chair several metres away from teammates.
Renshaw’s positive RAT test was revealed by Fox Cricket, who confirmed the Queenslander plans to keep his place in the team and is still listed to bat at No.6 today.
The news follows Pat Cummins’ addressing the Covid issue on the eve of the Sydney Test, admitting his shock at having nearly escaped the summer without a Covid positive in the Australian camp.
“I still don’t know how we haven’t had Covid in our team now I think about it,” Cummins said on Tuesday.
“It feels like we’re back to normal life.”
11.00AM: AUSTRALIAN FEARS OVER ‘UNWELL’ RENSHAW
– PETER LALOR
Australia has lost David Warner early and may have lost Matthew Renshaw before he faces a ball.
The batsman stood aside from the team at the anthem and is reportedly “unwell”.
There is no word from the team on what his illness is, but the surprising inclusion of Peter Handscomb among the emergency fielders adds to the intrigue.
Steve Smith was ill in the lead up to the MCG Test with the flu.
“The word is that Renshaw’s not feeling 100 per cent today... and didn’t want to get too close and personal with his teammates,” said Adam Gilchrist on Fox Cricket.
Teams are allowed a like for like substitute if a player is diagnosed with Covid provided the symptoms occur in the match.
The rule was introduced by the ICC “in line with concussion replacements” and allows the match referee to approve the “nearest like-for-like replacement”.
Renshaw was added to the team to strengthen the batting after Cam Green suffered a broken finger in Melbourne.
He has not played a Test since 2018 but scored 184 at the SCG in the game against Pakistan in 2017.
10.45AM: WICKET! WARNER GOES FROM HERO TO ZERO
You haven’t had to wait long for a wicket very often this series, and the SCG crowd is treated to one after just 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, it’s the local boy David Warner. A week after plundering a double-century in his 100th Test, Warner races quickly to 10 before flashing at a wider ball from Anrich Nortje – resulting in a thick edge to Marco Jansen at second slip.
Australia 1-12 early in the day.
10.30AM: GAME ON, UNDER OVERCAST SKIES
It wouldn’t be a Sydney Test without having to spend as much time looking at the weather radar as the action in the middle – and it looks like this year will be no different.
I can tell that that the conditions at the ground are warm, and humid. Which, combined with a bit of cloud cover, could provide some opportunities for South Africa’s seam bowlers this morning on a pitch that does not look like it is going to be especially fun to bat on.
And while it’s not raining this morning, there are some showers expected this afternoon – so hopefully we can get a decent amount of cricket in before Sydney’s skies do their thing.
Australia will open with Usman Khawaja, who will face the first ball, and David Warner, in his 101st Test match and on the back of a stunning double century.
10.15AM: CUMMINS EXPLAINS TWO-SPIN STRATEGY
Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted it was a tough call to leave out Scott Boland, on top of already being without Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc due to injury.
“It’s always difficult, especially having someone like Scotty. We thought about it. It came down to being confident we can take 20 wickets with the four guys,” Cummins said at the toss.
South Africa has also called in the second spinner, with Simon Harmer joining Keshav Maharaj in the attack.
Cummins explained two spinners was a no-brainer – with Ashton Agar called in to play his first ever home Test – as was choosing to bat first.
“It probably looks a bit more like the traditional SCG wicket,” Cummins said.
“It might turn a little bit so it’s probably at its best on day one.”
Cummins admitted the Test doubled as a chance to prepare for next month’s tour of India.
“It’s a luxury we have,” Cummins said.
“This is probably as close as we’re going to get in India here in Australia. It’ll be good to see Ash have a go after a little while and Matt as well.”
South African captain Dean Elgar lamented another toss lost.
“I would have also batted but I mean the toss isn’t working is it? It seems a very good wicket here,” Elgar said.
“It looks a little bit drier, hence why both teams have gone with the extra spinner.”
10.00AM: AUSSIES WIN TOSS, BAT
Australia will bat first in the third and final Test against South Africa, after Pat Cummins won the toss and confirmed a team shake-up.
Australia made three changes to the XI which dominated the Boxing Day Test, with exiled stars Ashton Agar and Matt Renshaw returning, while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also comes back after being sidelined with a side strain.
Two of those changes were forced by injury after losing Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc to finger injuries, while Scott Boland was left out.
“Always difficult, especially having someone like Scott who has done so well for us,” Cummins said of Boland’s omission.
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