Benoni - Play in the SuperSport Series match between the Titans and the Warriors at Willowmoore Park on Thursday was abandoned shortly after 4pm because of an unsuitable pitch.
After only two overs had been bowled in the morning, it became clear that the bowlers were creating dents in the pitch, right in the danger area for batsmen. After 5.5overs, the umpires, match referee and ground staff examined the pitch again. They found that there was an underground wet area, which was causing the problems.
The players left the field, while the ground staff tried to undertake repairs. Dry cement and "bully" were put in the indentations, and the light roller was used.
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There was another pitch inspection at 2.30, and the players came out again at 3pm. However, only seven balls were bowled - during which time Proteas opening batsman Ashwell Prince was caught in the slips by Jacques Rudolph off Morne Morkel for eight - before the umpires felt the need to examine the pitch again.
They were joined by Cricket South Africa's (CSA's) pitch consultant, Peter Muzzell, flew in from East London to examine the pitch. After some time, it was decided to call play off for the day.
Initially, match referee Tiffy Barnes hoped it would be possible to restart the match on Friday. He said match rules allowed for the pitch to be rolled for seven minutes before the start of play, after which he planned to consult the two captains.
However, it is up to the batting captain to decide whether he wants the pitch rolled or not, and Warriors' captain Davy Jacobs informed the umpires that he did not want it rolled.
"That would mean the umpires would have to call the match off anyway, so we decided to call it off now," said Barnes. He said the problem had been caused by over-watering.
"We dug a section out, and it was damp on the top, but wet underneath. Even though we have had a hot sunny day, it hasn't done much to dry it up."
Barnes said the Titans franchise would almost certainly face disciplinary action.
"After the match, the captains, the umpires, and I will all submit reports to CSA," he said. "The pitch consultant will also submit a technical report.
The Titans could face a maximum fine of R150 000 and point deductions, but that will be up to CSA. - Sapa
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