Published: Dec 21, 2016, 12:17 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 21, 2016, 12:17 PM (IST)
Cricket Australia has announced that it has withdrawn its approval for the bat used by Andre Russell in last night’s match against the Sydney Sixers at Spotless Stadium, after the bat marked the ball.
Speaking on the decision, Head of the Big Bash Anthony Everard said:
“The Match Officials provided feedback to Cricket Australia that the bat used by Andre left black marks on the match ball. As a result, we have decided to withdraw our approval for Andre to use the bat that was used last night as the colour solution used by the manufacturer was discolouring the ball.”
“Should Andre, or any other BBL or WBBL player for that matter, wish to use a bat with a different colouring solution to the one used last night that doesn’t result in the discolouration of the match ball, they will be permitted to do so subject to Cricket Australia being satisfied that the bat won’t compromise the integrity of the game, which we believe discolouring the match ball does,” said Everard.
Under the BBL & WBBL Clothing and Equipment Regulations a player can use a coloured bat subject to Cricket Australia approval. The bat must be the same colour as the Club’s primary colour, or black. Cricket Australia retains the right to withdraw approval in its absolute discretion. The umpires can also request a player change the bat if they believe it affects the integrity of the match.
