Wild weather wreaked havoc at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 17, 2025, leading to the abandonment of the highly anticipated Big Bash League clash between the Sydney Sixers and arch-rivals the Sydney Thunder. This encounter, known as the Sydney Smash, was expected to draw fans eager to watch star players like Steve Smith and David Warner face off.
Severe winds gusting up to 50 km/h caused significant safety concerns even before the first ball was bowled. Approximately 45 minutes before play was set to begin, security personnel evacuated spectators from two bays of the Bill O'Reilly Stand after vinyl soffit sheeting began to flap violently. Fortunately, the sheeting detached without injuring anyone. "Two seating bays have been cleared and patrons have been provided seating in another grandstand," Venues NSW stated.
Despite attempts to proceed with the match, rain interrupted play just after it commenced at 7:15 PM AEDT. Play was halted multiple times, with the conditions so severe and unpredictable, Cricket Australia was unable to calibrate their ball-tracking technology for decision reviews. "The conditions were so difficult Cricket Australia was unable to set up ball-tracking or ultra edge as the technology could not be calibrated," reported AAP.
After only 5.1 overs were bowled, during which Thunder captain David Warner scored 22 off 14 balls, the rain became persistent, forcing officials to abandon the match entirely. With no opportunity for play to resume, both teams were awarded one point as the game finished as a washout. The Sixers' hopes of clinching the top spot on the ladder were dashed, relegated instead to second position.
The match added to the surge of extreme weather impacting Australian cricket recently. Just the night prior, play at the Gabba was interrupted by a small fire during the game between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes, highlighting the chaotic nature of the recent BBL fixtures.
Players and fans alike expressed their disappointment at the missed opportunity for what was supposed to be an electric showdown. Todd Murphy, Sixers spinner, reflected on the incident, saying, "Luckily it came down when no one was sitting there," acknowledging the dangerous situation the gusty winds created.
Securing the second spot means the Sixers will face the Hobart Hurricanes next for the grand final qualifier, as their captain Moises Henriques turns his attention to their upcoming match. “It’s a position we've been in before where we've had to travel away for a qualifier. I think the group's excited by the opportunity that's going to present to us down in Hobart,” said Sixers batter Jordan Silk.
For the Thunder, who end the season third, they will host the knockout finals match and await the result of the weekend’s games to check their opponent's lineup. Their consistent play has placed them firmly within playoff contention, and the team is likely eager to build on this season's achievements.
The abandonment of the Sydney Smash due to weather conditions serves as a reminder of the peculiar challenges faced by outdoor sports, particularly cricket, which is heavily influenced by weather. Mixed emotions linger among fans unable to watch the fierce competition between these teams, particularly as they had hoped to witness the last innings before several players, including Steve Smith, depart for the Australian Test series to Sri Lanka.
The Sydney Smash has become more than just another fixture; it embodies the rivalry and passion of cricket within Australia. Unfortunately, this time, it was nature's wrath rather than on-field actions disrupting the scores, leaving players frustrated and fans yearning for what could have been.