The Cricket World Cup clash between Australia and Sri Lanka was halted due to parts of the stadium “coming down”. The match in Lucknow was disrupted by high winds and a dust storm which caused concerning scenes.
Sri Lanka were struggling on 207-9 in the 43rd over at the time. The players had been off the field for a rain break earlier in the innings.
Winds suddenly picked up at Ekana Sports City in Lucknow and dust was blowing across the field of play. Banners advertising the tournament at the top of the stands were fluttering vociferously.
The noise from supporters increased and there were audible gasps in the commentary box at what Nasser Hussain described as “bits of the stands coming down”. TV pictures picked up part of the banners that had been blown onto the outfield, with the players and umpires looking concerned as they watched on.
But Hussain revealed that he had seen poles which were holding the banners fall into the crowd. The former England captain sounded worried for the safety of the supporters, who were seen retreating to the back of the stands.
Hussain said: “Oh we’ve got to be careful here now. There’s bits of the stands just coming down as well, that’s why they’re just going to stop play.
“There was a large chunk of the stand that came down, I hope everyone’s ok. The wind has just brought something down there.
“There were some poles on that banner. There were actually some poles that came down on the crowd, that’s why the players are looking a little bit concerned.
“I think they’re ok in the crowd over there, just checking they’re ok. The banner was attached to some poles, came down. The wind really has picked up. They [the fans] are all moving back.”
Play resumed after a couple of minutes and Sri Lanka lasted just five more balls before being bowled out for just 209. Both teams headed into the match with two defeats from two in the tournament.
Sri Lanka started excellently with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera both hitting half-centuries and putting on a partnership of 125. However, they suffered a dramatic collapse, losing 10 wickets for just 84 runs in 22.5 overs.
Adam Zampa, who had struggled in the opening two matches, returned fine figures of 4-47. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins collected 2-37 with Mitchell Starc also grabbing a two-fer.
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