Furious Steve Waugh urges ICC to ‘move with the times’ after farce Australia v South Africa

Steve Waugh led a chorus of criticism against the ICC on Wednesday after fans became frustrated with constant delays during Australia’s third test against South Africa.

Poor weather in Sydney meant the opening day of the friendly against the Proteas was interrupted by rain, with fans enduring a two-and-a-half-hour delay. The players returned for just four overs before being sent back again.

The longer delay was due to poor lighting, but former Australia captain Waugh pointed out on Instagram that the decision not to turn on the lights at the SCG lacked common sense.

Steve Waugh has blasted the ICC after a frustrating day of Test cricket in Sydney

“Test Cricket needs to recognize that there is a lot of competition out there and it just isn’t worth not using the lights when players are off due to poor lighting,” he wrote.

“Lots of dissatisfied viewers who can’t understand the rationale and reason for no game. #commonsense #movewiththetimes @icc @cricketaustralia.’

A frustrated Marnus Labuschagne also had to regret the constant interruptions in Sydney.

Labuschagne was held off for 79 by a vicious, rising ball from Anrich Nortje before the players left the field immediately for the second time due to poor light with Australia 2-147 and Stumps was called up.

Poor light caused a two-and-a-half hour delay, but officials kept the lights from turning on

The right-hander’s dismissal came at the end of a short four-man stint after an earlier two-and-a-half-hour delay, mainly due to poor light and patchy rain.

“I was definitely very frustrated,” said Labuschagne.

“It always makes you very angry as a slugger when you come out and then everyone walks off the field with you.

“You really think about it, that particular ball was probably under the light meter and you’re coming out.”

Asked if he felt it was too dark when Nortje threw the ball, Labuschagne said he didn’t consider it until he was fired.

Play resumed for a brief four-over spell, with Marnus Labuschagne losing his wicket

“I was just really focused on the ball… It was definitely dark,” he said.

“The referees have to make sure that it doesn’t matter if the over is still going on or if something happens before we go if they feel it’s dark.

“But maybe until I got fired they thought (it was fine) and then all of a sudden the lights went out and it got too dark.”

With the series already concluded, a win for Australia on a wicket in Sydney that is already providing spin will guarantee qualification for the World Test Championship final in June.