Officials deny leaking covers caused rain delays at the Australia v South Africa SCG cricket test

Officials have denied leaking rain covers were responsible for delays in the rain-induced Sydney Cricket Ground Test between Australia and South Africa, but an English cricketer blasted the excuse.

SCG ground staff again used an empty set of covers on the fourth day after the set, imprinted with NRMA insurance advertising, appeared to have caused an embarrassing leak in Wicket Square.

Ground staff had been asked by Cricket Australia to use the new covers – ironically emblazoned with the insurance company’s slogan ‘HELP’.

Officials have denied leaking rain covers were responsible for delays in the rain-induced Sydney Cricket Ground Test between Australia and South Africa, but an English cricketer blasted the excuse

SCG ground staff re-used an empty set of SCG covers on the fourth day after the set, imprinted with NRMA insurance advertising, appeared to have caused an embarrassing leak in Wicket Square

The damage to the pitch wasn’t too serious, but it’s understood water leaked in around the logos, causing additional work for ground staff.

Cricket Australia and Venues NSW have released a joint statement to explain exactly what happened to the sponsored covers.

The damage to the pitch wasn’t too serious, but it’s understood water leaked in around the logos, causing additional work for ground staff

“Ground staff and the cricket operations team have confirmed that there were no delays in the game due to a small leak in the covers,” the statement said.

“The delay in today’s game was caused by a small section of sodden pitch in front of Wicket Square which had accumulated water overnight. The SCG had 56mm of rain overnight and this morning.

“NRMA insurance was not involved in the design of the covers or the requirement that they must be used for this game and the ground crew had no problem with the new covers.”

Former England player Isa Guha criticized the condition of the cases used in Australia compared to England.

Former England player Isa Guha (pictured) criticized the condition of the cases used in Australia compared to England

“For a site the size of the MCG and as iconic as the SCG… You think of all the history and tradition, I’m really amazed at the extent of coverage at the site. You’d think they could invest in better covers,” Guha said on Fox Cricket’s broadcast of the game.

“You have the hover covers at Lord’s that come off very quickly and then at the Oval they literally cover the entire ground on the court for moments like this where bowlers are looking around the ends of the field where it can be a bit dangerous . I’m quite amazed that it isn’t better equipped.”

Meanwhile, SCG Trust chairman Tony Shepherd insists the Sydney Test must remain in its New Year’s window despite having been interrupted by rain in six of the last seven years.

Shepherd said the SCG will not give up its New Year’s window, although she acknowledged that the weather pattern at La Nina over the past two years has brought the soil’s poor weather history more into focus.

SCG Trust chairman Tony Shepherd insists the Sydney Test must remain in its New Year’s window despite being interrupted by rain in six of the last seven years

“That’s the tradition. We just have to live with the climate,” Shepherd said on SEN on Saturday.

“We get a bit of rain here and sometimes it disrupts the game, but we just have to get through this.

“Next year is going to be a good season because I think next year we’re going to get El Nino (weather pattern) which means we’re going to be in the middle of a drought.”