The Docklands Stadium in Melbourne has been in the news of late as batters have been hitting humongous sixes that have hit the roof in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24. The recent changes in BBL rules have allowed the umpires to decide on whether it should be signalled a dead ball or a six depending on where the ball went. On January 4, in the clash against Melbourne Renegades, Hobart Hurricanes opener Ben McDermott hit the ball hard enough to hit the roof which led to bizarre scenes.
The incident took place in the second over of the Hurricanes' run chase. After scoring just a single run from five balls, McDermott smashed the length delivery from Tom Rogers. He did not get it in the middle of the bat but the top edge led to the ball hitting the roof. The ball did not come down but it was clear that it was heading for the stands. As a result, the on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Bruce Oxenford had a discussion after which it was signalled a six.
A few Renegades fielders were seen chuckling while others had a conversation with McDermott talking about where the ball got stuck after the monstrous hit.
However, McDermott could not continue to hit big as he was the third wicket to fall. In the seventh over, he lost his wicket to debutant Fergus O Neill as he dragged the ball back to the stumps. He scored 25 runs from 23 balls including three fours and a six.
After the Hurricanes lost three wickets for 48 runs, Sam Hain and Corey Anderson shared a match-winning 84-run partnership. Hain hit two fours and three sixes in his 36-ball 51. Kiwi batter Anderson remained not out for 35-ball 41 guiding the Hurricanes to a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare.
Earlier the Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis won the toss and opted to bowl first. Despite Chris Jordan's expensive four overs, the Renegades managed to post 147/4 on the board. Jordan Cox turned out to be the top-scorer for the hosts with 36-ball 47. In the slog overs, Jonathan Well's 25-ball 38 helped push the scoring rate.
This was the Hurricanes third win from six games. They are placed fifth on the points table. On the other hand, the Renegades suffered their sixth loss from eight games and are placed seventh in the standings.
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