Adelaide: We have seen floodlights malfunctioning at different venues in India during football games and day-night cricket matches, and organisers have faced their fair share of criticism as well.
But such ‘mishaps’ happen in countries like Australia, too.
The lights went off not once, but twice in quick succession in the day-night second Test match between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
After India had been bowled out for 180 in two sessions on Day 1, the Australian first innings was in progress under lights in the pink ball Test.
Young India pacer Harshit Rana was bowling the 18th over of the innings, with Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease.
Most of the lights on the floodlight towers went out after the second delivery of the over.
Mark Waugh, a former Australian great who was on commentary at that moment, was bemused.
“Oh hello. They’ve run out of electricity in Adelaide. Pretty hot today. Plenty of air conditioners on,” said Waugh.
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle quipped: “Someone’s fallen asleep, so we have to wait. It’s a first for me, a Test match being stopped because the lights are gone. Is anyone there?”
Bhogle added, “I don’t think I’ve seen this in Australia.”
As the lights were back on in a couple of minutes, Bhogle was heard saying, “Someone just turned the switch back on.”
Rana continued his over, but after he had delivered two more balls, the entire stadium was plunged into darkness again.
“Oh there we go… what is going on?” said a frustrated Waugh.
Watch the video clip of floodlight failure here:
The lights went out twice in quick succession at Adelaide Oval, but play has resumed. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/u6Jtd39Utc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024
Rana was hardly pleased, as he gestured with his hands following repeated interruptions.
The second forced break lasted around 5 minutes. The large crowd entertained themselves by switching on their mobile phone torches, making it a surreal ambience with players waiting in the middle amid darkness.
Former Australia opener David Warner, who is also part of the commentary team, tried to lighten the mood by joking, “Someone clearly hasn’t paid their bills.”
When play resumed again, Australian batters played cautiously to reach 86/1 at stumps.
