Debris falling from SCG roof halts Big Bash League clash

The Big Bash League clash between the Thunder and Sixers at the Sydney Cricket Ground was halted yesterday evening when a piece of the roofing fell from the venue’s Bill O'Reilly Stand.

With storm conditions and high winds impacting Sydney, security guards were called to evacuate fans from two bays as a piece of the roofing began to detach.

The sold out BBL cross-city fixture had been subject to delays as a result of heavy winds and rain before play was eventually halted.

Fans were evacuated from a bay at the northern end of the Bill O'Reilly Stand about 6:30pm AEDT on Friday night when the vinyl soffit sheeting began to flap precariously directly above.

The sheeting fell from the underside of the stand but did not hit anyone, with applause ringing out from those who had remained nearby.

Afterwards, the seating bays in the vicinity remained empty as security kept watch on the area, which was cordoned off with tape.

In a statement, Venues NSW advised “two seating bays have been cleared and patrons have been provided seating in another grandstand.

"As per standard processes, pre-event inspections had taken place across the venue before gates opened. Further inspections are underway. The safety of our patrons remains our number one priority."

Fierce winds and rain forced two delays in the 45 minutes after the first ball was bowled.

Ground staff were seen struggling in the winds as they attempted to pull the covers on during the first rain delay.

The Thunder managed 1-35 from 5.1 overs before an official decision to abandon the match.

BBL clash at the Gabba halted due to fire
At the Gabba, an electrical fire forced the game between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes to be temporarily stopped.

Images: Roofing material descends to the Bill O'Reilly Stand during last night's Big Bash League clash at the SCG (top) and the sheet detaching from the roof of the stand (below). Credit: X.