A power outage disrupted the Day-Night Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, with the stadium’s lights going out twice on the opening day. South Australian MP Tom Koutsantonis clarified that the issue was not due to a power shortage in the state or the electricity grid.
The Oval experienced two floodlight failures on Friday, December 6, during the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match. This incident took place during Australia’s innings after the tea break. The lights went off twice in quick succession while Harshit Rana was bowling the 18th over.
There Was No Lack Of Power Supply – South Australian MP
Harshit Rana was frustrated as the lights went out for a second time during the match at Oval. South Australian MP Tom Koutsantonis clarified that the power cuts at the stadium were not due to issues with the electricity grid, adding that it was a problem with the stadium.
“I can confirm there was no lack of power supply or availability in South Australia. Whatever caused the light towers at Adelaide Oval to turn off was not related to a lack of power supply from the Grid,” state Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis posted on social media last night.
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
They Went Out To Turn On The Net Lights – Report
According to The Age, the incident happened when controllers attempted to switch on the net lights for the Australian team, possibly due to an error or a system trip.
“They went out to turn on the net lights so the nightwatchmen could have a couple of throw-downs, and somehow either turned them to wrong thing or something tripped. It was about trying to get the net lights on,” a source said.
They’ve Run Out Of Electricity In Adelaide – Mark Waugh
Mark Waugh and Harsha Bhogle, who were in the commentary box, joked about the floodlight failure at the Oval. Waugh said that the city ran out of electricity due to air conditioner use, while Bhogle quipped that it was his first time seeing a Test match stopped because of a power issue.
“Oh hello. They’ve run out of electricity in Adelaide. Pretty hot today. Plenty of air conditioners on,” Mark Waugh said on commentary for Fox Cricket (via Indian Express).
“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 said.
“The lights are on again. Someone just turned the switch back on,” after the floodlights came back, Bhogle said.
Talking about the match, India was bowled out for 180 runs after winning the toss. Mitchell Starc took six wickets, while Pat Cummins and Scott Boland took two each. In response, Australia scored 86/1 before the stumps on Day 1. Jasprit Bumrah secured the only wicket in Australia’s innings.
Also read: Watch: Mitchell Starc teased by Kolkata Knight Riders fans on Day 1 of Adelaide Test