Debris falls from SCG roof as wild weather washes out BBL clash

A vinyl sheet of roofing has fallen into the stands at the SCG amid wild winds that blew across the ground before the Sydney Sixers’ Big Bash League clash with the Sydney Thunder.

Security guards evacuated fans from two bays in 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.

“Two seating bays have been cleared and patrons have been provided seating in another grandstand,” a statement from Venues NSW said.

“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.”

Wild weather forced two rain delays in the 45 minutes after play began at 7:15pm.

The conditions were so difficult Cricket Australia was unable to set up ball-tracking or ultra edge as the technology could not be calibrated in the levels of wind.

Two ground staff members were knocked off their feet in the strong winds as they attempted to pull the covers off after the first rain delay.

The roofing incident came only one night after a small fire broke out at the Gabba during Thursday night’s game between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes, which briefly came to a halt.

Weather restricted play to less than six overs on Friday night with no result.

The Sixers had needed to beat the Thunder to have any chance of locking up top spot on the ladder to finish the regular season.

They will instead finish second after both teams earned one point for the washout.

Hobart will finish the regular season on top for the second time in the 14 seasons of the Big Bash.

AAP