Big Bash knockout final suddenly stopped after lightning in the area: ‘Fans aren’t happy’

The Big Bash League knockout final between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars was briefly halted due to lightning around ENGIE Stadium.

The Thunder were 3.3 overs into their innings on Wednesday night when players were forced to leave the field.

There was no rain hitting the stadium at the time but local safety precautions call for a break in play if lightning strikes within 10km.

“If you look over the top of the stand I can see sunshine pounding off the buildings,” James Brayshaw said on Channel 7.

“Fans aren’t happy but we know the rules. If there’s any lightning these days, it doesn’t matter what sport — footy codes are the same.”

Jason Richardson later reported the lightning strike was 8.2km away from the stadium.

The fans’ boos had continued while the commentators began to discuss the odd situation.

“First bit of sunshine we’ve seen in five hours and now they’re walking off!” Brayshaw said.

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A match at the same stadium was abandoned earlier this month when rain ruined any hopes of play.

“We didn’t see one ball!” Justin Langer said.

“It is ironic, we finally see some sunshine and the game’s been halted.”

Ricky Ponting said the sky looked “brighter now than it’s looked for the whole day”, and Brayshaw agreed.

“Look at that. That is the best it has looked all day,” Brayshaw said.

Players returned to the field about 15 minutes after the initial delay, with the match reduced to 19 overs per side.

“Look at the sky. It looks gorgeous,” Stars veteran Glenn Maxwell said on the player mic.

The Thunder got off to a horror start when David Warner was out for a second-ball duck.

First-drop batter Matt Gilkes then lived to fight another day following a controversial catch by Tom Curran was ruled not out by the TV umpire.

Wednesday’s winning team will meet the Sydney Sixers for a place in the final against the Hobart Hurricanes.