A leak in protective covers has caused a wet patch on the WACA cricket pitch and is threatening Australia’s efforts to claim victory in the third Ashes Test.
Ground staff are using blower vacuums in a bid to dry the damp patch with Monday’s play delayed indefinitely.
Australia needs just six more wickets to win the Test match and clinch an unbeatable 3-0 series lead over arch-enemy England.
The wet weather in Perth was at one stage so severe it sent massive covers flying up into the air and even knocked a member of the WACA ground off his feet.
Ground staff are using blower vacuums (pictured) in a bid to dry the damp patch with play on delayed indefinitely
‘There was a bit of leakage overnight so they’re doing a bit of a drying job with the blowers,’ umpire Marais Erasmus told BT Sport.
His umpiring colleague Chris Gaffaney said the damp patch was on a good length at one end of the pitch.
‘I guess it was from where the covers join,’ Gaffaney told BT Sport.
Hampering the ground staff’s efforts to dry the pitch, showers have fallen frequently at the ground with the covers taken off, then replaced, three times in 30 minutes.
Play had been due to start at 1000 AWST (1300 AEDT) with England facing a scrap for survival at 4-132 in their second innings, 127 runs behind Australia.
England coach Trevor Bayliss said the tourists wanted the pitch in a similar condition to Sunday before resuming play.
English fans cheer as the rain falls in Perth, hoping it will wash out the final day’s play and stop Australia clinching the Ashes
Australian captain Steve Smith looks on as ground staff work tirelessly to dry the WACA pitch
‘At the moment there is a few soft spots in the wicket,’ Bayliss told the Nine Network.
‘We are more than prepared to come out and play if we can get it as close as we can to yesterday.
‘It’s up to the umpires. Whatever the umpires say, that’s what we’ll do.’
Bayliss said the blower vacuums were unlikely to fix the problem.
‘It probably needs a little bit more wind and probably a little bit of sun, I would say,’ he said.
‘It is unfortunate really. It was going to be a good day of cricket – it might still be at some stage.’
Australia needs just six more wickets to win the Test match and clinch an unbeatable 3-0 lead over arch-enemy England
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was optimistic about play resuming, saying he thought the pitch looked ‘pretty good’
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was more optimistic.
‘Looks pretty good to be fair. Hopefully they get on soon. The umpires will make a decision,’ Lehmann told Nine.
‘Hopefully it is pretty quick to play. Exciting day’s Test cricket ahead.’
Heavy rain fell in Perth on Monday morning with showers forecast to ease in the afternoon.