BBL drama as umpires throw two Renegades bowlers out of the attack

The 2024/25 Big Bash League (BBL) continues to be the most entertaining but bizarre edition of the competition yet.

Two days ago, we had a game temporarily halted due to the DJ stage catching fire. On January 17 (Friday), we had strong storms blow the roof off at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). 

Earlier in the season, we had James Vince deliver a fatal blow to a Seagull through a straight drive and, of course, there was that nasty collision between Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft in the Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers clash that led to the temporary suspension of the said clash.

All these aforementioned incidents got topped today at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne as not one but two Melbourne Renegades bowlers, including their skipper Will Sutherland, got banished by the umpire for repeatedly stepping onto the danger area after multiple warnings.

The first to be thrown out of the attack was Sutherland, who was not allowed to bowl the final ball of the 12th over. Opener Josh Brown stepped in in his absence and conceded two off the final ball to complete the over.

Astonishingly, three overs later, speedster Fergus O’Neill committed the SAME CRIME and got thrown out of the attack after just three balls. It was Brown who once again had to complete the over, and this time, he conceded eight runs off three balls.

The double misstep proved costly for the Renegades, as Brown had to bowl the final over of the innings. He conceded 17, and Brisbane Heat finished with 196/4 off their 20 overs. 

What does the law say?

Both Sutherland and O’Neill were guilty of breaching Law 41: Unfair Play.

Here’s what the law says:

41.13    Bowler running on protected area

41.13.1    It is unfair for a bowler to enter the protected area in his/her follow-through without reasonable cause, whether or not the ball is delivered.

41.13.2    If a bowler contravenes this Law, at the first instance and when the ball is dead, the umpire shall

- caution the bowler and inform the other umpire of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.

- inform the captain of the fielding side and the batters of what has occurred.

41.13.3    If, in that innings, the same bowler again contravenes this Law, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure indicating that this is a final warning. This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.

41.13.4    If, in that innings, the same bowler contravenes this Law a third time, when the ball is dead, the umpire shall direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over. The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.