Melbourne Renegades’ Big Bash League clash with Perth Scorchers has been abandoned after fewer than seven overs because of safety concerns over a water-damaged pitch.

Ground staff at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium worked feverishly on Sunday to dry the pitch after heavy rain crept under the covers overnight.

Renegades captain Nic Maddinson declared the deck still “absolutely drenched” at the coin toss and sent the Scorchers in to bat.

Perth had reached 2-30 after 6.5 overs when umpires stopped play to inspect the pitch, with the fixture abandoned soon afterwards.

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The decision came after concerns from batters over inconsistent bounce, in particular from the Scorchers’ Josh Inglis.

Renegades veteran Aaron Finch told the Fox Sports broadcast that deliveries had taken “big divots” out of the surface.

“Josh Inglis said it felt dangerous when he was batting,” Finch said.

“It’s just bouncing ridiculously. If that’s bouncing on line with someone’s body or their head, then that could (cause) some real issues.

“It’s hard to say (if it’s too dangerous) when nobody’s been hit, but you don’t want to wait for somebody to get seriously injured.”

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