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'Literally on fire': 'Horrendous' smoke haze wreaks havoc on BBL clash

yahoo sports staff

Big Bash League officials will assess air quality in Canberra before making a call regarding whether to proceed with Saturday night's clash, with smoke currently blanketing the nation's capital.

Haze resulting from bushfires will be discussed in the pre-match medical briefing at Manuka Oval, where the game between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers is slated to start at 6.10pm AEDT.

'RIDICULOUS’: Players slam 'toxic' conditions at iconic SCG

If visibility is too poor and/or Air Quality Index (AQI) data is too alarming, then play will not go ahead.

The pre-match briefing at Manuka Oval is due to take place at 5.10pm AEDT on Saturday night.

"The safety of players, fans and staff remains our number one priority. In accordance with relevant guidelines, air quality will be regularly assessed throughout the day," the Sydney Thunder said in a statement.

"In the event that visibility and/or air quality is deemed unsuitable for play, decisions regarding the match will be made in accordance with BBL playing conditions.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with the people and communities affected by the current bushfire emergency."

The BBL match between the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers in Canberra may not go ahead due to the thick smoke haze. (Getty Images)
The BBL match between the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers in Canberra may not go ahead due to the thick smoke haze. (Getty Images)

The fourth day of a recent Sheffield Shield match between NSW and Queensland was played at a smoke-blanketed SCG, with Steve O'Keefe describing the conditions as "toxic" and "shocking".

"The one thing they (Cricket Australia) need to look at is the air-quality policy ... I'm sure they'll address it," O'Keefe said at the time.

The Thunder currently top the BBL ladder after winning their first two games of 2019-20, while Adelaide are the only team yet to play a match this season.