West Indies cricketer Andre Russell raised eyebrows in the ongoing Big Bash League in Australia after he came out to bat for the Sydney Thunder in their opener on Tuesday, carrying an outrageous black and pink bat.
Initially, Cricket Australia said that his unique bat was within the BBL’s playing regulations. However a day later, the Australian cricketing body banned Russell from using the bat after match officials told them that it left black marks on the white Kookaburra ball.
“The match officials provided feedback to Cricket Australia that the bat used by Andre left black marks on the match ball,” said head of the Big Bash Anthony Everard. “As a result, we have decided to withdraw our approval for Andre to use the bat that was used [on Tuesday] night as the colour solution used by the manufacturer was discolouring the ball.”
According to a CA spokesperson, “A player can use a coloured bat subject to CA approval. The bat may be the same colour as the Club’s primary colour, or black. CA retains the right to withdraw approval in its absolute discretion. The umpires can also request a player change the bat if they believe it affects the integrity of the match.”
This is not the first time the BBL has the use of coloured bats. Aiden Blizzard used an electric green bat against the Sixers in January this year, while former Melbourne Renegades power hitter Chris Gayle swung a gold bat last season. Gayle was given permission to use the gold bat by CA.