We have seen many unusual reasons for a cricket match being suspended; from crowd disturbances to dogs on the ground. But the County Championship match between Surrey and Middlesex was abandoned for a reason even more bizarre. The game was brought to a halt because a crossbow bolt was fired on to the field of play.
The arrow, reported to have a metal tip, landed near the Surrey fielder Ollie Pope and close to the pitch during the County Championship fixture.
Play suspended at the Oval on advice of security. Players have left the field after a crossbow bolt landed on the square….. pic.twitter.com/V5fJADvuKK
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) August 31, 2017
The players alerted the umpires, who promptly halted play, with fielders and batsmen running to the safety of the changing rooms before a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators was advised to take cover.
Armed police were called to The Oval after a crossbow bolt landed on the pitch during a county cricket match last night #CapitalReports pic.twitter.com/N43vHER8I9
— Chris Chambers (@CapitalChambo) September 1, 2017
Well…we have just officially gone off the field because a metal tipped arrow just landed on the pitch!! 👀
— Stuart Meaker (@SMeaker18) August 31, 2017
Police evacuated the ground, with the umpires eventually abandoning the First Division fixture, which was deep into the final day of four, as a draw.
No one was injured and, according to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, it is believed the arrow was fired from outside The Oval in Kennington, south London.
Feature image: Middlesex Cricket
