Andre Russell receives permission from Cricket Australia to wield black bat

A few days after West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell brandished his black colored bat, it was disapproved by Cricket Australia when the bat left marks on the white cricket ball used in the match. However, a few days after disapproving the bat, the Cricket Australia officials have decided to reapprove the bat used.

Russell had used the bat while batting for the Sydney Sixers in the first match of the 2016 edition of the Big Bash League. However, this bat was disapproved when it was found that the bat had left black marks on the ball, something that was reported to the head of the BBL by the match officials.

However, a statement from BBL Head Anthony Everard has gone on to see that the same match officials have seemingly had a change of heart. The subsequent feedback has seen Everard make a statement stating that Andre Russell had indeed worked with the bat manufacturer ‘Spartan’ in a bid to modify the bat.

“Following feedback from the match officials that the bat used by Andre on the opening night of the season left black marks on the match ball, Andre has worked with his bat manufacturer to modify the bat,” Anthony Everard, the head of the BBL, said.

The statement also reads that a laminate cover has been applied onto the bat’s surface to protect the cricket ball from any marks, something that has seen approval granted as well.

“A clear laminate cover has been applied to the bat, which complies with regulations to ensure the ball discolouration does not occur again. We’re now satisfied that the bat will not compromise the integrity of the game by discoloring the match ball and we have granted approval for Andre to use the bat in any future BBL matches.”