Sudden ground evacuation stops play between New Zealand and South Africa

Play was stopped for a brief period in the first Test between New Zealand and South Africa on day three after a full evacuation of University Oval in Dunedin. The final session had just begun with the tourists batting in their second innings when suddenly a siren went off in the main stand.

After initial chaos, a full evacuation of the venue was done and a fire truck arrived at the ground.

South Africa were 14-1 when play was stopped, trailing New Zealand by 19 runs. But, the Test resumed less than 20 minutes later, with fans allowed to enter the ground again, although the reason for the siren still remains unknown.

Former New Zealand opener Mark Richardson, who was in commentary at the time, was stunned.

“This is astounding. It’s extraordinary. You’ve got the main stand being evacuated. I’ve just heard word from the third umpire (Australian Rod Tucker) that they’ve been told to evacuate. This is probably going to take some time… because the stand is not filled with young agile people. I’ve just never seen this (before).”

Fellow commentator, and former New Zealand fast bowler, Simon Doull added: “Strangest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Tucker and he former Australian opening batsman David Boon who was the match referee, were quick to vacate their booth at the request of security officials. There was no visible sign of any smoke from the stand, but officials had trouble throughout the day with drunken spectators.

Stuff.co.nz reported that the media were evacuated from the ground for only two minutes before being told they reenter, after the fire department had checked out everything and given it the all clear.

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took his first fifer in New Zealand’s innings, revealed he was no stranger to such incidents.

He recalled a similar incident from the South Africa A game against Australia A in Townsville last year.

“Surprisingly, yes. During an SA A tour last year we were sitting in the changing rooms and the fire alarm went off. So nothing new for us,” he said.