It might be the middle of the day in Alice Springs during summer - but that's not stopping the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers doing battle during their BBL09 clash at Traeger Park on Friday.
In the 42-degree heat in the centre of Australia, the two sides were forced to play in the hottest part of the day due to the first 'double-header' of the Big Bash season.
And social media were quick to react to the extreme conditions - some making jokes, and others showing concern for the players involved.
How is this game not postponed due to extreme heat. Feel sorry for the players. Shouldn’t be playing in 42 degrees heat. #BBL09
— E.R.L (@E_R_L87) December 20, 2019
Who was the genius to decide they’d play a daytime game of cricket in the middle of the desert? #BBL09
— Declan (@DJWardo54) December 20, 2019
We were just about to tweet an award-winning photo of the players taking the field at Traeger Park.
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2019
Until........
😫 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/mcKivZYcGN
Hard to pick which is hotter, D'Arcy Shorts BBL form or the pitch temperature at Traeger Park?#BBL09 #43DegreesCelsius
— NedsAU (@NedsAus) December 20, 2019
Just heard the weather in Alice Springs being described as a Cougar.
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) December 20, 2019
42 and f*cking hot!#BBL09
It is a strange decision from the BBL and Cricket Australia to schedule a daytime game in Alice Springs.
The Melbourne Stars will kick-start their campaign on Friday night against the Brisbane Heat.