Play abandoned on unsafe wicket at Bellerive

HOBART, Feb 6 AAP - Tasmanian cricket suffered major embarrassment today as an unsafe Bellerive Oval wicket caused play to be abandoned on the second day of the Pura Cup clash with Western Australia.

The decision was announced by Tasmanian Cricket Association chief executive David Johnston at a hastily convened press conference after lunch today.

The extraordinary move was made after "considerable concerns about the safety of the wicket," Johnston said.

He said the players, captains and umpires all agreed the game should be abandoned.

"It is regrettable and it is not good for Tasmanian cricket or Australian cricket that this occurred," Johnston said.

"We have not been happy with the standard of the wicket here at Bellerive for probably the past year and a bit.

"As you probably saw this morning, some players got hit in the helmet, other players were hit around the body and in the hands.

"It is a decision we don't take lightly but the safety of the players is our foremost concern."

He said the decision was made after concerns were raised by players, the captains and umpires.

During the first session today, two Tasmanian players - Scott Kremerskothen and Adam Griffith - were struck on the helmet by balls delivered by Warriors paceman Brad Williams.

They were not injured but had their helmets replaced.

WA was at 3-52 in replay to the Tigers' first innings tally of 179 when play was abandoned.

It is likely WA will be awarded six points for the no result and host Tasmania will get no points.

However, the point allocation won't be confirmed until an Australian Cricket Board investigation is completed.