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Nth Sydney pitch was dangerous: Handscomb

Test batsman Peter Handscomb says the pitch that led to an abandonment at North Sydney Oval was dangerous, while Justin Langer believes the verdict was strange.

Australia's Peter Handscomb watches his shot
Peter Handscomb says the North Sydney Oval pitch that led to a one-day cup abandonment was perilous. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Peter Handscomb has played on a variety of pitches during a meteoric rise over the past 12 months, but few as vicious as the much-discussed deck at North Sydney Oval.

A bruised shoulder, resulting from a rearing delivery from Test teammate Mitchell Starc, continues to serve as a painful reminder of the wicket that led to Sunday's controversial abandonment.

"That was good fun," said a laughing Victorian captain Handscomb on Tuesday.

"He got me a good one ... that will stay for a little while."

Sunday's one-day game between NSW and Victoria was called off mid-chase, with umpires describing the deck as dangerous.

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It is a verdict that has generated plenty of controversy and a Cricket Australia investigation.

Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones raged on Twitter that "all officials involved should be fired immediately" because of the "ridiculous decision".

Handscomb suggested conditions deteriorated more than most spectators realised.

"It was inconsistent bounce," he told AAP.

"Once it starts rearing off a length, it actually becomes quite dangerous.

"Both of our batters came off and were icing their thumbs; one was icing his ribs.

"Obviously, they've got a faster attack but also, once the dew came in, the wicket got faster ... it was playing tricks."

Western Australia's match against the Cricket Australia XI, played on a different pitch at North Sydney, was completed on Tuesday without incident.

WA coach Justin Langer, renowned for his stoicism and resilience throughout a 105-Test career, noted the preceding abandonment "seemed really strange".

"I've said this for a very long time - all cricket can't be played on really flat wickets," Langer said after WA's nine-wicket win.

"There's got to be something there for the bowlers. I actually think it makes for entertaining cricket where it's an even contest.

"It was disappointing."


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