Day three of the second Test between Australia and New Zealand stopped for a staggering 17 minutes due to a sightscreen malfunction.
Mitchell Starc wanted to go around the wicket during Sunday's fourth over at the WACA, but the screen refused to move.
Umpires took an early drinks break but the waiting continued as technicians tried to restore power to the board at the Prindiville Stand End.
It's understood officials were concerned there may have been a live wire.
Both sides were frustrated with the delay, while Starc almost dismissed Kane Williamson for 80 with the first delivery after the interruption.
An edge flew off the bat but crashed to the turf well short of the slips cordon.
"There's a few administrators breathing a sigh of relief," Ian Chappell observed on the Nine Network.
"There would have been a huge blow-up if he nicked that to first slip.
"The bowlers aren't going to be too thrilled (either). They're warmed up, loose and now they have to stop."
Sightscreen delays are reasonably common in the sport, but rarely do they last so long.
The crowd delivered mock applause at the resumption of play.
Mark Taylor, sitting alongside fellow former Australia captain Chappell, was likewise miffed.
"I'm surprised there's not a manual way of moving the screen ... this is ridiculous," Taylor said.
"It is very frustrating for everyone."
Coach Darren Lehmann walked down to the sideline during the break, while David Warner had some fun with stump cam.
Play will be extended by 17 minutes due to the issue.
Some were happy to chuckle at the lighter side of the episode.
Below the screen, Cricket Australia had placed an unfortunate advertising board for its website that carried the slogan "where play never stops".
Share
