WATCH: Australia women's players turn ground staff as rain interrupts 2nd ODI against West Indies in Melbourne

The ground staff play a crucial role in providing a complete game of cricket as they have to intervene on time whenever the match is interrupted by rain. It is a common sight these days for the players to lend a helping hand to the ground staff and thank them for their commendable work in ensuring the smooth running of the game. A similar sight was witnessed in Melbourne on Thursday, October 12, during the match between Australia Women and West Indies Women. 

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Aussie captain Alyssa Healy opted to field after winning the toss in the second ODI of the three-match series of the 2023 West Indies Women tour of Australia. The Windies openers Hayley Matthews and Rashada Williams gave a steady start but their 34-run partnership was broken by medium pacer Kim Garth in the sixth over.

The visitors could not make a comeback from there as Australia steamrolled the West Indies batters. The middle-order departed for single-digit scores, but right-arm pacer Aaliyah Alleyne resisted with 28 off 41 balls. However, with eight wickets down, Australia were looking to wrap up the first innings quickly. Alleyne's back-to-back fours against Ashleigh Gardner boosted the Windies' score but the match had to be halted due to rain in 25.3 overs.  

Hosts rush to help ground staff pull covers

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As soon as the rain started to play spoilsport at the Junction Oval, the ground staff came to the scene with huge covers. The home team also rushed to help the crew pull the covers over the pitch. However, their efforts went in vain as the match was called off with rain having the final say. The Australian Women's Cricket Team shared a video on its X (formerly known as Twitter) handle and fans praised the Australian players for their great gesture. 

Watch the video here: 

All hands on deck! 😂 pic.twitter.com/58UOwX6eR3

— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) October 12, 2023

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After the match got abandoned, Australia leg-spinner Alana King jokingly said she should ask for a pay rise. "I should ask for a little bit of a pay rise there. The poor groundies, I think they're a few short tonight," King said on the Seven Network.

The Women in Yellow are currently leading the series 1-0 after their 8-wicket victory in the first ODI at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane. They had a great chance of clinching the series had the rain not interrupted in Melbourne. The series decider will be held on Sunday, October 15 at the same venue.