- Play in the third Test at the SCG was again interrupted
- Followed by a request from Australian star Steve Smith
- Many cricket commentators were baffled by the delay
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A groundsman was briefly the toast of the SCG on Friday after solving an issue that outraged a string of cricket commentators during the third Test against Pakistan.
Star Aussie batsman Steve Smith, famous for his maverick character at the crease, spotted a small piece of black gaffer tape next to the white viewing screen.
Smith, 34, requested it be removed, resulting in a lengthy delay that Channel Seven commentator Simon Katich branded 'farcical'.
Co-commentator James Brayshaw added: “Only Steve Smith would notice that… the problem with it is once you've seen it (tape) then it's stuck in your head,” he said.
'And if it bothers you, you have to get rid of it. I know everyone will watch and think, 'Come on, this is ridiculous.'
A groundsman (pictured) was briefly given the toast of the SCG on Friday after quickly solving an issue that confused a string of cricket commentators during the third Test against Pakistan
“But from Steve Smith's perspective, he'll say, 'Now that I've seen it, I have to go.'
The groundskeeper – known only as Michael – then seized his moment.
He quickly removed the black gaffer tape in question, earning a huge round of applause from the crowd.
The man, who was clearly enjoying his time in the spotlight, basked in the attention as he received numerous high fives and a standing ovation.
It followed Steve Smith, famous for his quirky character at the crease, who spotted a small piece of black gaffer tape next to the white viewing screen and demanded it be removed.
Former Australian coach Justin Langer compared the colorful groundsman to the character 'Spike' from the film Notting Hill, before declaring it was (probably) the 'biggest day of his life'.
After the delay, Smith soon trudged back to the pavilion, where he was caught for 38 off 86 balls after a clever field trap from the tourists.
Cricket fans at the SCG have proven to be patient during the third Test after play was stopped by on-field umpires due to poor lighting on Thursday.
A rain delay then saw the stumps called well before the game's scheduled conclusion at 6pm, leaving more than 30,000 fans feeling shortchanged.