The start to the third day of the first cricket test between England and New Zealand has been sullied by the theft of camera equipment from the commentary box of visiting broadcasters Talksport.
The crime is understood to have occurred overnight at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurchand was discovered upon arrival this morning.
Talksport cricket editor Jon Norman released a video talking about the incident on social media with former test bowler and fellow commentator Steve Harmison.
Not the news we wanted to bring you ahead of Day 3 at Hagley Oval
âWeâve had a break-in. Weâve lost our cameras and we wonât be able to broadcast via the Talksport cricket YouTube channel today. There will be audio but no pictures.
âWeâve had nothing but hospitality the customary New Zealand way all week, but sadly this is bad news to wake up to.â
Harmison said: âWeâve come here this morning, walked across the field, bounced over thinking itâd be another brilliant day of test cricket, filling the audience hopefully with excitement and joy, but unfortunately thereâs nothing we can do about it.
âItâs out of our control that we canât bring you pictures from this great venue.â
He hadnât lost his sense of humour though, after New Zealand dropped six catches on the second day which saw England reach 319-5, 29 runs in arrears.
âCan I make the joke that we wish that the New Zealand lads had taken the cameras because they might have dropped them by the nets.â
Norman said: âIf you see two cameras in the Christchurch area, theyâre [probably] ours.â
New Zealand Cricket has been approached for comment.
