Durham were forced to abandon play on day three in their championship match against Kent because of damage caused by Storm Dave.
Chester-le-Street was hit hard by the storm between the second and third days of the first championship match of the season, and it remains to be seen whether play will continue on the final day after no action at all on Sunday.
It is understood that the covers were blown off the pitch, which became exposed to the elements as heavy rain, snow and high winds battered the north overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning. Scaffolding for TV cameras was also blown down around the ground.
Durham were unable to open the ground to supporters until after the lunch interval, but there was little to watch for those who eventually made their way in.
Around 90 minutes before the scheduled start of day three, Durham issued the following statement: “Following Storm Dave hitting the North East in the early hours of Sunday morning, damage has been caused within the venue – therefore there will be no spectators permitted into the ground until further notice.
“The club have been in discussions with the match officials and venue staff this morning and following the impact on the pitch and structures within the ground – it is confirmed that play will not commence on time, and a further update will be provided in due course.
“Until further assessment has taken place, our ground safety team have decided it is unsafe to allow spectators into the venue. The ground will remain closed to members and spectators until further notice. Please do not travel to Banks Homes Riverside for today’s play.”
A further update read: “We are happy to confirm that Banks Homes Riverside is open to all members and the public. The umpires continue to monitor the pitch as it dries and we will provide further updates in due course.”
While the safety of all involved will be Durham’s first priority, a lost day is a blow to the home side’s quest for a season-opening victory. Relegated last year, Durham started this match strongly, posting 335 in their first innings, then bowling Kent out for 197. In their second innings, Durham are 83 for two, leading by 221. Durham’s No 3, Emilio Gay, had notched the opening championship hundred of the season, while their bowlers, led by Matthew Potts, had shared around the 10 Kent wickets.
Ryan Campbell, their Australian coach, posted on X two crying emojis, accompanying the news.