holders worcestershire rapids suffered weather frustration as the game earmarked for their return to action at New Road against birmingham bears in the vitality blast was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
the ground was flooded on june 15 and resulted in the following two specsavers county championship matches with sussex and derbyshire being switched to kidderminster’s chester road ground.
sterling work from head groundsman tim packwood and his team in re-seeding the square and repairing the outfield – plus a clean-up of the ground by volunteers and staff – ensured the rapids pencilled in a comeback at their headquarters for the sold out local derby.
but persistent rain started to fall in mid afternoon and there was disappointment for the capacity crowd as umpires tim robinson and billy taylor had no option but to call off play at 6.30pm.
worcestershire’s share of the spoils followed on from yesterday evening’s impressive 28 run success over notts outlaws at trent bridge.
first team coach alex gidman said: “huge frustration and disappointment as well after last night.
“it was an amazing performance (at trent bridge). loads and loads of positives and the guys were really buzzing and it was a top performance from everyone and they were chomping at the bit to have another crack tonight.
“but we can’t control the weather. it is deeply disappointing for the players and supporters and everyone associated with the club.
“it’s a huge fixture and one i know both sets of players would have been really looking forward to.”
the rapids official blast captain moeen ali will now link up with england at a pre-ashes camp at st george’s park tomorrow.
worcestershire will now switch back to red ball mode for sunday’s specsavers county championship clash with gloucestershire as part of the cheltenham festival.
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