Groundsman's nightmare at Worcester

Earlier this week I enjoyed an excellent game of Twenty20 cricket at the Rose Bowl near Southampton. It was great to see newcomer Adam Voges score a brilliant 66 not out. Also, Hampshire's Chris Tremlett clean bowled (one of the stumps flew out of the ground) Murray Goodwin for a duck in the first over.

But whereas Hampshire had an average of seven runs an over, Sussex had a ten run average from early on. Hampshire's wicket keeper missed a catch and it was all down hill from there.

But it was great to go to the Rose Bowl for the first time and also witness the Twenty20 format, which is an excellent way to attract good crowds to cricket.

The announcements at the interval (almost typed "half time" but that wouldn't do) included the news that there would be no game at Worcester due to the ground being under several feet of water (left).

You have to feel for the ground staff. They spend their lives meticulously caring for the pitch. They spends months getting the square ready and in tip-top condition. To see it under several feet of what must break their hearts. But, as the Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club writes:

I have repeatedly said to the media over the last few days that what we are suffering is nothing compared to the family of Eric Dickinson who recently died when his car was swept away near Pershore (Eric was a Club Member) or those who lose their homes in the floods.