Cricket authorities meet to discuss unprecedented weather

Cricket authorities have met over the Easter weekend to discuss the unprecedented weather that much of the country is experiencing.

The authorities, both at national and regional level have agreed, in principal, to postpone all fixtures for two weeks so that groundsmen will have the opportunity to prepare half decent tracks.

A spokesman said; "With the exception of a few isolated areas, groundsmen have been unable to carry out their pre-season preparation due to frozen conditions that have included frost and snow." He continued; "Pre-season rolling simply cannot be carried out when there is a blanket of snow over the ground. We have asked all County Boards to see if it is possible to knock back their league fixtures by two weeks, to allow groundsmen a chance to do their vital pre-season work. We have also suggested that all pre and post season friendlies be cancelled where clubs play in a league. This should allow groundsmen to facilitate end of season renovations at around the usual time."

The Met Office has confirmed that the cold snap - including further snowfall - is due to last well into April, with only a small rise in temperatures expected from around 10th April, Even then, they are not expected to rise to the seasonal average and may well be accompanied by heavy rain.

The spokesman went on to say that, where the weather has not had a detrimental effect (for example, in some areas of the south of England), then the regional authorities will be left to determine their own arrangements.

Affected clubs will be informed immediately after Easter about the new arrangements.

Scheduling of Test matches and the T20 tournament will remain unchanged, but the Clydesdale Bank 40 (CB40) is likely to be affected.