Twenty20 international called off

19 August 2008

Conditions were such at the Riverside that the encounter was called off 24 hours in advance

The England and Wales Cricket Board has, with regret, cancelled the NatWest Twenty20 international which was due to be played at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street tomorrow between England and South Africa.

The ECB was advised by Durham County Cricket Club that there were concerns about the state of the ground following a considerable amount of rain in the last week.

The ECB then called in the ICC match referee, who, along with ECB match umpire Nigel Llong, inspected the ground this afternoon.

They both decided that the Riverside would not be fit for play tomorrow and had no alternative but to cancel a NatWest international Twenty20 for the first time.

An early decision was taken because the weather forecast was poor for the next 24 hours and to prevent spectators making an unnecessary journey.

Ticket holders will be eligible for a full refund. The refund policy is detailed on the back of the tickets.