Storm Dave halts Durham-Kent County Championship day three
Storm Dave halts Durham-Kent County Championship day three
Storm Dave disrupts day three at Riverside Ground, with ground damage delaying play and fans told to stay away.
Day three of the County Championship clash between Durham and Kent was unable to start after Storm Dave battered the region overnight and into the morning. The Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street sustained damage that has left officials advising spectators to stay away for safety reasons. No play took place on day three as winds and rain persisted, and players remained in the pavilion as ground staff assessed the safety of pitches, scoreboards and temporary structures.
Club officials said the decision to delay was taken to protect players, staff and the paying public, with updates expected later in the day. The fixture, which had Durham ahead in the early stages, now faces a potential reschedule as maintenance crews inspect fences, covers and sightscreens for any additional wear.
Fans were already arriving when the announcement was made, but the stadium quickly turned into a near-deserted scene as the warning circulated. Cricket authorities in the region indicated that resumption would depend on weather clearance and ground safety, and that any revised start time would be announced promptly. This disruption adds to a season already witnessing weather-affected clashes, reminding fans that safety comes first even amid the excitement of County Championship cricket.
