Storm Damage Delays Durham vs Kent Match
Durham, a first-class county since 1992, has advised spectators to stay away from their Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street following overnight damage caused by Storm Dave.
The start of the third day's play in the County Championship Division Two match between Durham and Kent has been postponed due to the impact of the storm.
A club statement detailed the situation:
"Damage has been caused within the venue"
It further explained the ongoing assessment and safety considerations:
"The club have been in discussions with the match officials and venue staff this morning and following the impact on the pitch and structures within the ground it is confirmed that play will not commence on time, and a further update will be provided in due course.
"The safety of all in attendance is our number one priority in any decisions we make."
The full extent of the damage at the Riverside, which is also an international cricket venue, has not yet been disclosed.
Storm Dave's Wider Impact
Storm Dave has caused significant disruption to road and rail travel across northern regions and prompted numerous flood warnings. However, conditions are expected to improve as Sunday progresses.
Yellow wind warnings that covered Scotland, north-west Wales, and parts of northern England were lifted on Sunday morning after blustery conditions on Saturday and overnight.
Match Status and Context
Durham are scheduled to resume their innings at 83-2 in the second innings of their opening Championship game of the new domestic season, holding a lead of 221 runs over Kent.
The north-east county was relegated from Division One last summer.
