Full Breakdown
Storm Dave Disrupts County Championship Match at Durham's Riverside Ground
4/5/2026, 8:50:03 PM
Damage Overview
Storm Dave has significantly impacted the County Championship Division Two match between Durham and Kent at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. The storm caused extensive damage, including the collapse of scaffolding supporting a sightscreen and the displacement of protective covers, which led to water accumulation on the pitch. Consequently, the third day of the match was abandoned without any play.
Official Statements
Durham Cricket issued a statement early on Sunday, confirming that due to the storm's aftermath, the venue would remain closed to spectators for safety reasons. They noted, “Following Storm Dave hitting the North East... damage has been caused within the venue – therefore there will be no spectators permitted into the ground until further notice.” The club later announced that the ground would reopen to members and the public, but emphasized that the pitch would continue to be monitored.
Match Context
Before the disruption, Durham had established a strong position in the match, leading by 221 runs with a score of 83-2 in their second innings. The team had previously posted 335 runs in their first innings, with Emilio Gay scoring the first century of the County Championship season. Kent, in response, was bowled out for 197 runs, leaving them trailing significantly.
Criticism & Opposition
Visiting head coach Adam Hollioake described the scene at the ground as resembling “a war scene,” highlighting the substantial water on the wicket as the primary issue preventing play. He noted, “You can play cricket without sightscreens... But at the moment there's a big patch of water... which is going to make it hard for us to start.” This sentiment reflects the frustrations of both teams and their supporters regarding the weather's impact on the match.
Timeline of Events
- April 2, 2026: Durham posts 335 runs in their first innings.
- April 3, 2026: Kent is bowled out for 197 runs.
- April 4, 2026: Storm Dave hits the North East, causing significant damage at the Riverside Ground.
- April 5, 2026: Durham announces the closure of the ground to spectators and the abandonment of the day's play.
What's Next
The match remains suspended pending a pitch inspection, with the potential for play to resume if conditions improve. Durham's next scheduled matches include hosting three senior England fixtures this summer, starting with a women's ODI against New Zealand on May 10, 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It looks like a war scene.” — Adam Hollioake, Kent Head Coach
The disruption caused by Storm Dave highlights the challenges faced by cricket venues during adverse weather conditions, impacting not only the match but also the broader cricketing calendar for both teams involved.
