Kent’s County Championship match with Durham has been delayed by Storm Dave.
Spectators have been told to stay away from Durham’s ground at Chester-le-Street after “damage has been caused within the venue”.
There will be no play before lunch on day three, although the club have not specified the damage caused by the storm in the early hours of Sunday, except to say there is “impact on the pitch and structures within the ground”.
A statement from Durham said: “Following Storm Dave hitting the North East in the early hours of Sunday morning, damage has been caused within the venue – therefore there will be no spectators permitted into the ground until further notice.
“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.
“Until further assessment have taken place our ground safety team have decided it is unsafe to allow spectators into the venue.
“The ground will remain closed to members and spectators until further notice. Please do not travel to Banks Homes Riverside for today’s play.
“As the safety of all players, staff and spectators is the Club’s number one priority spectators are requested not to travel to the ground and the Club will provide an update in due course.
“The safety of all in attendance is our number one priority in any decisions we make.”
When play does resume, Kent will be looking for early wickets with Durham on 83-2 in their second innings, a lead of 221 over the visitors who were bowled out for 197 on Saturday despite 94 by Sam Northeast.
Click here to read a full report on day two from Durham.
