The third England-Ireland ODI – the final international of the 2023 summer – was brought to a premature end after a brief but torrential downpour in Bristol rendered the surface unplayable as local groundstaff battled unsuccessfully to adequately cover the pitch and the surrounding areas.
England looked set to record a mammoth total after a record-equalling start from opener Phil Salt was backed up by a 72-ball hundred from Ben Duckett at No. 4.
Sam Hain was the fourth wicket to fall, holing an attempted pull shot to mid-on at the end of the 31st over off what was to be the final ball of the international summer.
A brief but torrential downpour – that was forecast for much of the day – took the players off after the fall of Hain’s wicket. By the time the players had left the field, groundstaff battled heavy rain and strong winds to cover the pitch as the pitch and the surrounding areas were quickly drenched.
As the groundstaff struggled to cover the pitch, other areas were neglected – it took more than 10 minutes for the run-up area on the Ashley Down Road end side of the ground to be covered. Overnight rain also left the ground more susceptible to being rendered unplayable due to a deluge.
The match was abandoned 33 minutes after the rain started to fall, with umpire Paul Reiffel immediately gesturing during a brief inspection that the conditions were unplayable, despite more than six hours of potential play left available. The rain stopped minutes after the decision was made; as more than 30 overs were bowled fans are not entitled to receive refunds.
The county are scheduled to host an England-Australia ODI on September 29 next year.
Following the abandonment, Gloucestershire released a statement saying: “We’re disheartened and saddened to see the match abandoned this afternoon. Hosting international cricket is a highlight for us each season and to see the year end like this is so frustrating for all concerned. We had significant overnight and early morning rain which meant that the surface water levels were already very high.
“The sudden and very heavy downpour meant that the whole of the playing surface quickly became unplayable. Once again, we thank everyone for coming today and for their ongoing support for both Gloucestershire and England.”
