Flood warnings prompt changes to Worcestershire fixture

Library image of Blackfinch New Road from March 2019

Sussex Cricket has agreed to Worcestershire County Cricket Club's request to move the venue and start date of next week's Specsavers County Championship match between the two sides in light of rising water levels in the River Severn.

Next's week match will now take place at Kidderminster Cricket Club and start a day later than originally scheduled at 11am on Tuesday 18th June.

Worcestershire County Cricket Club have issued the following statement: 

Following the Environment Agency issuing a flood warning for the River Severn and with flood water already making its way onto the ground and outfield at Blackfinch New Road, Worcestershire County Cricket Club has made the decision to move next week’s Specsavers County Championship fixture against Sussex to Kidderminster Cricket Club.

The start date has also been pushed back by one day so the fixture will now start on Tuesday 18 June 2019, at 11am. This extra day will allow ground and stadium staff to make preparations in order to host the fixture.

Work is already underway at Blackfinch New Road to deal with the predicted flood to ensure we can return as soon as possible.

Worcestershire CEO Matt Rawnsley, said: “This is not an ideal situation and we would always prefer to play at Blackfinch New Road, however the change of venue gives us the best chance of playing next week’s fixture.

"Kidderminster Cricket Club has hosted many first-class fixtures over the years and we are extremely grateful for their assistance at such short notice. We would also like to thank the ECB and Sussex County Cricket Club for their corporation.”