worcestestershire suffered weather frustration as the battle of the two promoted teams in the specsavers county championship ended in a first day wash-out at New Road.
the home side had pulled out all the stops after the flooding at their headquarters three weeks ago to ensure the ground was fit for the opening home game of the 2018 campaign.
but heavy morning rain left the ground saturated and umpires richard illingworth and david millns eventually called off play for the day shortly before 2pm.
the two teams will be hoping for better fortunes tomorrow although the forecast is for more showers.
worcestershire skipper joe leach, whose side pipped nottinghamshire to the division two title in september, said: “it has been really heartening to see the effort everyone at the club has put in from top to bottom to get the ground ready in time.
“the groundstaff have done a tremendous job and the kitchen and office staff, including the ceo matt rawnsley, have joined in with cleaning up the place.
“it is frustrating that the weather has beaten us today but hopefully, fingers crossed, it will be clear and dry for the next three days and we can get out there and play some cricket.”
head coach kevin sharp echoed leach’s sentiments.
he said: “it is frustrating but the one thing we can’t control is the weather so we have to live with it.
“the lads have kept themselves occupied in the gym and hopefully the weather will clear up tomorrow and we will be able to get on with the cricket.”
when the match eventually gets underway, worcestershire will be forced to make one change from the side beaten away to hampshire and somerset.
former sussex paceman steve magoffin has been ruled out with a hamstring strain.
england quick stuart broad is set to make his first appearance of the campaign for nottinghamshire since the tour of new zealand after being rested for the opening couple of rounds of matches.
