Frustrating day for Derbyshire and Northamptonshire at Queen's Park

Derbyshire and Northamptonshire suffered another day of frustration after play was called off before lunch in the County Championship Division Two match at Chesterfield.

After yesterday’s T20 Blast game at Queen’s Park was abandoned without a ball bowled because of a saturated outfield, conditions were still too wet for the four day fixture to begin.

Umpires Neil Mallender and Ian Blackwell took the decision following an inspection shortly before 12.30 when they judged the bowlers run-ups to be “too dangerous.”

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Even though the ground was bathed in sunshine, water was still coming to the surface and Derbyshire fast bowler Tony Palladino believes the umpires made the only decision possible.

“Last year in pre-season, I hurt my knee in similar conditions when I landed on the edge of a foot hold where it was quite soft and that hampered me all season,” he said.

“That shows what can happen and the umpires have to bear in mind that there could be a career-threatening injury so that’s why I think they are erring on the side of caution but in my opinion they made the right call because it’s not fit for play.

“The umpires have to make that decision bearing in mind the health of the players and even if it’s not the bowlers run-ups there are other areas where someone could slip and tear a groin or a hamstring and then the season’s done.”