Analysis – BBC Radio Newcastle’s Martin Emmerson
Storm Dave has left a mark in the North East with damage caused at The Riverside in Chester-le-Street.
A scaffolding platform, which was holding the site screen at the Finchale End of the ground, has blown down. It has damaged fencing and is lying across a section of seating. Scaffolders are now busy taking it apart.
Stadium staff say they will be able to put something in place to help the batsmen. But the main issue now appears to be the pitch. Gusts of 70mph hit the ground last night and one of the wheeled covers is lying on its back in the East Stand. And that means there’s quite a bit of water on the track.
The umpires say play can’t resume until the pitch dries out. It looks rather wet at the far end. And that may be the reason we don’t have any play here today. It is sunny though and breezy. In theory it’s a good drying day.
As for safety in the ground, the club is about to issue a statement to members re-attending the stadium. However, there’s nothing to watch at the moment. It’s a waiting game.