First day of 2nd Semi-Final at Bristol is washed out

Despite the best efforts of the groundstaff, play for the second Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final between Gloucestershire and Lancashire was abandoned at 10am. The fire-brigade were called to pump water off the ground, after torrential overnight rain left the outfield underwater.

Both captains, in consultation with the umpires, decided that the chance of play today was so remote, it would be better to fall back on the reserve day. A contingent of Lancashire fans, numbering around 2,000, headed back to Manchester, bitterly disappointed. The one comfort for the fans is that tomorrow is a holiday in the UK, which should allow a big crowd to come to the ground tomorrow.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Lancashire skipper John Crawley sympathised with the Lancashire fans. "It's a shame, but it's good forecast for tomorrow." Mark Alleyne, the Gloucestershire captain, told Sky Sports' Bob Willis, "We are going to put our faith in the weather." Speaking of the possibility of the dreaded bowl-out, he added, "We might go inside and have a dabble, just in case."

The minimum play for a match to be constituted is ten overs per side, in a match which must begin by around 5pm tomorrow. In the eventuality of a bowl-out, five players from each side bowl two balls at the stumps. Thankfully, the forecast is a little better for Monday.