LONDON, (Reuters) – The second Twenty20 international between England and Australia in Manchester was abandoned without a ball being bowled yesterday because of a wet outfield.
The first match of the series, also at Old Trafford, was abandoned just past the halfway mark due to heavy rain on Saturday.
A large crowd waited patiently inside the ground but both captains agreed with the decision.
“We wanted to get out there and play but you have to be realistic. There’s an area of concern in the run-ups and it’s unfit for international cricket,” England skipper Paul Collingwood said.
“The umpires have made a brave decision calling it off early.”
Australia’s Michael Clarke said he felt sorry for the fans.
“It’s very difficult because there’s such a good crowd in and both teams wanted to play, but even for me, 75 kilos, walking on it, it doesn’t feel safe, so I can’t imagine, Brett Lee running in, it’s going to be safe for him.
“Every game we play we want to satisfy the audience but safety has to come first.”
The two teams are scheduled to play the first of seven one-day internationals at the Oval on Friday.
