It does not need any reminder about the considerable rainfall we have had in the UK this past winter, which is still causing major problems to sport. Rugby and soccer in particular has been hit pretty hard, exacerbated by the foot and mouth problem too.

Now with the English season fast approaching, it is the turn of cricket to suffer. In a game where rain is it's number one enemy, groundsmen throughout not just the county program, but clubs also, are tearing their hair at ways to dry of their squares and outfields, and when succeeding, finding yet more rain ruines their efforts.

With water tables at their highest for some years, some counties and clubs will have great difficulty getting early season matches underway. The weather men, having told us about the rain for the past 6 months, are predicting a nice summer. We await in eagar anticipation.

At Hampshire's new Rose Bowl ground, about to open it's gates for the first matches in early May, the problem is just the same as nationally. "Modern style state of the art drainage facilities may help," says Hampshire's head groundsman Nigel Gray, "but with so much water, even that is seriously overstretched."

Hampshire's pre-season match with Somerset at Taunton over the Easter Weekend is in grave doubt, and talking to Warwickshire coach Bob Woolmer at Paarl last week, he gives Hampshire's opening County Championship match at Edgbaston a 25% change of getting underway.

The ECB Inspector of Grounds, believes that cricket could be in turmoil unless the weather changes very soon. There are signs that this is happening, albeit slowly.

If you are thinking of travelling to a match, it may be well worth your while contacting the home club for prospects of play before leaving home

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