Historic venue flooded ahead of first match

Worcestershire may be forced to move their first home game of the county season to another venue due to flood waters that have engulfed their New Road ground.

Located on a floodplain next to the River Severn, New Road is often covered in floodwater during the off-season, so much so that the club will start the season with two away games to allow adequate time for the ground to be prepared.

But heavy rain in March means water still covers two-thirds of the outfield less than three weeks before their first home match, against Nottinghamshire on April 27.

There are contingency plans to play the game at another venue nearby, but Chief Executive Matt Rawnsley is hopeful that won't be necessary.

"The square is about a third under water and the outfield, which is slightly lower, is two-thirds under," he said.

"The ground staff like to have three weeks to prepare once the flood waters have receded, so we'll look again in the middle of next week. But we have some contingencies in place that we can go to other grounds."

"I hoped we wouldn't be affected much.

"But the water has come up quite a bit in the last 24 hours. And we expect the levels to peak on Friday."

The flooded outfield didn't prevent the annual team photo this week, with players situating themselves on the one bit of dry ground on the outfield for the snappers.

In 2007, Worcestershire were forced to play the majority of their home games at different venues due to heavy flooding that led to sewage being strewn over the outfield and a damage bill in the millions of pounds. 

The 122-year-old venue, with its famous cathedral spire in the background, hosted two matches at the 1999 World Cup - including Australia's win over Scotland - and one game in the 1983 tournament. More recently, it has hosted several women's internationals.