Report: Northern Superchargers v Birmingham Phoenix Men

Torrential rain brought an abrupt end to The Hundred match at Headingley between Northern Superchargers and Birmingham Phoenix with just 62 balls possible in Phoenix’s first innings.

With puddles forming on the outfield the umpires were left with no choice but to call a halt to proceedings after a heavy shower engulfed Leeds.

It was frustrating for the hosts who had got themselves into a decent position during the play that was possible with Reece Topley removing opener Jacob Bethell without scoring in his opening set of deliveries.

That brought England star Ben Duckett to the middle and he introduced himself with a ramped shot for six before hitting an unbeaten 34 off 26 balls before the rain came.

Spin also played its part with Matthew Short removing Dan Mousley and Shadab Khan in quick succession with England’s Adil Rashid claiming the wicket of Jamie Smith who was bowled for 13 with the visitors 84 for five at the close.

Benny Howell said: “I thought we’d miss the rain for a second but once it came it came pretty hard – I don’t know if it worked in our favour or not but maybe it did.

“The majority of the guys have been with the team for the last two years so we already have a strong bond as a group so straight away we get on well and know what our roles are – it makes it a lot easier.

“Ben (Duckett) just came today – I saw him at the team meeting and he was ready to go and he started off pretty well. Hopefully he can carry on like that for the rest of the season. He’s a quality player and he showed that today.”

Wayne Parnell, Northern Superchargers, said:

“It is frustrating but I’m pretty happy with what we put out there and you can’t control the weather. It was a crucial stage of the game and it was unfortunate that the rain spoilt what would have ended up being a really good game. 

“Seeing talented players out of the game is always sad and to see how hard Reece (Topley) has worked to get back and then to get an early wicket is really good for us. Every single member of the squad has really been looking forward to The Hundred and it’s a pity about the rain.”