The Disability Premier League has discovered cricket’s most economical bowler after rain abandoned four group fixtures at Colwall without delivering a ball, taking a wicket or allowing anyone to remove a tracksuit.
Pirates had already secured their place in the final after four straight wins. That left Tridents, Black Cats and Hawks competing for the other berth, a contest eventually settled by the highly technical method of having enough points before the sky closed for maintenance.
Tridents’ two victories proved sufficient, including a rain affected win over Hawks in which captain Liam O’Brien struck the critical six. The remaining four fixtures at Colwall Cricket Club were then abandoned before play began, giving the qualification system the satisfying appearance of having planned this all along.
“We assessed conditions carefully,” said Malcolm, the tournament’s Chief Selector of Moisture. “The outfield failed the traditional test of looking like an outfield, while the covers passed every inspection by being exactly where they were put.”
The final is scheduled for Cardiff on Wednesday, where Tridents will face defending champions Pirates in a repeat of last year’s decider. Loughborough is also reserved as a contingency venue, ensuring that the tournament can move the cricket, the officials and at least one increasingly damp clipboard if necessary.
Pirates arrive unbeaten in 13 matches, with the quiet confidence of a side that has not allowed defeat to interrupt its administrative arrangements. Tridents arrive as underdogs, carrying two wins, one important six and the knowledge that qualification becomes considerably easier when the opposition is replaced by precipitation.
The tournament has nevertheless retained its commitment to competitive sport. Players will settle the title on the field, weather permitting, while officials monitor the forecast for signs that it intends to become involved in the result again.
Cricket has always understood that tension can build around an empty square. It has now refined the concept into a complete qualification strategy, with rain providing the bowling, the umpiring and the one opponent nobody can accuse of dropping a catch.
By Wednesday, Pirates will be trying to defend their crown, Tridents will be trying to win it and the rain will be watching from the pavilion, unbeaten after four matches and already shortlisted for player of the tournament. The only question is whether it can be persuaded to accept the trophy without another washout.
Real story: England and Wales Cricket Board.
