Kent Spitfires first Twenty 20 game of the season was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Tuesday night.

The game against the Sussex Sharks had already been moved from Tunbridge Wells to Canterbury after heavy rain in the West of the county forced a change of venue, but with a scheduled start of 7pm at the St Lawrence Ground, it soon became clear that the game was in some doubt.

The groundstaff worked hard to get the game on after the rain stopped around 4pm, but more showers greeted the removal of the covers around 6:30pm.

When the umpires went to inpsect the pitch at 6:50pm, it was clear that there was a damp patch on the pitch and the game was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Further inspection revealed that despite working around the clock to get the game on, the outfield was also saturated after heavy rain over the past couple of days.

Speaking after the game, Kent Cricket Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Clifford commented; “I am desperately sorry that the match has been abandoned. It has been raining all day and our ground staff have worked tirelessly in an effort to prepare the ground for this match. Unfortunately, on this occasion we have been beaten by the weather.

“We will of course issue a full refund or exchange to all of those who have purchased tickets to this match. We hope that the weather improves as we now look towards our next Friends Life t20 match against local rivals Surrey at Beckenham on Sunday and ahead to the rest of the campaign.”

Kent will therefore take a point from their first game of the season and their next scheduled fixture is against the Surrey Lions at Beckenham on Sunday with play set to start at 3pm.