Carlos Brathwaite admits concerns over wet playing conditions
Monday 18 September 2017 20:15, UK
Three spectators suffered injuries and a further 180 had to be moved to another part of the ground following a structural failure of a temporary stand during England's T20 defeat to Windies in Durham.
The incident took place midway through England's innings on Saturday when a section of flooring appeared to give way in the North East Terrace.
A statement from Durham County Cricket Club read: "During the course of the second innings between England v West Indies at Emirates Riverside, three spectators were injured when a small section of the North-East Terrace flooring became unstable causing them to fall.
"Stewards took precautionary action and evacuated that area of the stand efficiently. The stand is a permanent fixture at the venue and had passed inspections in the week prior to the match."
Windies captain Carlos Brathwaite also admitted that the wet outfield caused him concerns and that if conditions had remained "unsafe" he would have taken his players off.
Wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton jarred his knee after slipping on the turf which had become greasy following rain showers, one of which caused a short delay towards the end of Windies' innings.
"I had a chat with a few of the boys in a huddle while Chadwick was getting treatment and most of them said it was unsafe," said Brathwaite, following Windies' 21-run victory.
"I told the umpires the boys had some concerns - it could be a career-threatening injury (next). We always wanted to play but safety is a major concern and it was always in the back of our minds.
"We kind of gave it an ultimatum. We were in agreement that if it continued to be unsafe or if anything dramatic or drastic happened we'd call it quits. But cricket was the winner."
Windies and England begin a five-match ODI series at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Watch the action live on Sky Sports Cricket from 12pm.
