Worcestershire's ground, New Road, flooded after Severn bursts its banks

You could have as many mackintoshed men with pitchforks as you like, but it'll take a touch more to clear this.

Dragging the rope across the outfield's not going to do a lot either.

Kabir Ali takes 8-50 against Lancashire

Kabir Ali was unsurreptitiously abandoned by England after being mercilessly flayed to all parts of Headingley by Benevolent Uncle Sanath and Upul Tharanga last summer. He finished with the undignified figures of 0-72 off six overs. He's out, said England's selectors, the press and the supporters.

Kabir Ali took 8-50 against Lancashire today and that's all he can really do to resurrect his international career - keep taking absolutely stacks of wickets. Even then it might not be enough.

Kabir wasn't the only bowler to receive 'the treatment' that day (or the previous match), but whereas Liam Plunkett (0-46 off five) and Steve Harmison (0-97 off ten) will be appearing for England on Thursday, Kabir seems to have been rejected then and there. If he can bounce back, he'll prove he's a tougher guy than was presumed at the time.