Washout at Durham means Yorkshire’s hopes of last-eight spot hang by thread

Heavy rain in the North East made it a wasted journey for Andrew Gale and his players, who must now win their remaining two group games and hope other results go their way to reach the last eight.

The point gained for a no-result ensured Yorkshire remain mathematically alive in the tournament, with 11 points from 14 matches.

But they must win their last two fixtures, against Durham at Scarborough tomorrow and away to Derbyshire on Friday, to stand any chance of making the knockout stage.

Umpires Jeff Evans and Peter Hartley waited until 7.45pm to call off yesterday’s contest, much to the frustration of a 5,000 crowd.

The officials had hoped to permit a reduced game of five overs per side but were ultimately forced to give way to the elements.

To add to the spectators’ frustration, the players had taken to the field on time at 5.30pm after Yorkshire won the toss and elected to bowl.

But no sooner had the teams reached the middle than the rain came down.

The conditions deprived Yorkshire’s Iain Wardlaw of the opportunity to build on his encouraging debut last week, when he took 2-17 against Nottinghamshire at Headingley.

Wardlaw, a 26-year-old pace bowler who plays club cricket for Cleckheaton, was named in the side at Chester-le-Street in place of former England star Ryan Sidebottom.

Yorkshire have handed Wardlaw a contract until the end of next summer after he was recommended to the club by Gale.

Wardlaw has now given up his job in the accounts department of a graphic design company to pursue his professional ambition, and Yorkshire are confident he can make an impact.

Martyn Moxon, the county’s director of professional cricket, said: “We are quite excited about what Ian might produce.

“It’s early days, but every challenge we’ve set him so far he’s managed to deal with.

“Iain trained with us all last winter and he’s done well in a couple of second team games.

“He’s leapfrogged some very good bowlers to get his chance.”

Wardlaw’s arrival coincides with the departure of 22-year-old pace bowler James Lee, who has been released by Yorkshire.

“The financial arrangements have not yet been finalised but James has now left the club,” confirmed Moxon.

“He has been playing for Suffolk and we wish him all the best in his future career.

“James tried his best during his time at Yorkshire but found first-team opportunities hard to come by.

“He was down the pecking order as far as first-team cricket is concerned, so we decided he would be better off trying to go somewhere else to further his career.”

[email protected]