Just a mile away from Trent Bridge, a tornado caused damage to houses and trees a few hours before the start of Nottinghamshire's Vitality County Championship game with Worcestershire. Despite the excitement off the field, there was no such drama on the field itself.
An hour after lunch, play was abandoned without a ball bowled due to the latest squall sweeping through and winds threatening to send the covers flying towards Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire, who was 195 runs ahead overnight but had only three wickets to spare, were all out for 14 and Worcestershire, who were chasing victory, were all out for 13. This match was one of three in the East Midlands left as draws with a complete final-day washout.
Nottinghamshire appeared to be in a good position to set a target for Worcestershire to chase until they suffered their second catastrophic collapse in just seven days on Sunday. In the eight overs leading up to the close, they went from 125 for 1 to 144 for 7. Nathan Smith, Worcestershire's new overseas signing this year and a Kiwi, claimed four wickets in seven balls, including a triple-wicket maiden. Smith now has ten wickets in three innings.
Last week, Essex new-ball bowler Sam Cook returned figures of 6 for 14 as Nottinghamshire was bowled out for just 80 on the same ground. Despite gaining a first-innings lead of 44 over Worcestershire, they still hoped for a win, suggesting that a target of around 250 would be difficult to chase on a turning pitch. Unfortunately, we will never know. The game, which was destined for an enthralling finish, was abandoned due to rain and gusts that have defined the season so far.