- Wednesday, March 12, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
WHEN umbrellas come out in an open sporting venue during the summer, one would blindly and accurately guess that it could be mostly in the Indian subcontinent. Overseas players are often found taking special measures to keep themselves hydrated in that part of the world, like by consuming energising liquids and carrying wet towels or bands around the neck.
But on Tuesday (19), the world was surprised to see cricketers from England and South Africa struggle to cope with the heat in a venue not located in either the subcontinent or Australia where summer-time cricket is popular.
It was at Riverside in Chester-le-Street where umbrellas came out to give the players some respite from the scorching sun as the temperature went beyond 40-degrees Celsius, something people in the UK are not familiar with. Matthew Potts, England debutant in the 50-over format, had to leave the ground to revive himself after a four-over spell and captain Jos Buttler said the former was struggling in the sweltering heat.
Besides the players, fans and other staff members also had a tough day out there. Many spectators even left the venue early or were seen running for shades to get a much-needed shelter against the sun.
