CricInfo - News Report
following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales
A car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in the death of
Diana, Princess of Wales, has had a profound effect on the United Kingdom. Cricket, like
all other events held across the nation, has been and will continue to be affected as
developments unfold throughout the next few days.
By William Turrell
Across the country on Sunday 31 August there was a sense of
disbelief which was reflected at the first class cricket matches
taking place as people tried to come to terms with the tragic news.
A two minutes silence was observed at all the matches which took place on Sunday
whilst flags were at half-mast. Nine Sunday League games were due to have taken
place - many were abandoned anyway due to the weather.
The Northamptonshire v Durham fixture at Northampton was
cancelled as a mark of respect - Lord Spencer is the patron of the
home side.
At Canterbury where I attended the final day of the England v Zimbabwe
Third Under-19 Test match, there were barely 40 spectators to witness
the England victory; clearly many people had stayed away.
The announcement of the Funeral Arrangements was made on Monday morning;
it will take place at 11am on Saturday 6th September at Westminster
Abbey, London.
The Natwest Trophy Final due to be played at Lord's on Saturday
has been postponed by 24 hours until Sunday.
The penultimate round of Sunday League games was scheduled
for the following day and will go ahead as planned - although Sky TV
will no longer be covering a match live.
We will let you know any further details as soon as we get them
Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 18:46