Match abandoned

By P. Subramanyam

LONDON, AUG. 13. Heavy rain washed out Australia's one-day game (55-overs each) against Ireland after the tourists reached 86 for the loss of one wicket in 23.4 overs at Ormeau in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A crowd of nearly 4,000 turned up to bid farewell to cricket at Ormeau cricket ground, with tickets sold out well in advance, as the ground is to be turned into a housing development.

Ormeau has been used for cricket since 1859, and saw its first visit by an Australian team when the late Sir Don Bradman's 1938 tourists played the Gentlemen of Ireland. Australian teams also played at Ormeau in 1961 and 1968. Also, this match will create an unusual double for Mark Waugh, who like his brother, appeared for Ireland as a guest player against Zimbabwe in 2000.

Sadly, this match - due to bad weather - disappointed all. Matthew Hayden, who top-scored with an unbeaten 52 (74 balls, 8x4s), and Justin Langer put on 66 runs for the first wicket.

After Langer departed for 22, dismissed by medium- pacer, Conor Armstrong, Simon Katich made five not out before the match was abandoned due to rain.

The match in Belfast was Australia's final tour match before the fourth Test with England this week at Headingley.

The scores: Australia 86 for one in 23.4 overs (M. Hayden 52 n.o.); Match abandoned due to rain.

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