KENT’S Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy clash with Berkshire has been switched to Canterbury after conditions at Berkshire’s headquarters in Reading were deemed unfit for first-class cricket.

Weather permitting, the game will go ahead tomorrow (Thursday) after ECB officials at Lord’s and both captains agreed that play in Reading would be nigh on impossible over the two allotted days.

Kent County Cricket Club will be charging for admission - £8 for adults, £4 for children and OAPs - although the match will be free for members.

A patchily mown outfield, flooded square and a re-seeded football goalmouth at the edge of batting table all ensured their would be no play in Reading today on the 13th successive day of rain in Berkshire.

The Sonning Lane ground, home of Reading Hockey and Cricket Club, has also been shared as Reading Football Club’s training headquarters in recent weeks, which may have also played a part in hampering preparation for the tie.

Kent captain David Fulton was left seething when he finally saw the sodden pitch at the 12.30pm inspection and was soon calling for the game to be switched to Canterbury.

Fulton, who initially described conditions a disgrace, went on to say: “We’re happy to take the game to our place as that was the only right and sensible decision.

“We’re not blaming anybody, but it was disappointing to find both the square and the match wicket completely wet.

“It was also upsetting that the covers were left on a wet pitch even when, at one stage, we had sunshine and a drying wind. They have had some pretty torrential downpours and it was clear we wouldn’t be playing here at all over the two available days.

“It was a case of finding another pitch in Berkshire or take it back to Canterbury. It took a while for Berkshire to agree to that, but thankfully the right decision was reached and we thank them for that.”

Berkshire manager and administrator Gordon Child said: “Sadly we didn’t have the covering to cope with all the rain we’ve had here. Of course there’s no guarantee it won’t be raining in Canterbury, but at least there is an indoor centre there for any possible bowl-out.”