Rain Threatens to Derail Glamorgan and Somerset's Final

A relentless downpour has pushed the 50-over Metro Bank final between Glamorgan and Somerset to its reserve day on Monday. Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicts even more rain, casting doubt on whether the match will be completed.

Since county cricket's limited-overs format began in 1962, no competition has ever ended without a definitive champion. However, with the third Metro Bank final facing such severe weather, a shared title seems like the most probable outcome.

For Glamorgan, splitting the trophy would be seen as a step forward under new head coach Grant Bradburn. Meanwhile, Somerset could take some solace in earning a piece of silverware after a season in which they were strong competitors in the championship race against Surrey and reached the finals of the T20 Vitality Blast.

Glamorgan claimed victory in the first year of this somewhat diminished 50-over tournament, with Leicestershire winning the second. The competition has suffered from the talent drain caused by The Hundred, which pulls more than 100 of England and Wales’ top white-ball cricketers, primarily from wealthier counties.

Umpires had hoped to squeeze in a 20-over match between the showers, but the rain refused to cooperate.

Although most players from both teams are up-and-coming talents or second-string cricketers, Somerset made the notable inclusion of England’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who is nearing veteran status. If weather permits a shortened match on Monday, team selections can still be adjusted as the toss has not yet occurred. Somerset had also originally included 18-year-old off-spinner Archie Vaughan, who recently claimed an impressive 11 wickets, surpassing Leach, in a thrilling championship clash against Surrey earlier this month. 

The teams wait, hopeful for any chance to play and settle the contest.