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Mike Watkinson: "We apologise if people feel let down"

Lancashire director of cricket Mike Watkinson has apologised to England fans after a waterlogged Old Trafford pitch saw play abandoned in the India Test.

Lancashire director of cricket Mike Watkinson has apologised to England fans after the second day of their fourth Test with India was abandoned due to heavy rain.

The players were forced off at Old Trafford with England on 237-6 and trying to capitalise on an impressive start to the Test.

Despite the rain stopping while the light was still good, ground staff were unable to drain a corner of the outfield and play was abandoned.

"We apologise if people feel let down, but these are extreme circumstances," Watkinson told BBC Sport. "It was an extremely heavy downpour and most grounds would have struggled.

"The drainage is fine, but it was used for some construction work during the off-season. The pitch drains to this side, there is a natural fall. This is where the water congregates.

"If we have got anything wrong, it's hitting it with the waterhog and disturbing the surface. Ideally, it would drain through naturally."

Old Trafford's drainage system was revamped in 2008, forcing Lancashire to play their home matches elsewhere while the work was completed.

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