In defiance of the centuries-old Laws of Cricket, county championship cricketers were stopped from using sawdust to dry out the pitch, because of fears that it could cause cancer.

The rules, drafted in 1744, specifically prescribe that sawdust be rubbed into the ground to soak up puddles that put bowlers at risk of slipping, particularly after heavy rain.

However, after persistent downpours yesterday’s match between Glamorgan and Derbyshire at Swansea was paused after the visiting side, which was bowling first, were surprised to have their request for sawdust for the bowlers’ run-ups declined because of council regulations. Glamorgan usually play their home matches at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, but they play a handful of matches at other venues including the St Helen’s rugby and cricket