The 2,000 fans who have bought tickets for Wednesday’s play at Trent Bridge will not get a refund even if play only lasts one ball.

There are normally full refunds if there are fewer than 15 overs’ play. But on the fifth and final day tickets are cheap, no refunds are offered on tickets that are priced £10 for adults and £5 for juniors.

The decision came in for criticism on last night but Nottinghamshire’s reasoning is that it would be unfair on fans who bought tickets in October if they now allowed other supporters in for free, with the county defending their policy.

“We always think long & hard about day five pricing when we go on sale each October,” they said on Twitter. “Sometimes you’ll see a full day, sometimes a few overs. In 2013, the match was exceptionally well poised.”

It means Nottinghamshire will earn around £20,000 no matter how much play takes place, although they will still have to pay for stewarding and catering costs.

The fifth day is generally a loss maker for Test venues as they rarely sell tickets in advance, or at least of any great number. They are insured and all the risk is on the venue rather than the England & Wales Cricket Board.