Cricket:England's opening match of the NatWest Series against West Indies was today controversially called off without a ball being bowled.
Play was officially abandoned shortly after 3pm after groundstaff failed to dry the sodden playing area.
Headingley underwent a €685,000 makeover this winter, including a new drainage and irrigation system, but failed to handle the deluge in its first serious test.
The expensive scheme's final stage - a complete re-laying of a new outfield - was finished in early April.
Excess water lay on the surface after heavy morning rain, however, and not even the extensive use of sopping machines could get the ground fit to play in time to constitute a contest.
The cut-off time for the game to commence was 4.30pm with a minimum of 20 overs per side required.
Umpires Steve Davis and Nigel Llong surveyed the ground several times after the scheduled 10.45am start, culminating in the eventual announcement at 3.12pm.
Ironically, it was made with the famous Leeds ground bathed in sunshine and was met by a chorus of boos from frustrated spectators.
The England squad attempted to placate the public by lapping the boundary perimeter to sign autographs and chat