Rain threatens Cup final

The Standard Bank Cup final between the Highveld Strikers and Easterns at the Wanderers in Johannesburg has been threatened by rain. The match was supposed to take place today, but the persistent rain in the Johannesburg area caused it to be moved to Sunday, in the hope that the playing surface would dry out in time.

Though it did not rain much on Friday, an entire week of downpours had done damage. The ground staff have worked overtime since Monday to get the ground, especially the pitch, ready.

Chris Scott, the Wanderers groundsman, said: "As we're standing here today, the tournament should actually have been taking place this afternoon. This was delayed to Sunday, and by doing that we will be assured of having a decent hard true wicket."

However, that is not the end of Scott's troubles. He also has to turn parts of the outfield into a main tennis court, and some practice courts, for the Davis Cup tie between South Africa and Slovakia in April.