YOU have to admire the optimism of some cricket fans.

It was obvious to anyone who had seen a weather forecast in the preceding 24 hours that last Friday’s NatWest T20 Blast clash between Worcestershire Rapids and Lancashire Lightning would be a washout and so it proved.

But that didn’t stop a smattering of hardy souls huddling under umbrellas in the Basil D’Oliveira stand hoping for a parting of the skies despite conditions approaching almost biblical proportions.

They came in hope rather than expectation, no doubt wanting to give Steve Rhodes’ side the adulation they deserved after securing their first home quarter-final in the competition.

That they were denied the chance, and the players their opportunity to sign off the group stage in style, is a shame.

But at least the elements had little bearing on the bigger picture with Worcestershire already guaranteed a top-two finish.

Imagine if the abandonment had cost them a shot at the points they needed to qualify. Which was the fate that befell Nottinghamshire Outlaws as their match at Leicestershire, one they needed to win in their quest of gatecrashing the top four in the North Group, was also abandoned.

The weather can be a cruel mistress when it comes to cricket.

It is the ultimate game-changer and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Reserve days? Possibly, but that has the potential to cause havoc in a congested calendar.

It is something counties have to make allowance for, both from a results perspective and on the balance sheet, with fans having the right to a full refund in such circumstances.

Thankfully, Worcestershire’s place in the last eight has more than made up for that with those fans who braved the elements fast snapping up tickets for the visit of Hampshire on August 14.