The fixture, scheduled to take place on August 12, was threatened when the Citylets Grange ground in Edinburgh was flooded after the Water of Leith burst its banks a fortnight ago. Further heavy rain has prevented groundstaff from being able to repair the damage.

It is understood that yesterday's downpour may have forced the match, which was expected to draw a crowd in excess of 3000, to be called off.

"The place is in a mess and is unlikely to recover any time soon. Some tough decisions are going to have to be made," a spokesman said.

Last week's one-day internationals between Scotland and Canada were switched to Cambusdoon in Ayr, while the Saltires' CB40 matches against Durham and Somerset, scheduled for the Grange next month, will also be moved.

n Carlton are on course to be crowned Scotland's Twenty20 champions for the fourth time in the last five years. The Grange Loan club must beat their Edinburgh rivals Wat-sonians in the Masterton Trophy final tomorrow to reach the Murgitroyd T20 Cup finals day later this month.

The Saltires batsmen Fraser Watts (57) and Gordon Drummond (43) combined to help Carlton beat their capital rivals Grange in a thrilling semi-final while Watsonians proved too strong for SMRH in the other tie.

n Two Irish umpires will officiate at league and cup fixtures this weekend. In a deal between Cricket Scotland and Cricket Ireland, David Bradley will stand in Saturday's Western Premier Division derby between Uddingston and Drumpellier and at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Clydesdale and Carlton the next day.

Nigel Parnell has been assigned to the West of Scotland v Ayr league match on Saturday and the cup tie between East Kilbride and Heriot's 24 hours later.