Sting in the tail at Edgbaston as wasps cause chaos on and off the field

The insects caused havoc in several areas of the stadium, with reports of a number of spectators being stung in the stands

Edgbaston proudly lays claim to being England’s fortress but the ground found its defences breached by wasps during the first day of the first Ashes Test.

The insects caused havoc in several areas of the stadium, with reports of a number of spectators being stung in the stands.

“Number of people stung, a lady rather badly under eye,” Paul Williams, a ticket-holder in the Wyatt Stand, wrote on Twitter.

Another match-goer, James Ward, reported that the issue was also affecting the Eric Hollies Stand.

A nest was discovered above a window in Block 11 of the Wyatt, with the Edgbaston facilities team moving some fans to get them away from the ‘danger zone’.

With the venue practically at capacity, however, it was impossible for everyone to be rehomed.

A stadium spokesperson told The Cricketer that “pest control are on standby”, with action to be taken at the close of play on Thursday to resolve the issue.

Supporters with seats near the nest suggested seemed to be happy with the way in which Edgbaston staff had reacted to their unexpected guests.

The wasps, however, weren’t satisfied with making their presence known off the pitch.

Play had to be stopped during the evening session to allow umpire Aleem Dar to receive treatment after he too was stung.

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