In Cornwall, the A39 at Perranarworthal is closed in both directions because of flooding and a poor road surface.

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Pitch inspector John Jameson made it clear there was no question of him reporting the surface, citing swing and poor batting for most of the wickets.

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Although it has reopened, some parts of the road surface were reported to be in a poor condition, BBC Travel said.

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Admitting that it was a borderline decision, Birkenshaw took into account some poor batting and the fact that the Nevil Road surface played better as the game progressed on day two.

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On the surface, Britain's recent inflation performance also looks poor compared with its continental neighbours.

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But Birkenshaw also noted some poor shots and will defer a decision on whether to report the surface until having had another peek.

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But it concludes that the oil is continuing to break up and disperse underneath the surface, making the emergency of a major oxygen-poor dead zone unlikely.

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The 20-year-old has a poor record on clay, winning only four of his 13 matches on the slower surface and failing to get beyond the first round of the French Open in his only appearance in 2006.

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Redknapp believes the artificial surface at the Stade de Suisse played a huge part in his side's poor performance.

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