How is UK heatwave impacting sport for players and fans?

The women's T20 World Cup continues this week, while the England men's team will face New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge from Thursday.

Scotland and Ireland are in T20 World Cup action in two separate matches at Gloucestershire Cricket in Bristol on Tuesday, while England face West Indies at Lord's on Wednesday.

Capacity crowds of more than 5,000 were expected for the Scotland and Wales fixtures, but the heat has had a significant impact, with school closures caused by the weather meaning more than 2,000 children will no longer attend the matches.

There is an expectation that attendance will be further reduced due to some ticket purchasers deciding to stay home because of the heat.

The flag ceremonies at the start of matches have also been shortened due to safety concerns and the involvement of under-18s.

Player safety is assessed by staff including a designated safety officer.

There is no blanket rule which dictates a temperature at which cricket matches should be abandoned, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) mandates extra drinks breaks for players during extreme heat, and matches could potentially be curtailed if the temperature is deemed to a pose a risk to health.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws of cricket allow umpires to suspend play if weather makes play dangerous or unreasonable under regulation 2.7.1.

The ECB told BBC Sport: “The ICC and the ECB have extreme heat guidance in place for venues and teams. Each situation is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

“The management of a game is dependent on joint work between the safety officer, match officials, medical teams and the events team.

“Extra guidance is being shared with spectators to ensure they can enjoy the games safely.”

In recreational cricket, the ECB suggests shortening matches and providing shaded cool-down areas for players.