TWO village cricket teams are under investigation after their match was abandoned because of unruly behaviour on the pitch.

And the fracas has proved an embarrassment for one of the umpires who went into bat with an MP to urge prime minister Boris Johnson to support the return of village cricket which initially put on hold by the coronavirus.

Cricket-mad parish councillor John Battye praised Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, for supporting his plea helping reverse Mr Johnson’s “bizarre” decision not to allow village cricket matches.

Cllr Battye, 75, is a lifelong member of the famed Delph and Dobcross cricket club which once had West India’s Test team Sonny Ramadhin as club professional. Mrs Abraham's husband John was former manager of the England under-19s side.

The prime minister agreed village matches could restart from July 11. And in a thank-you letter to the MP, Cllr Battye said: “While the U-turn is not unexpected no doubt your letter to the government has helped to bring about this decision forward.”

In his original letter to the MP Cllr Battye said: "I find the decision by the prime minister not to allow village cricket bizarre.”

But now local residents report the Delph Second X1 v Birkby Rose Hill match was abandoned during the second innings due to unruly behaviour by both teams.

Cllr Battye was one of the umpires and when approached for a comment he confirmed the match was abandoned due to the alleged misbehaviour of players from both sides.

He said: “I have been asked by the Huddersfield Cricket League to write a report to considered later this month.

“As the matter is under active investigation it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.”

Initially after after visiting the cricket club to renew his membership, he declared: “There were lots of smiling faces at the club when they heard the news. Cricket is part of the fabric of our society.”

The club, set in grounds on the outskirts of the village, has played host to guest professionals Sir Frank Worrall and Sir Garfield Sobers.

Sir Geoff Boycott had a testimonial match at Delph and Sonny Ramadhin took his wicket when he scored 46.

Mrs Abrahams made representations on the issue to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.