Only 40 overs possible in vital relegation clash at Riverside

Only 40 overs were possible at The Riverside, on the first day of the Division One basement clash between Durham and Hampshire.

A total of four stoppages brought the players off in a combination of drizzle and bad light. The umpires finally calling an end to the proceeding at 5.30pm.

Hampshire gained an early wicket when play started on time, Michael Gough falling lbw to Mullally?s second over, but in between the showers, Jonathan Lewis and Simon Katich put together 95 valuable runs.

Australian left handed batsman Simon Katich reach 50 not out, just 14 runs short of becoming Durham?s first player to reach 1,000 for the season. His innings of 110 balls included 5 boundaries. He took much of the strike against his fellow Aussie Shane Warne, whilst the more patient Lewis, appointed captain for the rest of the season, was the perfect foil.

30-year-old Lewis struck 3 fours in his 34 runs that took 127 balls.

Mullally was the better of the Hampshire bowlers, who for much of the shortened day had to contend with a damp wind, and a wet ball. Warne was consistently wiping the ball with a towel to enable him to gain a firm grip.

Both sides, clutching at straws with their slim hopes of avoiding the relegation receding, will be hoping for better weather to further their aims, when they resume on Friday morning.