Only 30 overs on last day of futility

More frustration for both sides as just 30 overs were possible on the last day of the Frizzell County Championship match between Hampshire and Lancashire at Old Trafford.

After two morning inspections umpires Barry Dudleston and Nigel Llong decided on an early lunch, and declared that play would start at 1:10pm.

Hampshire resuming from their Thursday score of 83-7 made inroads by increasing this by 39, with Adi Aymes and Shaun Udal making light of the Lancashire bowling. When Udal skied a catch at 122-8, Will Kendall declared the innings closed. Some may have thought the Hampshire captain generous, but it was in fact to deprive the home side of a bowling point in this very tight situation in Division I.

When Lancashire batted, the match reached futility, as the sparce crowd shivered in watching the opening pair make 52 without loss, before perhaps to the relief of many the rain returned.