Round-Up: Northamptonshire's reply a damp squib

Persistent rain meant that only four overs were bowled on the third day of the County Championship Second Division match between Somerset and Northamptonshire at Taunton yesterday.

Play got under way at 4pm, but Northamptonshire had added just one leg bye to their overnight total of 75 for 3 when the drizzle returned. There was another resumption at 5.55pm, but again just one leg bye resulted when more rain ended the day. It was frustrating for Somerset, who led by 238 after the first innings.

Lancashire have been informed by Worcestershire that next Friday's County Championship First Division meeting is unlikely to be played at New Road. The ground is still in an unfit state after floods submerged it three weeks ago.

Last week's four-day game against Kent was controversially abandoned before the third day. Further rain has prevented the clean-up operation from getting the ground ready in time. The England and Wales Cricket Board has told the Pears to confirm contingency plans today.