Durham's hopes hit by weather

For the second successive day no play was possible in Durham's LV County Championship match against Lancashire at Chester-le-Street.

The Durham groundstaff did their utmost to make the pitch playable but rain thwarted their efforts

Having reached 280 for three in the 95 overs which were possible on the first two days, Durham gained two bonus points and Lancashire one.

This did little for Durham's title ambitions or Lancashire's efforts to escape relegation after both clubs recently had a home four-day match totally washed out.

Durham's bid for the NatWest Pro40 title will also be scuppered if tomorrow's match, also against Lancashire, is rained off.

That seems a formality, with an inspection called for 4pm today.