Richardson doubles up before rain

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Alan Richardson was the biggest beneficiary on a truncated opening day, claiming two of the three wickets to fall

Worcestershire seamer Alan Richardson took two wickets against Northamptonshire on a rain-affected first day in their LV= County Championship Division Two clash at Wantage Road.

Only 34.5 overs were possible due to persistent rain, with Northamptonshire closing on 96 for three thanks largely to Alex Wakely’s 48.

Richardson removed Ben Howgego and Wakely in ending the day with figures of 2-21, Wakely and David Sales having fallen in quick succession shortly after lunch before the heavens opened.

Northamptonshire, who won the toss, managed only 21 runs in the first 13 overs. Howgego, in particular, found it difficult to get going and had made just four off 35 balls when he was taken by Gareth Andrew at gully off Richardson.

Wakely and Stephen Peters added 70 for the second wicket to help Northants recover from a shaky start to reach 91 for one at lunch.

Peters batted sensibly all morning and showed considerable poise - he will resume tomorrow on 38 - but Wakely perished in the second over of the afternoon when he edged Richardson to Vikram Solanki at first slip.

Solanki took a second catch in the following over when he snared David Sales in the same position off Jack Shantry.

Rob Newton replaced Sales but faced only two balls before rain stopped play soon after 2pm.

Umpires Mark Benson and Nick Cook made the decision to abandon play an hour and a half later, meaning 61 overs were lost.