Rain rules at Old Trafford

Defending champions Essex got their 2007 NatWest Pro40 campaign off to a soggy start when their much-anticipated clash against Lancashire was abandoned due to rain.

The match was called off before it was due to start after heavy rain had made the outfield too wet to play.

With the rain still falling and set in for the day, there were no prospects of any play and the umpires made the inevitable decision.

The weather in the second half of the season has thwarted several games around the country, with Worcestershire's game against Hampshire also rained off earlier this week.

The two teams each claim one point.