Under-19s denied by rain

James Harris tosses the ball up after having George Worker caught and bowled

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England Under-19s were frustrated by the weather in their attempt to wrap up the one-day series against New Zealand at Northampton.

They reduced the tourists to 109 for seven after 35 overs when a second heavy shower brought an end to the day's play. The previous one had forced the players off at 54 for five from 19.1 overs.

Right-arm paceman James Harris and left-arm finger spinner Liam Dawson both picked up a pair of wickets as New Zealand failed to register a meaningful partnership.

England captain Tom Westley had won the toss and Harris soon took a fine caught and bowled chance low down to remove opener George Worker first ball with the score on six.

Michael Bracewell was next to go, run out for 13 thanks to a direct hit from Alex Hales on his knees at mid-off.

Wicketkeeper Ben Brown took a superb left-handed diving catch to remove Craig Cachopa for 12 to give Harris his second victim.

Fraser Colson was caught by Liam Dawson at square-leg for four as Ian Saxelby struck and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson followed for 14, lbw to Ben Sanderson, immediately after striking two fours.

Following the first delay, Dawson had Harry Boam caught and bowled for seven before trapping Greg Morgan lbw for 21.

Doug Bracewell (20 not out) and Joe Austin-Smellie (12no) mounted something of a recovery when the players were again forced off.

Play resumed for a second time but only three balls (and no runs) were possible before the teams were against sent running for cover - and this time there was to be no coming back.

The hosts, who lead 1-0, would have won the series with a game to spare with victory today.

They won the first game by six wickets before rain forced the second into a no result and the third finished in a thrilling tie.

England made two changes to the side from the last game at Hove on Monday as seam bowlers Sanderson and Saxelby came in for fellow medium pacers Hamza Riazuddin and Luke Fletcher.

The tourists brought in Austin-Smellie for Andrew Mathieson as they attempted to get back in the series.

Both sides will be hoping for better weather in Northampton tomorrow for the final game of the series.