Ben Kosky for ECB Reporters’ Network sees the day’s play washed out at Wantage Road

Rain thwarted Northamptonshire’s hopes of cementing their advantage against Middlesex, with not a single ball bowled on the second day of their LV= Insurance County Championship fixture at Wantage Road.

Umpires Nigel Llong and Steve O’Shaughnessy, who had provisionally announced a 4.45pm start following a pitch inspection, finally admitted defeat after conditions worsened during the intervening time.

A break in the morning rain enabled the teams to warm up on the outfield, with a view to resuming the match soon after midday – but those plans were scuppered by darkening skies and a heavy downpour just before the scheduled start.

Northamptonshire dominated the opening day, bowling their visitors out for just 149 before reaching 111 for three in reply, with skipper Luke Procter unbeaten on 39 and Rob Keogh 17 not out.

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