HEAVY rain left the outfield waterlogged and prevented any play on the first day of the Specsavers County Championship Division One match between Lancashire and Essex at Emirates Old Trafford.
The game between the two sides at the top of the table was due to start at 10.30am.
However, an early lunch was taken at noon and any hope of play on the first day was ended when the umpires inspected the sodden conditions with the Lancashire groundsman, Matt Merchant, and abandoned play at 12.50pm.
Essex came into the game holding a 36-point lead over their hosts and would not be disadvantaged were this game to be completely ruined by rain.
Both sides have four matches to play in September as they attempt to secure the most prestigious trophy in domestic cricket.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here