County Championship: No play possible on day three in Leicester, Birmingham and Derby

The rain at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester had relented by lunchtime, but the umpires decided that the outfield was too wet for any play, while a morning of rain also ruined the prospects of play at Edgbaston.

Essex, fifth in Division One, but only 14 points clear of relegation, reached 325-5 after 104 overs in what play was possible with the Bears, picking up two batting points as they edged closer to the draw that will secure another season of top-flight cricket.

Play had been due to start at 15:00 BST in Derby after passing an inspection, but the rain returned, causing the day to be abandoned.

The home side are 17-0 in reply to Glamorgan’s 259, but with the match now almost certainly heading for a draw.

And with Middlesex’s game at Lancashire also well behind because of bad weather, a draw could be enough for Glamorgan to secure promotion and a return to Division One for the first time in 20 years.