County Championship: Leicestershire v Middlesex a draw after further rain

Only 11 overs were possible during the four scheduled days at Grace Road because of rain

Specsavers County Championship Division Two, Fischer County Ground (day four):
Leicestershire 36-3: Azad 17*; Helm 1-9, Murtagh 1-26
Middlesex: Did not bat
Leicestershire (5 pts) drew with Middlesex (6 pts)
Scorecard

Leicestershire's Division Two match with Middlesex ended in a draw after play was abandoned again with only 11 overs possible in the four scheduled days of play at Grace Road.

The first two days of the game were washed out, as was Thursday's play.

Middlesex collected one bonus point, having reduced Leicestershire to 36-3 after the game started on day three.

Further rain and a wet outfield led umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and Ulhas Gandhe to call the match off.

Leicestershire are scheduled to start another game against Gloucestershire on Monday, while Middlesex return to action a day earlier against Glamorgan at Radlett.

Leicestershire head coach Paul Nixon:

"It's been a very frustrating four days. We've tried to maximise our time in the indoor nets, and done plenty of work on our skills.

"I believe if the first two days of a match are washed out there should be a toss. We were on a hiding to nothing when we went in.

"The pitch looked magnificent at the start but, after two days under the covers it sweats and moisture gets in, and with the floodlights on and more rain to come, of course the away team is going to bowl.

"It's something for the ECB to look at. In circumstances like that there's only one team going to get any bonus points. There was no way we were going to get to 200 and a first batting point, whereas the bowling team on a seaming juicy pitch under lights has a good chance of getting a bowling point or two."

Middlesex head coach Stuart Law:

"You can't do much about the weather. We were fortunate to play the 11 overs we did and pick up a bowling point in that time, so that was something.

"We were hurting after the defeat by Sussex, and viewed this week as an opportunity to get back on track, but it wasn't to be.

"I don't think you can say Division Two cricket is sub-standard compared to Division One anymore, particularly with the three promotion places available - everyone is clawing for those.

"We know we're going to have to play a lot better than we have done. We haven't nailed our starts. We've taken a while to get into contests, and Glamorgan at Radlett next week will be a great challenge."