Rain holds up Northants' progress at Chelmsford

Persistant rain saw the third day of the County Championship Division Two match between Essex and Northants abandoned without a ball being bowled.

A total of only 27 overs play has been possible in three days at Chelmsford with Essex struggling on 54-6 in their first innings.

Northants' Jack Brooks took four wickets on Friday but could not add to his total as play was called off early.

Essex announced entrance would be free for spectators on Sunday.

Rain caused the final day in each of the eight County Championship matches to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. As a result, all eight games ended in draws.