Surrey v Worcestershire: Weather has last word at The Oval

Worcestershire remained on the heels of leaders Hampshire despite being held to a second successive rain-affected draw as Surrey avoided defeat at The Oval.

After a delayed start, 21 overs were bowled in the afternoon session, during which the visitors removed Zafar Ansari (62) for the first time in the game.

The visitors managed 20 more following an early tea, removing Worcestershire old boy Steven Davies for 77.

But the spinners could not prise out more wickets, as Surrey ended on 240-5.

Saeed Ajmal surprisingly ended wicketless, picking up just one in the match, but England hopeful Moeen Ali did his chances of a Test call no harm by having Davies caught behind.

Charlie Morris claimed the other wicket of Ansari, who had hit an unbeaten 77 in the first innings.

Worcestershire's 12-point haul from the game matched that of Division Two leaders Hampshire, who remain four points clear on top after being held up by in a draw with Derbyshire.

After winning three of their first five matches, Worcestershire have now suffered two frustrating rain-affected draws in the South East, following last week's weather-ruined game against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.

But they will go head to head with Hampshire on Sunday when New Road stages the meeting of the top two.

BBC Hereford & Worcester's Dave Bradley:

"Not for the first time this season the weather held up a Worcestershire victory charge.

"A minimal amount of play on the last day and the batting of Ansari allowed Surrey to hang on for the draw, after being outplayed for a big part of the game.

"Indeed it was a major surprise when Ansari went to a slower ball from Morris.

"Remarkable that Saeed Ajmal only took one wicket in the game, but testament to Worcestershire's team ethic that others came to the fore, notably Jack Shantry, whose spell on the third day ripped through Surrey's middle order."