County Championship: Five games abandoned on Wednesday

The covers remained on at Canterbury for a second day running

Rain and sodden outfields caused major disruption in the County Championship once again on Wednesday.

No play was possible at Edgbaston and Canterbury for a second successive day, while the third days of the matches at Hove and Durham were also abandoned.

Day three of the title decider at Taunton, where Somerset are hosting Essex, was called off at 16:30 BST.

Essex, who are 25-0 responding to Somerset's first-innings 203, now look certain to be crowned champions.

They only need a draw, while Somerset must win to become county champions for the first time in their 144-year history.

Warwickshire's game against Yorkshire was called off before lunch because of a wet outfield, while the same issue saw play abandoned between Kent and Hampshire in the afternoon session.

Sussex against Worcestershire and Durham against Glamorgan were called off before tea.

• Follow day three of the County Championship as it happens

• Full scorecards from all nine games