It's because Hampshire's Ageas Bowl ground is being used as an international venue by England, Chris.

Presumably other grounds in Hampshire weren't deemed suitable and they didn't fancy moving a home game to The Oval - like Lancashire have done with their game against Notts, which is being played at Trent Bridge.

A few eyebrows might have been raised when Warwickshire signed veteran Tim Bresnan after he ended a near 20-year professional stint with home county Yorkshire.

But the 35-year-old is proving he has a few years left in him yet, with the bat as much as with the ball.

He hit a ton on his debut and is now desperately clinging on, unbeaten on 24 alongside Henry Brookes (11no) in a bid to give the Bears a total approaching something they can defend.

Image source, Getty Images

Simon Hutchins: With four bowlers out injured, Hampshire are down to the bare bones in bowling, so this excellent start against Surrey is exceptional.

Ian Holland, in particular, is having a field day, albeit with a slight bit of fortune to his first wicket...

for Ben Duckettpublished at 14:43 British Summer Time 15 August 2020

14:43 BST 15 August 2020

Nottinghamshire 168-1 v Lancashire

Image source, Rex Features

Ben Duckett reaches a 69-ball half-century with a slog sweep for four off Liam Livingstone. Wicketkeeper Alex Davies anticipates his next stroke, moving smartly to the leg-side, but can do nothing as Duckett's paddle flies over his head for another boundary.

Phil Salt is not one to hang about and he throws the microwave, the freezer, the oven and the kitchen sink at the third delivery of the game by Jamie Porter, which rockets away through the covers for four.

Porter overpitches in his second over and this time Salt plays it straighter, collecting his second boundary in more elegant fashion through mid-off.

With Sussex v Essex just getting underway, the only South Group game currently without action is at Canterbury - but things are hopefully looking up.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Newcastle

Alex Lees and David Bedingham have now been together for 200 balls and their partnership is worth 135 runs.

Bedingham brought up his second 50 of the campaign with a six off Colin Ackerman to cow corner. We believe he should have been caught behind on 24 though and stumped on 37. The keeper unfortunately on the wrong side of both incidents.

Lees moved to his third 50 of the season in 103 balls and eight boundaries. Bedingham took 70 balls and hit six fours and a maximum.

Notts are still looking good at Trent Bridge with lefties Ben Slater and Ben Duckett continuing to enjoy themselves.

Slater is now 78 not out and on course for a second BWT century - his first was for Leicestershire - while Duckett has 39 off 51 balls.

Tom Bailey is into his second spell for Lancashire and striving to break a poartnership, which is so far worth 70.

Rain stops playpublished at 14:22 British Summer Time 15 August 2020

14:22 BST 15 August 2020

Northants v Worcs 93-5

The covers are coming on at Northampton thanks to a shower that will annoy the hosts, who had built up some momentum with the ball with two quick wickets after lunch.

Better news at Kent where the rain has stopped, with the hosts and visitors Middlesex awaiting umpires' guidance on when they might resume.

Image source, Rex Features

Oh dear, and now Mark Stoneman has fallen too as Surrey's sorrows deepen.

He's another lbw victim as Ian Holland claims his third wicket in just over half an hour.

Essex skipper Tom Westley wins the toss and chooses to put Sussex in at Hove. Maybe that isn't such bad news for the home side, as they won't now have to face Simon Harmer's off-spin in the fourth innings.

Mind you, he's a real handful whichever innings it is. As Sussex may find out in this shortened day's play.

Essex have Ryan ten Doeschate back in their side and Dan Lawrence, who had to withdraw from England's squad for the second Test against Pakistan following a family bereavement.

Dawid Malan has picked up the tempo for Yorkshire at the start of the afternoon session in the North group top of the table clash.

The England left-hander has advanced to 35 not out, overtaking partner Adam Lyth, who is on 31.

Lyth hit two sixes but no fours during the morning, but has now found the rope for the first time.

George Woods: Northants need a Root or Crawley who can firm up the upper order.

Simon Rattenbury: If anyone suggests anyone other than Simon Harmer then you've lost the plot.

There are other good cricketers out there, Simon, but we get your point...