Rain Dominates Play At New Road

Klusener - Only Able To Add Fourteen.

Northamptonshire nudged into a first innings lead during the 16 minutes play that were possible on the second day of their LV County Championship Division Two match against Worcestershire.

A torrential downpour ended the action after Northants had moved their overnight score of 134 for six to 153 for six off 38.4 overs in reply to the hosts' disappointing 146.

Only 26 balls were bowled before a deluge, followed by further frustrating showers, left large pools of surface water which sparked an intensive mopping-up operation by the New Road groundstaff.

Their efforts, however, were in vain with umpires Steve Garratt and Ian Gould finally calling play off for the day just before 5pm.

Nicky Boje moved his overnight score of 13 to 18 not out while Lance Klusener, who launched his innings following nightwatchman David Lucas' dismissal off the last ball yesterday, was undefeated on 14, including three fours.

They resumed Northants' reply against the pace attack of Simon Jones and Kabir Ali, who spearheaded Worcestershire's fightback by picking up three wickets on the opening day.

South African Klusener eased his side past their opponents' first innings tally with a leg glance for four off Jones in the 38th over before rain brought his progress to an abrupt halt.