Greenidge picked up the only wicket to fall

Northamptonshire's hopes of a first Championship victory of the summer receded into the gloom at Trent Bridge with just eight overs of play possible.

The players were out in the middle long enough, however, for seam bowler Carl Greenidge to complete his first five-wicket since joining the visitors from Surrey.

The son of former West Indies batsman Gordon Greenidge followed up his four wickets on Saturday by dismissing Nicky Boje lbw for 36 with a good length delivery.

It was welcome relief for Northants - and Darren Cousins in particular - after the South African had hit four boundaries off him in three overs.

But it was their sole success in the limited time they were out in the middle. An early tea was taken when rain returned and only one more ball was possible thereafter.

Andy Harris was content to block and he was seven not out when the umpires called a halt for the day, with Greg Smith yet to score.

Nottinghamshire: D J Bicknell, J E R Gallian (Capt), G E Welton, U Afzaal, N Boje, P Johnson, C M W Read (Wkt), R J Logan, G J Smith, A J Harris, M N Malik.

Northamptonshire: M E K Hussey (Capt), A S Rollins, M B Loye, R J Warren, J W Cook, G P Swann, A L Penberthy, T M B Bailey (Wkt), R S G Anderson, C G Greenidge, D M Cousins.

Umpires: K E Palmer and J F Steele