Worcestershire, needing a full day's play and plenty of wickets to maintain their Division One ambitions, were unable to bowl a ball at Northampton.

After three days, the hosts remained 24-0 in their second innings, leading by 101, which leaves Essex well set for the second promotion berth.

Barring something extraordinary, Worcestershire cannot win the match from their current position.

And that would mean Essex will finish second behind Surrey in Division One.