Northants seized a firm hold on their match at Worcestershire thanks to Lance Klusener and Johannes van der Wath.

The ex-South African internationals, now playing under Kolpak registrations, struck half centuries to help their side to 264-7 at the end of day three.

Klusener and Van der Wath came to Nothants' rescue after they had come together at 153-7.

The visitors now have a first innings lead of 118 after Worcs had mustered 146 of a rain-interrupted match.

More than 180 overs have been lost in the three days of the match and the afternoon session lasted for just short of six overs before rain caused the third interruption of the day.

After a 100-minute delay, the teams got into the middle again after tea, but the final attempt to restart amounted to four balls.

Another heavy downpour ruled out any further play and Northants face a tough task if they are to convert their dominance into a win over their close rivals on the fourth and final day.