COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP Division Two
Edgbaston, day three (close): Northants 407-8 (declared) v Warwickshire 120-3

Warwickshire's hopes of closing the gap on Division Two leaders Worcestershire took a hit as the third day of their match with Northants was lost to rain.

Warwickshire will start the final day still on 120-3 in their first innings, replying to Northants' 407-8 declared.

Meanwhile, Warwickshire completed the signing of all-rounder Keith Barker on a contract to the end of 2010.

Barker, 21, is a former England Under-20 international footballer who played for Blackburn Rovers' academy.

He also had a spell on loan at Rochdale two years ago.

The godson of former West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, he was released by Blackburn last year and spent the last football season playing non-league football.

Barker has now decided to pursue a second sporting career in cricket and has been signed by the Bears after impressing on trial with their second team this season.