COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Northampton:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Northants 96-3
Worcs 1pt
Match scorecard

Rain prevented Northants and Worcestershire from improving their Division Two promotion hopes on day one at Northampton.

In the 34.5 overs of play that were possible, Northants moved to 96-3 after winning the toss.

Alex Wakely made 48 before falling to Alan Richardson (2-21), while Stephen Peters is unbeaten on 38.

Worcestershire lie fourth in the table, 18 points off second place, with Northants seven points further back.

BBC Hereford and Worcester's Dave Bradley reflects on a rain-shortened day one at Wantage Road:
"Some doubted Worcestershire's wisdom when they signed Alan Richardson in the winter as he had missed most of last season at Middlesex with injury, but he has proved the doubters wrong.

"He has missed a couple of games but the two wickets here have taken him to 46 for the season at under 25 apiece.

"He and Matt Mason, not playing here due to a knee problem, have to be the oldest pair of opening bowlers in the country but they have taken 75 wickets between them.

"Alex Wakely looked nailed on for a big score, and it was something of a surprise when he went in the second over after lunch, pouched by Vikram Solanki, who has returned to slip since giving up the skipper's role."

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