Heavy rain in Manchester has forced the abandonment of Lancashire's Norwich Union tie with Middlesex.

With rain affecting games all around the country, there had been hopes that Old Trafford might escape, and the two captains were out to toss shortly before the scheduled start.

Andy Strauss called correctly and decided to put the home team in to bat. But the heavens opened shortly afterwards, and the covers were rushed on to the wicket and surrounding areas.

With small lakes forming on parts of the outfield, the umpires abandoned the match shortly before 3pm, with each side taking two points.

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