Match report provided by ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay.
DAY ONE
A combination of high winds and frequent heavy showers ensured that no play was possible on the first day of the Division Two Rothesay County Championship match between Lancashire and Middlesex at Emirates Old Trafford.
Ground safety regulations meant that the covers could not be removed before play was due to begin when there was no rain falling early in the day but the heavy downpour that began about half-past ten, the scheduled start-time, would have made that a fruitless exercise in any event.
Umpires Richard Illingworth and Chris Watts conducted an inspection during a dry interval at 1.30 but the rain had returned by 2.30, when they were due to take a second look and it was no surprise that play was finally abandoned at 2.35.
Middlesex come into the match lying fourth in the table, 30 points behind second-placed Glamorgan. They therefore have an arithmetical chance of winning promotion to whatever division or conferences are in place for the 2026 season. However, their chances are likely to be scuppered if this game is badly affected by the weather.
Lancashire, rather by contrast, are sixth and will finish among the bottom six counties whatever system is established next April and whether or not this game is wrecked by rain.
Lancashire Men
Middlesex Men
