MIDDLESEX V SUSSEX DAY 3

Middlesex - Yet to bat

Sussex - yet to bat

Ducks have been a common part of cricket since its invention in the 19th century.

However, it was birds of the feathered variety rather than zeroes in the scorebook at Old Merchant Taylors’ Cricket Club this morning as play was abandoned without a ball bowled between Middlesex and Sussex for the third day in a row.

Heavy overnight rain added to the already saturated conditions, meaning puddles formed on the outfield attracted the wading birds.

Ground-staff now face a Herculean task to get the ground fit for the final day tomorrow, a challenge made all the harder by more rain in the forecast.

Should there be any play on day four it seems unlikely the two captains will agree to a one-innings affair in a bid to claim a victory, so a quest for extra bonus points to add to the five apiece they will receive for this soggy draw looks the best both teams can hope for.