First day: Leicestershire have scored 119 for three against Worcestershire

It is hard to say what proved more frustrating at rainsoaked Leicester yesterday . . . the weather or the perennial refusal of English cricket to show a little flexibility.

After heavy morning rain play did not get under way at Grace Road until 3.30pm. Yet, after only 45 minutes of action, they felt the need to stop for tea at 4.15pm.

In the very week that Twenty20 arrived to brighten up the summer it said everything about what a daft, infuriating game cricket can be. Worse was to follow.

At 6.50pm, when play closed on a day deprived of 61 overs, the sun was beating down.

What action there was hardly came under the category of 'gripping'. The home side coasted to tea at 44 for nought after a rare loose opening spell by Matt Mason, who struggled with wet runups as his first six overs cost 36.

It tightened up after tea as the visitors dismissed nonstriking Darren Robinson, run out backing up after Chaminda Vaas directed Darren Maddy's drive on to the stumps. Maddy went just before the end, bowled by Ray Price after grinding out 49 off 127 balls.