RAIN, which was not forecast, has prevented any play on the final morning and there appears to be little prospect of play before mid-afternoon.

That would still give Lancashire time to score the 144 runs they need for victory, but might restrict Durham’s chances of bowling them out if early wickets prompted the visitors to settle for a draw.

The conditions are also likely to dictate that Durham cannot afford to gamble on bowling Scott Borthwick, making it all the harder to improve their over rate of minus four. A points deduction is the last thing they need as they attempt to climb off the foot of the table.

Jamie Harrison’s five no-balls in the first innings didn’t help, but in taking care not to over-step in his four overs to date in the second innings he appeared to have lost some of his threat.

It will be interesting to see if he retains his place for tomorrow’s CB 40 League match at home to Nottinghamshire, who made a big score to beat Hampshire in this competition in midweek.

Harrison, Borthwick and Liam Plunkett were all expensive against Scotland last week and a batting line-up featuring Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, Samit Patel, James Taylor and Chris Read will be much stronger.