Rain saves Northamptonshire from defeat but injuries are a big concern

Heavy rain on the final day at Wantage Road ruined Leicestershire’s pursuit of back-to-back Championship victories for the first time since 2010.

They were left 86 runs short with the weather only allowing 45 minutes play on the final day against the County.

Leicestershire’s hopes were raised when play began on time and, needing one more wicket to end the Northamptonshire second innings with Steven Crook unable to bat, Clint McKay struck second ball to have Ben Sanderson lbw - Northants’ last man unable to replicate the resistance of the third evening.

It left Leicestershire 116 to chase and they got off to the perfect start with a boundary first ball but lost Angus Robson lbw to Rory Kleinveldt for 10. Niall O’Brien was promoted to No. 3 and struck a glorious back foot drive for four and was unbeaten on 5 as the rain arrived after just 6.4 overs of the chase. But it proved the last action of the game as play was abandoned at 4pm.

Leicestershire take 12 points from the game and remain bottom of Division Two; Northamptonshire’s 11 points moves them up to fourth in the table.

However, it is in the physio room that the Steelbacks will now be putting in the most work.

Attention turns to T20 Finals Day on Saturday and they have several injury concerns.

Steven Crook is top of that list, he went for a scan on Monday morning on his right ankle and the club await news of potential ligament or tendon damage.

If the scan comes back clear, he may yet be able to line up against Warwickshire on Saturday.

There was a further worry on the fourth morning when Richard Levi left the field nursing the ring finger on his left hand having dropped a catch at second slip. He only appeared in a little discomfort but will go for a precautionary scan.