worcestershire’s prestigious three-day match with australia was abandoned shortly after lunch on the final day at New Road because of rain.
only 13 overs play were possible today with australia resuming after an hour’s delay at 12 noon on 92-1 from 26 overs and ending on 124-2 from 39 overs – an overall lead of 189.
a heavy shower dashed hopes of play being able to continue during the afternoon session.
worcestershire club captain joe leach claimed the one wicket to fall today as marcus harris (67) was trapped lbw.
it halted a partnership of 72 in 19 overs between harris and mitchell marsh (39 not out).
the two teams shook hands on the balcony of the graeme hick pavilion at 1.45pm after the umpires announced play had been called off.
worcestershire can look back on plenty of positives from the fixture which attracted sizeable crowds on the opening two days.
they bowled with great discipline for the majority of the australian first inning with josh tongue coming through his first game two and a half months after injury unscathed.
wicket-keeper batsman alex milton pressed his claims for further first team involvement with an excellent 74 as he led a splendid rearguard action.
there was also the maiden half century by paceman charlie morris which will live long in the memory for spectators who gave him a standing ovation.
but the experience of playing with and picking the brains of international cricketers will also stand the squad in good stead as part of their cricketing education.
the county will now revert to t20 mode for sunday’s home encounter with northamptonshire steelbacks (2.30pm start).
