Knight shines on soggy final day

As if a featherbed of a pitch hadn't already killed off this match, the Warwickshire weather made doubly sure, as the heavens opened over Stratford-upon-Avon to curtail proceedings shortly after lunch. In the time available, Warwickshire's captain, Nick Knight, moved along to his second half-century of the match, after Lancashire had been bowled out for 508 first thing in the morning.

Knight was unbeaten on 67 when the rains came, having repaired the innings alongside Jonathan Trott (36 not out), following the swift losses of Mark Wagh and Ian Bell. He now needs just 36 more to reach 1000 runs for the season, ample proof that the pressures of the captaincy have not impaired his batting. And under Knight's leadership, Warwickshire are currently 28 points clear at the top of the table, although they have a vital match against second-placed Kent at Beckenham later this week.

Lancashire can be relieved at ending a dismal run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions, but once again they did not enjoy the better of what little play was available. After resuming on 505 for 8 overnight, their innings was brought to a swift conclusion by Dewald Pretorius, who grabbed two wickets in three balls to remove Peter Martin and Gary Keedy.

Warwickshire then began their second innings with a free-flowing stand between Knight and Wagh, that was only brought to an end when Wagh chanced his arm once too often and steered John Wood straight into Stuart Law's hands at second slip. One over later, and Bell was on his way for 1, finding the thinnest of edges to a sharply-spun delivery from Keedy. But Knight and Trott prevented any further mishaps, to cement Warwickshire's position at the top of the table.