Gloucestershire v Essex: Wet outfield wipes out day three

A soaked outfield at Cheltenham meant the third day of play in the match between Gloucestershire and Essex was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The weather was dry when the umpires made the decision mid-afternoon, but enough rain had fallen the previous day to still make the outfield unplayable.

Only 100 overs have been possible in the first three days of the game, which is heading towards a draw.

Gloucestershire have scored 284-4 with Essex yet to bat in the match so far.