A first Minor Counties Championship win of the season looks a remote prospect for Oxfordshire after bad weather intervened in their Western Division clash with Wales at Banbury.
Only 21 overs of play were possible at White Post Road on Monday during which Oxon added 53 runs to their overnight total of 32-1 for the loss of two wickets.
A hailstorm and then heavy rain forced the umpires to call off the day’s play at 3.10pm and the forecast is not great for Tuesday.
Oxon captain Ian Hawtin said: “Because of the time we have lost, it will be up to the captains to work out what sort of game we can play.
“Discussions will take place to see how we can set up a game.
“At the moment we are batting, so we’ll see what happens.”
Oxfordshire, who still trail Wales by 279 runs, lost opener Damian Shirazi before he was able to add to his overnight score of 17.
Rob Williams made a brisk 24 on his return to the side before being bowled by John Glover.
Craig Haupt and Richard West, a late replacement for the unwell Shahbaz Ali, were the not out batsmen as a frustrating day’s play came to an early end.
Hawtin had hoped for a strong performance at Banbury to help Oxon get over their dismal loss to Norfolk in the MCCA Trophy semi-finals.
But a draw now looks the most likely outcome, especially as heavy showers are forecast for the Banbury area.
Scores: Wales 364-9, Oxfordshire 85-3.
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