Midlands rivals Worcestershire and Warwickshire lost the second day of their LV County Championship match at New Road after persistent overnight rain and a further downpour after lunch.

Umpires George Sharp and Neil Bainton had hoped for a re-start in the afternoon. But the ground was too wet to cope with another drenching, and they were forced to abandon play for the day at 2.20pm.

Facing a total of 309, Worcestershire made two without loss before bad light and drizzle brought a premature end to the first day.

Despite the loss of 108 overs, Warwickshire will still believe their seamers have a chance of conjuring up a positive result on a green-looking pitch.

However, the weather makes it more likely that the two counties - relegated and promoted in tandem over the last two seasons - will continue long sequences without a victory in Division One.

Worcestershire were last successful in the top flight against Yorkshire at Kidderminster two years ago this month, and Warwickshire's wait goes back to May 2007 when they beat their neighbours at New Road.