Cricket: Rain makes progress slow

PERSISTENT RAIN restricted play on the second day of the unofficial Test between England A and Zimbabwe A to nine overs and five balls yesterday.

It took Glamorgan's Darren Thomas only three overs before he found the outside edge as left-handed Andy Blignaut, on six, drove at a ball of full length to give wicket-keeper Chris Read an excellent catch high to his left in front of first slip.

Melvyn Betts, who saw a catch put down off his bowling at third slip on the first day, was once again the unlucky bowler when Bryan Strang edged between first and second slips. Andrew Flintoff touched but could not hold on to a sharp chance.

Zimbabwe are on 95 for 6, though there must be a doubt as to whether the rain will allow any further play today.

FIRST A TEST MATCH (Harare): Zimbabwe A 95-6 (S D Thomas 4-37) v England A.