HEAVY snow showers meant there was no prospect of play before lunch on the third day of Durham's match against Middlesex at chilly Chester-le-Street.

Although the leaden skies had cleared by 12.30 the square remained fully sheeted and the forecast was for rain at 2pm.

The weather seems certain to spoil what might have been an excellent four-day match at a venue notorious for three-day finishes.

England selector James Whitaker travelled to Chester-le-Street today, partly to watch Mark Stoneman continue his unbeaten innings of 139. Durham are 295 for four in reply to 389.