HAMPSHIRE'S opening County Championship fixture at Durham has been completely abandoned with no play possible over the four days.

It means both sides will take eight points from their first match of the season and Hampshire will hope for better luck when they host Lancashire at the Utilita Bowl later this week.

The eight points earned is an improvement on what would have been the case last season - with a draw only earning five points in 2023.

The umpires carried out pitch inspections at 10am, 11am, and 12pm on Monday before finally deciding to call the match off due to the outfield being too damp.

Hampshire captain, James Vince said: "I must admit when we turned up on Thursday and saw the ground, we did fear that this outcome would be a possibility.

“Although it has not rained much in the days, the top-ups overnight have meant that the run-ups and the outfield couldn’t cope.

“I think it has marginally improved today but the run ups are still kind of muddy. 

"I think after one or two overs it would have turned into mud and there would have been the danger there for the bowlers especially at this time of year.

“It’s incredibly frustrating but at the end of the day, you can’t do anything about it. It feels like we’ve been up here for a long time and done very little.

“With there not being much rainfall in the days, it feels a bit odd, I don’t think I’ve actually played a (four-day) game where there’s actually not been a ball bowled."

There was more rain forecast for Monday afternoon, which likely played into the umpire's decision.

The forecast is much better for Hampshire's second game of the season against a Lancashire side who also had their opening fixture against Surrey severely impacted by weather.