A torrential downpour and huge thunderstorm put paid to any hopes of play on the second day of Hampshire's match with Oxford University Centre of Cricket Excellence at The Parks.

After losing the first day to steady rain throughout the day, hopes were high initially and a 1.15pm inspection was planned for the second day with a view to making a start. However, the thunder and rain scrapped that vision just before lunch.

The downpour was so heavy that tomorrow's play is now under serious threat, as the water table in Oxford had risen once more, leaving the ground in a poor state.

It could mean an early return to Southampton for the Hampshire team, who will spend time practising at West End ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday for the opening National League Division Two match of the season.

If the game is abandoned without a ball bowled tomorrow, it will be a repeat of Hampshire trip to Oxford last year, which was also fell foul of the weather. However, it was snow which cause that cancellation.

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