Rain denies Chris Dent chance to push on in high-scoring draw

Inclement May Day weather conspired to deny Gloucestershire's Chris Dent the opportunity of establishing a new career-best score when the final day of the LV=Insurance County Championship match against Surrey in Bristol was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Unbeaten on 207 overnight, the Bristolian had his sights trained on the personal best score of 268 he made on this ground against Glamorgan in September 2015. In the event, no play was possible and Gloucestershire, replying to Surrey's mammoth 603, were unable to improve upon their overnight first innings score of 443 for 2.

Persistent light rain rendered the Seat Unique Stadium outfield sodden and ruled out any chance of play before lunch. No sooner did the ground-staff remove the large covers and commence the mopping-up operation in the afternoon, than the rain returned, ending any further prospect of the match resuming. Umpires Alex Wharf and Ian Blackwell staged a brief inspection at 1.30pm before electing to call the contest off soon afterwards.

With no further bonus points available and the match heading inexorably towards a draw, neither side was too unhappy at the prospect of packing up and returning home in worsening conditions. Of the two, Gloucestershire will no doubt be happier, having claimed 15 points in total, compared with Surrey's 11.