Worcestershire are using an industrial vacuum cleaner to try and mop up the New Road pitch.

The first two days of the Championship match against Sussex have been washed out because an area of relaid turf near the pavilion was too wet.

Umpires David Shepherd and John Hampshire called off yesterday's play an hour before the start which meant Worcestershire lost the opening two days of their home season for the second year running.

Sussex coach Peter Moores: "It is drying out, but not quickly enough. There is no problem with the pitch which is bone dry, it is very frustrating."

The teams are awaiting the result of a pitch inspection at 2 pm.

There was no play for the third successive day in the second XI match between Sussex and Warwickshire at Moseley.