Skipper Mike Yardy has backed the decision of the umpires to call off Sussex’s match against Lancashire without a ball being bowled for the third day in a row.

Yardy and opposite number Glen Chapple were both keen to play yesterday despite the Hove outfield still being sodden following heavy rain earlier in the week.

Umpires Mark Benson and Nick Cook ignored their pleas, however, as they abandoned play for the day in the bright sunshine just after 3pm to the disappointment of spectators at the County Ground and those watching on Sky television.

Yardy said: “Obviously we wanted to play but they are in charge and they have got to make the right decision.

“We wanted to get out there and try to get some bonus points but they were concerned it was not fit to do first class cricket justice. They are good umpires so I don’t hold any grudges.

“The rain we have had recently has been horrific and the ground is very spongy so the umpires are concerned that someone could get injured.

“You have got to use your common sense when conditions are like that but at some point we have got to bite the bullet as both sides want to pick up some points.”

Sussex are hopeful the match will finally be able to get underway today as long as there is no further rain but neither side appears willing to try to manufacture a result.

Meanwhile, former Sussex spinner Ollie Rayner made his maiden Championship century to help Middlesex escape from a tricky position yesterday.

Rayner, who moved from Hove to Lord’s at the end of last season after growing frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities, made 143 not out at Trent Bridge as Middlesex recovered from 63-4 to 300-9 declared in reply to Nottinghamshire’s first innings total of 423.

The former St Bede’s pupil hit 19 fours and one six in his 255-ball innings. It was only his second first class century in 56 matches after making 101 on his Sussex debut against the Sri Lankans in 2006.