Ipswich Game

Ipswich Game: First innings ends

Close finish predicted at Ipswich

Batting side on top in weather-affected match

Heavy overnight rain forced the first session of the Ipswich game to be abandoned, making for a tense day of cricket in the end.

After forcing the visitors to follow on, the home side would have fancied their chances despite being set 296 to win, but a resilient innings by the visitors has left the match evenly poised going into the final day.

At the close of play, the visitors were 176 for the loss of just four wickets, needing a further 120 to secure a memorable victory.

Top-order rescue act

The visitors' top order got their side off to an excellent start, with both openers reaching fifty.

In total, three of the first four batsmen reaching double figures, with the fourth, Abell, dismissed for a duck.

The visiting captain was one of two wickets to fall in the final session, with his dismissal potentially opening the door for Ipswich to force another dramatic victory.

Weather set to play further role

With rain forecast for the final day, it seems certain that the weather will continue to play a major role in the match.

Should the rain arrive early, the home side will fancy their chances of completing the victory and moving even closer to safety, but a dry day could well see the visitors secure a famous victory.

Play is set to start at 11am on the final day, with the home side needing to take six wickets to secure an unlikely victory.