With no covering in sight, and a reasonable weather forecast, this shot of the Ageas Bowl shortly after 8am today suggests it might be ready to finally see some cricket later this morning as Derbyshire and Hampshire attempt to get their championship match underway on the 3rd day

Finally, on the third day, play got underway at the Ageas Bowl on Friday. After winning the toss, Derbyshire decided to bat and Tony Palladino was rewarded with this early wicket of Dawson, about to be caught by Guptill at slip

Jon Clare bowled a hostile and accurate spell during the afternoon session at The Ageas Bowl but was rewarded with only one wicket - Shafayat edging this delivery to Poynton behind the stumps

Former Derbyshire captain, Simon Katich, is clean bowled by David Wainwright for just 7 during Hampshire's first innings at the Ageas Bowl on Friday

Not before time, blue skies and warm sunshine were the order of the afternoon at the Ageas Bowl on Friday

After bating for 11 minutes short of 5 hours, Hampshire's Jimmy Adams is run out for 122 after Redfern broke the wicket having collected a throw from Madsen during the final session on day three

Hampshire's Terry holds the pose and gives Umpire Lloyds a little longer to make a positive LBW decision as Palladino takes his second wicket at the Ageas Bowl on Friday

Hampshire's Irvine is stopped in his tracks mid-pitch as Ross Whitelely takes this excellent diving catch off the bowling of Tim Groenewald during the evening session at Southampton on Friday