IT hasn't rained all day in Canterbury, but the deluge over the previous 48 hours has led to a further delay in Kent's rain-ruined championship clash with Gloucestershire.

The St Lawrence run-ups remain sodden despite some weak sunshine,leaving match umpires David Constant and Barrie Leadbeater little option but to delay the start pending a further inspection at 3.40pm.

The decision drew a slow hand-clap from the few supporters on the ground, but the decision and the delay was almost inevitable.