Persistent rain prevented any play on yesterday's second day of the second and final Test and nudged England closer to a series win over West Indies at the Riverside Ground.

Play was abandoned - without a ball being bowled - shortly after a 4 p.m. inspection by umpires Steve Davis and Asoka de Silva and increased chances of a drawn match that would clinch the series for England.

England, leading the two-Test series 1-0 after a 10-wicket win at Lord's last week, only need to avoid defeat in this match to recapture the Wisden Trophy they lost in the Caribbean two months ago.

unable to resume innings

After choosing to bat, England reached 302 for two at the close of play Thursday but were unable resume their innings yesterday.

Alastair Cook, unbeaten on 126, shared a 213-run second-wicket stand with Ravi Bopara (108) to enhance England's position in the series.

Cook and night-watchman James Anderson (4) are the not-out batsmen and the West Indies wicket-takers have been Chris Gayle (1-28) and Lionel Baker (1-60).

Rain fell overnight Thursday and continued throughout the day. The forecast remains gloomy for the weekend.

Officials announced yesterday that the 5,000 fans who had bought tickets for the second day will be eligible for free entry on the remaining days.

rain hinders play

"Obviously, we are disappointed that the rain has prevented any play," said Durham's chief executive, David Harker.

"We would like to offer the spectators that have missed out today the opportunity to come along on any of the remaining days as a gesture of goodwill," Harker added.