Surrey find cold comfort at Oval
Snow last night and frost on the windscreens this morning? Sure signs that it is the first day of the new county cricket season.
Champions Surrey took to the field at The Oval against Kent armed with hand-warmers and up to three sweaters each.
Surrey's Alex Tudor, bidding to break into England's Ashes squad, tried hard to achieve lift and coach Keith Medlycott said: "He excites me and it could be his year."
But in these conditions Tudor struggled as did Martin Bicknell.
Ed Giddins was the best of the bowlers, moving the occasional delivery both ways. When the rain intervened just before lunch Kent had reached 86-0 after 28 overs with David Fulton unbeaten on 46 and Robin Key 38.
The two teams drew their matches against each other last year and the poor weather means another one looks likely.
But it was better than last year when the opening championship day was entirely washed out.
Meanwhile, Essex were indebted to opener Will Jefferson against Leicestershire at Grace Road as they reached 188 for four after tea.
Jefferson hit 69 to steady his team after they lost opener Paul Prichard with the score on one. Ronnie Irani was undefeated on 34.
COUNTY SCORES
GRACE ROAD: Essex 188-4 (70.4 overs) v Leics.
NORTHAMPTON: Glamorgan 214-3 (72.3 overs) v Northants.
TAUNTON: Somerset 204. Lancs 11-0 (4.2 overs).
THE OVAL: Kent 86-0 (28.2 overs) v Surrey. Rain stopped play.
RIVERSIDE: Durham 161-5 (66.5 overs) v Gloucs. Rain.
LORD'S: Worcs 73-1 (26 overs) v Middlesex. Rain.
EDGBASTON: Warwicks 191-3 (68.4 overs) v Hants.
