Rain washes out opening day at The Oval

Once the combination of morning rain with heavy clay soil and poor drainage forced play to be abandoned for the day shortly before the sun came out at the Oval, a curious event for a ground at which a new sprinkler system was fitted over the winter. As a result entertainment was limited for those not keen on watching the pigeons and ducks on the outfield.

Supporters of the home side can take comfort in the knowledge that last summer when only two days worth of cricket were possible an under strength side defeated Kent, and three are expected to be possible this year, on the other hand, from more recent evidence (Surrey have scored a paltry 559 for the loss of 44 wickets in three four day matches since they scored 585 at Lord's last year) some might be glad to have survived a day without being bowled out! At home, in what should be warm, partially clouded conditions Surrey will expect to get their show on the road again this summer against a Kent side lacking either McCague or Headley.

Whether this is the case or not it will be a nice rarity for there to be a full day of weekend county championship cricket at the Oval, last summers series of one sided contests and Wednesday starts denied many the chance to see any of this form of the game.