Bicknell will resume his innings on day two

Nottinghamshire's bid for batting points to boost their promotion challenge were frustrated by the weather with only 19.5 overs of play possible.

Skipper Jason Gallian won the toss but his opening partnership with Guy Welton was short-lived as seam bowler Ian Hunter struck an early blow for the visitors.

Gallian had made only seven when he was trapped lbw, but Darren Bicknell looked in good touch in reaching 26 not out before the rain forced the players from the field.

Bicknell collected five boundaries, four of them off successive balls from Steve Harmison, but he was lucky when the third flew off the edge and through the slip cordon.

Welton was more sedate, batting for 78 minutes for his unbeaten 18.

Notts included Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill in their side, with Nicky Boje set to play for South Africa in the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.

Nottinghamshire: J E R Gallian (Capt), G E Welton, D J Bicknell, U Afzaal, P Johnson, B M Shafayat, C M W Read (Wkt), P J Franks, S C G MacGill, G J Smith, A J Harris.

Durham: M A Gough, G J Pratt, B J Hodge, G J Muchall, A M Thorpe, M J Symington, A Pratt (Wkt), I D Hunter, N C Phillips (Capt), S J Harmison, N Killeen.