Heavy rain in the south-east ruled out any play on the opening day between Sussex and Surrey at Hove.

A prolonged downpour left the Eaton Road ground saturated and the day was abandoned before lunch.

The decision was made in sunshine and with a drying wind so hopes are high for a prompt start on Thursday.

Sussex, often thought to have an advantage over rivals due to usually fine weather at their grounds, had a rain-hit draw in their first home game.