Mark Ramprakash laid the foundation for another attempt to score his 100th first-class century as Surrey batted first against Notts at Trent Bridge.

After edging his first ball just short of slip, he progressed to 19 not out before rain ended play for the day.

Just 30 overs were possible on the opening day and the visitors batted cautiously to reach 59-2.

Darren Pattinson picked up both wickets to fall, removing Scott Newman and Stewart Walters for 18 and nought.

Pattinson's spell of 9-3-16-2 provided further evidence of why he has caught the eye of England's selectors, who have named him in their preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Pakistan later this year.

A lifting delivery proved too much for Walters, who could only edge to Graeme Swann at third slip and his aggressive approach also troubled Newman before he attempted a square cut and edged to keeper Chris Read.

Ramprakash, who has not made a hundred in his last eight Championship innings, and Jon Batty wisely avoided unnecessary risks as they saw off the new ball.

But their hopes of tipping the balance in Surrey's favour were denied when bad light and then rain brought a premature halt to proceedings.