The outfield was sodden following heavy overnight rainfall

Chester-le-Street's Riverside Ground was deemed unplayable for day one of Durham's crucial home Championship match against Sussex on Wednesday.

Durham are two points behind Somerset in their bid to secure their first Championship pennant, while Sussex are keen to stave off relegation.

Durham head coach Geoff Cook has added all-rounder Gareth Breese to his squad.

Sussex are able to include England duo Matt Prior and Luke Wright; Chris Adams skippers for the penultimate time.

Durham captain Dale Benkenstein told BBC Radio Newcastle:

"There's nothing more we can do, they've tried everything to get the field fit and there's standing water everywhere.

"The weather looks pretty good over the next few days so we're hoping to get three good days in.

"The good news is the pitch looks fine, the umpires and pitch guards from Lord's are happy with the wicket so that's all fine and it's just the outfield that needs to be mopped up."

Durham (from): Mark Stoneman, Michael Di Venuto, Will Smith, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dale Benkenstein (c), Phil Mustard, Paul Wiseman (wkt), Liam Plunkett, Ben Harmison, Stephen Harmison, Mark Davies, Callum Thorp, Gareth Breese.
Sussex (from): Chris Adams (cpt), Corey Collymore, Murray Goodwin, Rory Hamilton-Brown, Carl Hopkinson, Jason Lewry, Robin Martin-Jenkins, Chris Nash, Matt Prior (wkt), Ollie Rayner, Mohammad Sami, Luke Wright and Michael Yardy.