Hove rained off

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The opening day of Sussex's LV County Championship Division One clash against Surrey at Hove was lost to the weather after heavy rain in the last 48 hours.

Persistent rain early on Wednesday morning left the outfield saturated, and umpires Richard Kettleborough and Neil Mallender declared it unsuitable following an inspection after lunch.

The decision was made in sunshine with a drying breeze and there was optimism that a prompt start could be made on Thursday provided there is no further rain.

Both Sussex and Surrey have yet to record their first championship wins of the season after beginning with two draws.

Former England fast bowler James Kirtley is in line to make his first championship appearance since last May as Sussex face one of the strongest top orders in the country.

The 33-year-old Kirtley returned to competitive action with two wickets in last Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy defeat by Essex.