There is to be no play before lunch at the Oval (sorry the Kia Oval) and, just as at Lord's last week, there is unlikely to be any at all on the first day.
The showers are frequent and heavy and although there was an impressive gang of groundstaff beavering away at 11am they have now sought shelter. They probably think they's be better employed building an arc.
Durham will be without Ian Blackwell for this match as he has a shoulder injury.
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