Thorpe comeback is held up by rain

Graham Thorpe was waiting to make a surprise return to the Surrey line-up at The Oval today after asking the England management for permission to play.

Contracted England players had been told they would not be available for their counties until 3 May. But Thorpe, England's best batsman during their 3-0 Test series win in the Caribbean, telephoned coach Duncan Fletcher in Grenada asking if could turn out against Northamptonshire.

He argued he would be better off playing rather than practising in the nets ahead of the First Test against New Zealand on 20 May. Thorpe's inclusion was a boost to Surrey, who have failed to fire this season. Rain delayed today's start until 2.45pm, with Northants winning the toss and electing to field.

Surrey coach Steve Rixon said: "The only reason you wouldn't have someone of Thorpe's calibre in your team is if he doesn't want to play or isn't allowed to." But Mark Butcher opted to rest, meaning his only four-day game before the Test will be against Warwickshire, starting on 12 May.

Sussex's game at Worcester was washed out for the day.

Frizzell Championship, Div 1 - The Oval: Surrey 22-0 v Northants. Edgbaston: Warwicks v Gloucs (rain). Worcester: Worcs v Sussex (no play today).

Div 2 - So'ton: Leics 119-8 v Hampshire. Derby: Derbyshire v Durham (rain). Chelmsford: Essex v Somerset (rain). Trent Bridge: Notts v Yorkshire (rain).