Alastair Cook does indeed return for Essex at the top of the order.

But he'll have to wait a bit to get in the middle as Essex choose to bowl first.

The defending champions won a thrilling match against Lancashire by 31 runs in the last round following the washout at Yorkshire.

Hampshire were defeated at Surrey last time out despite Sam Northeast's brilliant fourth-innings century.

However, Northeast isn't in the side today - I'll find out why...

They're also under way on time at Hove.

Luke Wells and Philip Salt are at the crease for Sussex.

Sam Robson and Max Holden will open the batting for Middlesex, for whom England batsman Dawid Malan returns to skipper the side.

The BBC has live ball-by-ball radio commentary of every match in the County Championship, One-Day Cup and T20 Blast.

Take your pick from today's selection of seven games, when they do finally get under way, by clicking on the commentary tabs at the top of this page.

Chris Tremlett is enjoying life after cricket. As well as hitting the gym pretty hard, external since retiring in 2015, the former Surrey and England fast bowler chooses to spend his rainy April days on holiday too.

BBC Sport app users may need to click 'view more' to see the above tweet.

Image source, Rex Features

I've mentioned this in previous seasons, but my colleague Phil Cartwright hugely dislikes early-season tables.

Well, just for you Phil, and Yorkshire fans, the Tykes are top of Division One after two games.

Okay, they've had a complete washout against Essex and are just six points above Somerset and Surrey in fifth and sixth who have a game in hand.

But you can't argue with the cold, hard facts... Yorkshire are on course for a third title in five seasons.

Today, Gary Ballance's side visit Somerset who beat Worcestershire in their first and only match of the summer so far.

There will be no play before lunch at Taunton unfortunately.

Image source, Getty Images

One batsman who rather enjoyed himself last week was Surrey youngster Ollie Pope.

The 20-year-old's superb innings of 145 in their second innings set up victory over Hampshire.

Lancashire have lost both their Championship matches - the narrow loss at Essex and defeat by Notts in the opening round after being skittled for 73.

With only eight teams in Division One - any title chances could easily fade if it becomes three defeats out of three for the Red Rose county.

Again, it's a soggy scene at Old Trafford at the moment I'm afraid.

Worcestershire return to a thankfully flood-free, albeit rather damp New Road, after two chastening away defeats against Somerset and Hampshire.

Their top order has been of particular concern with no top-six batsman making 50 in four innings.

Image source, Rex Features

Nottinghamshire, who came up from Division Two with today's opponents, have had similar batting problems with four low scores.

But their pace attack has been impressive and England's Stuart Broad is set to return to further strengthen it.

I'll bring you any news of an improvement in conditions as soon as I hear anything.

This will not shock you.

Glamorgan have elected to bowl at Lord's with an uncontested toss.

Gloucestershire have done the same at Hove.

It's cloudy, cold and damp. Who'd be a batsman at the moment?

Image source, Rex Features

You can take your pick of who has been the standout fast bowler.

Essex's Jamie Porter, Lancashire's Joe Mennie, Harry Gurney and Jake Ball of Notts, Worcestershire pair Ed Barnard and Joe Leach, Fidel Edwards and Kyle Abbott at Hampshire - they've all been in the wickets.

In Division Two, New Zealand paceman Matt Henry has taken 19 wickets for Kent at an average of 7.53.

Bonkers.

I mentioned things have been tough for the batsmen. How difficult exactly?

Well, they say stats don't lie and only a quarter of the 88 players to feature in Division One are averaging more than 30 with the bat so far.

Remember Haseeb Hameed? The Lancashire opener has scored 31 runs in four innings at an average of 7.75.

Image source, Rex Features

Worcestershire opener Brett D'Oliveira averages 2.50 in 2018.

Only one Nottinghamshire batsman, Ross Taylor, has passed 50 this campaign.

I could go on.

A heavy shower has passed through at Hove and they're going to start on time.

Great stuff.

Oh dear, they've already called things off for the day between Northants and Durham.

Looks like the only game starting on time is at Lord's between Middlesex and Glamorgan.

Although they are going to try and start at 11:30 BST at Hampshire.

Division One:

• Hampshire v Essex - Play due to start at 11:30
• Lancashire v Surrey - start delayed, rain
• Somerset v Yorkshire - no play before lunch, rain
• Worcestershire v Notts - start delayed, rain

Division Two:

• Leicestershire v Derbyshire - no play before lunch, rain
• Middlesex v Glamorgan - play due to start at 11:00
• Northants v Durham - no play on Friday, rain
• Sussex v Gloucestershire - start delayed, rain

It's not looking too marvellous out there at the moment.

The covers are on pretty much everywhere, most of England is blanketed in the wet stuff. Boo.

Let's see where, if anywhere, we are going to get any play in the near future...

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Rex Features

But is the tide about to turn?

The big guns are starting to come back after their mammoth winter tours with England and pitches have finally seen some sun.

If only we had some sunshine today...

For the pace bowlers, dreamland...

Image source, Rex Features

For most batsmen it's been a miserable start to the 2018 County Championship campaign...

Image source, Rex Features