Mark Stoneman starts day two on 99 not out - he leaves a couple before hitting one off his back foot, but no run for now.

Hopefully it's only a matter of time...

It was a frustrating day all round for many cricket fans and players yesterday - with day one of Essex v Hampshire wiped out completely and a late start at the Oval.

No such issues today, with all nine games under way on time...

England's loss is Hampshire's gain as James Vince returns to skipper his club in a crucial match at Chelmsford.

All rounder Ian Holland returns for his 3rd Championship game this season - and the rest of the XI...

Adam Whitty
BBC Radio Kent at Derby

Kent’s rather large huddle was not to protect from the chilly breeze in Derby, but to egg their team on ahead of a key day.

They reached 365-6, only the second time they past 241 in their first innings this season. Daniel Bell-Drummond just has to now shepherd the tail to 400 and a fifth batting bonus point, before a potent bowling attack take charge.

Some bloke called Matt Henry is returning apparently. Got nearly 50 wickets in six matches earlier on in the season, which I suppose is respectable.

Derbyshire, ordinary with the ball yesterday, have to use a batting-friendly pitch to their advantage today when their turn comes.

Image source, Rex Features

Lancashire slipped to 96-5 in reply to Worcestershire's 222 all out on an eventful first day between the two bottom sides in Division One.

Lancashire fast bowler Tom Bailey told BBC Radio Lancashire:

“15 wickets on the first day isn’t ideal. We thought we were going to be stuck in this morning. So we were quite surprised when they decided to toss. We were going to bowl first. To get them all out for 222 is probably par.

“To go into day two on 90-3, we’d have taken that. But, it was so unfortunate for the way Dane Vilas got out (run out backing up, by a cruel deflection off bowler Josh Tongue’s boot). And it always seems to be the case that when something like that happens another wicket falls.

“I said before the start of this season when I’ve played I’ve done the same things and tried to play the whole season. And this year I’ve managed to do that so far. It would just be nice to win a game.”

The game has made for tense viewing so far - so imagine what it's like to play in it.

Here are the thoughts of Chris Jordan, who returns to the middle this morning on 8 not out.

Runs are in short supply in this game but the visitors will be slightly more content so far.

Image source, Getty Images

Surrey opener Mark Stoneman was left on 99 not out when bad light ended play eight overs early on day one of their game against Notts at The Oval.

Surrey wicketkeeper Ben Foakes told BBC Radio London:

"After getting put in to bat in helpful conditions for bowlers, I thought we did pretty well.

"It was always going to be challenging, it swung and nipped around a bit, so we're in a decent enough position at the moment.

"The way Rocky [Mark Stoneman] has played today and the last few weeks has been brilliant.

"Hopefully he can come back tomorrow, get a few more and push on for us."

Joe Denly struck a century and Zak Crawley narrowly missed out on a maiden first-class hundred on a dominant first day for Kent against Derbyshire.

Kent batsman Zak Crawley, who made 96 against Derbyshire:

"I thought it was a good day. We are in a good position to push on and get another batting point.

"I was disappointed with not getting a 100, but five minutes later I realised that I had played well, and would have taken the score at the start.

"It is a very good pitch. There wasn't a whole lot of movement, so it's one we realised early we needed to cash in. It's a slow pitch which nulled them a little bit. I think 450 is above par, so we have done well to have that as our target."

The wait is finally over. The rain has stopped, the field has dried out and this contest should begin on time today in what is now a pivotal three-day match.

Big game for both sides who are separated by just a couple of points mid-table in the first division and by no means safe from the relegation spot.

Essex team news here:

We had several late starts yesterday because of rain in parts of the country, but there should be no such problems today.

Chance for some matches to catch up on lost overs.

Division One

• Essex v Hampshire (no play on day one)
• Lancashire 96-5 v Worcestershire 222
• Surrey 256-6 v Nottinghamshire
• Yorkshire v Somerset 374-8

Division Two

• Derbyshire v Kent 365-6
• Durham 129 v Northants 189-6
• Glamorgan 203 v Warwickshire 116-3
• Gloucestershire 202 v Leicestershire 11-1
• Middlesex 169 v Sussex 116-6

Image source, Getty Images

Good morning - we're back for day two of the latest round of County Championship matches.

We have Division One leaders Surrey fighting back against Notts, Lancashire in trouble against relegation rivals Worcestershire and much, much more.

Only Luke Wood and Jake Libby (above) can show how excited we are about today's play...