Joanthan Trott’s eagerly-awaited first-class return was put on hold as rain washed out the opening day of Warwickshire’s match against Oxford MCCU in The Parks yesterday.

The 32-year-old South African-born batsman, who left England’s Ashes tour due to a stress-related illness, is due to feature for his county in the three-day fixture.

However, overnight rain followed by persistent showers in the morning meant a bleak scene greeted the two sides at the picturesque venue with no chance of starting on time.

The players took an early lunch in the hope that conditions may ease.

But, despite the efforts of the groundstaff, further rain left umpires Tim Robinson and Martin Saggers with no option but to call of play for the day in the afternoon.

The good news, though, is that sunshine is forecast today, and grey cloud tomorrow, meaning there are good prospects of two full days’ play.