DURHAM won the toss and chose to bat, and would doubtless be expecting a big score on as flat an Edgbaston pitch as ever.

With the sunshine poised to last for the opening day at least, Geoff Cook will want his big hitters to rack up a big lead before the pitch takes the expected spin in the coming days.

After yesterday’s flash thunderstorms cross country, rain is forecast for the latter half of the week, another reason for Durham not to waste any time at the crease this morning.

But do not hold your breath for a result – 10 from the last 11 County Championship Edgbaston clashes have ended in draws.

WARWICKSHIRE: I Westwood, T Frost, J Trott, J Troughton, I Bell, T Ambrose, A Botha, N Carter, C Woakes, J Patel, W Rankin.

DURHAM: M Di Venuto, M Stoneman, W Smith, G Muchall, D Benkenstein, I Blackwell, P Mustard, C Thorp, G Breese, G Onions, S Harmison.