Yorkshire's depression was as deep as the weather at Trent Bridge yesterday, where rain prevented any play on the opening day of their Frizzell Championship match with Nottinghamshire.

Although they enjoyed the sun on their backs at Headingley last week, Yorkshire have still had very little cricket this spring, with their pre-season outdoor practice badly curtailed.

And unless there is a sudden improvement in the weather they can expect further lengthy hold-ups in their current game.

"It is bitterly disappointing to be stuck indoors when you want to be out there playing and getting into some sort of form," said director of cricket, David Byas.

"But you cannot let these things get you down. You have to be bigger than that and just accept the situation and keep smiling."

Byas said that the one silver lining in yesterday's clouds was that the inactivity had given their Australian all-rounder, Ian Harvey, more time recover fully from the knee injury he sustained while batting last Sunday.

"It is improving all the time and I expect him to be taking a full part in the game once we get started," he added.

The lack of any play also gave former Yorkshire left-armer Ryan Sidebottom an extra day to get over his hamstring strain.

Sidebottom has had no competitive cricket since joining Nottinghamshire because of the injury but is in the squad for this match and expected to play.

Yorkshire have a busy period coming up.

They visit Trent Bridge again on Sunday in the totesport League and then play Scotland in the competition on Bank Holiday Monday at Headingley.

On Wednesday they take on Minor Counties' outfit Dorset in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Dean Park, Bournemouth.