SCOTT Newman hit his fifth County Championship half-century of the season on a rain-affected first day of the match against Worcestershire.

Surrey finished on 126-0 at The Oval -- but only 38.4 overs were bowled in south London because of rain.

Newman was 65 not out, from 120 balls with five fours, while opening partner Jon Batty was unbeaten on 44 from 115 balls with seven boundaries.

Newman will have the chance to convert this innings into a big one if Worcestershire's bowlers are as generous early on, on the second day, as they were on the first.

Kabir Ali and Zaheer Khan both suffered in their opening spells. Although the ball was swinging from the hand, their control was wayward and they served up a succession of free hits as Surrey made 57 from the first 18 overs.

Matt Mason brought some control to the attack, bowling nine overs for 14 runs and Gareth Batty's off-spin yielded just 19 from six.

Newman reached his half-century from 92 balls just before lunch and only 3.4 overs were possible after the break. The umpires gave up on any further hopes of action shortly before 5pm, calling off the day's play.