Zimbabwe received the dampest of welcomes to England, on and off the pitch, as the first day of their opening tour match against British Universities was reduced to 38 overs by rain at Edgbaston on Saturday.

By the close, the universities had made steady and unspectacular progress to 92 for 2, though they were denied full value for their shots by a quagmire of an outfield.

Most of the interest in the game lay elsewhere, in the expected protests from the Stop the Tour campaign, who have described the Zimbabweans as "spokesmen for Robert Mugabe" and have promised to stage demonstrations at every ground.

But, like the smattering of spectators, they were unenthused by the conditions, with no more than seven protestors turning up.

Warwickshire's chief executive Dennis Amiss, who had instigated extensive security arrangements for the match, was very satisfied with the day. "I am quite happy," said Amiss. "There has been no sign of any trouble. The precautions taken have been worthwhile and the extra expense is nominal."

On the field, the universities captain, Jimmy Adams, top-scored with an excellent 42, before falling in the last over before lunch.