Rain wrecks third day as draw beckons at Taunton

Somerset and Yorkshire were frustrated by the weather on the third day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Only 10.3 overs were possible because of persistent rain and, with the first two days, also having been badly affected, a draw now appears the only conceivable outcome.

Play started on time and there was some entertaining cricket as Somerset looked to build quickly towards a declaration from their overnight first innings total of 391 for six. They had added 50 to that total in half an hour when the rain set in.

There was a restart at 3.20pm, which saw Yorkshire post 17 without loss, but soon the players were forced off again and umpires Rob Bailey and Mark Newell called off play for the day at 4.10pm

Ben Green looked in good touch when Somerset batted, punching a delivery from Matthew Revis through the covers off the back foot for four and following up with a sweetly-timed pull shot to collect another boundary in the same over.

Green then powered a straight six back over the head of bowler Jack White before being dropped on 25 by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, a tough chance diving full length to his right, off the same bowler.

Kasey Aldridge also went on the attack after a watchful start and brought up the half-century partnership with a clip through the leg side for four off White. But after just over half an hour's play the rain began to fall with 8.3 overs having been bowled. Aldridge was unbeaten on 42 and Green 33 not out.

Yorkshire were given a fast start when play resumed, Adam Lyth edging a four to third man off Josh Davey, who also conceded four wides in the opening over with a wild delivery down the leg side.

Finlay Bean also got off the mark with a boundary wide of the slip cordon off Lewis Gregory, but this time only two overs were possible before the rain returned.