DeFreitas gets wicket with third and last ball at Taunton

Phillip DeFreitas needed just three deliveries to strike the first blow for Leicestershire at the start of their County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton.

The former England all-rounder needed to be in a hurry because the three balls were the only ones bowled on an opening day that was a virtual wash-out. After heavy showers had delayed play until mid-afternoon, Leicestershire won the toss and invited the home side to bat.

Somerset opener Mark Lathwell left one ball from DeFreitas and defended against another before edging the third and being well caught by wicketkeeper Neil Burns, moving to his right.

The drizzle was already falling again and home skipper Jamie Cox stood at the other end with hands on hips, clearly far from happy, as Lathwell trooped off to be followed by the other players.

More showers soon made the outfield treacherous and umpires Vanburn Holder and Trevor Jesty eventually abandoned play for the day at 4.40pm.

All-rounder Jason Kerr passed a fitness test to be named in Somerset's team, while Scott Boswell was selected by Leicestershire in place of the injured James Ormond.