CLOSE: Somerset 164-0 (53.4)

That last downpour has proved terminal and the umpires have called off play for the day. We've seen 18.4 overs and 36 runs scored. Somerset are still 578 runs behind so unless there is a double declaration tomorrow the game will be consigned to a battle for bouns points. Sussex would dearly love to get some more reward for their efforts here than nine points for a draw. I'm heading back home tonight so no updates tomorrow, although there will be news of what does happen on the main cricket home page. Back at this laptop again in a week's time when Sussex host Durham in the Pro40 under the Hove floodlights.

Somerset 164-0 (53.4)

Bad light stopped play here and it's probably going to rain now. There was some reverse swing for Arafat and Smith last night but because of the rain that seems to have gone. Suppiah 80, Trescothick 71.

Somerset 155-0 (47.4)

Back out there. 28 overs lost today. Smith and Arafat continuing but I expect we will see Ollie Rayner soon, infact he's taking his sweater off as I write. There was some slow turn for him yesterday but he was played very comfortably nonetheless. Suppiah 75, Trescothick 67.

Somerset 140-0 (41)

We lost 14 overs, there was an early lunch, and they came back out for 4.1 overs before another shower deposited its contents on Taunton. However, this one has passed over and they are hoping to resume at 1.55pm although the clouds are banking up in the west again. 22 overs lost in total. Trescothick is 63 and Suppiah 66 but this game is going nowhere. A poor crowd today compared to the first two days and there will be even fewer here tomorrow I'd guess.

Somerset 128-0 (36.5)

Just 11 balls this morning and the first of those showers have driven the players off. Trescothick has added two to his overnight 55 and Suppiah is 61. Smith opened the bowling and we've had Yasir Arafat at the Old Pavilion end.

Good morning everyone and welcome to day three of this Championship run feast between Somerset and Sussex.

Somerset will resume at 11 on 126-0 replying to Sussex's not inconsiderable 742-5 declared.

Had a pint with Mark Robinson last night who is talking optimistically of forcing Somerset to follow on at some stage today. You've got to admire his positive thinking but a more realistic scenario is that two players on opposite sides will score triple hundreds in a first-class match for the first time - Trescothick looked like he was settling in to play a big innings last night. He is 55 and Arul Suppiah 61.

We have had a shower this morning and more are forecast but it looks fine at the moment and we will start on time.