Rain prevents play at Taunton

The first day of the crucial LV County Championship Division One match between Somerset and Durham at Taunton was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Heavy overnight rain left parts of the outfield under water and after three inspections umpires Graham Burgess and George Sharp decided no play would be possible at just before 3pm.

Title hopefuls Somerset and Durham were both frustrated by the weather on day one at Taunton

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose has described the game as the most important in his club's history as they attempt to win the title for the first time.

The home side go into it seven points ahead of fellow challengers Durham, having played the same number of matches. Somerset are four behind leaders Nottinghamshire, who have played a game more.

The teams have yet to be announced and the rain gave wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter an extra day to recover from an ankle injury, sustained while playing football in the indoor nets at Trent Bridge during the rain-affected game against Nottinghamshire last week.

But second string Carl Gazzard was still expected to make his first championship appearance for two years as replacement.