At the end of a day that was restricted because of rain, Sussex had scored 178 for 3 off 42 overs, a lead of 114 over Somerset.

When play eventually got underway at 3.15pm Somerset added a further 21 runs to their overnight before losing their final wicket, leaving the injured Steffan Jones as the not out batsman.

With an attack that was one bowler short, Keith Parsons came on as first change and disposed of Murray Goodwin, who had scored 162 in the first innings for 29, and added a second wicket before the close of play to end the day with figures of 2 for 34 off 10 overs.

After the close Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "It's been another hard fought day for the boys out there. We were a bowler down, and it was very windy so we did well to restrict them to a lead of just over 100. Richard Johnson also had a confident shout at the end against Chris Adams which would have been a very good way to finish the day."

How had Keith Parsons coped with being brought on first change I asked? The coach told me: "I'm chuffed to bits the way that Keith bowled. He got rid of Goodwin, and was running in without a limp, and doesn't seem to have any after affects."

Looking forward to tomorrow he told me: "We are still in the box seat and in with a good chance, especially if we can get off to a good start in the morning."

© SOMERSET