Weather holds key for Notts

IT seemed inconceivable early on in this match Notts could lose ground on opponents Somerset in the race for the title, yet that is now a distinct possibility.

At one point on the first day, Justin Langer's side were in such trouble at 82-6 the hosts had ambitions to steam-roller their way to a quick-fire victory between expected rain delays.

However, such has been the strength of the Somerset's fightback that if Notts do not bat well in their first innings when they resume today at 46-2 in a game expected to peter out to a draw, they will take fewer points than their opponents

And if the rain is so bad the visitors do not bat again, Mick Newell's men could also be deducted one of the three bonus bowling points they have collected because of a slow over rate.

The second day had started brightly when Charlie Shreck removed Alfonso Thomas in his first over of the morning with his third lbw decision of the innings.

It left Somerset 151-8 – but then came a determined counter-attack by Peter Trego and Andrew Caddick, who decided the best way forward was to play their shots.

The former hit 86 before holing out to Mark Wagh on the mid-wicket boundary off the bowling of Graeme Swann.

By then the pair had moved the score on to 241 – a stand off 90 – and it was with great relief Notts quickly wrapped up the innings when Swann bowled Charl Willoughby.

Notts' reply lasted just the two overs possible ahead of lunch before there was a four-and-a-half hour delay.

When the players got back on the field at 5pm left-armer Willoughby quickly tested openers Will Jefferson and Bilal Shafayat.

Shafayat was put down in the gully on 16, but immediately Willoughby struck with two in four balls. First he had Jefferson caught behind then nightwatchman Adams drove straight to cover.

It is just a shame such a finely-poised game is likely to be ruined by more bad weather.