Cidermen have to settle for a draw in championship opener

Somerset had to settle for a draw at Hove in their opening championship match of the season that ended today.

At the close of play coach Kevin Shine told me: "Overall we are pleased with a draw, from which we take 12 points, which includes maximum batting and bowling bonus points, but we would have liked to start off the season with a win.

"It's a shame that Sussex didn't make more of a game of it, but I guess that they were just happy to settle for the draw. That's probably the difference in attitude between playing in the first and second divisions, but a lot of positives came out of the game for us."

What were his thoughts looking ahead to the game on Sunday? "Now we move on to the Benson and Hedges Cup," he said. "We haven't played very well against Warwickshire, apart from our semi-final win last season, so it will be a good test for the boys."

What was the team likely to be? "Peter Trego and Simon Francis will join the squad for the game at Edgbaston, with the final decision being made in the morning."