Billy Taylor made a much-needed breakthrough for Sussex on the opening morning of the County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton.

Coming on as first change, Taylor struck in his third over as home skipper Jamie Cox, on 27, flicked a leg side catch to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Somerset had progressed to 51 after winning the toss in bright sunshine as opening bowlers Jason Lewry and Robin Martin-Jenkins enjoyed little luck.

Cox was given a life on two when he edged Lewry to first slip. Prior dived in front of Tim Ambrose and the ball flashed between them to third man for four.

Lewry and Martin-Jenkins also beat the bat on several occasions but Sussex were facing the prospect of a long day in the field as Mike Burns and Matt Wood built on Somerset's good start.

Wood, a 21-year-old Devonian who scored a century in each innings of Somerset's previous Championship game against Surrey, again looked in form.

Taylor, who had figures of 1-10 from his first six overs, got his second wicket without conceding a futher run when Wood was well held by Priory diving to his right.

Sussex were being led by Richard Montgomerie in the absence of Chris Adams, who was reported to be suffering with a calf problem.