Sussex's efforts to make inroads into the Somerset batting were frustrated by the rain at Taunton today.

Only 18.4 overs were possible on the third day of the Championship game during which time Somerset scored 36 runs to move to 164-0 in reply to Sussex's mammoth 742-5.

There were three brief spells of play before a torential downpour in mid-afternoon flooded the square and the umpires abandoned the day's play.

Sussex will be hoping for better weather on Saturday in their efforts to secure bowling points in a game which is now destined to end in a draw.