In the end, it was the occupational hazard of rain that did for Nick Compton's attempt to become only the ninth batsman in 117 years to score 1,000 first-class runs before the end of May, leaving him stranded on nine not out as Somerset reached 27 for 2 before the weather intervened at Worcester yesterday.

Nick Compton's attempt to become only the third batsman since the war to complete 1,000 first-class runs before the end of May is in danger of ending in frustration after Worcestershire's batsmen dominated the opening day of the match with Somerset at New Road yesterday.

Stuart Meaker took a career-best 8 for 52 to give Surrey what appeared to be an excellent chance to record their second win of the season against Somerset at The Oval only for Rory Hamilton-Brown, who is normally the most positive of captains, to suffer a rare attackof conservatism.

If Surrey are the Manchester United of cricket, perhaps Chris Adams is modelling himself on Sir Alex Ferguson. Or maybe Phil Brown.

Worcestershire foiled Surrey's bid for an improbable win at New Road after the visitors, who had been bowled out for 113 in their first innings, stacked up 431 for 7 following on.

On another day decimated by the miserable spring weather, the dark clouds avoided Trent Bridge but the one currently following Andrew Strauss clung doggedly to its purpose.

Durham, who began the season among the favourites for the Championship, continued their troubled start by being bowled out for 125 by an injury-hit Somerset side containing five players aged 20 or under yesterday.

Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell paid a high price for his enterprise as his side were dismissed for 150 to give Middlesex an 132-run win in yesterday's First Division at Lord's.

The recent rain and flooding has forced organisers of the annual British Asparagus Festival to cancel the event - because of a lack of asparagus.

High winds and driving rain have continued to batter Britain with the south suffering the worst of the April washout today.

Nottinghamshire 243 & 88-2 Worcestershire 157 (Nottinghamshire lead by 174 runs)

After Andrew Strauss's frustration at Lord's last week, Ian Bell's bid to find form in the County Championship ran into trouble against Sussex yesterday. Bell made a seven-ball duck, in complete contrast to his Warwickshire and England team-mate Jonathan Trott.