Woolmer to quit coach's position at Edgbaston

Bob Woolmer, the Warwickshire coach, has announced that he will stand down from his position at the end of this season.

The 54-year-old former coach of South Africa, who guided the Midlands county to a Benson and Hedges Cup triumph earlier this season, said that being away from his family in Cape Town is the reason for his departure. He has, however, said that he is prepared to maintain his association with the club on a part-time consultancy basis.

The chief executive Dennis Amiss said Warwickshire face a massive task in replacing Woolmer.

"He has been one our most successful coaches, in fact our most successful ever coach and we are very sorry to be losing him," he said. "We had so much success in the 1990s and now he has come back and got us out of the Second Division of the National League and the County Championship and helped us win the last Benson and Hedges Cup.

"His boots will be hard to fill but we understand his reasons. It's not easy when you are living away from home for six months a year and he feels he needs a change.

"But this is something which hasn't just happened now. It is something that has been under discussion for several months and the cricket committee have been aware of what Bob was thinking.

"We've put out a few feelers on who might replace him but no decision has been made and, with Bob here for the rest of the season anyway, there is time to look at things."

In the County Championship, Somerset made the most of some rare dry weather to further reduce Surrey's lead at Taunton.

With rain delaying the start virtually everywhere else, Somerset added 44 runs without further loss to their overnight position to stand on 348 for 3.

Chasing Surrey's massive first innings total of 608 for 6 declared, Michael Burns (75 not out) and Keith Parsons (35 not out) were closing in on a century partnership.

Sussex were denied the chance to hammer home their advantage over Hampshire at the Rose Bowl as rain washed out any chance of play on the third day.

With a day remaining Sussex remain in the driving seat after three quick wickets yesterday from Robin Martin-Jenkins had helped reduce Hampshire to 36 for 4 on Thursday. After Sussex were dismissed for 246, the hosts stumbled to 88 for 6 and will resume today, weather permitting, still 158 in arrears.

If play is possible, Dimitri Mascarenhas (19 not out) and Giles White (17 not out) are the men who have to hold off the bowlers long enough to prevent the faint chance of a Sussex victory.

In the Second Division match at Lord's, Andrew Strauss (nine not out) and Sven Koenig (with 11) moved Middlesex to 30 without loss in reply to Worcestershire's declaration on 502 for 4.