EVEN the first-ball dismissal of Marcus Trescothick and the removal of Nick Compton for seven could not brighten a gloomy day for Durham after being dismissed for 155.

When a short, sharp burst of rain brought an early tea Somerset were 41 for two with Johann Myburgh, briefly of Durham, looking threatening on 26 after being promoted to open in place of Chris Jones.

It is depressing to see a South African itinerant replacing a promising English batsman, although Somerset are doing more than most to promote young talent.

Durham’s recovery from 24 for four stuttered once Paul Collingwood lost his off bail shortly after lunch.to a beauty from Alfonso Thomas, who finished with five for 41.

The captain contributed 32 to a stand of 73 with Scott Borthwick, who departed six overs later for 59 when he pulled Thomas straight to deep mid-wicket.

After taking two singles debut boy Ryan Pringle lifted George Dockrell in front of mid-wicket for six. But when the left-arm spinner tossed one a bit higher Pringle’s checked drive resulted in a lobbed catch to short extra cover.

Mark Wood made only two before staying back to a good length ball from Thomas which struck him on the back leg in front of middle stump.

Gordon Muchall batted well for 30, which included a straight six off Dockrell as the batsman sought to pick up what runs he could before running out of partners.

Again it was a well-flighted ball from Dockrell which earned a wicket as Muchall was lured into driving without getting to the pitch and edged an easy catch to slip.

Last man Chris Rushworth lasted only two balls before reaching for a wide ball from Craig Overton and edging to the wicketkeeper.

But after signing a contract extension to the end of the 2017 season Rushworth struck with the first ball of Somerset’s reply. Trescothick jabbed at it and the edge flew hard and fast to Muchall at third slip.

Compton was lucky when his miscued pull fell into space two balls later and he played and missed several times at Rushworth before he fell to Mark Wood’s first ball, following it as it left him off the pitch and edging to Phil Mustard.

Myburgh was almost run out on 23 in a mix-up with Alviro Petersen.