SOMERSET’S title quest was delayed by rain until 3.25 today, but they quickly removed both Durham openers.

In the fifth over Mark Stoneman worked two short balls from left-armer Charl Willoughby to the mid-wicket boundary with well-timed shots but then edged an excellent ball to wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter to depart for 15.

Three overs later Michael Di Venuto continued his recent habit of being pinned lbw on the crease, beaten by a modicum of swing from Ben Phillips. With Di Venuto gone for 15 Durham were 33 for two.

They handed a debut to West Indian paceman Ruel Brathwaite at the expense of Mitch Claydon, whose 35 championship wickets this season are more than any other Durham seamer.

Phil Mustard decided against pitching Brathwaite straight into action when he elected to bat, although it must have been a tricky decision given the amount of moisture around.

The match was being played on the same strip as last week’s one-day international, which may have influenced the decision.

A slight alteration to the playing times meant there were 40 overs to be bowled. Extra time is being played on the first three days to allow Somerset an early getaway on Thursday, when they are catching a plane from Newcastle to London. They want a full day on Friday to prepare for the CB 40 final against Warwickshire.