Coad kept waiting to see if he will make county bow

THEY say that if you can’t see the Quantock Hills away in the distance that it’s raining, and that if you can see them that rain’s on the way.

The old adage proved true at the County Ground yesterday, where no play was possible on day one of Yorkshire’s County Championship match against Somerset.

The hills were invisible during the morning as light rain fell from charcoal skies, while a brief period of visibility and dryness around lunchtime was merely the portent of heavier rain to come.

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Play was called off at 4.00pm, long after there had ceased to be any realistic prospect of starting the match, which had been due to begin at noon to give Yorkshire an extra hour’s rest after their journey from Radlett.

Attention now turns to today’s weather, which, if the forecasters are to be believed, promises dry and cloudy conditions.

Further showers are expected tomorrow, while the suggestion at this stage is that a strange yellow orb otherwise known as the sun could make an appearance on the fourth and final day.

Yorkshire will be keen for as much play as possible, for they are fourth in the table after three wins in their opening five games – 10 points behind leaders Sussex.

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Somerset, in contrast, are struggling unexpectedly. The West Countrymen are still searching for their first victory in the tournament after three defeats and three draws.

Both teams are depleted by injury.

Yorkshire are without pace bowlers Jack Brooks and Liam Plunkett, sidelined with a broken thumb and a thigh strain, respectively, while Somerset are missing pace duo Alfonso Thomas (hamstring) and Craig Overton (back).

Craig Kieswetter has an injured thumb, which means Alex Barrow will take the wicketkeeping gloves.

On the plus side for Somerset, South African batsman Dean Elgar is set to make his debut having signed in place of fellow countryman Alviro Petersen, who is part of the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

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With Plunkett ruled out for around a fortnight, Ben Coad, the 19-year-old pace bowler, has travelled with the Yorkshire side.

Coad has impressed in second team and Academy cricket this season and is hoping to make his Championship bow.

With Ryan Sidebottom and Steve Patterson set to take the new ball, having been rested for the 40-over game against Middlesex at Radlett, Coad is likely to play only if Yorkshire deem Moin Ashraf surplus to requirements.

Yorkshire do not have the services of England’s Tim Bresnan for this game due to forthcoming one-day international commitments.