11.02am: So that will leave Somerset with exactly 80 overs (so long as the light holds) in which to try and bowl Essex out. The target for victory outright is 237, which you'd like to think Essex will have a go at - not least because retreating to their bunker for the whole day would allow Somerset to pepper them at will. Key to both side's fortunes might just be how a certain AN Cook goes this time around; a regal 172 in the first innings set Essex on their way to the lead that could still secure them the trophy, but if Somerset can get him early this time around, who knows what shivers will go through the dressing room?

On that subject, here's Steve: "Time for another 100 from the culinary knight of the realm - less than 3 an over for Essex - game on. Essex to get the runs at about 5.30pm. Come on boys"

Somerset's lead stands at 228. How many more do they want? And can COverton get them quickly...?

"I feel like there are two very different games scheduled for today: one where Alistair Cook is batting, and one where he is not," muses Lee Rodwell. "Essex's batting (especially without RaviBop this season) is more fragile and has a longer tail than you might expect from such a dominant county side. The psychological boost alone to either side from Cook being in or out is potentially enormous. No pressure Sir!"