SOMERSET'S Vitality Blast opener was very much a damp squib, as rain prevented any play in their match against Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston.

The Central Group clash was due to start at 6.30pm, but a series of heavy showers left the ground saturated, and the match was officially abandoned by the umpires after a 7.45pm inspection.

Both teams pick up one point apiece - as do all of the other teams in the group, as all three matches were unable to provide a result between them.

Somerset's next T20 fixture is away to Northants Steelbacks on Sunday (August 30), from 2pm.

The rain also caused the first IT20 between England and Pakistan to be abandoned, but not before Somerset batsman Tom Banton scored his maiden half-century in the international T20 arena.

Banton opened alongside Jonny Bairstow, and after being dropped when on five, he breezed to a fine 71 off 42 balls (including four fours and five sixes), demonstrating a particular fondness for the scoop shot.

His eventual departure, caught off the bowling of Shadab Khan, prompted something of a collapse from England, from 109-3 to 123-6, with Banton's Somerset team-mate Lewis Gregory (2) being stumped by Mohammad Rizwan.

England were unable to finish their innings, however, as the rain arrived to wash away any hopes of further play at Old Trafford.