That drizzle has indeed now stopped and the umpires are making their way out to have a look at conditions.

Don't forget, we can play until 18:00 BST. And the Lord's drainage is among the best in the world.

But still nothing official from the umpires. And it's still raining a bit.

Image source, Getty Images

Looking at the radar, once this mizzle has cleared through, and it shouldn't be long, it's looking pretty clear to the south west of London. That's where the rain has been coming from for most of the afternoon.

Fingers crossed.

Right, I think Adam has done enough filling for the moment - although it was mightily good filling.

Hopefully I'll bring some better news...

There's no more news I'm afraid from the middle for now after that latest bout of rain.

No sign of the umpires coming out for another look either, so we'll bring you more as we get it.

In the meantime - do keep sharing your thoughts with us on this game so far and what you've made of Eddie Byrom's century using #bbccricket

No sooner had Jamie Porter come out to have a few warm-up deliveries with Essex bowling coach Andre Nel, then the rain returned.

Covers are now back on the square sadly which means we will have to revise that 15:45 BST restart.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but....

Don't forget - you can find Anthony's commentary at the top of this page via the Live Coverage options.

It's part of a joint BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Essex broadcast.

Provided we have no further rain before - play will restart at 15:45 BST.

Covers continue to be peeled off the square but there's not a hint of any blue sky above still.

Fingers crossed.

Stand by!

Some news from the middle to bring you....

Paul Dickson: The point of four-day cricket was to allow batsmen to build an innings closer to Test cricket. Most games finish in three days.. standard of pitches terrible - either improve them or revert to three-day and can then play more games.

Adam Savoury: Essex keep winning the Championship so just keep everything exactly as it is please.

Simon Hutchins: The overs-limitation for the Bob Willis Trophy was brought in because of the shortened season. In four-day games, with a full season, it shouldn't be needed. There have been fewer draws since it was increased to four days.

Here come the umpires once again for a chat with Karl McDermott the head groundsman.

Just the one umbrella between them this time, in the hands of one Rob Bailey.

Covers still on despite the rain having eased a touch, but it's still very gloomy above.

We'll let you know what the verdict is as soon as we get it.

Jon Horsley: Bit of a shame that the way they're deciding the draw (first innings totals) gives no incentive for Somerset to get a move on.

Not sure about that to be fair Jon - Somerset did manage to add 124-1 in the morning session today, which was pretty decent going.

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Meanwhile, if you switch on to our BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra coverage right now, here's what the team are discussing...

You can hear that via the Live Coverage options at the top of the page or on DAB Digital Radio.

We've also been asking you for your views on both this match so far and the future structure of red-ball county cricket.

Here's more of your thoughts...

Neil Boughton: I don't think we should have limited overs in county cricket, but I think there should be an extra reserve day (5th day) for times when there's either a rain delayed game, or if towards the end of the 4th day there's a chance of a result if we went into a 5th.

Paul Carney: Tried watching this earlier. Had to check my broadband speed to check it was not running slowly. No urgency in the play.

In case you're just joining us, here is our story on the news former Australia batsman Dean Jones died after suffering a heart attack while working in India.

Another touching tribute here from a former Durham team-mate of Dean Jones'...

Jack Tanner: I'm likely being overly pessimistic, but who wins the trophy if it's a draw?

Not pessimistic at all Jack bearing in mind the current forecast for the rest of today.

The team which gains a first-innings lead after both sides have completed theirs will be deemed the winner if the match finishes as a draw.

Otherwise, the trophy will be shared.

Image source, PA Media

Bit of an update for you from the middle.

The umpires have just been out for a brief look now the rain has stopped and some of the covers are being peeled off.

We're going to take an early tea at 15:00 BST and then they'll carry out another inspection at 15:10 BST.