A deluge at the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford prevented Essex from getting some Vitality Blast revenge over Somerset.

Somerset defeated the Eagles in the final at Edgbaston last season to claim their second Blast title.

In fact, the west country side have won each of the last six meetings, including an impressive six-wicket victory at The Coopers Associate County Ground, Taunton in both teams’ opening fixture back in May.

But an afternoon and evening of rain, which led to glistening covers and puddles on the outfield, meant that there was no hope of play. The inevitable came at 19:40 BST.

In many ways, the washout suits both sides, not least because it keeps both in prime position to reach the knockout stage.

Both boast identical records after nine matches of five wins, three defeats and this washout – with a rematch at Edgbaston on September 14 a possibility.

More specifically, Essex had been rocked by Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams’ knee injury which had ruled him out of the rest of the competition.

His overseas replacement Eathan Bosch – a South African quick – wasn’t ready yet. He needed extra time to prepare for T20s, due to his workload being managed following a heavy burst of two Vitality County Championship runouts after a period of inactivity.

Jordan Cox’s appendicitis, and subsequent surgery this week, would have meant another senior absentee for the Eagles.

Somerset were due to rest talismanic fast bowler Craig Overton after he bowled 33 overs in the Championship victory over Warwickshire and getting through a match without missing his electric pace will be a boost.

Both outfits are due to return to action on Sunday, with Somerset hosting Gloucestershire and Essex heading to Glamorgan - although weather forecasts suggest another soggy day.