Ian Bell served a timely reminder of his qualities to new England team director Andy Flower as his unbeaten half-century helped Warwickshire to 139 for three at tea against Somerset on the opening day of the LV County Championship season.

The England man hit 64, including 10 fours, in the the Division One game at Taunton as the visitors recovered after a shaky opening.

Veteran Ben Phillips claimed three wickets, dismissing Tony Frost and then Darren Maddy and Jonathan Trott in successive balls, in the first session.

The 34-year-old first sent down a swinging delivery which saw Frost caught behind by Craig Kieswetter for seven after Somerset had won the toss and opted to field.

Maddy became Phillips' second victim when he was bowled for 17 and Trott followed, lbw for a first-ball duck, as Warwickshire slipped from 66 for one to 66 for three.

Play in a shortened second session was delayed by rain and bad light, with Jim Troughton, 30 not out, in the middle with Bell at tea.

There was no play in the first session at the Rose Bowl as Hampshire's match against Worcestershire was delayed due to overnight rain.

David Balcombe was the standout performer when play did get under way, dismissing Stephen Moore and Vikram Solanki as Hampshire limited Worcestershire to 98 for three at tea.

Balcombe had Moore caught by Dominic Cork for 25 and Solanki by Nic Pothas for six as he began the campaign in style.

Pothas pouched another to dismiss Ben Smith (21) off the bowling of Liam Dawson. Daryl Mitchell (31) and Moeen Ali (one) were at the crease at the interval.