 A few days later, against Durham, a second-innings total of 56 was the county's lowest score in a first-class match since 1970.Although Burns had a relatively successful season statistically—his 1,133 first-class runs were the most he scored in any season of his career, and his first-class average was just under 40—he offered to step down as Somerset captain, but when a suitable alternative could not be found, he continued in the position for 2004.The following season was another difficult one for both Burns and Somerset.