Taunton Hosts Thrilling County Championship Clash: Hannon-Dalby Shines for Warwickshire
(ECB Reporters Network, Taunton)
In a gripping County Championship Division One match at Taunton, Warwickshire gained the upper hand on the second day, thanks to a stellar bowling performance from Oliver Hannon-Dalby. The visitors, having posted a formidable 412 in their first innings, kept Somerset under pressure throughout the day.
After resuming at 373 for 8 overnight, Warwickshire added 39 more runs to their total, with Michael Burgess falling for a well-crafted 147. Migael Pretorius was the pick of the Somerset bowlers, finishing with figures of 5 for 104.
Somerset’s reply got off to a shaky start, losing three early wickets. However, a resilient partnership between Tom Banton (77) and Tom Abell (61*) steadied the ship, taking the hosts to 208 for 6 at stumps. Hannon-Dalby was the standout performer for Warwickshire, claiming 4 for 45 to put the visitors in command.
Earlier in the day, play was delayed due to heavy showers, much to the disappointment of the 700-plus schoolchildren in attendance. When the action resumed, Warwickshire extended their lead, with Michael Booth and Burgess putting on a gritty half-century stand.
Somerset’s innings got off to a shaky start, with Andy Umeed and Tom Kohler-Cadmore falling cheaply. Tom Lammonby also departed, leaving the hosts in trouble at 57 for 3. However, Banton and Abell’s determined effort ensured Somerset avoided further embarrassment, adding 139 runs for the fourth wicket.
Despite the surface offering little assistance to the bowlers, Hannon-Dalby found a way to trouble the Somerset batters, dismissing Banton and then striking twice late in the day to remove nightwatchmen Josh Davey and Jack Leach. Warwickshire will be the happier of the two teams at the end of the day’s play, with a 204-run lead and the promise of more to come on day three.
🔗 Source