Somerset Put up Imposing Total on Opening Day Against Durham
In a dominant display at Taunton, Somerset amassed an impressive 395 for 6 on the first day of their County Championship encounter against Durham. The hosts were led by a century from skipper Tom Abell, who continued his rich vein of form with a fluent 124 off 181 balls.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Somerset lost early wickets, but Abell found able support from Tom Banton (73) as the pair put on a record 185-run stand for the fourth wicket against Durham. The 18-year-old Archie Vaughan, son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, made his first-class debut for the home side.
“Abell was in sublime touch, driving and pulling with authority to reach his century off 148 deliveries.”
Brydon Carse, returning from a three-month suspension for historical betting violations, made the initial breakthrough by dismissing Lewis Goldsworthy. But Abell was in sublime touch, driving and pulling with authority to reach his century off 148 deliveries. Callum Parkinson then accounted for both Abell and Banton in quick succession to leave Somerset 260 for 5 at tea.
However, James Rew (89* off 90 balls) and Vaughan (30) forged a brisk 66-run partnership to propel Somerset past 390 by stumps. Rew, in particularly, was harsh on the Durham bowlers, smashing three fours in an over off Carse late in the day.
The young debutant Vaughan can be proud of his maiden first-class outing, contributing a handy 30 runs before being dismissed lbw. With Rew unbeaten and the lower order providing valuable runs, Somerset will be eyeing a formidable total on day two against the visiting Durham side.
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