Fifties for Yates, Davies and Bethell Leave Somerset Battling for Survival
Warwickshire 412 and 281 for 8 (Bethell 66, Yates 57, Davies 50, Overton 4-57) lead Somerset 284 (Banton 78, Abell 61, Hannon-Dalby 6-56) by 409 runs
The third day of the Vitality County Championship Division One match between Warwickshire and Somerset at Taunton saw half-centuries from Rob Yates, Alex Davies, and Jacob Bethell solidify Warwickshire’s firm grip on the proceedings.
Warwickshire earned a first-innings lead of 128 after bowling out Somerset for 284, with Oliver Hannon-Dalby claiming 6 for 56. Yates and Davies then put on a century opening partnership, and despite a mid-innings wobble, Warwickshire reached stumps on 284 for 8, 409 runs ahead, with Bethell contributing a sparkling 66.
Somerset’s initial task on the morning was to avoid the prospect of following on, but they lost two quick wickets, including captain Tom Abell for 61. Craig Overton, however, batted with great assurance to help Somerset reach a batting point.
In Warwickshire’s second innings, Yates and Davies comfortably negotiated Somerset’s attack, with both reaching half-centuries. The fall of their wickets saw a middle-order collapse, but Bethell’s aggressive 66 and a stubborn knock from Sam Hain steadied the ship for the visitors.
With the lead surpassing 400, Somerset will have a tough challenge on their hands to save the game on the final day.
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