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The sun is shining, and runs are accumulating across the regions, especially in Taunton where Tom Banton is experiencing a remarkable career resurgence. Here’s the recap from Aldred on an extraordinary day yesterday:
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Banton sets a record with 344
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Step aside Harold Gimblett, Viv Richards, Justin Langer – there’s a new star on the scene. Tom Banton’s remarkable 344 not out against Worcestershire surpasses them all, becoming the highest score by a Somerset player – signaling the comeback of a blazing young talent whose light had dimmed but has now reignited.
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This performance will surely have cheered the England selectors, as Banton is reportedly being considered for Tests this year in their plan to establish a small group that competes in all formats. It wasn’t all cider and sausages; at 39 for three on Friday afternoon, focus was essential. However, by the penultimate ball yesterday, with Langer’s 342 in view, Banton took a bold approach and slammed a boundary amidst thunderous applause and congratulatory handshakes.
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“It’s an odd feeling,” he remarked, “and I got a bit emotional in the dressing room. This is the best day I’ve had in cricket, and it will likely be the best day of my career.
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“These days are rare, and you must seize the moment. I won’t sugarcoat it; I was quite exhausted and kept telling myself: ‘Just keep batting, keep going’. There were moments I wanted to return to the dressing room, but I aimed for the record and tried to play the shots I could.”
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If he was dropped in the 300s by a weary Worcestershire, it was remarkable – this innings showcased strength and finesse. He didn’t hit a six until he passed 200 – a commendable display of discipline for someone who enjoys the Big Bash, the Indian Premier League, and the Pakistan Super League. He is now the earliest triple centurion in championship history, sharing the record set by Sam Northeast on April 5th last year.
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Banton’s partner in the record fifth-wicket stand of 371 was James Leh. Last year’s second season was tougher than the first. But his 152 was brilliant and judicious – thanks to both of their contributions, Somerset fans exited the ground in disbelief, reading 637 at the end of the innings.
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Chelmsford witnessed plenty of runs as Essex saw Matt Crichley and Michael Pepper pushed to Sally – Dan Lawrence bowled 35.2 overs against the team he rarely bowled against. After Sam Cook pinned Domsible’s foot twice before, after the excitement of Ollie Pope falling to 10, Surrey steadied the ship, and Pope and Rory Burns contributed 101 to a placid pitch. Simon Harmer struggled, but in his sunglasses, not his typical April snood.
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Edbaston highlighted John Simpson’s 181 which bolstered Sussex to 528. Rob Yates’ unbeaten 113 led Warwickshire’s response. A malfunctioning sprinkler system hindered play on the torrential bridge. There, Australia’s Fergus O’Neill officially collected his fifth wicket on debut against Durham who later faced Nottinghamshire.
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Johnny Bairstow aggressively posted 56 for Hampshire, the new Yorkshire captain dropped three times before reaching 20 and was eventually dismissed by Sonny Baker for the second time in the match. The lead is 61, but there remains a second wicket with four left.
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In Division 2, Marcus Harris scored a century on his debut for Lancashire against Middle Sex at Lords, demonstrating excellent support for a shaky middle order. A wicket of 20 fell on Wantage Road. Northamptonshire faced Kent; Derbyshire Wayne Madsen met the 40th century against Gloucestershire while Leicestershire captains old and new, Lewis Hill and Peter Handscomb, struck against Glamorgan.
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Key Events
Ah, Vicmark’s voice. It’s summertime, friends!
Hello, Jim needed a brief rest with his fine legs, and Daniel Harris is stepping in for the time being. Over to Tom!
Scoreboard
Division 1
Chelmsford: Essex 582-6 vs Sally 109-1
Southampton: Hampshire 249 vs Yorkshire 121 and 189-6
Torrential Bridge: Nottinghamshire 297-5 vs Durham 378
Taunton: Somerset 637-6 vs Worcestershire 154
Edbaston: Warwickshire 223-3 vs Sussex 528
Division 2
County Ground: Derbyshire 391 vs Gloucestershire 222 and 128-3
Sofia Gardens: Glamorgan 229 vs Leicestershire 426-8
The Lord’s: Middle Sex 260 vs Lancashire 353-9
Wantage Road: Northamptonshire 143 and 107-7 vs Kent 231 and 171
preamble
James Wallace
Welcome, and enjoy the third day of the opening round of the county championship. I’m worried that Tanya is with me today, but please refrain from shutting down your laptop or hurling your phone into the nearest river.
The sun is shining bright, especially in Taunton, where Tom Banton is having a remarkable career rebound. Here’s a summary from Aldred of yesterday’s exceptional day:
Banton makes history with 344
Say goodbye to Harold Gimblett, Viv Richards, Justin Langer – there’s a new player in town. Tom Banton’s incredible 344 not out against Worcestershire surpasses all previous records, setting a new highest score for a Somerset player – heralding the reawakening of a once-brilliant young talent now shining brightly again.
This innings must bring joy to the England selectors, as it seems Banton is on their radar for Tests this year in their endeavor to form a compact squad participating in all formats. The situation wasn’t all cider and sausages; on Friday afternoon at 39 for three, focus was key. Nevertheless, when he neared Langer’s 342 yesterday, Banton let his defenses down and smashed a boundary to a thunderous ovation and congratulations.
“It’s a peculiar feeling,” he expressed.
“These moments are rare, and one must capitalize on them. I won’t lie, I felt quite fatigued and kept reminding myself: ‘Just keep batting, keep pushing.’ I sought to reach the record and played the shots I could deliver.”
If he was dropped in the 300s by a weary Worcestershire, it was phenomenal – this innings illustrated both strength and grace. He didn’t connect for six until passing 200 – an exemplary show of discipline for a player who relishes the Big Bash, IPL, and PSL. He is now the earliest triple-centurion in championship history, sharing the record with Sam Northeast’s mark set on April 5th last year.
Banton’s companion in the record fifth-wicket partnership of 371 was James Leh. Last year’s second season proved tougher than the first, but his 152 was remarkable and astute – coupled with Banton’s efforts, Somerset fans left the grounds in disbelief, their score reading a whopping 637.
Chelmsford featured an abundance of runs as Essex watched Matt Crichley and Michael Pepper pushed to Sally – Dan Lawrence twirled 35.2 overs against the adversary he seldom faced. Following Sam Cook pinning Domsible’s foot twice previously, after Ollie Pope dropped to ten, Surrey set a steady course, and Pope and Rory Burns amassed 101 on a gentle pitch. Simon Harmer encountered difficulties, but wearing his sunglasses instead of his conventional April snood.
Edbaston showcased John Simpson’s 181 which bolstered Sussex to 528. Rob Yates’ unbeaten 113 led the charge for Warwickshire. A malfunctioning sprinkler system interrupted play on the torrential bridge. There, Australia’s Fergus O’Neill officially gathered his fifth wicket on debut while Durham took on the lineup of Nottinghamshire.
Johnny Bairstow gave an energetic performance, scoring 56 for Hampshire, with the new Yorkshire captain having been dropped three times before surpassing 20 and ultimately dismissed by Sonny Baker for the second time in the match. The lead is 61, but with four wickets still remaining.
In Division 2, Marcus Harris completed a century on his debut for Lancashire against Middle Sex at Lords, showcasing exceptional support for the fragile middle orders. A wicket of 20 went down at Wantage Road. Northamptonshire faced Kent; Derbyshire Wayne Madsen contested the 40th century against Gloucestershire and Leicestershire captains old and new, Lewis Hill and Peter Handscomb, attacked against Glamorgan.
