TAUNTON — Tom Abell’s magnificent 130 propelled Somerset into a commanding position on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash with Yorkshire, though the familiar foes of rain and bad light once again conspired to frustrate both sides at the Cooper Associates County Ground. Only 40 overs were possible on a second successive day heavily impacted by the elements, but it was enough time for the home captain to compile a career-best score and guide his team to a first-innings total of 360.
Resuming on 171 for three after a truncated opening day, Somerset’s progress was initially steady against a Yorkshire attack eager to make early inroads. Abell, resuming on 71, and the impressive James Rew extended their fourth-wicket partnership to 97 before Rew fell for 48, edging a fine delivery from Ben Coad through to wicketkeeper Jonny Tattersall. The visitors sensed an opportunity to restrict the home side, but Abell had other ideas.
Abell Shifts Through the Gears
The Somerset skipper, who recently announced his departure from the club at the end of the season, proceeded to play an innings of increasing authority and class. He moved serenely through the 90s, bringing up his 13th first-class hundred with a clipped single off George Hill. It was a moment of clear emotion for the Taunton-born batter, raising his bat to a warm ovation from the pockets of hardy spectators who had braved the gloomy conditions. "It's a special feeling, always, to score a hundred here," Abell said during a rain break. "It's been a tough week personally, so to contribute like that for the team means a huge amount."
Following his century, Abell accelerated markedly, taking a particular liking to the spin of Dan Moriarty. He launched two enormous sixes and found the boundary with regularity, ensuring Somerset collected maximum batting points. He found a capable ally in Lewis Gregory (31), the pair adding 82 for the sixth wicket to put their side in a dominant position. Abell’s brilliant knock eventually ended when he was caught at slip off the bowling of Matthew Fisher, departing to a standing ovation.
Yorkshire's Bowling Toil and Injury Concerns
For Yorkshire, it was a difficult morning session in the field. While they eventually bowled Somerset out, the total of 360 on a pitch offering some assistance represented a below-par return with the ball. The visitors' cause was not helped by a concerning injury to their star bowler, Ben Coad, who left the field clutching his side after bowling just 3.5 overs in the morning. His absence placed a heavy burden on the rest of the attack.
Matthew Fisher was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 4 for 66 from his 21 overs, demonstrating consistent control and menace. Captain Shan Masood chipped in with two wickets, including the key scalp of Abell. The visitors' efforts were summarised by their coach, Ottis Gibson, who acknowledged the challenge: "Losing Ben was a big blow. Tommy [Abell] played exceptionally well and we just had to try and hang in there. The weather hasn't helped either team, really."
Yorkshire’s reply began in the most challenging of circumstances, facing a pumped-up Somerset seam attack under heavy skies. The new ball pairing of Craig Overton and Migael Pretorius asked immediate questions of openers Fin Bean and Adam Lyth.
- Craig Overton struck a crucial early blow, trapping the dangerous Bean lbw for just 5.
- Migael Pretorius, generating significant pace and bounce, then forced Lyth (11) to edge behind to James Rew.
- At 16 for 2, Yorkshire were firmly on the back foot.
The Weather Has the Final Say
Just as the match was exploding into life, the rain that had threatened all day finally arrived, forcing the players from the field with Yorkshire on 23 for 2 from 8.3 overs. Shan Masood (6*) and Joe Root (1*) were the unbeaten batsmen, tasked with the monumental job of rebuilding their team’s innings upon any resumption. The showers proved persistent, and despite two brief attempts to restart, the light deteriorated to a point where no further play was possible.
The loss of over 150 overs in the match so far makes a positive result incredibly difficult to achieve. A draw appears the most likely outcome, which would see both teams add 12 points to their tally. For Somerset, Abell’s ton and their strong bowling start will be significant positives, while Yorkshire will be desperately hoping for better weather and news on Ben Coad’s fitness. The forecast for day three remains mixed, offering a glimmer of hope for a meaningful contest.
The day undoubtedly belonged to Tom Abell. His innings was a masterclass in concentration and shot-making, blending stout defence with aggressive strokeplay once he had passed three figures. It was a fitting contribution in what is his final season with the club he has captained with such distinction. While the weather may rob him and his team of a chance to push for victory, his commanding century has ensured Somerset walk away from the two days of play that were possible with the upper hand.