TAUNTON — Haseeb Hameed delivered a masterclass in batting with a magnificent double century, but Nottinghamshire’s County Championship clash with Somerset at the Cooper Associates County Ground appears destined for a draw after rain and stubborn resistance from both sides.
Hameed's Heroics Dominate Day Three
The Nottinghamshire captain struck a sublime 202* off 396 balls, his highest first-class score since 2016, as the visitors posted a formidable 440 in their first innings. Hameed’s knock, which included 22 boundaries and a six, was a testament to his patience and technical prowess. "It’s always special to get a double hundred, especially after the hard work we’ve put in as a team," Hameed said after the day’s play.
Somerset’s bowlers toiled hard, with Craig Overton (3-72) and Migael Pretorius (2-89) the pick of the attack. However, Hameed’s resilience ensured Nottinghamshire secured a first-innings lead of 87 after Somerset had earlier been bowled out for 353.
Somerset Fight Back Before Rain Intervenes
In their second innings, Somerset reached 120/1 before bad light and persistent rain washed out the final session. Tom Lammonby (56*) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (42*) steadied the ship after the early loss of Sean Dickson (14). The hosts now lead by 33 runs with nine wickets in hand, but with only one day remaining, a result seems unlikely.
Key moments from the day included:
- Hameed’s 200-run milestone, celebrated with a rare show of emotion
- A crucial 98-run partnership between Hameed and Lyndon James (45)
- Somerset’s disciplined bowling in the morning session, taking three quick wickets
What the Captains Said
Nottinghamshire skipper Haseeb Hameed praised his team’s effort: "To get 440 on the board after being put in was a great effort. The pitch flattened out, but credit to our bowlers for restricting them in the first innings."
Somerset’s Lewis Gregory remained pragmatic: "We’re in a decent position, but the weather’s taken a lot of time out of the game. We’ll see what tomorrow brings, but realistically it’s going to be tough to force a result."
Day Four Prospects: A Draw Looms
With only 96 overs possible across the first three days due to rain interruptions, the final day’s play is unlikely to produce a decisive outcome. Somerset will aim to build a lead of 150-200 before declaring, but Nottinghamshire’s strong batting lineup should comfortably negotiate any chase.
Notable stats from the match so far:
- Hameed’s 202* is his first double century since his 218 for Lancashire in 2016
- Nottinghamshire have now secured batting bonus points in all four innings this season
- Somerset’s last Championship win against Notts at Taunton came in 2017
The match has been a showcase for Hameed’s resurgence after a difficult few years. Once touted as England’s next great opener, the 27-year-old has rediscovered his form since joining Nottinghamshire in 2022. His innings here was a reminder of his class, blending solid defence with elegant strokeplay.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Battles
While the match may end in a draw, the contest has provided several compelling narratives. Hameed’s double ton will be the standout performance, but Somerset’s fightback with the bat and the weather’s intervention have all played their part. Both teams will take positives into their next Championship fixtures, with Nottinghamshire’s batting depth and Somerset’s bowling variety both looking in good shape early in the season.
As Hameed reflected: "It’s been a tough wicket at times, but we’ve shown great character. These are the kind of performances that build confidence for the rest of the campaign." With the County Championship’s marathon format, such determined displays often prove crucial come September.