TAUNTON — Tom Kohler-Cadmore struck a magnificent century as Somerset dominated Warwickshire on the opening day of their County Championship clash at the Cooper Associates County Ground. The right-hander's 12th first-class ton laid the foundation for Somerset's imposing total of 312/4, putting the hosts in a commanding position.
Kohler-Cadmore's 128 not out was the centerpiece of Somerset's innings, blending aggression with patience as he navigated a disciplined Warwickshire attack. His partnership of 174 with captain Tom Abell (76) proved particularly damaging for the Bears, who toiled on a pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers. "It's always special to get a hundred at home," Kohler-Cadmore said at stumps. "The pitch was good, and once you got in, you could really cash in."
Kohler-Cadmore's Masterclass
The 29-year-old, who joined Somerset from Yorkshire last season, showcased his full range of strokes, particularly strong through the off-side. His innings included:
- 17 boundaries, including three sixes
- A strike rate of 64.32 across 199 balls faced
- Dominant partnerships with both Abell and James Rew (42*)
Warwickshire's bowlers struggled for consistency, with only Oliver Hannon-Dalby (2/56) finding regular success. The Bears missed the injured Chris Woakes, as their attack lacked penetration on a surface that flattened out as the day progressed. Kohler-Cadmore took full advantage, bringing up his century with a crunching cover drive off Craig Miles.
Abell Provides Perfect Support
Somerset skipper Tom Abell played the perfect supporting role in their mammoth second-wicket stand. His 76 came off 154 deliveries, providing stability after the early loss of Sean Dickson (9). Abell's innings was typically gritty, with the captain showing particular strength off his pads. "Tom's knock was crucial," Kohler-Cadmore noted. "He absorbed pressure early when the ball was doing a bit more and allowed me to play my natural game."
The partnership broke when Abell edged Hannon-Dalby to second slip, but by then Somerset were already in a strong position at 187/2. Warwickshire's frustration was compounded when Kohler-Cadmore was dropped on 94 by Rob Yates at first slip off Danny Briggs - a costly miss that allowed the centurion to push Somerset towards complete dominance.
Warwickshire's Toil
The visitors' day was summed up by their fielding lapses and inconsistent bowling. Key moments that went against them included:
- The dropped catch of Kohler-Cadmore on 94
- 15 no-balls conceded across the innings
- Only two maidens bowled in 90 overs
Captain Will Rhodes rotated his bowlers frequently but failed to build sustained pressure. Speaking after play, Rhodes admitted: "We weren't at our best today. The pitch is good but we didn't help ourselves with some basic errors."
Late Flourish from Rew
James Rew (42*) joined Kohler-Cadmore after tea and continued Somerset's momentum with an enterprising knock. The left-hander struck seven boundaries in his 71-ball stay, showing why he's considered one of England's brightest young batting prospects. Their unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 89 has put Somerset in pole position to push for 400+ on day two.
Rew's aggressive approach contrasted with Kohler-Cadmore's more measured accumulation late in the day, as the pair capitalized on tiring bowlers. "James played beautifully," Kohler-Cadmore said. "He took the pressure off me and really put them on the back foot."
Day Two Prospects
With Kohler-Cadmore eyeing a career-best score (his highest is 168) and Rew well set, Somerset will look to bat Warwickshire out of the game on day two. The pitch is expected to remain good for batting, though Warwickshire will hope for more assistance with the second new ball due after six overs.
For the visitors, the challenge will be to break this partnership early and restrict Somerset to under 400. Their batting lineup - featuring the likes of Yates, Rhodes and Sam Hain - will need to produce a substantial response to avoid following on. As Rhodes put it: "We need early wickets tomorrow and then bat big ourselves. This game isn't gone yet."
The day undoubtedly belonged to Kohler-Cadmore and Somerset though, with the home side capitalizing on winning what looked an important toss. His century continued an excellent start to the season, following his 89 against Nottinghamshire last week. With this innings, he's staking an early claim for being among the Championship's leading run-scorers this summer.
As stumps were drawn, the standing ovation for Kohler-Cadmore as he walked off unbeaten told its own story. Warwickshire face an uphill battle to get back into this match, while Somerset - with potential batting still to come from Lewis Gregory and Craig Overton - will look to turn the screw further on day two.