TAUNTON — Ben Slater’s unbeaten century anchored Nottinghamshire’s strong reply as they reached 214-3 at stumps on day two, trailing Somerset’s first-innings total of 379 by 165 runs in the County Championship clash at Taunton.
The left-handed opener batted with patience and precision, finishing the day on 116 not out from 253 deliveries, his 15th first-class century. Slater’s composed innings, featuring 14 boundaries, steadied Nottinghamshire after early setbacks and kept them firmly in contention. "It was a proper grind out there, but I’m pleased to have contributed when the team needed it," Slater said post-play.
Somerset’s Strong Start
Resuming on 330-7, Somerset added 49 runs before being bowled out for 379, with Craig Overton (45) and Jack Leach (28) extending their eighth-wicket stand to 64. Nottinghamshire’s Brett Hutton (4-79) and Dane Paterson (3-72) were the pick of the bowlers, exploiting the overcast conditions early.
Nottinghamshire’s reply began shakily as Haseeb Hameed (5) fell lbw to Overton in the fourth over. Slater, however, dug in alongside Will Young (37), adding 78 for the second wicket before Young edged Migael Pretorius to second slip. "We knew we had to be disciplined against their attack, especially with the ball swinging," Slater later reflected.
Slater’s Gritty Century
Slater’s innings was a masterclass in resilience. Key moments included:
- Surviving a sharp caught-behind appeal on 42
- Reaching 50 off 112 balls with a late cut for four
- Bringing up his ton with a pull shot off Lewis Gregory
At the other end, Joe Clarke (41) provided aggressive support in a 91-run partnership before edging Josh Davey to slip late in the day. Slater, however, remained unshaken, guiding Nottinghamshire to 214-3 at close. Somerset’s bowlers toiled without consistent breakthroughs, with Overton (1-32) and Pretorius (1-41) the most threatening.
Key Talking Points
Pitch Conditions
The Taunton surface offered early assistance to the seamers but flattened as the day progressed. Slater capitalized after the first hour, punishing anything loose. Somerset’s coach, Jason Kerr, noted, "We’d have liked more wickets, but credit to Slater—he played the conditions perfectly."
Notts’ Fightback
Nottinghamshire’s recovery from 12-1 showcased their depth. Captain Steven Mullaney praised Slater’s focus: "Ben’s innings was exactly what we needed. To be only 165 behind with seven wickets left puts us in a strong position."
Day Three Preview
With Slater well-set and Lyndon James (9*) at the crease, Nottinghamshire will aim to surpass Somerset’s total. The hosts, meanwhile, need early wickets to regain control. Overton emphasized, "The first hour tomorrow is massive. If we strike early, we can restrict their lead."
Weather permitting, an intriguing battle looms. Nottinghamshire’s lower order—featuring Hutton and Paterson—could prove decisive if Slater bats deep. Somerset’s spinners, Leach and Shoaib Bashir, may also come into play as the pitch wears.
As stumps were drawn, Slater’s marathon effort stood out. His century not only rescued Nottinghamshire but also set up a tantalizing contest. "There’s still hard work ahead," he cautioned, "but if we bat smartly tomorrow, we can put Somerset under real pressure."