TAUNTON — Somerset seized control on a chaotic opening day against Durham at the Cooper Associates County Ground, where 22 wickets tumbled in a dramatic display of seam bowling dominance.
A Day of Carnage for Batsmen
On a green-tinged pitch offering significant lateral movement, Somerset’s seamers ran riot, dismissing Durham for just 92 in their first innings before the hosts posted 194 in reply. Durham fared little better second time around, limping to 120/6 at stumps, still trailing by 18 runs. "It was one of those days where every ball felt like an event," remarked Somerset captain Tom Abell.
The day’s standout performer was Craig Overton (4-22), who exploited the conditions masterfully, while Lewis Gregory (3-19) and Migael Pretorius (3-38) provided relentless support. Durham’s top order had no answer, with only David Bedingham (32) passing 20 in their first innings.
- Somerset’s seamers took 9 wickets in the first session alone
- Durham lost 6 wickets for 11 runs in a devastating collapse
- Only three batters across both sides surpassed 30 runs all day
Somerset’s Fragile Reply
Despite Durham’s struggles, Somerset’s batting lineup also faltered initially, slumping to 45/4 before Tom Lammonby (46) and Gregory (37) staged a recovery. Ben Raine (4-38) and Matthew Potts (3-52) kept Durham in contention, but Somerset’s lower order eked out a crucial 102-run lead.
"That partnership between Lammonby and Gregory was the difference today," said Durham’s interim coach Neil Killeen. "We missed chances, and on this pitch, every run feels like gold dust."
Key Moments
The match turned decisively during a manic afternoon session where 13 wickets fell in 38 overs. Somerset’s decision to bowl first proved inspired as Overton and Gregory demolished Durham’s top order inside 12 overs. Alex Lees, fresh from an England recall, fell for a second-ball duck, edging behind off Overton.
Durham’s second innings showed brief resistance through Bedingham (44*), but Somerset’s attack maintained pressure. Josh Davey’s late dismissal of Ollie Robinson (22) left the visitors facing an uphill battle to avoid an innings defeat.
What the Experts Said
Former England spinner Vic Marks, commentating for BBC Radio, noted: "This is classic April County Championship cricket – the ball dominating, but Somerset’s discipline with line and length has been exceptional."
CricViz’s data highlighted the extreme conditions, with a average seam movement of 1.2° – the highest recorded at Taunton in five years. Their analysis showed 63% of deliveries deviated sufficiently to beat the bat or draw edges.
Looking Ahead
With Durham still 18 behind and only four wickets remaining, Somerset will aim to wrap up the tail early on Day 2. The forecast suggests clearer skies, which may ease conditions for batting, but the damage may already be done. A victory here would mark Somerset’s second consecutive win after their opening-round triumph over Kent.
For Durham, the focus shifts to damage limitation. Their batting unit – missing England’s Ben Stokes and Mark Wood – has now been bowled out for under 150 in three of four innings this season. Captain Scott Borthwick admitted: "We need to show more fight. These conditions test your technique, but also your temperament."
The match’s frenetic pace has drawn comparisons to Somerset’s famous 2007 encounter against Hampshire, where 23 wickets fell on the first day. Current coach Jason Kerr played in that game and quipped: "Some things never change at Taunton in April."
With the pitch expected to remain lively, statisticians note that no team has successfully chased more than 150 in the fourth innings at Taunton since 2019. Durham’s hopes now rest on Bedingham and their bowlers producing something extraordinary.
As stumps were drawn, Somerset’s players walked off buoyed by their position. Overton, speaking to Sky Sports, summed up the day: "We’d have taken this at 10am. Now it’s about staying ruthless tomorrow."