Somerset

Jack Leach delivered a spin bowling masterclass at Taunton, claiming 5-81 in Essex's second innings to help Somerset surge to an eight-wicket victory and close to within two points of Division One leaders Nottinghamshire.

Somerset have recruited experienced New Zealand Test batter Henry Nicholls as they look to claim a maiden County Championship title with six games remaining.

Tom Lammonby's brilliant career-best 114 powered Somerset to a 188-run demolition of Surrey at Taunton, keeping their One-Day Cup knockout stage ambitions firmly on track.

England and Saracens hooker Jamie George is swapping the scrum for the crease this August, captaining a rugby celebrity XI against county cricket professionals in a charity T20 at Taunton to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Middlesex remain the only side with three wins from three in this year's One-Day Cup, while holders Worcestershire survived a nervy finish to stay unbeaten after two matches.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks overcame a rocky batting display to defeat defending champions Somerset by 17 runs, securing a T20 Blast final berth for the first time since their 2016 title triumph.

Four counties with serious T20 pedigree descend on Edgbaston for Finals Day on Saturday. Jamie Hall looks at what to expect from each semi-final.

Craig Overton produced one of the most extraordinary T20 innings you'll ever see, smashing 79 off just 30 balls to haul Somerset from the wreckage and into T20 Finals Day.

Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Somerset have all secured their places at T20 Blast Finals Day following a dramatic night of quarter-final cricket. Craig Overton's astonishing hitting at Headingley stole the show.

Adam Lyth's magnificent unbeaten 131 from just 63 balls — the highest score in this season's Vitality Blast — powered Yorkshire to a 41-run victory over Leicestershire Foxes, while Somerset produced a stunning 105-run demolition of previously unbeaten Northamptonshire.

Hampshire Hawks secured a sixth consecutive T20 Blast victory with a nail-biting two-wicket win against Yorkshire, while Somerset, Surrey and Lancashire also claimed important wins on a busy evening of cricket.

Craig Overton has been one of the standout performers in this season's County Championship, contributing with bat, ball and in the field as Somerset push hard for a first-ever title.