Worcestershire endured a frustrating first day at Taunton as a commanding start with the bat unravelled into a rapid collapse, handing the initiative to hosts Somerset in the latest Rothesay County Championship Division One encounter.
After being asked to bat first on a dry surface under initially grey skies, the Pears looked in a promising position at 102 for one, thanks largely to a fluent 58 from Gareth Roderick and a confident 30 from Jake Libby but lost nine wickets for just 52 runs in a dramatic shift in momentum. Kasey Aldridge led the way for Somerset, returning career-best figures of 5 for 36 in a devastating eight-over spell, while Craig Overton added 3 for 24 as Worcestershire were bowled out for 154 in only 45.3 overs.
There were still moments to savour with the ball for the visitors, as Tom Taylor and Adam Finch struck early in reply to leave Somerset 39 for three. But a counter-attacking partnership worth 101 between Tom Banton (84* off 103 balls) and Tom Abell (52) swung the pendulum back once more, taking the hosts to 187 for four at the close and a lead of 33.
After losing the toss, Worcestershire openers Roderick and Libby adapted well to testing early conditions, growing in fluency as the morning progressed. The Somerset seamers initially found little assistance, and the pair brought up a 50-run partnership with minimal fuss, showing patience and precision on a pitch that looked good for batting under the Taunton sun.
It took the introduction of Jack Leach to make the breakthrough, the England spinner removing Libby for 30 with a delivery that straightened and found the edge, Lewis Gregory taking a smart low catch at slip. Roderick continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century from 76 balls with eight boundaries, including a stylish square cut off Aldridge.
Kashif Ali survived a streaky start but fell soon after, bowled by Aldridge by one that skidded through and clipped the top of leg stump. That opened the floodgates. Ethan Brookes edged to second slip just three balls later, and former Somerset batter Adam Hose was bowled for four by the in-form Aldridge.
Lunch was taken with Worcestershire reeling at 110 for four, and the interval did little to stem the collapse. Roderick’s fine innings ended when he was caught at second slip off Aldridge for 58, and when Brett D’Oliveira was bowled shouldering arms, Worcestershire had slumped to 130 for six.
Overton trapped Tom Taylor lbw and bowled Ben Allison with a ball that kept a touch low, before Tom Hinley edged to second slip and Adam Finch was pinned in front by Gregory. The innings was wrapped up inside two sessions, the last nine wickets falling in the space of just 18 overs.
Despite the disappointment with the bat, Worcestershire showed strong resolve with the ball early on. Taylor struck early to remove Archie Vaughan, caught behind by Roderick for 12, before Tom Lammonby edged to Brookes at second slip, also off Taylor.
Finch then found a gap to bowl Sean Dickson for 11, leaving Somerset at 39 for three and Worcestershire sensing an opportunity to claw their way back into the contest. However, Banton and Abell batted with freedom and clarity in the afternoon sun, rebuilding with a century stand that frustrated the visiting attack.
Banton, known for his white-ball prowess, showed positive intent from the start, reaching a well-paced half-century from 64 deliveries with 11 crisp boundaries. Abell supported well, rotating strike and punishing anything loose as Somerset overtook the Worcestershire total before the close.
Finch eventually broke the stand when Abell, having reached his own half-century from 73 balls, flicked a delivery straight to mid-wicket where Taylor held on. However, Somerset closed strongly, with Banton unbeaten on 84 and James Rew offering calm support on 17* as the hosts ended the day on 187 for four, 33 runs ahead with six wickets in hand.
Worcestershire will return on Day Two aiming to make early inroads and keep Somerset’s lead within reach. With the pitch still offering decent pace and bounce, early breakthroughs will be key as the Pears seek to wrestle back momentum in what remains a crucial fixture in their top-flight campaign.
Day One Highlights
