Brilliant Banton rescues Somerset from brink of collapse in Worcestershire

Honours even after day one of Somerset’s County Championship clash at Worcestershire but only thanks to a determined 92 from Tom Banton in the middle order.

The knock from Banton came in the wake of a devastating spell from West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who took three wickets in the space of 12 balls to leave Somerset reeling on 181-6.

Banton endured a stuttering start to the season before finding form with a lovely 83 against Nottinghamshire last week and this innings was even more impressive, guiding Somerset to a total of 309-9 dec. Worcestershire ended the day on 14-0.

Banton told Somerset CCC website: “I rode my luck a bit today. I think it’s a wicket where if you put the ball in the right area you can get a lot out of it, like Jason Holder did just before tea. My game plan this week was the same as against Nottinghamshire last week, not to counter-attack but to put the pressure back on them.

“With a club wicket, there is always enough in there and balls with your name on it. Things are going for me at the moment and long may it continue.

“The run out is just cricket. I was pretty gutted when I walked off but I wasn’t going to change the way I was playing just because I was in the 90s. It’s always about putting the team first and how I can win the game for the team.”

Openers Matt Renshaw (30) and Sean Dickson (16) fell before Tom Lammonby (34) steered Somerset past the 100-mark. Andrew Umeed played well for his 47 but he was the first of Holder’s victims, swiftly followed by James Rew (3) and Lewis Gregory (1).

Kasey Aldridge fell lbw for five but Banton was given sterling support by the powerful Migael Pretorious, who bashed his way to 49 from 34 balls, including nine fours. A big second day awaits Somerset, provided the weather plays ball.