Banton and Abell Rescue Somerset from Warwickshire Onslaught

Somerset's Tom Banton and Tom Abell rescued their team from a precarious position on the second day of their Vitality County Championship Division One match against Warwickshire at Taunton.

Trailing by 355 runs after Warwickshire's first innings total of 412, Somerset found themselves in trouble at 57 for three. However, Banton and Abell combined for a patient and resilient partnership of 139, giving Somerset a glimmer of hope.

Banton, who faced 143 balls, struck 77 runs, including five fours and a six. Abell, who remained unbeaten on 61, played a more cautious role, providing stability to the innings.

Warwickshire's bowlers struggled to make inroads on a pitch that offered little assistance. Oliver Hannon-Dalby eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Banton with a delivery that found the outside edge of his bat.

Hannon-Dalby then struck twice more in quick succession, removing nightwatchmen Josh Davey and Jack Leach, to leave Somerset on 208 for six at stumps.

Earlier, Warwickshire had extended their overnight score from 373 for eight to 412 all out. Michael Burgess, who resumed on 147, fell for 147, while Migael Pretorius added the wicket of Michael Booth to his four first-day victims to finish with figures of five for 104.

Somerset now trail by 204 runs and will need to bat with determination and resilience on the third day to avoid the prospect of being asked to follow on.

Tags: #Somerset, #Warwickshire, #VitalityCountyChampionship, #TomBanton, #TomAbell