Nottinghamshire Duo Shatter Record with Unbreakable Partnership

Nottinghamshire's Joe Clarke and Will Young etched their names into the record books with an extraordinary third-wicket partnership that transformed the Vitality County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton. The duo's unbroken stand of 370, spanning nearly six hours, shattered the previous Nottinghamshire record set 121 years ago.

Clarke and Young emerged at the crease with their side trailing by 213 runs. However, they displayed unwavering concentration and shot selection, frustrating the Somerset bowlers throughout the day. Clarke, who had already scored centuries against Worcestershire and Essex this season, reached his half-century off 88 balls and went on to compile an unbeaten 209. Young, equally impressive, contributed 156 not out, reaching his century off 234 deliveries.

The pair's partnership surpassed the previous highest third-wicket stand for Nottinghamshire against Somerset, set by Mike Harris and Sir Garfield Sobers in 1974. By tea, they had extended their lead to 20 runs, and the second new ball failed to make any impact after the interval.

Young's superb square-driven four off Migael Pretorius brought up his century, and the partnership soon reached 300. Clarke joined the double-century club with a single off Lewis Goldsworthy, and the Notts lead continued to grow with every over.

Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory tried various bowling options, but nothing could break the Notts pair's dominance. The record was broken in the final over when Young pulled a two off Pretorius. The crowd and the Somerset team applauded the duo as they walked off the field, having faced 303 and 304 balls respectively.

Nottinghamshire's remarkable batting display has put them in a commanding position in the match. With a lead of 157 runs and two days remaining, they will be confident of securing a victory that would boost their hopes of promotion to Division One.

Tags: #Nottinghamshire, #Somerset, #VitalityCountyChampionship, #JoeClarke, #WillYoung