Cricket

Jack Leach, the left-arm spinner for Somerset, has expressed his unwavering determination to reclaim his place in the England Test team after his impressive 12-wicket haul against Durham. Leach, who was England's first-choice spinner under Ben Stokes' captaincy, has been sidelined by injuries in recent months, but his recent performance has reignited his hopes of a return to the international stage.Leach's 15 wickets in England's 3-0 Test series win in Pakistan in December 2022 serve as a testament to his abilities. Despite the emergence of Shoaib Bashir, his Somerset teammate, Leach believes he can regain his spot in the pecking order ahead of England's tour to Pakistan in October."I totally understand why Bash has been selected," Leach said. "I rate him really highly and think he is already a very good bowler with a lot of promise for the future. But there is a tour to Pakistan coming up and if England need me, I am more than happy to go."Leach's long spells against Durham have boosted his confidence, and he feels he is nearing his best form after overcoming a series of niggling injuries. He acknowledges the possibility of England selecting multiple spinners for the Pakistan tour and sees no reason why he and Bashir cannot both make the squad."I don't want to get my hopes up, but I am as determined as I ever have been to play for England," Leach said.Somerset's victory over Durham has kept them in contention for the County Championship title, and Leach is eager to contribute to his team's success. He believes the upcoming match against Surrey at Taunton will be crucial in their title aspirations."We are still right in the fight for the title, which is where we wanted to be at this stage of the season," Leach said. "I think the pitch against Durham suits our style of cricket. You had to be patient as a bowler, but if you kept putting the ball in the right place you were rewarded."

Somerset's Tom Abell continued his impressive form with a second consecutive century, leading his team to a commanding 395 for 6 on the opening day of their County Championship clash against Durham.Abell, who scored an unbeaten 152 against Warwickshire in his previous home game, struck 124 off 181 deliveries, including 18 boundaries. He shared a record-breaking 185-run partnership with Tom Banton (73) for Somerset's fourth wicket against Durham.James Rew remained unbeaten on 89 at the close, while Daniel Hogg and Callum Parkinson claimed two wickets each for Durham.Somerset handed a first-class debut to Archie Vaughan, the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan. The 18-year-old allrounder impressed in this season's Metro Bank One Day Cup.Captain Lewis Gregory returned from injury and elected to bat first on a pitch expected to favor spin. However, Somerset lost Andy Umeed on the first ball of the match and Tom Lammonby soon after.Lewis Goldsworthy and Abell steadied the innings before Goldsworthy was caught behind for 38. Banton joined Abell and the pair added 50 off 86 balls before lunch.The partnership flourished in the afternoon, with Abell reaching his half-century off 92 balls and Banton following suit off 73 deliveries. Abell went on to score 124 before being dismissed by Parkinson, while Banton fell in the same fashion for 73.Somerset were 260 for 5 at tea, but Vaughan and Rew added 66 runs in quick time. Vaughan was dismissed for 30, but Rew continued to impress, reaching his fifty off 71 balls.He struck three boundaries in an over off Carse as Somerset finished the day on a high, with Kasey Aldridge contributing 12 to an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 67.

Warwickshire's hopes of securing their first County Championship victory of the season were hampered by persistent rain on Saturday, which significantly reduced the time available for them to force a result against Somerset at Edgbaston.Despite captain Alex Davies' unbeaten century, Warwickshire's progress was hindered by the loss of 51 overs due to the inclement weather. Davies, who ended the day on 109, guided his side to a total of 179 for 5, extending their overall lead to 277 runs.However, the slow pitch and the limited time remaining pose a challenge for Warwickshire to secure a victory. Davies faces a difficult decision on the final day, balancing the need to give his bowlers enough time to take ten wickets while avoiding giving Somerset too much of a chance to chase down the target.Warwickshire's dominance in the match was evident, but Somerset's bowlers applied themselves diligently to restrict the scoring and prolong the game. Josh Davey impressed with two wickets, while Andy Umeed claimed a surprise wicket with his part-time spin.Somerset's persistence paid off in the last session, as they picked up wickets to reduce Warwickshire's advantage. The match now appears to be drifting towards a draw, as the slow pitch makes it difficult to take wickets quickly.

Warwickshire's Ed Barnard starred with a five-wicket haul as they gained the upper hand against Somerset on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash at Edgbaston.Resuming on 277 for six, Warwickshire added 60 for four in ten overs, with Michael Burgess (69) and Jake Bethell (64) extending their partnership to 122 before both fell in quick succession. The tail-enders then wagged aggressively, with Michael Rae contributing 28 from 22, to push the home side's total to 337.Somerset's reply got off to a disastrous start as they slumped to nought for two, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Andy Umeed dismissed cheaply. Barnard then struck twice to remove Tom Abell and Tom Banton, leaving the visitors reeling at 65 for five.Kasey Aldridge (84) and James Rew (49) provided some resistance, adding 87 for the sixth wicket. However, Barnard continued to chip away, dismissing Rew and Josh Davey in quick succession. He then had Jack Leach caught at second slip to complete his five-for, with Somerset eventually bowled out for 239.Warwickshire lost Rob Yates early in their second innings, but Alex Davies and Will Rhodes saw them through to the close on 27 for one, giving them a lead of 125 runs.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks have secured the return of Australian spinner Ashton Agar for their Vitality Blast quarter-final clash against Somerset on September 5. Agar, who was signed as a replacement for Sikandar Raza during the group stage, played a pivotal role in Northants' qualification from the North Group in second spot, helping them secure four wins out of five.The club is also exploring the possibility of bringing back Matthew Breetzke, the South African opener who is currently Northants' leading run-scorer in this year's Blast with 460 runs at a strike rate of 153.84. However, head coach John Sadler emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Cricket South Africa.Breetzke was recently involved in South Africa's Test tour of the West Indies but is not part of the squad currently playing a three-match T20I series. "We're hopeful that Matt will be able to get over, but we're not sure how that's going to pan out," Sadler said. "We obviously want to get him back because he's been brilliant for us, but we'll see how it unfolds."Sadler acknowledged that the situation is beyond the control of both Northants and Breetzke. "I know he's desperate to come back, but he's on the verge of playing for South Africa in all three formats, so that's understandably his main driver," Sadler said. "I also know that he so wants to come back and play for us that he's happy to fly in, play, and fly back out, but that is a situation that we'll have to negotiate with Cricket South Africa."Agar, who opted to go freelance earlier this year, will be available after completing a stint at the Global T20 Canada. His return strengthens Northants' options ahead of the sold-out game at Wantage Road against the defending champions. "Ashton is in, he's booked to come back, and he's incredibly excited," Sadler said. "He has been over at a tournament in Canada, so he's off back home to spend some time with his family, but then he'll be back with us, so we're absolutely delighted with that."

Warwickshire's resilience shone through on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Somerset at Edgbaston. Despite Somerset's early dominance, the home side fought back valiantly to reach a respectable 277 for 6, thanks to a crucial partnership between Jacob Bethell and Michael Burgess.Somerset, seeking a victory to keep pace with Division One leaders Surrey, opted to bowl first. Their seamers initially put Warwickshire on the back foot, reducing them to 165 for 6. However, Bethell and Burgess stepped up to the plate, adding an unbroken 112 in 30 overs to bail out their team.Bethell, with his explosive batting style, smashed a 15-ball T20 half-century earlier this year. However, on this occasion, he displayed remarkable technique, concentration, and selectivity to guide Warwickshire out of trouble. The 20-year-old reached his fifth first-class half-century from 107 balls, providing a solid foundation for Burgess to attack at the other end.Burgess, who had scored a century against Somerset at Taunton seven weeks ago, continued his impressive form. He lifted Jack Leach for six over long on and cleared the ropes twice more in an over off the spinner to reach his half-century from just 66 balls.The seventh-wicket pair's resilience and determination left Somerset frustrated. Craig Overton and Josh Davey both took two wickets, but Somerset's bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure, mixing good balls with too many loose offerings.Warwickshire, who are battling relegation, will be grateful for the contributions of Bethell and Burgess. The duo's partnership has given them a platform to build on and push for their first Championship victory of the season.

Somerset's Lewis Goldsworthy starred with a career-best 115 not out as they secured a 23-run victory over Leicestershire Foxes in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup semi-final at Taunton.Goldsworthy's brilliant 86-ball knock, featuring five sixes and six fours, propelled Somerset to a formidable 334 for 4 after they were put in to bat. James Rew (71) and Andy Umeed (57) also made significant contributions.Leicestershire's chase was anchored by Peter Handscomb's 111 off 86 balls, but they ultimately fell short, finishing on 311 for 9. Ben Cox (49) provided support, but Somerset's bowlers, led by Ben Green's 3-63, kept the Foxes at bay.Somerset's openers, Umeed and George Thomas, laid a solid foundation with a 91-run stand. However, Thomas departed for 47, and Umeed followed for 57. Goldsworthy and Rew then took control, accelerating the scoring rate and putting on 120 runs for the third wicket.Goldsworthy reached his century off 79 deliveries and continued to punish the Leicestershire bowlers, while Rew contributed a valuable 71 before being caught on the boundary. Skipper Sean Dickson and Green added quickfire cameos to boost Somerset's total.Leicestershire's reply began promisingly with Sol Budinger and Ian Holland putting on 54. However, Budinger's dismissal triggered a collapse, with Green removing Lewis Hill and Holland in quick succession. Ajinkya Rahane's departure left Leicestershire reeling at 106 for 4.Handscomb kept the chase alive with a superb century, but Somerset's bowlers maintained the pressure. Aldridge's economical spell and wickets of Cox, Kimber, and Trevaskis proved crucial. Handscomb's dismissal with 42 runs still needed effectively ended Leicestershire's hopes.Somerset will now face Glamorgan in the final at Trent Bridge on September 22, aiming to lift the One-Day Cup for the first time since 2019.

Somerset's Lewis Goldsworthy led the charge with a magnificent 95 as they secured a convincing five-wicket victory over Worcestershire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Taunton. The Rapids were dismissed for 263 in 47.3 overs, with Tom Taylor's 73 providing a glimmer of hope. Ben Green's 3 for 58 was instrumental in restricting Worcestershire's batting.In response, Somerset chased down the target with 5.3 overs to spare, thanks to Goldsworthy's 108-ball knock, which included nine fours and a six. James Rew contributed a valuable 70, while Andy Umeed chipped in with 44. Fateh Singh emerged as the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers, claiming career-best List A figures of 4 for 52.Worcestershire's openers, Ed Pollock and Gareth Roderick, made a promising start, but their dismissals left the team struggling at 68 for 2. Jake Libby and Rob Jones failed to capitalize on the opportunity, while Rehaan Edavalath and Ethan Brookes also departed cheaply.Singh's six off Goldsworthy provided a brief respite, but he was soon dismissed by Archie Vaughan. Taylor and Tom Hinley launched a spirited counterattack, but their efforts were cut short by Green and Aldridge. Tommy Sturgess' run-out and Taylor's dismissal left Worcestershire all out for 263.Somerset's reply began disastrously with George Thomas' first-ball dismissal. However, Goldsworthy and Umeed steadied the ship, adding 96 for the second wicket. Umeed's departure brought Rew to the crease, who played a blistering knock, reaching his half-century off just 43 balls.Rew and Goldsworthy put on a century partnership before Singh dismissed both batsmen in quick succession. Sean Dickson also fell cheaply, but Vaughan's unbeaten 31 off 24 balls ensured Somerset's comfortable victory.

Somerset's Andy Umeed led his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Wantage Road. Umeed's commanding 63 off 66 balls, including six fours and two sixes, propelled Somerset to a comfortable chase of 156.Northamptonshire's innings was anchored by Saif Zaib's lone hand of 57, but they were bundled out for 155 inside 38 overs. Josh Davey's early double strike and Archie Vaughan's maiden senior wicket contributed to the Steelbacks' collapse.Somerset's chase got off to a blistering start as Umeed and George Thomas raced to 50 off just 31 balls. Thomas' dismissal for 28 brought Lewis Goldsworthy to the crease, who continued the momentum with a fluent 20.Umeed reached his half-century with a nonchalant pull for four and later launched a towering six over deep midwicket. However, he was eventually caught behind for 63, leaving James Rew and Sean Dickson to guide Somerset home.Somerset's victory will boost their confidence ahead of next month's Vitality Blast T20 quarter-final against Northamptonshire. The match also marked a crucial early breakthrough for Somerset, who had been tormented by Prithvi Shaw in last season's corresponding fixture. Shaw was dismissed for 12, giving Somerset a much-needed psychological edge.