Somerset’s turnaround was even more impressive in their contest with Hampshire. Boy, did Migael Pretorius spread his wings, taking five wickets! This decisive bowling display came after Hampshire had posted a commanding total of 336 runs, led by strong contributions from James Gubbins and Liam Dawson. Hampshire remain in a strong position, with Somerset 49 runs behind and nine wickets in hand. Pretorius was not out on 47 as they made 184 all out in their first innings, while bowlers Fuller and Wheal stole the show with an electrifying bowling display.
Hampshire’s entire opening period was a masterclass served up for the home side on how to set the tone in a final. It was Dawson’s 72 and Gubbins’ 82 that were the vitals though as Hampshire set a daunting total. South Africa’s response quickly lost momentum as Pretorius took the game away with an incisive spell. His spell of magic was capped off with his figures of 5 for 64. His uncannily accurate bowling turned the balance back in favour of Somerset, who had been on the back foot early on.
It was the morning session proved most difficult for Somerset. They wrestled with the ugliness of a depressing half hour turnaround. Gubbins and Dawson then set alight a fruitful collaboration, the duo constructing a blistering 125-run partnership. This early momentum for Hampshire foreshadowed their eventual total. Somerset’s bowlers, spearheaded by Tom Lammonby with the old ball, did everything they could to curtail the runs. They were subjected to unending batting from the other party.
Somerset had an inauspicious start to their innings and it was Sean Dickson’s unflustered approach at the wicket that would prove crucial. Following a start-of-the-season drought, Dickson smoothly settled and compiled an unbeaten half-century to end the innings. His presence was crucial too, as he faced some tough opening overs, ensuring Somerset remained in control.
James Fuller and Brad Wheal were successful for Hampshire with the ball, taking 4 wickets each. However, Fuller was slow out of the blocks in the innings, hitting only 15 off his first 21 balls. He was well held at second slip off Pretorius’ bowling in the fifth over. Wheal’s efforts culminated in rearranging Ogborne’s stumps to close out the innings. By all accounts, despite these missed opportunities, Dickson’s metronomic performance left Somerset still very much in the hunt.
In the midst of a nervous match atmosphere, Somerset pushed to 184 runs before their innings ended. They still have nine wickets in hand. Having come off the back of a 74-run defeat of Longlevens, with just a 49-run deficit they’re doing well as the match extends into day two.
As the Test progresses, all eyes will be on Somerset’s durable batting order. Will they play their last few wickets to the ball to grab momentum and run it all the way back in their favor? Pretorius’ outstanding bowling has already demonstrated that he can swing matches back towards Somerset, and his continued form will be crucial in their pursuit of overcoming Hampshire’s first-innings lead.
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