Hampshire showed what they’re made of on the first day of their County Championship match with Somerset, held in torrential rain. The game was played at Utilita Bowl. Kyle Abbott extended his excellent head-to-head with Somerset in the encounter. At the same time, James Rew took on his county’s captaincy for the first time in this format, stepping in for the injured Lewis Gregory (abdominal strain). The second day was overshadowed by a rare bit of play and dominant displays from Hampshire’s bowlers that sent Somerset reeling to an early collapse.
Kyle Abbott, a throwback bowler known for his craft, had the misfortune of starting poorly before settling back into the rhythm. After being hit for two boundaries in his first over, Abbott adjusted his line and soon started to get movement from the pitch. His intelligent bowling accounted for the prized scalp of Archie Vaughan. Vaughan sliced the ball directly into the hands of wicketkeeper Ben Brown. Abbott proved his remarkable versatility with this wicket. That opportunity, of course, came because he was incredibly aggressive and capitalised ruthlessly on the weaknesses displayed by the Somerset batsmen.
Like Stewart, James Rew is taking on a leadership role for the first time in the Championship. He has captained the Second XI and the England Under-19s in the past. His success in these roles gave him confidence. As the day progressed, it became difficult as Abbott’s deadly bowling began to take the mental strain on him. Rew inched tentatively down the crease and was found guilty of gauging for the roll, adding to Somerset’s misery.
The Somerset batting order had both hands tied behind their back as James Fuller and Brad Wheal turned the screw. Without any further notice, Fuller was put on the bench in the first few weeks of the season. Sonny Baker had stepped into his place, but Baker was rested for this game. So Fuller’s inclusion paid immediate dividends, as he, ably supported by Wheal, reduced Somerset to a desperate 94-6 by the lunch break. Three wickets fell in 11 balls before lunch to turn the match rapidly back in Hampshire’s direction.
Kyle Abbott ensured the collapse continued as he picked up two wickets in the day’s play. That made his career tally against Somerset a remarkable 71. Remarkably, he has claimed 40 wickets at the Utilita Bowl. He does so at a truly impressive average of only 12 runs per wicket, illustrating his complete command in this arena.
It was a further blow to Somerset’s lineup when Tom Abell managed just a solitary run. In the meantime, Kasey Aldridge became his first victim, and his off stump was destroyed in spectacular fashion by Wheal’s pace. The combination of disciplined bowling from Hampshire and a string of unfortunate dismissals left Somerset reeling as they struggled to find any momentum.
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