Somerset v Australia: A Brief History – Part Five: The 80s & 90s
With the third Ashes Test set to get underway later this week, lets look back on matches between Somerset and England’s old enemy.
The history of encounters between England and Australia and how the famous urn came into being are well documented, but the history of matches between Somerset and The Baggy Greens is less well known.
Let’s take a look back through the archives and look at some of the fixtures played between the two sides.
1981
After losing the Ashes in 1977 and being comprehensively beaten on home turf during the winter of 1978-79, Australia were determined to retain the urn. However, they were to be unsuccessful thanks in large part to Somerset’s Ian Botham, who was named as the player of the series, finishing as both England’s highest run scorer and leading wicket taker.
However, before the historic “Botham’s Ashes” series began, Australia returned to Taunton to face Somerset in a three-day warm up match.
Botham, Vic Marks and Dennis Breakwell took two wickets each as Australia declared on 232 for eight on day two.
In reply, Somerset had reached 25 without loss at the close of play on the second day. No play was possible on day three and the game ended as a draw.
1985
Following the dramatic summer of 1981, Australia regained the Ashes during the winter of 1982-83. Ahead of the 1985 series, Somerset welcomed the Baggy Greens to Taunton. It was a match that the tourists won by 233 runs.
Alan Border won the toss, elected to bat first and his 106 helped Australia to a total of 356 for four before the declaration came. He was well supported by David Boon (56*) and Wayne Phillips (62*).
In reply, Brian Rose made 81 before being forced to retire hurt, and there were half centuries for Botham (65) and Vic Marks (50) as Somerset were dismissed for 314.
Kepler Wessels (156) top scored for the tourists in their second innings as they declared on 316 for six to set the hosts an imposing victory target.
Somerset struggled without Rose and were dismissed for 125 as Jeff Thomson ripped through the home sides batting line up, finishing with six for 44.
1989
1989 saw Australia regain the Ashes with a 4-0 win which began a reign of dominance that would see England go without the urn until 2005.
Somerset fared rather better than England during the pre-series match at Taunton, securing a draw.
Home Captain, Chris Tavare won the toss and elected to field. Australia declared on 339 for eight, Mark Taylor top scoring with 97.
In reply, Somerset were dismissed for 140.
Half centuries for Taylor and Geoff Marsh saw Australia to a second innings score of 144 for three declared.
Jimmy Cook (57) and Peter Roebuck (100*) then shared an opening stand of 111 as Somerset battled back. Tavare then added 43 as the hosts ensured that the game would end all square.
1993
May 1993 saw the dominant Australians return to Taunton and leave with a narrow 35-run victory.
Border won the toss and elected to bat and his side finished the opening day on 431 all out thanks largely to Michael Slater’s 122. Andre van Troost was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four for 89 whilst Jason Kerr three for 77 on his First Class debut for the Club.
Tavare (62) and Andy Hayhurst (49*) saw their side reach 151 for four before the declaration come. Australia then declared on 40 without loss to set Somerset a victory target of 321.
Hayhurst was again in good form, making 89 before being bowled by Shane Warne, but the hosts were dismissed for 285 as they fell short.
1997
1997 saw Australia’s hold over England continue, but the only winner in their tourist match against Somerset was the weather as the four-day contest ended in a rain affected draw.
Simon Ecclestone won the toss and elected to bat first. Keith Parsons (71) and Rob Turner (58) ensured that Somerset posted a competitive total of 284. Warne, as he so often was in England, was the key bowler for Australia, claiming five for 57.
Half centuries from former Somerset batter, Steve Waugh (62) and Brendon Julian (71) ensured that the tourists secured a first innings lead of just 39 runs. Andy Caddick was the pick of the Somerset attack, finishing with five for 54.
By the close of the second day, Somerset had reached 147 for three in their second innings.
Sadly, no play was possible on days three and four, robbing spectators of a possibly fascinating conclusion.
