Hundreds for Tom and Craig on Day Two
Rain decimated the majority of the second day of this Rothesay County Championship Division One match between Somerset and Sussex at the Cooper Associates County Ground but centuries from Tom Abell and Craig Overton took Somerset past the 500-mark
Only 10 overs were possible in the morning session, but there was time for Overton and Abell to bring up their 50 partnership (from 83 balls) and for Somerset to claim an additional batting point by bringing up the host’s 350 before the first shower came at 11:15.
Play briefly resumed at 12:10, allowing Overton to reach his half century from 63 balls.
Further rain halted play just after 12:30 with the scoreboard displaying 375 for five.
We got back underway shortly before 12:45 and those hardy souls who were braving the elements were treated to Overton brutally dispatching Henry Crocombe into the back row of the Trade Nation Stand for a big maximum.
With Somerset on 394, further precipitation at 12:53 curtailed proceedings until 16:25.
With play finally back underway for a scheduled 36 overs, although be it beneath darkening skies, the 100 partnership arrived from 130 balls and a fourth batting point was secured.
Abell’s magnificent run of form continued as he reached his 23rd First Class century from 171 balls.
His superb innings came to an end when he was caught at mid-wicket off Jack Carson for 119. Time and time again the former Club Captain has been the cornerstone of this Somerset batting lineup and this season has only enhanced his position as one of the best run scorers in the English game.
The Somerset 450 arrived in the 120th over and Overton reached three figures from 134 balls. Although he received a life on 99 when he was spilled by Ollie Robinson, it was an innings of both brute force and deft touch.
The all rounder’s fine knock finally came to an end when he was bowled by James Coles for 111, his runs coming from 137 deliveries.
Lewis Gregory (35) and Jack Leach (17*) added a rapid 35 before the former was caught behind off Coles which triggered the Somerset declaration with the scoreboard displaying 526 for eight.
The Sussex reply had reached 19 without loss after 3.2 overs when the players left the field due to bad light. Six minutes later they returned yet again to the field of play.
There was still enough time for Overton to trap Tom Haines lbw for six as Sussex finished the day on 22 for one, trailing by 504.
