Two From Two

Tom Abell leads from the front as Somerset’s good start to their pre-season continues.

Two days after an emphatic 50-over win over Worcestershire, Somerset continued their Abu Dhabi phase of their pre-season with a workman-like 3 wicket win over Essex.

Essex were all out for 243 in 48.4 overs with Alistair Cook making 58 and Rishi Patel 77. This was another good all-round bowling performance by Somerset with two each for Abell, Davey and Bess and one apiece for Leach, Gregory, Green and van Meekeren.

In reply Somerset slipped to 22-2 and 105-5 but a stand of 108 runs for the sixth wicket between the skipper and Dominic Bess turned the game emphatically in Somerset’s direction.

Early Season Promise for Dom Bess, 2-33 and 40 in a crucial 6th wicket stand

Abell, who got better as his innings went on finished unbeaten on 109, while Bess fell for 40 to complete a very encouraging performance from Somerset’s prodigously talented all-rounder.

Victory was secured with 19 balls to spare.