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.

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.