County Championship Division One, Taunton, Day 3, Yorkshire 162 & 365-9 lead Somerset 274 by 253 runs
In the context of the 2026 County Championship, although we are early in the season, Monday May 4th is looming large in its significance. With Big Beasts Notts and Surrey looking nailed on winners tomorrow, Somerset really need to match them by pulling off what will no doubt be another tricky and nerve-shredding run chase.
There are a couple of big positives in our favour. There muscle memory from the successful run chase in Southampton two weeks ago will be a big psychological boost. The fact that Yorkshire have been able to bat over 100 overs in an extended day (thank you by the way to the Weather Gods) adds weight to the prevailing view that Taunton pitches are, like last year, becoming increasingly passive and easier to bat on as the matches progress.
But oh that last session today. When Yorkshire lost George Hill, shortly before the new ball was available the lead was 163. More I admit than my rather optimistic 100 of last night’s post, but a deficit that would have had my nerves a lot less jangly than they are as I write. The ensuing 35 overs belonged to Somerset’s ex off spinning all-rounder Dom Bess and Western Australia’s Jhye Richardson as a further 90 runs were amassed to bolster the lead to challenging proportions.
Win and we’ll all be getting giddy that this really could be our year. Let’s not think about the alternatives!
So, after another wonderful day of red-ball cricket, it is all to play for. Let’s hope it’s a happy Star Wars Day in The Cider County.
