Tom Banton's Record-Breaking 371 Powers Somerset to Dominant Position Against Worcestershire

Somerset’s Tom Banton etched his name in County Championship history with a mammoth 371, the fifth-highest score in the competition’s history, as his side took a commanding position against Worcestershire in their opening match of the 2025 season.

Banton, who resumed his innings on 344, added 27 more runs on Day 3 before being dismissed, having faced 403 balls and hit 56 fours and two sixes. His innings helped Somerset declare on a massive 670 for 7, with a lead of 516 runs. Only cricketing greats such as Brian Lara (501 not out), Archie MacLaren (424), Sam Northeast (410 not out), and Graeme Hick (405) have produced higher individual scores in County Championship history.

The massive total put Worcestershire under immense pressure, and they struggled in their second innings, slipping to 116 for 4 before mounting a recovery. At the end of the day, Worcestershire were 280 for 5, still trailing Somerset by 236 runs. Adam Hose, a former Somerset player, led the fightback with a solid 82, while Brett D'Oliveira remained unbeaten on 71. Kashif Ali also contributed 51 runs. Somerset’s Jack Leach claimed 3 for 69.

The day began with clear skies and Somerset looking to further extend their already dominant position of 637 for 6. Banton, who had already broken the record for the highest individual score by a Somerset player, rode his luck early with a couple of skyed shots that fell safely. He reached 350 with a single off Tom Hinley, and the two batting partners, Banton and Lewis Gregory, survived some nervy moments, including a dropped catch at long-off.

Banton finally reached his 371 before being caught behind off Hinley while attempting a cut shot, bringing his monumental innings to an end after 8 hours and 42 minutes at the crease. As Banton walked off, every Worcestershire player shook his hand, acknowledging his remarkable achievement.

Somerset's declaration set Worcestershire a mountain to climb, and they soon found themselves in trouble. With their total on just 16, Worcestershire lost Gareth Roderick to Craig Overton's seam bowling. Leach, brought into the attack early on a dry pitch, struck with the second ball of his sixth over, trapping Jake Libby lbw. Worcestershire were 58 for 2 at lunch, with Kashif Ali and Ethan Brookes at the crease.

The afternoon session saw Worcestershire lose further ground. Brookes, on 35, top-edged a sweep shot off Leach, giving a simple catch to Sean Dickson at deep backward square. Kashif, who had been playing confidently, followed soon after, advancing down the pitch to Leach and driving the ball straight to Overton at mid-off, falling for 51.

However, Hose and D'Oliveira showed resilience. By tea, Worcestershire had reached 191 for 4, with Hose scoring a fluent 50 off 68 balls, including eight fours and a six. D'Oliveira was unbeaten on 27, and the two had put on a partnership of 75 runs.

After the interval, the pair continued to frustrate Somerset’s bowlers. Hose’s steady progress and D'Oliveira’s solid batting brought them to 257 for 4, with a partnership of 141 runs. The second new ball was taken at this point, and it was Kasey Aldridge who made the breakthrough, dismissing Hose for 82 lbw to a yorker. Hose had faced 151 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six.

With the day’s play ending, Worcestershire still have a tough task ahead, requiring 236 more runs to avoid a heavy defeat. Despite the fightback from Hose and D'Oliveira, Somerset remain firmly in control of the match, with Banton’s historic innings the highlight of the day.