England spinner Jack Leach proved to be the hero for Somerset in their thrilling 111-run victory over Surrey in the 59th match of the 2024 County Championship Division One at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.
Apart from Jack Leach (105/4 and 5/37), Archie Vaughan contributed greatly to Somerset’s remarkable victory over Surrey in the 2024 County Championship match at Taunton. Vaughan finished with impressive figures of 6/102 and 5/38 in both innings against Surrey.
Tom Banton celebrates on crutches as Somerset win the 2024 County Championship
As the final day of play reached its climax, Surrey looked to be on the verge of securing a hard-earned draw. Jordan Clark and Kemar Roach, batting at the ninth wicket, had defended valiantly against the Somerset attack for more than 11 consecutive overs without scoring a single run.
But his unwavering resistance was finally shattered by Jack Leach, who dismissed Clark with a catch behind the stumps and quickly followed up with an lbw dismissal of Dan Worrall. Jack Leach’s dramatic double knock ignited jubilation among the Somerset players, who erupted in ecstatic celebrations, with all 11 players gathered around the field.
Amidst the celebrations, an iconic moment came when Tom Banton, who was on crutches due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the match, entered the field. He ran onto the pitch on crutches as Somerset goalkeeper James Rew lifted him into his arms as the duo celebrated their county side’s memorable win over Surrey in Taunton.
Watch Tom Banton’s celebration here:
Iconic #SOMvSUR #WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/XMHp6JZEIO
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) September 12, 2024
Despite his injury, Tom Banton had played a crucial role in keeping Somerset’s chances alive throughout the match. He scored an impressive 132 runs off 172 balls in the first innings to take his team to 317 all out against Surrey.
In the second innings, Tom Banton scored 46 runs off 65 balls while batting at number 11 to help Somerset give Surrey the match-winning target of 221 runs. And Jack Leach turned the tables in Somerset’s favour.
Somerset win thanks to Jack Leach’s late blast that ends Surrey’s hopes of a draw
Well, Somerset’s bowlers proved too lethal for Surrey as captains Rory Joseph Burns (15), Dom Sibley (56) and Ben Foakes (20) were able to reach double figures while the rest of the bowlers failed to even open the account, except for Tom Curran (5) and Ben Geddes (1).
Somerset will face Lancashire in the 63rd match of the current 2024 County Championship Division One starting on September 17 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
Elsewhere, Surrey will take on Durham at London’s Kennington Oval in the county fixture. Despite the heavy defeat, Surrey currently lead the 2024 County Championship Division One points table with 198 points from 12 matches, winning 7 matches and losing two so far.
On the other hand, Somerset are behind Surrey in second place with 190 points from 12 matches. Somerset have won five of their 12 matches and lost one in the ongoing 2024 County Championship Division One.
Hampshire, Essex and Durham are the other teams in the top five in the points table.
