Trent Bridge’s home seam attack dismisses Somerset for only 129 in 38.2 overs.
Somerset’s 173 (Davey 60, Hutton 6-45) and 129 (Rew 25, Paterson 5-46, Hutton 3-44) were defeated by Nottinghamshire’s 256 (Duckett 75, Hameed 65, Gregory 8-74) and 211 (Hameed 34, Gregory 4-64, Siddle 3-34) by 165 runs.
Nottinghamshire dominates Somerset with a strong seam attack and ideal bowling conditions
Despite their winter personnel changes, Somerset’s frail batting was again displayed at Trent Bridge as Nottinghamshire quickly defeated them by 165 runs.
But blame for the loss must be shared because they failed to take advantage of ideal bowling conditions on the first morning, which let Notts seize control of the game, which they never lost.
Having finished with 5 for 46, Dane Paterson, Brett Hutton, and Stuart Stuart Broad made significant contributions as Nottinghamshire’s seam attack bowled Somerset out for just 129 in 38.2 overs on an April wicket that nibbled throughout.
This season, the reorganized top order for Somerset has yet to produce. John Rew, their inexperienced wicketkeeper, scored 18 and 25, unlikely to garner headlines but who demonstrated a talent for a back-to-the-wall fight that will hold him in good stead, provided some solace with his stout-hearted batting approach. Lewis Gregory, who had 11 for 148 in the game and restored confidence in his fitness, could also be considered a source of comfort for the team.
Before Nottingham Forest’s 4.30 p.m. match on the other side of Radcliffe Road against Manchester United, Stuart Broad was rumored to be eager to seal a victory. It seemed to be up for grabs when Nottinghamshire continued to bat for six overs, extending their lead to 294 runs, but Somerset was 80 minutes to spare and all trussed, giving them plenty of time for a shower, a change of clothes, and a pre-match pint.
As he started his meticulously planned preparation for the Ashes, Stuart Broad went wicketless in the first innings. When he failed to capture a wicket in a five-over solid stint with the new ball, it appeared his blank would persist. But his fifth over had been the riskiest; Sean Dickson had done well to avoid a leaping delivery and, spotting an opportunity in the air, had gained the right to carry on.
Stuart Broad’s Wicketless Start and Risky Fifth Over: What It Means for the Ashes
He was agitated, and he had a good sense of opportunity. On his sixth over, Cameron Bancroft, an Ashes hopeful for Australia, claimed his first wicket of the season. The ball left him a shade, and his off stump was cut. Ben Duckett, a predatory diver with a low center of gravity and a background in wicketkeeping, took a predatory diving catch from Stuart Broad on his subsequent over to add Dickson to the score.
Two for 21 in eight was a successful outing for Stuart Broad. His day started even more exciting, at least according to the dream of Dave Bracegirdle, a BBC pundit, who stated during the live feed that he had spent most of the evening competing against the England fast bowler at growing sunflowers. His bowling performance has not only been followed by a Premier League match; when Bracegirdle woke up, history will sadly never know who won, but England supporters can only pray that the sunflower’s traditional significance as a lucky charm will bring cheer and brightness to his Ashes preparations.
On this surface, Brett Hutton has also proven to be a challenge, sneaking in to bowl a tight line and nibbling the ball off the seam. Three lbw decisions were the outcome of it on the final day, adding to his first-inning career high. Left- and right-handers Tom Lammonby and Tom Abell, who lost early, were defeated by balls that burned back. Lewis Gregory stumbled against a ball that did less damage in the same way.
For Paterson, who, like Hutton, is made for such Trent Bridge surfaces, a 500th first-class wicket would be a statistician’s dream. Tom Kohler-Cadmore was the 499th victim, and Joe Clarke, the replacement wicketkeeper in place of Tom Moores due to a finger injury, caught him. Moores’ x-rays will be evaluated on Monday, but Notts may be able to choose between Clarke and the wicketkeeper for the 2nd XI when they play Middlesex at Lord’s starting on Thursday.
Craig Overton became Paterson’s 500th player, promptly collecting a pair in the game, his first-ball duck being followed this time by a fourth-ball one. With the third slip, the replacement, Calvin Harrison, skillfully grabbed Overton with his left hand. Although it appeared clear enough on the replays, Overton’s statement did not immediately seem to be one of the congratulations. As a result, some Nottingham players in the pavilion booed him as he left the field. Behind Josh Davey, whose 60 in the first inning also caught people’s attention, Overton had been slated to bat at No. 9.
Jack Leach’s attempt at a back-away uppercut only managed to miss a straightforward opportunity to score, and Peter Siddle’s drive into the offside ended Somerset’s punishing day. The match was kept interesting by a responsive surface, something the viewers could be thankful for, given that the second day was rained out.
