Hampshire's bowlers, led by Kyle Abbott and Liam Dawson, put their side in a strong position on day one of the final Vitality County Championship match by dismissing rivals Somerset for just 136. Abbott’s fiery 4 for 37, combined with Dawson's impressive 4 for 28, tore through Somerset’s lineup. The only notable resistance came from Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who fought his way to 63 after Somerset opted to bat first on a dry pitch expected to favour spin.
As rain interrupted much of the day, Hampshire’s reply wasn’t easy either, with Jack Leach wreaking havoc, taking 3 for 9. By the end of the day, Hampshire struggled to 62 for 5, with Toby Albert standing firm on 38 not out. However, Somerset now faces the daunting task of needing a victory to overtake Hampshire and secure second place in the division.
Somerset’s troubles began early, with Tom Lammonby falling lbw to Abbott without troubling the scoreboard, followed by Andy Umeed’s second-ball duck, leaving Somerset at 4 for 2. Kohler-Cadmore briefly counterattacked with a series of boundaries, but regular wickets continued to fall, including the dismissal of Tom Abell, bowled through the gate by Mohammad Abbas for just 10.
After rain halted play with Somerset on 52 for 3, Dawson’s introduction to the attack brought more pain for the hosts. He quickly trapped Archie Vaughan lbw for 29, while James Rew edged to slip off Abbas, making it 64 for 5. Kasey Aldridge went scoreless for 22 deliveries before falling lbw to Dawson while attempting a sweep.
Kohler-Cadmore managed to steady the innings, recording his first half-century of the Championship season, a rare bright spot in Somerset’s otherwise dismal batting display. However, his resistance ended when Abbott had him caught behind, leaving the team all out for 136 after just 53.5 overs.
In response, Hampshire also found themselves in trouble. Fletcha Middleton was caught in the slips off the eighth ball, and Nick Gubbins followed soon after, edging to first slip. The pressure mounted as James Vince, having smashed Vaughan for six, holed out to backward point off Leach. The spinner then removed Tom Prest and bowled Dawson as Hampshire teetered at 62 for 5, setting up a tense second day in this pivotal clash.