Somerset’s rising talent, Kasey Aldridge, showcased his prowess with a superb five-wicket haul, triggering a dramatic collapse of the Worcestershire batting lineup on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match at Taunton.
After a promising start at 102 for one, Worcestershire tumbled to a mere 154 runs with Aldridge claiming five for 36 from eight overs and Craig Overton complementing the attack with three for 24.
The visitors' falter was led by former Gloucestershire player, Gareth Roderick, who top-scored with 58, accompanied by Jake Libby’s 30 and Matthew Waite’s resilient 32 not out.
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In response, Somerset faced early setbacks, but a stellar fourth-wicket partnership between Tom Banton and Tom Abell led them to recover to 187 for four by the day’s close. Abell contributed 52, while Banton produced an unbeaten 84 off 103 balls, adorned with 17 fours.
Worcestershire seemed to be cruising past 100, until Aldridge’s incisive bowling dismissed Kashif Ali and set off a chain reaction. The inspired Aldridge took down Ethan Brookes and former Somerset player Adam Hose in quick succession. As the collapse continued post-interval, Roderick, Brett D’Oliveira, Tom Taylor, Ben Allison, Tom Hinley, and Adam Finch succumbed to Somerset’s relentless bowling attack.