Sussex and Somerset were forced to share the points after rain washed out the third day of their County Championship match at Hove. Both teams appeared content with the draw, which maintained Somerset’s position near the top of Division One, while Sussex secured vital points towards their battle against relegation.
Somerset took a cautious approach on the final day, setting Sussex a target of 303 runs to chase within 44 overs. Sussex, however, elected to bat defensively and preserve their wickets. Play was eventually halted for rain with Sussex standing at 62 for one after 14 overs. Dan Hughes was the sole wicket to fall, caught by Tom Abell off the bowling of Migael Pretorius, who surprised Hughes with his bounce.
Starting the day on 167 for two, Somerset held a first-innings lead of 119 runs. By lunch, the match was clearly heading towards a draw as Somerset continued to consolidate their position, adding 83 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the morning session. The sole dismissal came when Tom Lammonby was trapped lbw by Henry Crocombe on his first ball of the day, finishing with 93 runs from 171 deliveries and 12 fours – his highest score this season.
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Somerset’s middle order made further inroads before Somerset declared their innings at 350 for nine. Sean Hunt claimed the wicket of captain Tom Abell for 37, while Joey Evison, who joined Sussex on loan from Kent ahead of a permanent transfer next year, took his first wickets for Sussex. Evison dismissed Henry Nicholls at 283 and later caught Jack Leach off James Hunt.
Craig Overton was caught at deep square-leg after an attempted six, and James Rew was caught at deep point in Sussex’s efforts to accelerate the scoring before the declaration. Migael Pretorius was the eighth wicket to fall, caught by wicketkeeper John Simpson.
Ahead of play, Somerset’s Jake Ball replaced Josh Shaw, who was granted leave following the birth of his baby boy over the weekend.
Somerset head coach Jason Kerr reflected on a frustrating day lost to weather, saying, “A draw was always on the cards after losing the third day, especially given the nature of the surface. Losing time yesterday was incredibly frustrating. There was an opportunity to get ahead in the game, but unfortunately we didn’t have the chance to take it. We had many discussions in the morning about how best to approach the day. Setting 300 runs in 44 overs meant only we could win the game. We probably should have scored a few more in our first innings. Tom Abell was outstanding again.
“Our bowling on day two was exceptional and got us back into the game, so despite the weather, there are positives to take from this match.”