Yorkshire take control on day two at Taunton

RYAN Sidebottom’s five-wicket haul and a half-century from Peter Handscomb helped Yorkshire seize control on day two of their Specsavers County Championship Division One match against Somerset at Taunton.

Somerset, still chasing a first victory in the Championship, resumed still 161 runs behind at 41 for three, but soon lost James Hildreth before Steve Davies edged spinner Azeem Rafiq behind.

Adam Hose’s debut Championship innings lasted only six balls as he was lbw to Matthew Waite.

Sidebottom claimed his 750th first-class wicket when Jamie Overton was trapped in front of the stumps for 19, and finished on five for 56.

Jack Leach (17) and last man Dom Bess (20) helped push the hosts on for a batting point, eventually all out for 224 as Craig Overton ended 44 not out.

Bess had Yorkshire opener Adam Lyth lbw for 10 and Craig Overton then bowled Alex Lees (38).

However, Handscomb’s 57no helped see Yorkshire on to 127 for two when bad light ended play six overs early.

Mark Stoneman hit a career-best 197 for Surrey before Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate made an unbeaten 120 at Guildford.

Stoneman, not out at 181 in Surrey’s 353 for five overnight, fell just short of his double century when he was caught behind off Neil Wagner. Jamie Porter took four for 102 with Surrey all out for 399.

Essex opener Nick Browne was lbw for 43 to Surrey skipper Gareth Batty before former England captain Alastair Cook (31) was also trapped in front at lunch.

However, Ravi Bopara (64) helped push the visitors on from 134 for four as Essex finished 367 for seven. Ryan Sidebottom