Gregory leads brave fightback with prized wicket of Essex’s Cook

SOMERSET gave themselves a fighting chance of lifting the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy with a rousing fightback in the final session of an enthralling third day against Essex at Lord’s.

For much of the day, Somerset could only admire the brilliance of Sir Alistair Cook, who plundered 172, before he was caught at slip by Craig Overton off the bowling of Lewis Gregory.

It was the Plymothian’s fourth wicket of the day as he led a brilliant fightback which looked most unlikely when Essex raced to 197-1. But five wickets in the final session gives Somerset hope with two days of this final left to play.

S o m e r s e t ’s potent bowling attack have been in scintilating form throughout the competition, with only one team – Worcestershire – posting a score of above 200 against them. But former England captain Cook showed all of his quality to thrash the Somerset attack to all parts of the ground and give his County the upper hand before falling to Gregory.

First innings scores could be vital as well. In the event of a draw, the trophy will go to the County that scores highest in the first innings and at the close of play, Essex were 30 behind Somerset’s first innings total of 301 with four wickets in hand.

After the first two days were affected by poor weather, there was no such trouble yesterday with Lord’s bathed in late summer sunshine. Cook looked ominous from the off, with opening partner Nick Browne, until he fell to a brilliant catch from Overton in the slips off the bowling of Gregory.

Cook and captain Tom Westley then put on 170 to take the game away from Somerset, but Essex slipped from 197 for one to 208 for four when Tom Lammonby first got Westley, with Tom Abell taking the catch, and two further wickets for Gregory. He had Dan Lawrence caught at square leg by L a m m o n by , miscuing a pull shot, before Gregory then trapped Paul Walter leg before with his next ball. Ryan ten Doeschate chipped in with 21 before Overton claimed his first wicket with a delivery that plundered into the Dutch-South African’s pads. And then Gregory claimed the prized wicket of Cook, with Overton taking another sharp, low catch to leave Essex on 266 for six. Nightwatchman Jamie Porter joined Adam Wheater at the crease and they managed to see their side through to the close with no further alarm, with Porter unbeaten on five and Wheater yet to score.

PA Wire Lewis Gregory celebrates the wicket of Paul Walter