Wickets tumble at Taunton as Essex roll Somerset for 128; Joe Root drops brother Billy on six before sibling scores half-century; Joey Evison hits fifty for Kent against Lancashire

In a thrilling day of Vitality County Championship action, wickets tumbled at Taunton as Essex dominated Somerset, rolling them for just 128 after being skittled for 156 themselves. The day saw a total of twenty wickets fall, with seam bowlers wreaking havoc on both sides.

Somerset’s Migael Pretorius starred with the ball, claiming 4-36 as Essex struggled to build a substantial total. Tom Westley was the only Essex batsman to make a significant contribution, scoring 43 runs. However, Jamie Porter (5-37) and Sam Cook (5-38) turned the tables on Somerset, bundling them out for a mere 128. Essex ended the day with a lead of 34 runs, thanks to some gritty batting from nightwatchman Cook and Dean Elgar.

Meanwhile, in other matches, Kent’s Joey Evison shone with the bat, scoring an unbeaten half-century against Lancashire. Evison’s partnership with Grant Stewart helped Kent reach 203-7, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

In Division Two, Ollie Robinson’s impressive bowling performance put Sussex in a strong position against Derbyshire, while Glamorgan’s Billy Root made a significant contribution against Yorkshire, scoring 51 runs after being dropped by his brother Joe.

Unfortunately, rain played spoilsport in some matches, with the entire day’s play washed out between Middlesex and Leicestershire at Lord’s.

Cricket fans can look forward to more exciting action on day two, with Lancashire taking on Kent live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix. Don’t miss out on the drama and excitement of the Vitality County Championship.