Durham Triumph Over Somerset in Commanding Fashion

Durham’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes spearheaded his side’s dominant victory over Somerset in their Vitality County Championship clash at the Seat Unique Riverside. Stokes produced a stellar bowling performance, claiming figures of 4-23, as Durham required just five sessions to seal an innings and six-run triumph.

Stokes was ably supported by Ben Raine, Peter Siddle, and Paul Coughlin, who together skittled a Somerset batting line-up that was ravaged by illness and injury. Concussion substitute Jake Ball initially shone for the visitors, taking the prized wicket of Division One’s leading run-scorer David Bedingham. However, a resilient lower-order stand between Raine and Siddle helped Durham post 265, securing a crucial 94-run first-innings lead.

Stokes then returned to his peerless best with the ball, recording match figures of 8-77 to lead Durham to a vital victory. The result sees Durham climb to fourth in the table, while Somerset remain second.

Bedingham, who had become the first-ever Durham player to score four consecutive centuries in the opening day’s play, was dismissed for 101, adding just one run to his overnight score. Craig Overton and Ball continued to make inroads, but Raine and Siddle’s defiant partnership saw Durham through to a respectable total.

“It was a complete team performance from Durham, and Ben Stokes was the driving force behind this commanding victory.” – Sky Sports Cricket Analyst

In the second innings, Raine struck early to remove Somerset captain Tom Abell, before Siddle dismissed Matt Renshaw. Stokes then produced a masterful spell, removing Tom Lammonby, Andy Umeed, James Rew, and Craig Overton in quick succession to leave the visitors reeling.

Raine and Stokes combined to wrap up the match, with Tom Banton unable to bat due to illness, as Durham secured a comprehensive win to boost their Championship aspirations.

🔗 Source