Warwickshire’s Ed Barnard starred with a five-wicket haul as they gained the upper hand against Somerset on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash at Edgbaston.
Resuming on 277 for six, Warwickshire added 60 for four in ten overs, with Michael Burgess (69) and Jake Bethell (64) extending their partnership to 122 before both fell in quick succession. The tail-enders then wagged aggressively, with Michael Rae contributing 28 from 22, to push the home side’s total to 337.
Somerset’s reply got off to a disastrous start as they slumped to nought for two, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Andy Umeed dismissed cheaply. Barnard then struck twice to remove Tom Abell and Tom Banton, leaving the visitors reeling at 65 for five.
Kasey Aldridge (84) and James Rew (49) provided some resistance, adding 87 for the sixth wicket. However, Barnard continued to chip away, dismissing Rew and Josh Davey in quick succession. He then had Jack Leach caught at second slip to complete his five-for, with Somerset eventually bowled out for 239.
Warwickshire lost Rob Yates early in their second innings, but Alex Davies and Will Rhodes saw them through to the close on 27 for one, giving them a lead of 125 runs.
