Durham’s hopes of victory in their Vitality County Championship Division One clash with Somerset dwindled on day three at Taunton, despite a valiant century from A Brydon Carse.
Resuming on 272 for six, Durham added 64 runs to their overnight score before being bowled out for 336. Carse, playing his first game after a three-month suspension, struck a superb 104, while Ben Raine contributed 62. Jack Leach claimed five wickets for Somerset.
Somerset, with a first-innings lead of 156, opted not to enforce the follow-on and instead posted 263 for five in their second innings. Tom Abell led the way with a top score of 56.
After a delay for bad light, Somerset declared, setting Durham an improbable target of 420. However, the visitors stumbled to 15 for three by stumps, leaving them facing an uphill battle on the final day.
Carse’s century was a bright spot for Durham, but the England white-ball international’s efforts were ultimately in vain. The visitors’ batting lineup struggled against Somerset’s spinners, with Leach and Archie Vaughan claiming three wickets apiece.
Somerset’s aggressive approach in their second innings paid dividends, with Tom Lammonby and Tom Banton providing quick runs. Abell also played a key role, anchoring the innings with a patient half-century.
Durham’s hopes now rest on their ability to bat out the final day and salvage a draw. However, with the pitch offering increasing assistance to the spinners, the odds are stacked against them.
