Brilliant Banton batters Pears in record 344 not out – Latest News Update

It was a day to forget for Worcestershire, who toiled in the sun and now face a mammoth task if they are to save the game over the course of the next two days.

All notion of a Worcestershire fightback on day two was dispelled in a morning session that went altogether in Somerset’s favour, Banton and Rew extending their partnership to record-breaking proportions.

Banton set the tone, moving from his overnight score of 84 to post his fourth first-class century in quick time from 124 balls, glancing Tom Taylor off his legs to raise that landmark with his 20th four.

Worcestershire deployed seven different bowlers during the session, but Ben Allison was the only one to inconvenience the batsmen.

When Rew, having advanced his score to 31, took on the seamer and top-edged a pull shot to deep mid-wicket, Tom Hinley contrived to drop a sitter.

Thereafter, Worcestershire ambition unravelled with indecent haste.

Ensuring the Pears were made to pay for their profligacy, Rew went to 50 from 102 balls, dispatching a short-pitched delivery from Allison through midwicket for his eighth boundary as Somerset’s lead entered three-figure territory.

The hundred stand occupied 165 balls, while Banton clipped Adam Finch to fine leg to register his career-best first-class score, eclipsing the 133 he made against Kent at Taunton 11 months earlier.

If Worcestershire hopes were invested in the new ball, which was taken shortly after lunch, they were sorely disappointed as the Banton and Rew show continued unabated, these extending their alliance to 200 from 298 deliveries.

Banton’s maiden double-hundred, came from 241 balls with 33 fours and cut Taylor for four to establish a new Somerset record fifth-wicket partnership with Rew.

Having banked maximum batting bonus points, there was still time for Banton and Rew to extend their partnership to 300 from 413 balls before tea was taken with Somerset on 482-4, a substantial lead of 328.

Ethan Brookes afforded Worcestershire overdue relief when taking a brilliant return catch to end Rew’s five and-a-half hour innings, after which Banton took centre stage during a dramatic final hour.

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