Leach Takes Six But Notts Hold Firm Against Somerset

The County Championship clash between Nottinghamshire and Somerset reached a fascinating crescendo on day three at Trent Bridge, with Notts seizing a crucial advantage despite a heroic bowling performance from Somerset’s Jack Leach. The left-arm spinner toiled tirelessly to claim an impressive 6-121, but it was Notts who ultimately emerged with the upper hand, posting a formidable first-innings total of 509, largely thanks to a magnificent century from Jack Haynes. As stumps were drawn, the hosts found themselves in a commanding position, setting the stage for a tense final day.

Nottinghamshire’s monumental first innings was anchored by the elegant batting of Jack Haynes. Resuming on his overnight score, Haynes displayed exceptional patience and exquisite strokeplay, converting his start into a career-best 157. His innings was a masterclass in concentration, as he navigated the varied Somerset attack with aplomb, finding the boundary with precision and rotating the strike effectively. Supporting contributions from the middle order, including a vital fifty from Liam Patterson-White and brisk cameos from the lower order, ensured that Notts capitalized on Haynes’ foundation, pushing their total well beyond the 500-mark. The pitch, while offering some assistance to the spinners later in the day, remained true for much of the innings, allowing Notts’ batsmen to express themselves.