Hampshire 196 (Dawson 103, Gregory 3-63) and 226 (Vince 142) beat Somerset 142 (Abbott 9-40) and 144 (Davies 51, Abbott 8-46) by 136 runs
For the second day in a row, Kyle Abbott caused a major dent in Somerset’s title ambitions by running through their top, middle, and lower order to finish with 17 wickets in the match, and returning the tenth-best match figures in first-class history.
After a wicketless five-over opening burst, Abbott ripped the heart out of Somerset’s side in his second spell, getting the ball to reverse as he took six wickets in as many overs, pegging them back from 86 without loss to 100 for 7 in pursuit of 281.
He returned to take two more wickets in his third spell, finishing the game by rearranging last man Josh Davey’s stumps to end with 17 for 86, the fourth-best analysis in County Championship history, and the best-ever by a Hampshire bowler in any game.
For Somerset, it means that with Essex closing in on a win at Chelmsford against Surrey, they must beat the division’s new leaders at Taunton next week if they are to seal a maiden Championship title.
Clutching as many bottles of beer as he could fit in his hands, Abbott sat out in the middle with his team-mates as the sun set over the Ageas Bowl and tweeted: “@EssexCricket you’re welcome….”
More to follow…
Source: ESPN Crickinfo