Tom Abell’s 307 powers Somerset to record-breaking draw against Surrey

Abell joins Somerset’s triple-century club

Tom Abell made history for Somerset by scoring 307 in a rain-affected County Championship draw with Surrey at Taunton. His marathon innings made him the eighth Somerset player to score a first-class triple century.

Resuming on 284 not out, Abell reached 300 with a single off Dan Worrall from the 402nd ball of his innings. He was eventually dismissed for 307 off 407 deliveries, having struck 31 fours and eight sixes during an innings that lasted more than nine hours.

Abell’s effort helped Somerset extend their overnight 691-8 to 731 all out, the second-highest total in the club’s history. The hosts surpassed their previous second-highest score of 705-9, made against Hampshire at Taunton in 2003.

Record stand with Pretorius

Migael Pretorius provided entertaining support with 84, including nine fours and four sixes. His ninth-wicket partnership with Abell was worth 195, setting a new Somerset record for the wicket and eclipsing the previous mark of 183.

Pretorius was dismissed lbw by Worrall after facing 83 balls, ending hopes of a century. Abell followed soon afterwards, caught at long-on off Reece Topley. His final score left him one run short of Nottinghamshire’s Joe Clarke as the leading run-scorer in the division this season, with 1,287 runs.

Surrey’s chase fades in the rain

Surrey began their second innings 309 runs behind but lost four wickets before a second spell of rain. Somerset captain Lewis Gregory dismissed Dom Sibley and bowled Ryan Patel, while Archie Vaughan removed Ollie Pope and Rory Burns.

Nik Gorantla made 28 before Jack Leach had him caught at slip, but Ben Foakes and Mahipal Lomror held firm to take Surrey to 127-5 at the close. Further rain prevented Somerset from forcing a victory.

Somerset took 13 points from the match, with Surrey claiming 12.