Warwickshire v Somerset: Compton finds his touch
Last updated on .From the section Counties
| LV CC Division One, Edgbaston |
| Close, day three: Somerset 340 & 133-2, Warwickshire 407 |
| Warwickshire 4 pts, Somerset 4 pts |
| Match scorecard |
Discarded England opener Nick Compton showed his suitors Warwickshire what they will be missing next summer with an unbeaten 83 at Edgbaston as Somerset set up an intriguing final day.
After resuming on 283-3, the Bears made 407 for a first-innings lead of 67.
Overnight centurions Laurie Evans, who reached 138, and Ateeq Javid (133) were bolstered by Darren Maddy (40 not out).
But, after turning down an offer to join the Bears, Compton then helped Somerset close on 133-2, a lead of 66.
Compton's decision to sign a new contract with Somerset on Thursday morning, in the wake of Warwickshire's approach a day earlier, made for an encouraging start to the day for the visitors.
And Somerset built on that confidence boost by taking the remaining seven Warwickshire wickets for 100 runs, young Irish left-arm spinner George Dockrell finishing with 6-96.
VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX
BBC WM's Mike Taylor:
"Somerset had the better of the third day to make the draw the most likely result, although the state of the Championship gives both teams every incentive to push for a win if they possibly can.
"George Dockrell's skilful left-arm spin limited Warwickshire's lead and Nick Compton controlled Somerset's second innings, driving attractively through the off-side in particular.
"A needless late run out gave Warwickshire some encouragement, but they will need to hasten through the Somerset batting in the morning to have a chance. Jeetan Patel may well be the key man."
