Lammonby century keeps Somerset fighting as title hopes fade

Tom Lammonby scored his first County Championship hundred of the season as Somerset ended day two on 222-3 against Surrey at Taunton, trailing by 200 runs. His unbeaten 103, alongside Tom Abell's 63 not out, helped the hosts recover after Surrey had posted 422. The ECB Reporters' Network report published by BBC Sport said Somerset's hopes of a maiden championship title were nevertheless fading.

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The title picture depended on events elsewhere as well as Somerset's own response. Warwickshire needed at least a draw against Leicestershire to secure the championship and, according to the report, were well placed to achieve it. Somerset had therefore improved their position in this match without regaining control of the title race. Their innings remained unfinished at the halfway stage of the contest.

Surrey began the day on 327-4 and added 95 before being dismissed. Dan Lawrence, who resumed on 105, finished with 139 from 163 balls, including 14 fours and five sixes. Lewis Gregory ended his innings when wicketkeeper James Rew took a diving catch. Sam Thomas supplied an unbeaten 35 further down the order, while Somerset left-arm spinner Jack Leach finished with 4-91.

Somerset's reply encountered three setbacks before Lammonby and Abell established their partnership. Josh Thomas was trapped lbw by Lawrence for 17, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore made 22 before being caught at mid-wicket off Mahipal Lomror. Henry Nicholls then fell lbw to Dan Worrall for 15. Lammonby was unbeaten on 61 at tea, with Somerset 126-3 and still facing a sizeable deficit.

Surrey's bowling options subsequently narrowed. Rahul Chahar withdrew with a back problem and was replaced by Ralphie Albert. Lawrence left after England called him up to replace the injured Jos Buttler for Sunday's deciding one-day international against Sri Lanka at The Oval; Nik Gorantla took Lawrence's place in the county match. The changes left Surrey without two of their spin options.

Lammonby and Abell carried their stand beyond 100 without further loss before stumps. Lammonby reached his century after six previous Championship half-centuries this summer and had faced 217 balls by the close. Abell, meanwhile, became only the third player to pass 1,000 runs in Division One. Their unbroken partnership left Somerset with seven first-innings wickets intact, but Surrey still held a substantial lead.