Watch: Somerset’s last-minute aggressive field placement helps them secure 111-run win over Surrey

Somerset Cricket (Source:X/Twitter)

In the recently concluded County Championship match, Somerset pulled off a stunning victory against defending champions Surrey, keeping their title hopes alive with a bold tactical change and an exceptional performance from a rising star.

The match, which concluded on September 12, saw Somerset left-armer Jack Leach orchestrate a dramatic finish by employing an ultra-aggressive field in the final moments. With just minutes remaining and one wicket needed for victory, Leach asked all 11 players to come close to the wicket, for putting pressure on Surrey’s last batter, Daniel Worrall.

Leach, bowling the decisive over, produced a brilliant off-cutter that struck Worrall on the pads. As the entire Somerset team appealed, the umpire raised his finger, sealing a memorable 111-run win for the side.

Archie Vaughan bagged 11 wickets in the match

The victory was not just about the final moments, however. The 18-year-old Archie Vaughan, son of former England skipper Michael Vaughan played a huge role in his side’s win. The teenage off-spinner claimed a match-winning 11 wickets for 140 runs across both innings. His figures of 6-102 in the first innings and 5-38 in the second were instrumental in dismantling Surrey’s batting lineup.

Tom Banton’s brilliant 132 in the first innings set the tone. James Rew and Vaughan himself contributed useful cameos with the bat. In response, Surrey’s first innings saw half-centuries from Tom Curran, Ben Geddes, and Ryan Patel, but they couldn’t capitalize on their slim lead.

The second innings proved decisive. Despite no Somerset batter reaching a half-century, they set a challenging target of 221. Surrey’s chase began promisingly with Dom Sibley’s patient 56, but wickets fell regularly, thanks to the combined efforts of Vaughan and Leach, who took five wickets each. Somerset, a team that has never won the championship, now finds itself in pole position to prevent Surrey from achieving another feat.