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Ben Charlesworth hits century at Taunton but Somerset take lead into third day

29 March 2025

By Somerset CCC

Gloucestershire opener Ben Charlesworth struck a majestic century on the second day at the Cooper Associates County Ground, but hosts Somerset ended the day with a lead of 236.

Having declared on 441 for three at the end of day one, Somerset began day two with ball in hand. Craig Overton made an early breakthrough for the hosts, dismissing Chris Dent (14) with the first ball of the ninth over.

Despite the early setback, Charlesworth and Ollie Price steadied the innings, safely negotiating the new ball to bring up Gloucestershire’s 50 in the 13th over. Their 50-run partnership followed soon after, reaching the milestone in 99 balls. Gloucestershire’s 100 came up in the 28th over, and by lunch, the visitors had progressed to 107 without further loss.

After the interval, Archie Vaughan was introduced into the attack and made an impact in his third over. Price (44) attempted to loft the Somerset spinner over the rope but instead picked out Alfie Ogborne, leaving Gloucestershire at 125 for two.

The visitors had reached 144 when Overton struck again, forcing Miles Hammond into a mistimed top edge that Jack Leach safely pouched. Gloucestershire reached 150 in the 48th over before Charlesworth, demonstrating immense composure, brought up his century from 154 balls with a stylish cover drive off Leach.

Charlesworth’s impressive innings ended on 106 when Leach finally dismissed him, capping off a fine knock against an attack featuring England internationals. Looking to carry his form into the season, Charlesworth will turn his attention to Gloucestershire’s upcoming clash against Derbyshire next Friday.

Gloucestershire brought up their 200 in the 62nd over, but James Bracey soon departed for 17, feathering Lewis Gregory through to James Rew. Tea was taken with the visitors at 203 for five.

After the break, Overton struck again, bowling Ed Middleton (0) to claim his third wicket of the day. Josh Davey then took three wickets to reduce Gloucestershire to 218 for nine. Graeme van Buuren was trapped lbw for 24 at 213 for seven, while Josh Shaw (4) and Zaman Akhter were both caught behind.

Kasey Aldridge wrapped up the innings at 222 when Ahmed Syed fell to a stunning one-handed diving catch from Rew.

omerset’s second innings began in fading light, with Archie Vaughan and Sean Dickson at the crease and a lead of 219 already in hand. By the time play was halted due to bad light, the lead had stretched to 236, leaving the hosts in a strong position heading into day three.

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