Tom Banton limps onto field with crutches after heroic innings as Somerset secure thrilling County win against Surrey

As the final day of the match came to an end, Surrey appeared to be on the verge of salvaging a hard-earned draw. The partnership of Jordan Clark and Kemar Roach had defiantly blocked out Somerset's bowlers for over 11 tense overs, without conceding a single run. But their determination was finally shattered by Jack Leach, who dismissed Clark with a catch behind the wicket before quickly following up with an lbw decision against Dan Worrall just two balls later.

The double strike triggered wild celebrations as the 11 Somerset players, all crowded around the bat, erupted in joy and sprinted into the distance.

Amid the chaos, a memorable image emerged – Tom Banton, hobbling on crutches, making his way towards the middle. Despite having rolled his ankle before play on day three, Banton had been instrumental in keeping Somerset's hopes alive.

Earlier in the game, with Somerset's lead hovering just under 150, Banton had carved out a gritty 46, pushing the target well past 200. His fearless approach, including a reverse sweep off Shakib-al-Hasan despite being unable to move his feet, ensured that his first-innings century did not go in vain.

Somerset owed much to their two spinners, Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan, who shared all 20 Surrey wickets between them. The 18-year-old Vaughan, son of the renowned Michael Vaughan, emerged as a key player. His dismissal of Shakib on the final day – for a duck – was a turning point, igniting Somerset's belief.

Leach picked four wickets while Vaughan took six in the first innings. In the second, both shared a five-wicket haul. Surrey were reeling at 101/8 when Jordan Clark and Kemar Roach sustained the Somerset spin twins for over 11 overs. However, their resistance was fiinally broken by Leach in the 78th over, who went to take the final wicket just a ball later to clinch a memorable win for the side.