In the clash between the table-toppers, Somerset won the toss and chose to bat first. Lewis Goldsworthy’s innings was cut short when Kemar Roach dismissed him for a duck.
Somerset’s second-wicket partnership yielded 33 runs before Tom Abell and Archie Vaughan briefly stabilized the innings. However, the introduction of spin proved decisive for the visitors.
Shakib Al Hasan, making his return to County cricket after 13 years, announced his presence in the 54th over. On the third ball of that over, he delivered a well-placed good length ball, pitching on the fourth stump.
The red ball skidded off the surface and beat the right-handed Abell on the inside edge as he attempted a cut shot. The ball clattered into the stumps, dismissing Abell and sending him off the field.
Shakib Al Hasan has his first Surrey wicket as he knocks over Tom Abell (literally). pic.twitter.com/PSeWvKKaOk
— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) September 9, 2024
Initially, Shakib appealed, but the sight of the ball hitting the stumps brought him immediate joy. By the end of the day, Shakib had taken four wickets as Somerset was dismissed for 317 in their first innings.
