Abell and Rew shine as Somerset dominate Sussex in 2026 County Championship

Tom Abell hit 74 not out and James Rew scored 86 as Somerset reached 335-5 on day one against Sussex.

Dominant Somerset batting display Somerset piled up 335 runs for the loss of five wickets on the opening day of their County Championship Division One clash with Sussex at Taunton. Tom Abell continued his prolific run-scoring form, remaining unbeaten on 74 off 136 deliveries, featuring eight fours and a six. James Rew marked his call-up to the England Test squad with a solid 86, while Tom Lammonby chipped in with 73. Only Joe Clarke of Nottinghamshire has scored more runs than Abell’s 651 this season. ## Early setbacks for Sussex bowlers Sussex endured a tough morning session as Somerset’s top order piled on the runs. Ollie Robinson bowled economically, finishing with figures of 1-28 from 13 overs, while Tom Haines claimed two wickets. Jordan Hermann, Somerset’s new overseas signing for three Championship games, opened the batting alongside Josh Thomas, contributing two runs before being dismissed. Thomas fell leg before wicket for seven, removing the early breakthrough for Sussex. ## Rew and Lammonby steady the innings After early wickets, James Rew and Tom Lammonby steadied Somerset’s innings with a partnership of 107 before lunch. Rew, who had struggled in two previous outings as an opener, gradually found his rhythm. A crucial six off Jack Carson in the final over before the interval brought up the century stand, though Rew survived a dropped chance at mid-wicket when on 26. Lammonby was equally fluent, reaching 44 by the break. ## Afternoon session sees partnerships flourish The post-lunch session saw Somerset continue their dominance, with Lammonby reaching his second half-century of the season with a boundary through backward point. Rew accelerated smoothly, reaching his fifty off 94 balls before launching a six over long-off off Carson. However, momentum shifted when Lammonby attempted a risky shot against Carson and was stumped for 73, leaving Somerset at 170-3. Rew followed shortly after, skyed a catch to cover off Henry Crocombe despite having looked set for a century. ## Abell anchors Somerset’s innings at tea By tea, Somerset had advanced to 238-4, with Abell holding firm at 23 not out. Archie Vaughan then contributed with a boundary off Carson to bring up the 250-run mark, securing Somerset’s first batting point of the match. Abell continued his assault, hitting a six over long-on off Carson to add 50 runs with Vaughan. He then reached his sixth Championship half-century in ten innings this summer, converting two of them into hundreds. ## Sussex fight back with new ball Sussex took the second new ball at 285-4, which accounted for Vaughan, caught behind for 29 after driving a wide ball from Clark. Craig Overton partnered Abell well, helping add 38 runs before the close of play. Sussex’s bowlers, including Robinson and Haines, found it tough going as Somerset’s batting lineup flexed its muscle under clear skies on a batting-friendly pitch. ## Rew’s Test call-up fuels Somerset’s momentum Rew’s selection for the England Test squad provided a career highlight as he celebrated with an innings of 86. His performance, alongside Abell’s resilience, underscored Somerset’s depth and class in Division One. The pair’s contributions, combined with solid support from Lammonby and Hermann, set a strong foundation for Somerset’s campaign. Sussex, meanwhile, will need to regroup after a challenging first day.