Jordan Hermann's ton steers Somerset recovery against Notts in 2026

Jordan Hermann scored 106 as Somerset reached 295-7 on day one against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

Partnership rescues Somerset A key stand of 122 runs between South Africa’s Jordan Hermann and Tom Rew helped Somerset recover from an early collapse of 47-3 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Despite losing three wickets after the new ball was introduced, the visitors finished the day at 295-7. Nottinghamshire surprised by naming Mohammad Ali, Pakistan’s seam bowler, as their second overseas player, leaving out South Africa’s wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne. The day ended with Somerset still behind but showing resilience through Hermann’s composed century. ## Overseas bowler strikes crucial blows Mohammad Ali removed Tom Rew immediately after tea, ending a vital partnership. Hermann, opening in his second four-day innings since joining in mid-May, brought up his hundred from 203 balls before being bowled by Fergus O’Neill, who finished with 3-66. Nottinghamshire chose to bowl with two overseas players, a decision that paid dividends as Ali and O’Neill shared five wickets between them. The visitors' bowling attack proved too much for Somerset’s top order in the early session. ## Early showers disrupt play Somerset were put into bat under heavy cloud on a green pitch at Trent Bridge, which soon showed signs of difficulty for the batters. Two brief showers delayed the start, and a further pause after five balls interrupted play. The pitch’s unpredictable bounce caused trouble early on, with two wickets falling within seven overs of the restart. Both dismissals came to catches at the third slip, highlighting the pressure on Somerset’s top order. ## Hermann and Rew steady the innings After an hour of cautious batting, Jordan Hermann finally began to find his feet at the crease. James Rew, the non-striker, was run out for 10 when a deflection from Dillon Pennington’s delivery struck the stumps. At lunch, Somerset were 63-3, with Tom Abell missing due to a hand injury. The introduction of 18-year-old Tom Rew, James’s brother, steadied the innings as he compiled a measured half-century alongside Hermann. ## Nottinghamshire’s seamers dominate Nottinghamshire’s seam attack, featuring all five home bowlers, applied relentless pressure on Somerset. Despite early struggles, Mohammad Ali showed commitment though his first spell in England was wicketless. Tom Rew reached his maiden first-class fifty in 94 balls, closely following Hermann’s milestone from 95 deliveries. The home side’s bowlers maintained tight lines, with few scoring opportunities for Somerset’s middle order. ## Partnerships falter as day closes Mohammad Ali finally broke through in the second session, removing Tom Rew lbw for 68. Archie Vaughan, facing just 41 balls to reach five, supported Hermann patiently before advancing to 25 in a 65-run stand. Vaughan, whose father Michael once captained England, remained unbeaten on 51 at stumps. Somerset’s innings concluded at 295-7, with Fergus O’Neill claiming three wickets and Lewis Gregory dismissed for 10 in the final hour, leaving the match finely balanced. ## Final figures and day’s action Jordan Hermann top-scored with 106 off 211 balls, while Tom Rew contributed 68 and Archie Vaughan finished on 51 not out. Fergus O’Neill ended with 3-66, including crucial wickets at key moments. Mohammad Ali took one wicket but bowled with notable intent in his first spell on English soil. The day’s play was marked by steady partnerships and tight bowling, setting up an intriguing contest for day two.