Somerset extend their lead after not enforcing follow-on

Somerset surprised many of their own supporters by electing not to enforce the follow-on in their Vodafone Challenge Match at Taunton against the West Indies. The tourists added 52 runs on the third morning but were still 49 adrift of saving the follow-on. In 13 overs before lunch Somerset extended their advantage to 239 with all ten second innings wickets still intact.

Resuming from their overnight 238-7 both West Indian not out batsmen had individual targets within their sight, particularly Mahendra Nagamootoo, who had ended the second day on 97.

Wayne Phillip scored the first nine runs of the morning to move beyond his previous highest career score (38 v Yorks). Starved of the strike for the first three overs Nagamootoo (139 balls 13x4 3x6) reached his maiden first class century with a steer to third man for 2 and then a leg-side push for a scampered single.

Without adding to his 100 Nagamootoo fell to the left arm spinner Ian Blackwell. Attempting a sweep, the left-hander top edged the ball and Keith Parsons moved sharply from slip to take the ball several yards to the right of keeper Rob Turner.

Looking for an Oval Test spot Nagamootoo's vigil had lasted for 165 minutes. Corey Collymore, visibly in distress from a groin strain, hobbled out to join Phillip and managed to walk a couple of singles before the West Indies' keeper reached his 50 (89 balls 5x4's).

Somerset delayed the taking of the second new ball for six overs, but, unable to prise another wicket through spin, turned to Grove and Kerr. Collymore's injury seemed to improve as he sprinted a couple of two's but having made 12 he lost his off stump to Grove.

With Reon King unable to bat the players trooped off with the West Indies innings closed on 290, a deficit of 198. Wayne Phillip remaining unbeaten on 67.

With 5 and a half sessions still to play Somerset elected not to enforce the follow-on and opened with Rob Turner and Adrian Pierson, deputising for Jamie Cox who had aggravated a knee injury whilst fielding.

Despite reports about him being unable to bowl Collymore took the new ball with McLean but neither could force a breakthrough at Somerset's openers went to lunch on 41-0.