Surrey clinches third title in a row as Somerset collapses in under an hour

In a thrilling match, Lancashire secured a convincing victory over Somerset by 168 runs. Lancashire scored 140 in their first innings, with Keaton Jennings leading the way with a solid knock of 56. Somerset struggled in response, getting bowled out for just 146 with Tom Bailey and George Balderson taking 4 wickets each. In the second innings, Lancashire piled on the runs, posting a total of 398 thanks to a brilliant century from Luke Wells (130) and a sturdy half-century from Josh Bohannon (60). Somerset's bowlers found it tough going, with Jack Leach being the pick of the lot with 3 wickets. Chasing a challenging target of 393, Somerset got off to a decent start with Eddie Vaughan top-scoring with 68. However, Wells once again came to the fore with the ball, taking 4 wickets to restrict Somerset to 224, securing a comprehensive victory for Lancashire.

Surrey's third successive Vitality County Championship title was confirmed when Lancashire took just 32 minutes and 7.1 overs on the fourth morning to complete their 168-run victory over Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford.

Resuming on 204 for 6, Somerset were dismissed for 224 with Luke Wells taking two of the wickets to finish with 4 for 36 and Anderson Phillip the other two to finish with 3 for 81.

While the result ends Somerset's hopes of a breakthrough County Championship title, it still means that Lancashire are favourites to be relegated after next week's round of matches.

Keaton Jennings' side will be playing Division Two cricket next season regardless of the result of their game against Worcestershire if Nottinghamshire take ten points from their final match at home to Warwickshire, who would also need five points from that game.

Somerset lost a wicket to the first ball of the day when Lewis Gregory was deceived by Wells' googly and bowled for a golden duck

Next over, Lancashire enjoyed more success when Craig Overton was leg before wicket to Anderson Phillip for 4 and after pulling Wells for two fours, Brett Randell was bowled for 9 when trying to repeat the feat. The game ended and Surrey's title was confirmed when James Rew was bowled off an inside edge by Phillip for 31

Collectors of statistical oddities might wish to note that this is the first match in the history of the County Championship in which 21 wickets have fallen on the first day and the game has lasted until the fourth morning without weather interruption.