Tom Banton limps onto the field with determination after outstanding innings as Somerset secure thrilling County win against Surrey

The back-to-back strikes set off a raucous celebration as the 11 Somerset players, huddled together around the bat, jumped for joy and dashed off in excitement.

Amid the chaos, a memorable image emerged – Tom Banton, hobbling on crutches, making his way towards the middle. Despite having rolled his ankle before play on day three, Banton had been instrumental in keeping Somerset's hopes alive.

Earlier in the game, with Somerset's lead hovering just under 150, Banton had carved out a gritty 46, pushing the target well past 200. His fearless approach, including a reverse sweep off Shakib-al-Hasan despite being unable to move his feet, ensured that his first-innings century did not go in vain.

Somerset owed much to their two spinners, Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan, who shared all 20 Surrey wickets between them. The 18-year-old Vaughan, son of the renowned Michael Vaughan, emerged as a key player. His dismissal of Shakib on the final day – for a duck – was a turning point, igniting Somerset's belief.

Leach picked four wickets while Vaughan took six in the first innings. In the second, both shared a five-wicket haul. Surrey were reeling at 101/8 when Jordan Clark and Kemar Roach sustained the Somerset spin twins for over 11 overs. However, their resistance was fiinally broken by Leach in the 78th over, who went to take the final wicket just a ball later to clinch a memorable win for the side.