Promise surrendered as Yorkshire collapse proves a big setback

Skipper Lewis Gregory claimed six wickets and rookie opener Josh Thomas hit a brilliant maiden century as Somerset dominated the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Yorkshire at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.

After losing the toss, Yorkshire progressed to 124 for three under overcast skies, with Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow going well, only to lose their last seven wickets for 38 runs, Gregory taking five of them in completing 16 probing overs for figures of six for 43.

Root made 33 and Bairstow 34, while opener Fin Bean contributed 35 to a total of 162. In reply, Somerset slipped to 35 for three before 21-year-old Thomas led an impressive recovery with 136 not out off 150 balls that saw them close on 201 for three, Tom Abell unbeaten on 41.