Somerset's Tom Banton Smashes Fifth-Highest Score in County Championship History

Tom Banton lit up Taunton with a once-in-a-lifetime knock, smashing 371 against Worcestershire to etch his name in County Championship history. Banton’s incredible innings became the highest ever by a Somerset player, sailing past Justin Langer’s 342 against Surrey back in 2006.

The 26-year-old right-hander was finally dismissed for 371 on the third day, having faced 403 deliveries and sent the ball to the boundary 56 times, including two sixes. His epic effort lasted more than eight hours, and when he pulled Kashif Ali to the midwicket boundary off the penultimate ball of Day 3 to beat Langer’s record, the Taunton crowd rose to salute something truly special.  

“It’s a weird feeling and I was a bit emotional up there in the dressing room,” Banton admitted after walking off. “This is the best day I’ve had in cricket and will probably be the best day I’ll ever have. It feels special and you cannot take it for granted. These days don’t come along very often and you have to make the most of them.” 

Resuming on 637 for six with a hefty lead of 483, the home side opted to pile on more runs — giving Tom Banton a golden opportunity to stretch what was already a historic innings. Banton, who had already broken the record for the highest individual score by a Somerset player, made full use of his second wind. He had a couple of nervous moments — a few mistimed shots soared into the air but landed safely — but he kept pushing on. A quick single off Tom Hinley took him to 350, a milestone achieved after facing 392 balls. 

Banton finally brought out another big shot, launching Hinley for only his second six in an innings that had lasted nearly nine hours. But shortly after, he fell trying to cut the same bowler, edging behind to end a marathon effort. As he walked off to a standing ovation, every Worcestershire fielder came over to shake his hand. 

Somerset declared on 670 for 7, holding a massive 516-run lead, after Banton’s marathon knock came to an end. He became just the eighth player in Somerset’s history to hit a triple century — and the first to do so since James Hildreth back in 2009. In the all-time County Championship charts, Banton now sits fifth behind some legendary names. Only Brian Lara (501 not out), Archie MacLaren (424), Sam Northeast (410 not out), and Graeme Hick (405) have ever scored more in the competition. It’s not every day you see a knock like this — and for Banton, Somerset, and everyone lucky enough to witness it, it’s a day that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.