Abell steers Somerset to thrilling win over Hampshire

Only two runs had been added in the first 16 minutes of the day before James Rew – who had seemed the great hope for a serene chase – edged behind.

Rew's departure – which left him with an average of 75.8 after five knocks this season – also meant that a sixth innings had been cut short between 50 and 100 in the match.

The 21-year-old had chipped off 89 runs with Abell, but the wicket didn't change the calmness that Abell exuded at the crease.

Hampshire bowlers found a tight channel to prevent easy runs and added further questions to the batters with variable bounce when bowling from the Rod Bransgrove Pavilion End. Only 34 runs were scored in the first hour, and just 84 came before lunch.

Will Smeed earned a life when Codi Yusuf couldn't hang onto a diving catch at backward point, but when Jake Lehmann moved to field in the same position, he didn't make the same mistake.

However, the 49 runs Smeed had contributed with Abell kept Somerset pointing in the right direction, although when Craig Overton was bowled, missing a hack, it soon appeared the hosts might have clawed back the momentum of the day.

Gregory, who had already contributed 8-87 with the ball in the game, was the last recognised batter, and another 91 runs wouldn't have been guaranteed with the tail. It wouldn't be plain sailing.

Gregory almost chopped onto his own stumps, while Tom Prest's single over before lunch brought three catching opportunities.

But post-lunch, the duo's experience, and deep adoration for Somerset were displayed; both are desperate to bring a first-ever Championship title to Taunton, and a second victory of the season would increase hopes of quelling 135 years of near misses and failures.

Hampshire's hopes relied on the second new ball, which materialised with 42 runs still required.

That number had ticked down to 25 when Baker came alive against his former county.

He uprooted Gregory's middle stump – to end a 65-run stand – and, in the following over, he had his former housemate Alfie Ogborne caught behind.

Abell, who captained the county from 2017 to 2023 before passing on the baton to Gregory, managed the last few runs with grit.

He only scored eight boundaries in his 229-ball, and 314-minute, vigil before slotting the winning runs through midwicket.

Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.

• Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport