Tom Banton has ignited hopes of a historic milestone in the County Championship after finishing day two unbeaten on 344*, positioning himself for a potential record-breaking feat as Somerset dominate Worcestershire at Taunton.
Resuming the day on 84*, Banton surged past multiple personal and team landmarks. He reached his maiden first-class triple century late in the day, far surpassing his previous best of 133. His knock came in the wake of a massive 371-run stand with James Rew, who was dismissed for 152. The partnership now stands as Somerset’s highest-ever in the Championship.
With Somerset declaring at 637-6 and holding a commanding 483-run lead, Banton has already etched his name into the club’s history books, overtaking Justin Langer’s record for the highest individual Championship score for Somerset. His 344* now matches Murray Goodwin’s mark from 2009, placing him in elite company and just outside the top five County Championship scores of all time.
Brian Lara’s iconic 501* – set for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994 – still remains a distant dream, but with Somerset yet to bat again and Banton in red-hot form, eyes will be glued to Taunton on day three. Much now depends on Somerset’s game plan and support from the remaining batters: Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton, Josh Davey, and Jack Leach.
Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in County Championship History:
- 501* – Brian Lara (Warwickshire v Durham, 1994)
- 424 – Archibald MacLaren (Lancashire v Somerset, 1895)
- 410* – Sam Northeast (Glamorgan v Leicestershire, 2022)
- 405* – Graeme Hick (Worcestershire v Somerset, 1988)
- 366 – Neil Fairbrother (Lancashire v Surrey, 1990)
- 357* – Robert Abel (Surrey v Somerset, 1899)
- 355* – Kevin Pietersen (Surrey v Leicestershire, 2015)
- 344* – Murray Goodwin (Sussex v Somerset, 2009)
- 344* – Tom Banton (Somerset v Worcestershire, 2025)
- 343* – Percival Perrin (Essex v Derbyshire, 1904)
