Tuesday, March 12th, 2019

FIVE WICKETS FOR PENNINGTON AND HALF CENTURY FOR COX IN ABU DHABI

Dillon Pennington and Ben Cox took the honours for Worcestershire with ball and bat respectively in the 50 over match against Somerset in Abu Dhabi.

Pennington picked up five wickets as Somerset totalled 305-8 in their 50 overs in the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The England Under-19 bowler played in eight Specsavers County Championship matches last summer and finished with 22 victims.

He ended today with figures of 5-52.

Worcestershire captain, Brett D’Oliveira opted to bowl after winning the toss.

Somerset openers Steve Davies, the former Worcestershire wicket-keeper, and Tom Banton put on 28 before the former was caught by Josh Dell off Pennington for two.

Banton was caught and bowled by Pat Brown for 32 with the total on 80.

James Hildreth and George Bartlett put on 76 for the third wicket.

Hildreth (32) and Bartlett (75) fell in quick succession to leave Somerset on 163-4.

Eddie Byrom (42 from 44 balls), Roelof van der Merwe (31), Craig Overton (21) and Groenewald (34 from 15 balls) lifted the final total to 305-8.

When Worcestershire replied, George Rhodes was caught by Davey off Overton for six with 16 on the board.

Twelve runs later 16 for Jack Brooks (3-22) bowled Tom Fell for eight.

Cox, who has been playing for Otago Volts in the Super Smash this winter, top-scored for Worcestershire.

He finished with an unbeaten 65 off 64 balls.

The wicket-keeper batsman was the Rapids man of the match in their Vitality Blast semi-final and final triumphs last summer.

Alex Milton chipped in with a useful 33 as Worcestershire were dismissed for 173 from 40 overs.

The County will again be in action tomorrow against Essex.