Tom Banton’s ton helped England take a 73-run lead on day two of the first Test, as they posted 305 in their first innings against the SA U19s in Scarborough.
With a base of 46-1 off nine overs at the close of day one, England struggled to find their footing after losing their first wicket three balls into day two.
ALSO: Miltz and De Klerk hold the fort
Jarred Jardine took the first wicket by dismissing Ben Charlesworth, adding to his influence in the contest after scoring 55 on day one.
Somerset Second XI’s Banton managed to anchor his side’s innings, despite losing his partner Jack Haynes on 16, to reach his half-century. Wickets continued to fall in stages as the skipper reached his ton and carried his side into the final session, taking England beyond the Junior Proteas’ innings total of 232.
The visitors finally got the breakthrough, Gideon Peters (4-76) picking up his third by dismissing Banton on 137, as England were reduced to 240-7. Six runs later and England lost their eighth, Jade de Klerk picking up his first.
Luke Hollman continued his captain’s great start and took England past the 300-run mark. Peters picked up his fourth by removing Adam Finch on 12 and Hollman was run out shortly after, England all out for 305.
SA finished the day on 24-0 trailing by 49, with Joshua Richards on nine and Jacob Miltz on five.
Photo: Somerset Cricket/Twitter
