Overton 99 compounds Lancashire’s misery.

Overton and Thomas made the highest ninth-wicket stand for Somerset against Lancashire.

Craig Overton scored a career-best 99 in a 140-run stand with Alfonso Thomas (54) as Somerset made Lancashire toil in the heat at Taunton to earn a first-innings lead of 218 runs.

Not for the first time this season, Lancashire were left lamenting the possible consequences of a ninth-wicket partnership as they were frustrated by the rising talent of Overton.

In reply to Somerset’s 484, Lancashire were unbeaten on 59-0 and Alex Davies lead the visitors response with 38 not out, but his opening partner, Paul Horton (1) was forced to retire hurt after he was struck on the helmet by Thomas.

Marcus Trescothick (128) and Alviro Petersen (73) resumed this morning for Somerset and the pair reached a 168-run partnership before the latter fell to Glen Chapple (2-59).

The morning session belonged firmly to the visitors after claiming five wickets for 73 runs including that of Trescothick who edged to Steven Croft at point off Tom Smith (2-33), having also removed James Hildreth (10).

Somerset were still established to achieve a first innings lead and surpassed Lancashire’s total of 266 with five wickets intact, but soon lost Craig Kieswetter (15) and Peter Trego (25) in quick succession.

With the score now at 290-7, Somerset had lost their way and were in danger of failing to register a commanding total after Trescothick had given them such a strong base.

Overton and Lewis Gregory (26) ensured that Somerset would post 300 inside the 110-over allocation of bonus points but the latter fell after a brisk cameo, pulling Wayne White (2-86) to Smith at long-leg.

With only two more wickets left, Lancashire would not have anticipated that Overton and Thomas would bat with such assurance, but Somerset have them to thank for closing the third day with a strong foundation for converting this position into a victory.

Overton struck nine fours and two sixes in his 135-ball stay at the crease, but was left feeling dejected when he edged Simon Kerrigan to Horton at first slip as he fell agonizingly close of his maiden first-class century.

Thomas also registered a personal milestone with a measured approach and reached fifty in 113 balls before he was caught at deep mid-wicket by Ashwell Prince.

With just 18 balls gone in Lancashire’s second innings, Horton was forced to leave the field after he was struck by a bouncer, following verbal exchanges with Thomas in the previous over.