Petersen century leads Somerset charge.

Petersen made 109 not out as Somerset
 dominated the first day.

Batsmen dominated proceedings up and down the country today and Somerset capitalised on these pristine batting conditions on the first day of their visit to Lancashire, as they closed on 312-3.

A third-wicket partnership worth 193 between Alviro Petersen (109*) and Nick Compton frustrated the hosts for most of the day, as Somerset established a strong position in the match, after winning a pivotal coin toss and electing to bat first.

Petersen's innings was particularly pleasing and the South African reached his first century of the season in 166 balls just before Compton fell short of the same milestone for 91.

After making a straightforward decision to bat first upon winning the coin toss, Somerset captain, Marcus Trescothick, continued his fine form as he made the first half-century of the day.

His 61-run stand with Johann Myburgh ensured that the visitors were able to successfully navigate the first hour of play unscathed and it became clear quite quickly that Lancashire were going to have to fight for their wickets.

The hosts were able to find their first breakthrough courtesy of in-form all-rounder, Tom Smith (1-45) who trapped Myburgh Lbw for 35, but Trescothick continued to play with fluency to earn his third fifty of the season in 74 deliveries.

Soon after passing fifty, Trescothick left a turning delivery from Simon Kerrigan (1-61) and was bowled by the left-arm spinner for 55 as Lancashire fought their way back in the morning session, with the score now at 96-2.

But there was to be a sizeable gap between Trescothick's dismissal and the third wicket as Petersen and Compton frustrated the hosts throughout a wicketless afternoon session. Their partnership proved to be valuable at the close of play, but each batsmen had a very different approach. Petersen was intent upon playing the bad ball, whilst Compton displayed a rather typically patient knock.

This was reflected in the number of deliveries taken to reach their half-centuries, as Petersen was the first to reach this milestone in 66 deliveries, with Compton taking 122 balls to reach the same score.

Nevertheless, his patience was rewarded with another high score but, after being dismissed for 92 in the previous fixture against Warwickshire, Compton will have been disappointed not to reach three figures.

He was removed Lbw to Kabir Ali (1-63) at 289-3, but Somerset were able to negotiate the remainder of the first day at Emirates Old Trafford without losing any more wickets as Alex Barrow made an unbeaten contribution of 14.