Watch: Tom Banton bobbles onto field on crutches to celebrate Somerset’s epic win over Surrey

England spinner Jack Leach turned out hero for Somerset in their thrilling 111-run win over Surrey in the 59th match of the County Championship Division One 2024 at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.

Apart from Jack Leach (105/4 and 5/37), Archie Vaughan contributed heavily to Somerset’s remarkable victory over Surrey in the County Championship 2024 game in Taunton. Vaughan finished with impressive figures of 6/102 and 5/38 in both innings against Surrey.

Tom Banton celebrates Somerset’s win in County Championship 2024 on crutches

As the final day of play reached its climax, Surrey appeared on the brink of securing a hard-earned draw. Jordan Clark and Kemar Roach, batting at ninth wicket, had valiantly defended against Somerset's attack for over 11 consecutive overs without scoring a single run.

But their unwavering resistance was finally shattered by Jack Leach, who dismissed Clark with a catch behind the stumps and quickly followed up with a lbw dismissal of Dan Worrall. Jack Leach’s dramatic double strike ignited jubilation among the Somerset players, who erupted into ecstatic celebrations, with all 11 players gathered around the pitch.

Amidst the celebration, an iconic moment unfolded as Tom Banton, on crutches due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the match, made his way onto the field. He ran onto the pitch with crutches as the Somerset wicketkeeper James Rew picked him up in his arms as the duo celebrated their county team’s memorable win over Surrey in Taunton.

Watch here Tom Banton's celebration:

Iconic #SOMvSUR#WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/XMHp6JZEIO

— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) September 12, 2024

Despite his injury, Tom Banton had played a crucial role in sustaining Somerset's chances throughout the game. He played the stunning knock of 132 runs off 172 balls in the first inning to take his team to 317 on the board against Surrey.

In the second innings, Tom Banton made 46 off 65 balls while batting at number 11 to help Somerset give Surrey the target of 221 runs to win the match. And Jack Leach turned the table in Somerset's favor.

Somerset wins as Jack Leach's late burst ends Surrey's draw hopes

Well, Somerset bowlers proved too lethal for Surrey, as the skippers Rory Joseph Burns (15), Dom Sibley (56), and Ben Foakes (20) could reach double digits, while the rest of the players even could not open the account, except for Tom Curran (5) and Ben Geddes (1).

Somerset will next face Lancashire in the 63rd match of the ongoing County Championship Division One 2024 from September 17 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

On the other hand, Surrey will lock horns against Durham at the Kennington Oval in London in the county game. Despite the massive loss, Surrey is currently leading the County Championship Division One 2024 points table with 198 points from 12 games, winning 7 matches with two losses so far.

On the other hand, Somerset is standing behind Surrey at the second spot with 190 points from 12 games. Somerset won five of their 12 games with one loss in the ongoing County Championship Division One 2024.

Hampshire, Essex, and Durham are the other teams in the top 5 in the points table.