County Championship: Banton & Rew hit tons as Somerset draw with Essex at Chelmsford

Tom Banton became the first concussion substitute to hit a century as he went past his previous first-class best score of 79

Tom Banton and James Rew celebrated contrasting maiden County Championship centuries as Somerset and Essex meandered to the inevitable draw.

Banton only entered the match at the start of the day as a concussion replacement for Lewis Goldsworthy, but he enjoyed himself with a scintillating 126 off 120 balls.

Rew, the 18-year-old who only made his Championship debut last month, was the picture of serenity throughout his vigil. As Nick Browne and Matt Renshaw did before him, he ground the bowlers down to end unbeaten on 101.

Essex's title hopes took a massive hit against Surrey last week, and this stalemate ended them, while Somerset remain in the relegation places after both sides took 12 points away from Chelmsford.

The Somerset scorecard became a curiosity at the start of the day's play. Seven had started their innings, three had been dismissed, and four not out batters were listed.

Tom Abell had already halted his innings on 90 after injuring his hamstring on day three while attempting a quickly-run second. Head coach Jason Kerr said a scan would likely take place on Friday once the squad arrives back at Taunton, with Hundred side Birmingham Phoenix most keen to hear the diagnosis.

While Abell could technically continue, Goldsworthy's absence from the match was permanent. The 21-year-old had turned his head into a Shane Snater short delivery but, despite undergoing two concussion tests on the field, it was decided overnight that his condition had worsened.

Banton replaced him and showed an attacking flair rarely seen during this match. He seemed particularly keen to get on top of Simon Harmer with sweep shots, often from well outside his off stump.

He had previously topped out at 79 in the Championship in his 27 previous first-class matches, but strolled to his ninth career 50, and third of the season, in 66 balls. The gas was well and truly turned on in the 146th over as he took Dan Lawrence down.

Three times in that single over he swung high over deep mid-wicket and towards the Somerset tent, and just to add a flourish he slog-swept another six in the following over off Harmer.

Matt Critchley was not immune from the Banton barrage, as two more huge leg-side heaves followed soon after.

Banton, who had scored 92 runs in the morning session, went to three figures in 104 balls with a flick to the leg side and a fist pump.

At the other end, Rew accumulated with his compact set-up. Risks were rarely taken, but reverse sweeps were consistently timed impeccably. He reached his maiden century in 209 balls.

Rew and Banton put on 164, with 199 runs in total added for the fourth wicket, before the latter was caught at long on, soon after he had been dropped in the same position.

Rew and Lewis Gregory ticked through another 70 runs before Gregory was run out and Craig Overton was stumped before tea, which brought a declaration with a 100-run lead.

Browne, who had been left 234 not out in the first innings, only lasted five balls before edging Peter Siddle to Renshaw at first slip but Tom Westley and Paul Walter dropped anchor and the game was finally put out of its misery after 1,140 runs and only 16 wickets across four humdrum days.

Essex head coach Anthony McGrath:

"We knew pretty much after day one that it was going to end that way with how the pitch was. All you can do is be professional.

"The way Nick Browne and Paul Walter batted set up the innings for us. Somerset batted well to be fair, especially the three lads who got hundreds.

"On days like these where there is nothing on it we just don't want any injuries. With Alastair Cook and Adam Rossington off the pitch with injuries we just tried to look after the team as much as possible."

Somerset centurion Tom Banton:

"I was joking when I came off that I never thought I would get a red ball hundred. To get one in the column is a nice feeling.

"I wasn't meant to be playing. It was a weird one. I woke up at about 9am and just cruised into the ground. I knew Golders was 50/50 but I literally didn't hit any balls before the game so that might be a key to success moving toward.

"We talked about being proactive against Harmer and it came off. I took my chance and that wicket was probably perfect for sweeping.

"I kept reminding Rewy not to get carried away about how I was playing and to play his own way. Everyone is so happy for him."

Somerset centurion James Rew:

"It is a strange feeling. It has come around really quickly, I've only been in the side for the last few games and I've managed to get a few today. It has been an honour really.

"It was a tough battle with Harmer. He bowled really well and I can see why he is one of the best.

"Every ball is a challenge. Hopefully, I'll be facing more bowlers like that in the future.

"It was a pleasure to be out there with Bants. I watched him growing up a lot. He kept me in my box."

Report supplied by the ECB Reporters' Network.