Opportunity knocked for Taunton Tom

For Somerset skipper Tom Abell a missed run out opportunity proved a life-changing moment when he won a reprieve batting against Middlesex last summer.

Abell seized his second chance in front of a full house at Taunton and a live television audience. His maiden T20 ton off just 47 balls proved he belonged in the shortest format of the game as well as the Championship where his calm determination and classic strokeplay marked him out at a young age.

The innings opened eyes a long way from Taunton and helped earn him a £100,000 deal with Manchester Originals in the inaugural Hundred draft and a contract to play in the Bangladesh Premier League.

“It’s amazing how it happened because I should have been run out on 4 against Middlesex,”” Abell told TCP. “It turned out to be potentially a life-changing game for me.

“I was incredibly fortunate to get picked in the Hundred, when I did. It was a little bit surreal. Having that opportunity to play T20 cricket in Bangladesh in very different conditions was an amazing experience.”

Abell admits the personal success was welcome because he had never felt too confident in the format. Indeed, some commentators had criticised his slow scoring in previous T20 seasons. Against Middlesex, he unfurled an array of shots including huge sixes over midwicket and some deft ramp shots, as well as showing his ability to manoeuvre the ball into the gaps.

“That was a big learning year for me. At the start of the competition, I dedicated some very specific practice to my T20 skills and worked to really try and improve my game. Ultimately, it was only positive experiences, a few 30s and 40s, at good strike rates, that really gave me the confidence to go out and play.”

Batting behind an explosive top order of Tom Banton, Babar Azam and James Hildreth also allowed him licence to play his shots.

“Most of the time last season we got off to absolute flyers with our top three. They take all the pressure off you, so it gives you a chance to get in and get used to the conditions.

“Then it's a case of just trying to play with that freedom. The last thing you want to do is chew up balls and stifle that momentum that the top order has given us. Equally there are times when you might have to come in and assess the situation a little bit more.”

Abell was excited at the prospect of playing in The Hundred but is keenly aware how divisive competition is among supporters at Taunton.

“It would have been a huge opportunity to really pit yourself against some of the best players in the country and the world.

“It wasn't a decision taken lightly because I'm a very proud Somerset player. Equally, I do have ambitions to play for England and I think it was important that if the opportunity arose that I had my name in the hat.”

For now though, postponement of the Hundred due to lockdown has put such hopes on hold.

International recognition, which his many admirers thought overdue, also came during the winter. While his debut for the Lions in Australia did not bring as many runs as he hoped, it was a proud moment and one he hopes was the next step towards a full England cap.

Abell finished as Somerset’s top run maker in the Championship last summer but is looking to score even more consistently in four-day cricket this year. He opened his account in the Bob Willis Trophy with his first red ball ton at Taunton in five years as Somerset made a winning start against Glamorgan.

“I'm pretty relieved with the way things have gone because I had a bit of a stinker pre-season. Any time you get a hundred, especially at home, is very special. There's no better place to play.”