TOM Banton struck a superb century to help England Under-19s to a first innings lead against South Africa in Scarborough.

The Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman, 19, is leading the side in the absence through injury of his county teammate Tom Lammonby and arrived at the wicket just before the close on day one when opener Liam Banks fell early.

Banton negotiated the rest of the evening session and successfully anchored the innings today (Monday) as wickets fell regularly around him.

He reached his half-century from 59 balls and went on to bring up his ton with consecutive boundaries in the 40th over, at which point Banton was 103 not out in an England total of 176-5.

The Somerset man progressed to 137 from 167 deliveries, with 23 fours and two sixes, before he was dismissed having helped England to 240-8 in reply to South Africa's 232 all out in the four-day match.

The lead is now past 50 with Luke Hollman going well - click here for a live scorecard.

Speaking at the close, Banton said: “I’ve just had a message from Tom [Lammonby], which is typical of him.

“It was horrible for him to be ruled out of the captaincy in this game, after he missed the Under-19s World Cup in the winter with injury as well.

“He’s still on our group chat and the good thing for him is he’s still very young. He’ll bounce back.

“It’s the first time I’ve captained a team for a while, and I wouldn’t say it made me bat any differently. Going in at three with us losing a few wickets, it was important to absorb their pressure.

“I enjoyed it. I’ve played quite a lot of second team cricket with Somerset this year, and it’s been going well.

“This was international cricket, a bit different, and they had some good bowlers. The guy who got me out [Gideon Peters, who took four for 76] bowled quite quick, and they had another guy who bowled big in-swingers. But sometimes having that pace on the ball can make it easier to keep the score moving.”

There is a second unofficial 'Test' to follow after this one, though Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry yesterday hinted that the club could recall Banton for Friday night's derby against Gloucestershire in Bristol if they plan to pick him.

Speaking after the defeat against Kent, Hurry said: "We have got the option that, if he is going to play first-team cricket, then we will have a conversation about potentially calling him back."

Banton's club captain at Taunton St Andrew's, James Regan, was pleased to see the prospect continuing to show his quality.

"All the boys have had half an eye on it today and we're absolutely delighted for him," he said.

"He is one of the most talented cricketers I have ever seen and I hope he gets the chance to show Somerset supporters what he can do in the T20s coming up.

"It says a lot for the strength of Somerset's squad that they can have someone like him waiting in the wings - it's an exciting time at the moment with the quality of young lads coming through.

"It's great for Taunton St Andrew's too as he is a real role model - it is inspiring for our youngsters to see one of our first-teamers doing so well."