PETE Trego thanked one of the Sussex youngsters for ‘having a crack at him’ during the afternoon session on day two, after his unbeaten half-century dragged Somerset back into the contest at a gloomy Taunton.

The all-rounder finished the day on 71 not out, as part of a 140-run fifth-wicket stand with James Hildreth, who is unbeaten on 63 – as Somerset recovered from 36-4 to reach 176-4 by close of play.

And Trego, whose 103-ball innings contained eight fours and one six, admitted it took a sledge from a Sussex player to fire him into action.

“When I first went out they were bowling very well and I was struggling, but fortunately one of their younger players had a crack at me which got my adrenalin flowing and got my hackles up a little bit and I’m still there scrapping at the end of the day, so thanks to him for that,” Trego said.

“In the context of the game our partnership is pretty vital, because we were in a bit of trouble so to get to get together and bat with Hildy is always a great pleasure and I always enjoy batting with him.

“In the past I think we have shared a few partnerships against Sussex and this was much the same and we will be looking to carry on tomorrow.

“With the game on a knife-edge if we can get a lead of 50 runs plus then we are right in the game on a cracking wicket.”

Earlier in the day Alfonso Thomas claimed three of the final four Sussex wickets to fall to finish with 4-46 from 24.2 overs, including ten maidens – and Trego was full of praise for the veteran seam bowler.

“Alfonso Thomas was absolutely magnificent and at his best throughout that whole innings and a few have made the comment that we could have probably bowled them out twice in the overs we bowled at them, but to be fair they ground out a useful score.

“Lewis bowled with great pace and then myself with Craig Overton chipped in, with Jim Allenby - but Alfonso was definitely the man with the ball and could have taken seven or eight wickets easily himself.

“Any sort of lead tomorrow will be great, I don’t think the pitch will deteriorate a huge amount, but it has quickened up a bit and there seems to be a bit more bounce in it which brings all our seamers into it and then the way that Luke Wells bowled his leg breaks will bring Abdur Rehman into the game.

“Any lead is crucial and days three and four will be fascinating I’m sure.”