Specsavers County Championship
Division 1
Day 1
Somerset 202 all out v Worcestershire 153-8

MATT Renshaw became the first Somerset debutant to score a century since Alviro Petersen in 2013, as the hosts ended day one leading Worcestershire by 49 runs in their County Championship opener at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

The 22-year-old Australian said: "It feels pretty good; it was a really enjoyable experience playing here in front of a big crowd.

"It was a tough challenge, but I knew if I could stick it out I could do well; I just tried to play it as late and straight as possible."

Renshaw came in with Somerset 1-1, as Marcus Trescothick (1) departed, and it was soon 7-2 when Eddie Byrom (4) fell.

But Somerset's new overseas signing - a late replacement for Cameron Bancroft - stood firm alongside James Hildreth, who survived a couple of dropped catches from wicketkeeper Ben Cox to make 48.

Hildreth fell just before lunch, caught by Joe Clarke off Ed Barnard, as Somerset reached the break at 105-3 - Renshaw on 45no.

Thankfully for Somerset, Renshaw kept going and reached his century off 137 balls, as apart from the captain Tom Abell (10), the rest of the team fell for single-figure scores.

Barnard was the star with the ball for Worcestershire, taking 5-52 off 16 overs, off as Somerset were all out for 202, Renshaw carrying his bat with 101no.

The debutant said: "[Worcestershire] have some really good county bowlers, but the senior guys here gave me some advice.

"[James Hildreth] was great out there, really helpful, and he played some unbelievable shots."

Come the reply, the visitors made a fast start, but Lewis Gregory tore into them with three quick wickets, and suddenly it was 17-3.

Tom Fell (21) and Travis Head (49) counter-attacked, but both fell to Josh Davey.

A solid close to the day from Barnard (27no) and Josh Tongue (7no) took Worcestershire to within 50 runs of Somerset's first innings total, so the game is still very much in the balance.

Davey ended the day with 3-38 off 10 overs, and Gregory 3-43 off 12.

Star man Renshaw added: "We would've liked to have bowled them out, but we're in a good position.

"Tomorrow we'll look to get quick wickets and then apply more pressure with the bat - second innings runs will be vital."

On the Somerset experience, he said: "[The weather] reminds me a little bit of home with the sunshine!

"It's been a rushed week, as it was going to South Africa [replacing Cameron Bancroft in the Australian Test side], but everyone at the club has been so welcoming and helpful.

"I went through the cricket academy with Cameron [Bancroft]... it's a tough situation for him, it must be killing him at the moment, but I'm sure he'll come back strong."