It was on 18 August, 1875 when a two-day match between the Gentleman of Somerset and the Gentlemen of Devon concluded and the Somerset cricket club we know today was formed.
Through the early years, the club played across the whole South-West region, with Weston’s Clarence Park among venues also in Bath, Frome, Yeovil and Torquay.
But it was in Taunton Somerset made its home, with the first game held there in 1882 and the freehold for the land – now home to the County Ground – bought 14 years later.
Taunton has a population of just over 157,000 as of 2021 – tiny compared to cities such as London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester or Manchester which all host rival county teams.
Somerset cricket is by far Taunton’s biggest export – no rugby or football clubs here are competing for fans’ attention – and the stadium’s location right next to the town centre adds to the unique feeling that the club is at the heart of the town.
“There’s big history and it’s quite a small town and it’s quite a big part of the town,” said spin bowler Jack Leach, “and you definitely get a feeling of that.”
All-rounder Craig Overton agreed: “It’s that family that makes it all special.
“Everyone lives around Taunton which is that real community aspect. You walk into town and everyone knows who you are – it’s that buzz that gets Taunton going, especially in the summer.”
