Tom Banton falls short of Brian Lara’s 501 after epic 371-run knock — ‘A show we’ll never forget,’ say netizens

Tom Banton came close to history in Somerset’s County Championship opener, but Brian Lara’s first-class record of 501 still stands—for now. Banton was eventually dismissed for 371 on Day 3 of the match against Worcestershire. It was a powerful innings that lit up the tournament and reminded fans of his talent.

A career-best knock after a long break

Banton started Day 2 on 84 and quickly moved to his century in the morning session. He then built a strong partnership with James Rew. The two added 371 runs together—Somerset’s highest-ever partnership in the competition. Rew got out after scoring 152, but Banton continued.

By the end of Day 2, Banton had reached 344 not out, more than half of Somerset’s first innings total of 637-6. He had already gone past Justin Langer’s record to become Somerset’s highest individual scorer in the Championship.

Day 3: Just 130 runs short of Lara’s record

Resuming Day 3 on 344, Banton had a shot at Brian Lara’s legendary 501 score in 1994. He attacked from the start, but fell for 371, nicking one behind off Tom Hinley. While Lara’s record survived, Banton now holds the fifth-highest individual score in County Championship history.

His 371 was not just a personal best—his previous best was 133—but also a reminder of the skill he once showed before struggling with form and motivation.

Social media celebrates Banton’s comeback

Cricket fans were full of praise. One user wrote, “I always knew Tom Banton was a big thing when I first saw him play. And then he just disappeared for a while, god knows why? But glad to see him back.”

Another said, “I’ve had a fabulous three days of the first round of the championship. Thank you to Tom Banton for making it one I will never forget.”

?A third added, “A remarkable journey he’s been on in the last year, culminating in the fifth-highest Champo score of all time, by a guy who’d previously never faced 200 balls in an innings.”

Tom Banton may have missed Brian Lara’s record, but his 371-run knock marked a stunning return to form and left fans hopeful for even bigger innings ahead.