SOMERSET batsmen Tom Abell says the side are ‘happy with the position they are in’, after half-centuries from Marcus Trescothick, James Hildreth, Tom Cooper and Abell himself, saw them close day two of their LV County Championship game against Yorkshire on 309-4 - trailing by 129 runs.

Abell, who was dismissed for 62 by Adil Rashid, also praised the efforts of the Somerset top order on what he described as ‘a good batting wicket.’

He told Somerset’s official website: “After our two late wickets yesterday I thought that we were right in the game, but then they played well pretty well this morning.

"However I think we are happy with the position that we are in.

“We have got six wickets left now and if we can establish some more partnerships and try to get a solid lead then pressure does funny things.

“If we can take a few half chances in the field we are in a good position in this game so hopefully we can try to keep the pressure on them as much as possible.

“It was great to get a bit of time out in the middle - I have been a little bit short of runs so far this season and had a few starts, but it was certainly nice to get a few partnerships going at the top of the order.

“It was great that the others played around so that I could establish myself and being at the other end to ‘Tres’ and ‘Myb’ was top drawer.

“It was awesome batting out there and I found it a really good challenge against some quality bowlers.

“It is obviously a good batting wicket and over years we have seen that ‘Tres’ is class and he showed it once again today.

“He looked in great touch which was great to see and it was just a shame that he couldn’t go on, but it was good to watch him play from the other end.”

James Hildreth continued his impressive start to the season with a quick-fire 82 from just 61 balls – and a repeat performance in the second innings could see him become just the tenth player in the history of English cricket to score 1,000 first class runs by the end of May.

Hildreth is just 85 runs short of becoming the first player in 27 years to achieve the feat. 

Abell continued: “I found it quite tough going out there but then Hildy came out and blazed it to all parts.

“Clearly he is in the form of his life at the moment and hopefully that can continue on, but it was quite nice to have that much support.

“It was good that a few others were able to stand up today and back Hildy up.

“The way that he is playing at the moment is quite incredible and I’m just grateful that he is on our side.”