![Tom Norton took hattrick against Somerset. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778349128431_TomNortontookhattrickagainstSomerset.jpg?type=hq)
Tom Norton took hattrick against Somerset. [Source - AFP]
Eighteen-year-old Tom Norton produced one of the most memorable moments in recent County Championship history after claiming a stunning hattrick on his first-class debut for Glamorgan against Somerset at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Friday.
The historic Tom Norton hattrick came during the County Championship Division One clash and instantly placed the teenager into English cricket record books, with the Glamorgan debutant delivering a dream spell that completely shifted momentum during the match against Somerset.
Tom Norton Took Sensational Hattrick on First-class Debut in County Championship
Tom Norton’s hattrick arrived on Day 2 during Somerset’s second innings after the right-arm seamer took the new ball for Glamorgan. The dramatic spell unfolded in the fifth over of the innings during the final session at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
James Rew became the first wicket of the innings for Tom Norton as he edged a delivery to second slip on the third ball of the over.
Tom Lammonby then departed for a golden duck after edging behind to the wicketkeeper, giving Tom Norton two wickets in consecutive deliveries.
Archie Vaughan followed moments later after getting trapped lbw, officially completing the unforgettable hattrick for the 18-year-old debutant.
Somerset suddenly collapsed to 7 for 3 within moments as Sophia Gardens erupted in celebration. Supporters witnessed history unfolding in front of their eyes with Tom Norton producing a dream spell that completely shifted momentum back towards Glamorgan in the contest.
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When Was The Last Time Someone Took A Hattrick On First-Class Debut In County Championship?
Before the incredible Tom Norton hattrick on Saturday evening against Somerset, the previous instance of a bowler taking a hattrick on first-class debut in the County Championship came all the way back in 1906, underlining just how extraordinary the teenager’s achievement truly was.
In 1906, WE Benskin recorded a hattrick on his County Championship debut for Leicestershire against Essex at Southend. During the same season, HA Sedgwick also achieved the rare milestone for Yorkshire against Worcestershire at Hull in another historic performance.
That means Tom Norton has now become the first bowler in 120 years to claim a hattrick on first-class debut in the County Championship, placing the Glamorgan teenager alongside some of the rarest names in English domestic cricket history.
Tom Norton Gives Glamorgan Huge Boost In Match
The sensational Tom Norton hattrick also brought Glamorgan firmly back into the match after a difficult outing with the bat on Day 2. Glamorgan were bowled out for 229 in the first innings and conceded a significant 125-run lead to Somerset earlier.
However, Tom Norton had already impressed in the first innings by taking three wickets as Somerset scored 354. The teenage pacer then elevated his performance further in the second innings with the historic hattrick and another destructive spell with the new ball.
By stumps on Day 2, Somerset were struggling at 32 for 6 with a lead of 157 runs, while Tom Norton closed the day with four wickets in the innings. Glamorgan will now hope to wrap up proceedings quickly on the following morning.
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