Cricket: Destructive duo dominate Somerset on debuts

Ben Wheeler

Ben Wheeler and Mitchell Santner starred on day two for the New Zealand XI as they dominated Somerset with impressive debut performances.

Wheeler, 23, shone with an aggressive opening spell of fast bowling to set the tone at the Somerset Country Cricket Club in Taunton.

The CD Stags seamer was the most destructive, ripping through the top order and finishing with figures of 5-18 from 11 overs in fine conditions.

"I was pretty nervous at the start," Wheeler said. "But to get that first over under my belt and to see the ball swinging I started to relax. I was happy with how it was coming out of my hand."

Wheeler, the younger brother of Highlanders rugby lock forward Joe Wheeler, claimed his third five-wicket bag in his first-class career to put his name out there in the international arena.

"It was a pretty cool feeling to perform like that on debut. I have been waiting a long time for this game since I got the call up to the team and I guess I couldn't be happier with how it went. The team are in a strong position so we're happy."

The left-armer got the first breakthrough when he trapped Johann Myburgh lbw in his first over before demolishing the stumps of Tom Cooper (0) and James Hildreth (13) as the hosts struggled with his pace and subtle movement in the air and off the pitch.

Wheeler claimed his fourth when Luke Ronchi took an elementary catch in the gully to remove Jim Allenby (28).

NZ XI bowled Somerset out for 204 in the 47th over and took a 33-run lead into the second innings.

They extended that advantage to 182-3 with ND player Santner, 23, unbeaten at the crease on 70.

Ex-CD rep Peter Trego (40 from 46) batted aggressively for Somerset before departing.