Yorkshire prised two more Somerset batsmen out on the third morning at Taunton as the hosts reached lunch on 277-5 from 89 overs.

In reply to Yorkshire’s 450, the home side advanced from their overnight 166-3 as they attempted to save this opening LV= County Championship clash but still needed 24 to avoid the follow-on.

They lost South African Test opener Alviro Petersen for 24 and James Hildreth for a well made 67 to Kane Williamson and Jack Brooks respectively.

Williamson’s off-spin accounted for Petersen caught behind two balls into the New Zealander’s spell, breaking a stand of 72 with Hildreth for the fourth wicket as the score fell to 208-4.

Brooks then had Hildreth lbw with the second new ball, leaving the hosts on 252-5 in the 84th over.

Conditions seemed extremely favourable to batsmen, with very little swing or seam movement on offer. Craig Kieswetter (23) and Johann Myburgh (16) were unbeaten at the interval.