Jos Buttler scored his third first-class century, and Somerset's bowlers dominated Warwickshire, but the hosts opted against enforcing the follow-on after taking complete charge of this LV= County Championship Division One match at Taunton.
Buttler batted brilliantly to underline his burgeoning reputation in the four-day game, scoring 119 not out as Somerset were all out for 406, before Alfonso Thomas (three for 29) helped dismiss the defending champions for 158.
But despite building a first-innings lead of 248, Somerset decided to bat again rather than make Warwickshire follow on – and by the close of the second day had reached 46 for one from their 13 second-innings overs.
Somerset will resume today with a lead of 294, with Nick Compton (five) and nightwatchman Jack Leach (one) at the crease, after Marcus Trescothick was dismissed for a breezy 37, which came off 38 balls and included a six over third man off Rikki Clarke.
The hosts' decision to bat again was slightly baffling given the extent of their dominance with bat and ball in the first two days of the match – but, with the expectation that the wicket will become increasingly difficult, skipper Trescothick is clearly trying to make absolutely sure his team cannot be beaten.
"You can try to get a big total on the board, then have a bit more pressure around the bat – and it's very hard on the last day when it turns," said Trescothick, explaining his decision. "I think it's really important your bowlers are fresh."
The slightly conservative nature of the decision not to make Warwickshire follow on was at odds with Somerset's bold performance so far in the match. Resuming on 358 for six, they ensured maximum batting points on the second morning thanks to Buttler's brilliance.
He followed opening-day centurion Alviro Petersen, with whom he shared in a stand of 193, in reaching three figures – bringing up his century with a beautiful square drive for four off Chris Woakes.
Although Thomas added 11 in a 39-run stand with Buttler, none of the 22-year-old's partners on the second day showed any great staying power, with Craig Overton out for five before Buttler – who resumed on 90 – had reached his ton.
Thomas was eventually dismissed when he played on to Clarke, while Leach lasted 11 balls before being bowled off his body by the same bowler for a duck. Clarke wrapped up the innings and finished with four for 70, the pick of the Warwickshire bowlers, when Jamie Overton was caught in the slips next ball.
In reply, Somerset were superb in the field, Jamie Overton dismissing William Porterfield for a duck when the former Gloucestershire man scooped to Buttler at mid-off with the total on nought.
Pete Trego then had dangerman Varun Chopra lbw right in front of his stumps for 13, as Warwickshire reached 24 for two at lunch. The home side continued to apply pressure in the middle session, Jim Troughton out for 26 to a wonderful diving catch by Craig Kieswetter in front of first slip off Thomas.
That saw Warwickshire falter to 65 for three, which became 75 for four when Tim Ambrose was harshly judged lbw to Thomas for six despite appearing to get an edge.
Thomas' fine spell continued when he dismissed Laurie Evans for 25 – the batsman getting an outside edge and being held low down by Kieswetter – to leave Warwickshire on 86 for five.
Jamie Overton, despite appearing to be troubled by an injury, claimed a sixth wicket as Woakes played a loose shot to a short ball, picking out Compton at cover point for 21 as the visitors reached tea on 104 for six, still 302 behind. Clarke and Ateeq Javid rallied, adding 39 for the seventh wicket, which fell when the former was run out by an incredible throw from Trescothick, coming in from fine leg, as Javid sought a third run. Two balls later, Leach struck, taking out Jeetan Patel's off-stump to leave Warwickshire flailing on 142 for eight, before Craig Overton had Chris Wright caught behind for a duck.
Left-arm spinner Leach bowled with discipline and control, finishing with two for 43 from 19.4 overs after trapping Oliver Hannon-Dalby lbw for five to dismiss Warwickshire for 158. But, despite a lead of 248, Somerset opted to bat again – with Trescothick hitting seven boundaries, including a six, before again being undone by the spin of Patel, who had him lbw for 37.
