FORMER Oxfordshire bowler Jack Brooks had an eventful start to the cricket season by helping to set a new record with the bat.

After the professional game was delayed for months by the coronavirus pandemic, a shortened Bob Willis Trophy competition began on Saturday.

And batting at No 11 for Somerset, Brooks made up for lost time by producing a sensational innings at the County Ground, Taunton.

The 36-year-old, who has a first-class century to his name, smashed nine fours and two sixes in a knock worth 72, from just 58 balls.

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It was part of a 107-run stand for the final wicket, a county record against Glamorgan.

Brooks said: "My first season with Somerset was a bit stop-start because of injury, but I feel fit now and look forward to making a major contribution.

"Whether it will be with the bat we will have to wait and see!

“When you think of all that is going on in the world, it was great to be out there playing cricket again and feeling useful.”

It came with Steve Davies (81no), who told BBC Radio Somerset: "It was a lot of fun because we spend a lot of time off the field together, so it was nice to bat together and get that record partnership.

"I was the set batsman and I was giving the strike to Brooksy because he was hitting it so cleanly."

Brooks then took 1-24 as Glamorgan were bowled out for 131, trailing by 165 runs.