GEMAAL Hussain produced an eight-over spell of four wickets for 17 runs to lead Somerset to a 91-run victory over Worcestershire inside three days at Taunton.

The former Gloucestershire seamer turned the LV= County Championship Division One game, with the visitors seemingly coasting at 67 for one in pursuit of 257 to win. They were eventually bowled out for 165, with Hussain claiming a career-best six for 33.

Damien Wright had given Worcestershire hope by taking six for 56 in a Somerset second innings of 185 all out, Jos Buttler leading the way with the bat with an unbeaten 46.

But Hussain had the final say in a riveting match of fluctuating fortunes, which saw Somerset take 22 points and Worcestershire four.

There was no suggestion of the clatter of wickets to come when Daryl Mitchell (20) and James Cameron (19) took the score to 42 before Mitchell was yorked by a Charl Willoughby inswinger.

Cameron then started the rot by flashing at a wide ball from Hussain, who had switched to the Old Pavilion End, and being brilliantly caught low down by James Hildreth in the slips.

Hussain struck twice in the 21st over, removing Moeen Ali to another fine slip catch by Marcus Trescothick and then having Alexei Kervezee caught behind for a duck.

Matthew Pardoe was bowled by Peter Trego for a single before the big wicket of Vikram Solanki fell to make it 106 for six. Solanki had moved confidently to 39 and stayed motionless with head bowed after driving a simple catch to Trego at extra cover off Hussain.

In the previous over Trego thought he had run out Gareth Andrew by deflecting a Solanki drive onto the stumps, but umpire John Steele was taking evasive action and not in a position to make a decision.

It was 114 for six at tea, with Andrew unbeaten on 14. But he fell lbw to Steve Kirby’s third ball after the interval and the last threat was removed when Hildreth produced another stunning slip catch to dismiss Wright for eight.

Wright had earlier given a demonstration of what could be achieved by bowling line and length on the sort of Taunton track Somerset have been looking to prepare for years, offering pace and seam movement throughout the three days.

The home side began the day on 83 for three in their second innings and could add only 102 as the Australian sent back nightwatchman Kirby, Peter Trego, Lewis Gregory, Hussain and Willoughby to add to second-day victim Trescothick.

Crucially for Somerset, Buttler cracked nine fours and a six to push the lead past the 250-mark before last man Willoughby fell to the second ball after lunch.

Alan Richardson also bowled well for Worcestershire on his 36th birthday, returning two for 61 from 21 overs.