AN Ashes wicket with a Taunton link was taken on day two of the third Test at Headingley as Jack Leach clean bowled Marcus Harris.

The duel is a reunion of sorts, as both played against each other in 2010 in the WEPL encounter between Taunton (Harris) and Taunton Deane (Leach).

Harris, who is making his Ashes debut for Australia at Headingley, was Taunton CC's overseas player in 2010 and 2015 while Leach is a Taunton Deane stalwart, having represented the club since he was eight years old (even turning out for them at North Perrott earlier this month).

The pair encountered each other on June 19, 2010, at Gipsy Lane, a game which saw hosts Taunton run out winners by four wickets.

Harris, in true overseas pro style, opened the batting and the bowling for Taunton that day, taking 1-27 from seven overs before scoring 15 in reply.

Leach scored 22 at number three for the Deane and then took 2-34 from 11 overs, though on this occasion Harris was not among his victims - the Australian fell to Russell Jones, who is now captaining the Deane's 2nd XI.

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Reflecting on Harris' spells at Taunton prior to the 27-year-old's Test debut in December, Jon Kerslake told the County Gazette: "I remember his arrival was delayed by the Icelandic ash cloud, which came over just before he was due to set off.

"We were in [WEPL] Premier 1 that year after back-to-back promotions and it was a tough season, but Marcus' ability really stood out.

"He was quite a shy lad in that first stint, but when he came back in 2015 he had developed so much as a person and a cricketer.

"As an example, there was a match at Bath in 2010 where he went for a big shot and nicked off first ball. In 2015, there were times when it looked as if he would never get out.

"Against Potterne, he opened the batting with Tom Abell and the pair of them were magnificent. They dispatched the bowlers to all parts.

"He was also very active in coaching the youngsters at the club and really showed the value of a good overseas player.

"I played with Graeme Rummans [who played First Class cricket for New South Wales] for Milverton about 20 years ago, who was brilliant, and Marcus was the best I've seen since then.

"His style is reminiscent of David Warner - they are both stocky left-handers who like to be positive, though I think Marcus is a nicer bloke.

"It's great for players locally to see what some of these players have gone on to achieve."

Taunton Deane are, of course, bursting with pride at Leach's achievements having watched him progress through the ranks.

Deane club captain Dave Stephenson, who taught Leach PE at Bishop Fox's School, told the County Gazette last year: “Jack has always been a lovely lad.

“He is very calm, placid and always in control, which shows in his bowling. He stays cool and never gets too flustered.

"I knew he was going to be good, but I didn't know he was going to be quite as good as he has turned out to be.

“Jack was probably about 13 when he first played adult cricket, which was for our 3rd XI, and he has been very loyal to the Deane.

"He has had offers from other clubs but has chosen to stay with us, and he still plays now when he can.

"We are so proud of what he has achieved. He has fought through plenty of battles - he picked up Crohn’s disease when he was at school, which is very hard for a keen young sportsman, and was also overlooked by England for too long.

“He has always had a positive attitude and now he is proving a lot of people wrong. We couldn’t be happier for him.”

Harris fell early on the first day of the Headingley Test, edging Jofra Archer behind for eight, while Leach was not required with the ball in seamer-friendly conditions as England bowled Australia out for 179.

The hosts collapsed to 67 all out in reply (Leach falling for a single) and Harris progressed to 19 in Australia's second innings before he was clean bowled by Leach's first ball of the match - click here for a live scorecard.