Somerset head coach Jason Kerr believes his team left everything on the field as they were denied a hard-fought victory by relentless weather in their County Championship match against Sussex at Taunton.
After dismissing Sussex for 253 in the first innings, Somerset enforced the follow-on, determined to secure a win. By the final session, they had taken seven of the ten wickets required, putting Sussex under immense pressure. However, persistent rain halted play, robbing Somerset of a well-earned triumph.
“There is huge frustration in the dressing room,” Kerr admitted, “but I prefer to focus on things we can control and this was an exceptional team performance. Tom Abell was exemplary with the bat, continuing his excellent form all season. Our plan was to post a substantial first innings total to pressurize Sussex, and that worked exactly as intended.”
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Kerr expressed pride in his squad’s performance despite the weather’s intervention, recognizing that it’s one factor beyond their influence. “There have been occasions when we haven’t played great cricket, and it has cost us, but mostly we’ve been dominant and played really well.”
He added, “We could easily be sitting with two more wins and positioned at the top of the table. If we maintain this level of play, we’ll be genuine contenders come September.”
Somerset’s strong start was highlighted by quick wickets from Alfie Ogborne and captain Lewis Gregory, reducing Sussex’s first innings batsmen early. The follow-on commenced with three further wickets before lunch, including key first-innings centurion Dan Hughes, caught by Migael Pretorius off Archie Vaughan’s bowling.
An unexpected floodlight failure forced Somerset to rely on spin bowlers at both ends until lighting was restored. They steadily dismantled Sussex’s middle order, taking four more wickets and setting up an exciting final session. Unfortunately, only ten balls were bowled before bad weather returned. With an hour lost and rain continuing, the match was called off at 5.50pm, ending in a frustrating draw for Somerset.