First the fun – now somerset get tougH

Jeremy Blackmore talks to Somerset head coach Jason Kerr and director of cricket Andy Hurry ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi

Jeremy Blackmore talks to Somerset head coach Jason Kerr and director of cricket Andy Hurry ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi

Somerset need to be more ruthless if they are to go one better and win the Championship this year, according to head coach Jason

Kerr. The club led the Division One table early last season and while they ultimately finished second, it amounted to a resurgence after 2017’s relegation battle. They also reached T20 finals day before being knocked out in their semifinal.

Kerr admits to disappointment that Somerset did not win silverware, but reflects on the journey they have been on.

“More importantly we re-established a real enjoyment in the way we played. The supporters enjoyed seeing cricket played that way, were really behind the team and we laid some very strong foundations for this year.”

For Andy Hurry, who returned to Somerset as Director of Cricket after a spell with the ECB, the progress confirmed his belief in their ability: “It’s particularly pleasing because one of the fundamental reasons for me returning is that I could see the potential of not only the squad, but its potential to sustain success over a long period.

“There’s a lot of hunger and talent. Progress is what it’s all about. We’ve got some good systems to enhance that. However, our aspiration is to win silverware. We’ve got to work harder and more effectively towards attaining that in 2019.”

Somerset were up against a formidable Surrey outfit in the Championship last summer, but Kerr believes they have what it takes to go one further.

“We’ve added Jack Brooks which gives us that depth to the bowling. We’ve got some outstanding, experienced players in Hildreth and Trescothick.