Jason Kerr: Somerset need ‘mental robustness’ says head coach

Somerset beat eventual champions Surrey in a thriller on 12 September to remain in the running for a first-ever County Championship title.

But a bruising defeat by West Country rivals Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast two days later – as the club failed to retain their 2023 title – was followed by a 168-run loss to Lancashire when they returned to white-ball cricket the following week to confirm Surrey as champions.

They then fell short in a rain-affected One-Day Cup, before defeat by Hampshire in their 14th day of play in 20 days.

Kerr said he was “incredibly proud” of the squad but “disappointment and frustration” were the overriding feelings.

“It’s not a great season, it’s a really good season. Great seasons are when you actually achieve things and ultimately win trophies and we haven’t done that,” Kerr said.

“The challenge for us as a group is the expectation is getting higher each year so you need to be able to manage that as well.

“There’s a huge amount of emotion around the group, the club, disappointment, frustration, excitement and it’s important we process those emotions and make sure we’re learning from those experiences.”