Somerset are capable of better, says head coach Jason Kerr ahead of One-Day Cup quarter-final

After winning their first four group matches, Somerset lost the next three before returning to form with a five-wicket victory over Surrey at Taunton on Tuesday

Head coach Jason Kerr insists Somerset have reached the knockout stage of the Royal London One-Day Cup without being at their best in any of the group games.

Kerr will challenge his players demonstrate their full potential in tomorrow’s quarter-final against Worcestershire Rapids at New Road (11am start).

After winning their first four group matches, Somerset lost the next three before returning to form with a five-wicket victory over Surrey at Taunton on Tuesday.

Now Kerr hopes the momentum from that game will help the team step up a notch against Worcestershire in an effort to claim a semi-final place against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

“Beating Surrey was probably our best performance so far, but I know we are capable of better,” he said.

“Every time our top order threatened to put together a really significant partnership we lost a wicket, which we can’t afford to happen at Worcester.

^{Somerset's George Bartlett and Lewis Gregory celebrate victory over Surrey}

“They have developed a very good one-day side with a formula that has brought them plenty of success. We need a complete performance at New Road if we are to progress further and face Notts.

“There were a lot of positives against Surrey, but also room for improvement in certain areas. I have every faith in the players and feel very confident that they will rise to the challenge of reaching the semi-finals.”

Dom Bess has been named in a squad of 14 for the Worcestershire match ahead of his loan spell with Yorkshire, which is set to start next week.

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Kerr, director of cricket Andy Hurry and skipper Tom Abell will finalise the team after assessing the pitch, with the option of playing an extra spinner in Bess if conditions suit.

Tim Groenewald and Ben Green have also been added to the 11 on duty against Surrey, but Kerr has advocated continuity of selection from the start of the competition and is likely to make one change at most.

“We wanted to give players a chance to settle into their specific roles,” he said. “Even during the run of three defeats, it was felt best to back what we saw as our best 50-over side.”

Youngsters Tom Banton and George Bartlett both hit half-centuries against Surrey and are sure to feature again, Banton also keeping wicket ahead of the more experienced Steve Davies.

“We want to show faith in our young players,” Kerr said “They have earned their places and now have to show the necessary consistency to help the team win trophies.”

Report courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network

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