Ripley left to reflect on below-par batting after Northants suffer two-day defeat to Somerset

David Ripley admitted Northants 'should be doing better' with the bat after the head coach saw his side suffer a 167-run defeat to Somerset inside just two days at the County Ground.
By Tom Vickers
Published 9th Aug 2020, 19:26 BST
Updated 9th Aug 2020, 19:30 BST
Gareth Berg grabbed four wickets in Somerset's second inningsGareth Berg grabbed four wickets in Somerset's second innings
Gareth Berg grabbed four wickets in Somerset's second innings

The Bob Willis Trophy battle was all over on Sunday evening after Northants lost six wickets for just six runs, going from 148 for four to 154 all out.

It was at least an improvement on their first-innings 67 all out, in which only Ben Curran (35) reached double figures.

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But it was far from good enough for victory as Somerset, who had been bowled out for 166 and 222 - with Ben Sanderson taking a total of nine wickets - claimed a comfortable away win.

Ben Sanderson bagged nine wickets in the matchBen Sanderson bagged nine wickets in the match
Ben Sanderson bagged nine wickets in the match

And Ripley said: “The pitch did a little bit for the seam bowlers over both days and there was some bounce.

"The fact the game is over in six sessions suggests it was too much in the bowlers' favour.

“We’d like more balance in the wicket but it isn’t easy to get it right and the groundstaff work tirelessly.

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"We want to play good four-day cricket and build long partnerships with the bat and dig in with the ball when needed.

“Some of our dismissals weren’t great and it was disappointing, batting was tough but we should be doing better."

Related topics:NorthantsDavid RipleySomersetCounty GroundBen Sanderson

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