Sussex scored a commanding 260-run victory against Somerset, their first win since their promotion. This thorough thrashing illustrated Somerset’s woes, especially in away games, and illustrated Sussex’s fight and class on the game’s biggest stage.
The match was held at The County Ground, Hove. Somerset’s task was made even harder facing a depleted bowling assault, with left-armer Sean Hunt missing. The left-armer had claimed nine wickets in the match so far. Somerset was doomed by Hunt being unable to compete on the last day due to an injury to his left arm. His absence turned the bowling attack into a one-man show, rendering the team dubious against an intimidating batting line-up from Sussex.
Somerset’s woes continued apace when Kasey Aldridge, given a second chance in his first over, succumbed rapidly to the heat. His failure only compounded the team’s mounting frustrations. His dismissal highlighted the tenuous nature of the team’s resistance as they found it difficult to gain any real momentum in their pursuit. Somerset struggled to chase their target down against a blazing bowling performance by Sussex. Pace bowler Jayden Seales was the standout, with the extraordinary figures of 2-24 from eight overs as the Windies pacers tied Australia down early.
Jack Carson, one of Sussex’s key bowlers, battled a split finger that needed taping up during the game. Even through his visible discomfort, Ali was the difference in breaking down the Somerset batting order. Somerset could hardly fail to feel the growing weight of the occasion as they suffered six missed catches. Missed opportunities put the final nails in their coffins, spelling their doom.
An error of judgment from Tom Haines at square leg gave Tom Abell a reprieve after he was dropped badly on 85. This lapse would turn out to be quite expensive for Somerset to say the least. Danny Lamb caught Abell flat-footed with an unforeseen increase in bounce, and he stood down this key player. Tom Alsop took a fine one-handed catch at slip to pouch Abell’s wicket, a key moment in a dominant Hampshire performance.
Somerset’s form away from home has had a troubling trajectory of deterioration over the last year. This friendly sure did signal those persistent struggles. Team captain Lewis Gregory quickly admitted the team had “fallen short.” He admits he had been proud of their fight against a strong bowling line-up.
“We were comprehensively outplayed. (But) I can’t fault the determination we showed against a good bowling attack on a pitch where if you put enough balls in the right areas there was something in it.” – Lewis Gregory
While Kent were a picture of nerves and panic at times, Sussex were confident and measured in their batting. They took every single opportunity that was handed to them by Shakespeare’s fielding blunders. The crunch moment came when Fynn Hudson-Prentice made the victory safe. He dismissed Craig Overton, who nicked an outswinger through to James Coles at third slip.
Tom Abell was disappointed in his team’s performance but understood that they had to learn from their mistakes and play better going forward.
“We can’t afford to have sessions like that. We were so far ahead in the game it didn’t matter too much, but it’s a good lesson for us.” – Tom Abell
Sussex made sure to enjoy their moment of glory as the final whistle blew on their incredible victory. This victory lifts their spirits after severe promotion and sets a solid tone before future matches. Somerset is on a roll in the AL North division title race! Looking to solve their persistent issues, particularly when it comes to matches played away from home, the Reign need to re-group and re-focus.
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