SOMERSET director of cricket Matt Maynard says his side must ‘improve dramatically’ to get their season back on track, following a third successive defeat in the LV County Championship

Somerset slumped to an innings defeat to Worcestershire inside two and a half days at New Road to continue their winless start to the season – and Maynard said there were ‘no excuses’ for his side’s performance.

“Reflecting on the match, this was quite clearly a very, very disappointing performance”, he told Somerset’s official website.

“There are no excuses and we need to improve dramatically in order to the get the season back on track.

“Our deficiencies were quite clear from my perspective and we shall be addressing those areas immediately.

“We know how much our performance matters to our Members and supporters – I can assure all of you that nobody is more disappointed than us and we will do our utmost to turn things round for the next LVCC match against Notts.”

Somerset began day three needing 152 to make Worcestershire bat again, but soon slumped to 36-6, as Charlie Morris and Ben Leach tore through the top order.

Hildreth offered some resistance, standing firm to score 35 before he fell LBW to Jack Shantry.

Shantry struck with the first ball of his next over when he trapped Overton in front - and wrapped things up when Thomas was caught at mid-on, to round off a disappointing defeat.

Somerset were all out for 90 in 32 overs, with Worcestershire winning by an innings and 62 runs.