Jason Kerr described Somerset’s performance in the seven-wicket defeat against Hampshire as “bordering on embarrassing.”

The visitors cruised home with 18.3 overs to spare after Somerset posted a below-par 216 all out in front of another healthy Taunton crowd.

READ MORE: As it happened: Somerset crushed by group leaders in Taunton

Kerr said: “Ultimately, it is a very disappointing performance – bordering on embarrassing.

“We practiced really well yesterday as we were looking to bounce back today, but we haven’t been able to do that.

“We didn’t bat well enough. We had the opportunity to bat on a really good wicket first but we didn’t capitalise on it.

“We needed significant partnerships but didn’t make any. Every time we looked like putting together a promising partnership we lost a soft dismissal.

“A score of 216 was never going to be enough on that wicket. We had eight or nine soft dismissals today and that is not good enough.”

Kerr would not be drawn on whether there would be changes to the side for Tuesday’s floodlit match against Surrey, specifically in the bowling department.

Hampshire’s two spinners, Liam Dawson and Mason Crane, proved highly effective in the middle overs but Somerset had just one to call upon, with Dom Bess and Jack Leach remaining sidelined in this competition.

“The guys in possession have been doing well and it is about earning the right to play,” Kerr said.

“Jack is an outstanding spinner but we need more evidence he can perform in white ball cricket and unfortunately his opportunities to play in the first and second team have been limited of late.

“Roelof has done well for us with bat and ball and at the moment we don’t feel we are a two-spinner side.

“We pick what we feel is the best side for the conditions we face.”

The clash against Surrey in Taunton on Tuesday is now a must-win if Somerset are to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition – a phase they had looked almost certain to reach after winning their first four group matches.

“On the plus side, we know what we have to do,” Kerr said.

“Surrey are a talented side and we know it will be a tough test.

“Our players have shown what they can do this season and that is what makes days like today so frustrating, as we know what they are capable of.

"We need our senior players to step up.”