Northants told to show fight after crazy first day against Somerset

A total of 21 wickets fell on a crazy first day at Northampton as Somerset were bowled out for 166, with Ben Sanderson taking a superb five for 28 from 15 overs.

Northants then wasted their chance to remain in control as they were dismissed for a hugely disappointing 67, despite having been 46 for one.

It was their lowest total against Somerset, beating the 95 at Bath in 1913.

Somerset lost another early wicket in their second innings before finishing the first day of the encounter on 15 for one, 114 runs ahead.

Northants are up against it, but they were also under pressure in their Bob Willis Trophy opener against Warwickshire before eventually claiming a creditable draw at Edgbaston.

And after the first day's play against Somerset, Sadler said: “There was some good stuff in there and some frustrating stuff and we have to come back tomorrow and show some fight.

“My appraisal of the pitch is that there’s a bit of moisture in it and it showed some bounce and a bit of nibble.

“We looked to be in control with a good partnership and they were getting a bit quiet but the run out (of Ricardo Vasconcelos at 46 for one) changed the game.

“As we did at Edgbaston we’ll have to put it right second dig."

Ben Curran, who made 35, was the only Northants batsman to reach double figures during the first innings as Somerset's bowling attack did the business.

And pace ace Craig Overton said: “We knew it was always going to be a tricky wicket, our batsmen seemed to be able to get to 10 but then there was a ball with their name on it.

“We also know with our attack we can get most sides out cheaply and even at 40 for one we felt we were in charge of the game.

“The pitch feels like you’re never in, it surprises you.

"I felt I was playing okay and then a ball does something.

"If you stick in long enough with the ball you’ll get your rewards.”