Worcestershire Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira praised the team’s battling spirit after a much-improved third-day performance against Somerset in the County Championship clash at Taunton.
After two tough days in the field – dominated by a record-breaking 371 from Somerset’s Tom Banton, D’Oliveira led from the front with an unbeaten 71, combining with Adam Hose (82) in a 141-run stand that has given Worcestershire a platform to fight on into the final day.
Speaking after stumps, D’Oliveira admitted the opening stages of the match had been disappointing, but believes the side still has more to give.
“Yeah, definitely a better day,” he said. “Admittedly, a disappointing couple of days to start with. But we had opportunities in the game, we just didn’t quite take them. It was frustrating, but today felt a lot more positive.”
With Somerset’s Banton still at the crease on 344 not out overnight, day three began under unusual circumstances as Worcestershire looked to limit the damage while time ticked away.
“It’s an odd way to start the day, really, because you knew Banton was chasing personal milestones,” D’Oliveira said. “So in a way, the longer it took, the better for us. We set fields to keep the runs to a minimum, and with every over he batted, more time went out of the game.”
Eventually, Banton’s marathon innings came to an end at 371, the fifth-highest in Championship history, and Somerset declared on 670 for seven. Worcestershire’s reply got off to a shaky start, losing openers Jake Libby and Gareth Roderick before lunch.
“They’ve been tremendous for us, and we know how important that partnership can be,” D’Oliveira acknowledged. “But there are eleven batters in the order, and I believe we bat all the way down. We’ve still got lads in the shed who can do a job.”
Kashif Ali (51) and Ethan Brookes (35) combined for a promising stand in the afternoon, before both fell to attacking shots.
“They’ll both be disappointed with the manner of the dismissals,” D’Oliveira admitted. “But they were trying to be positive, and sometimes those fine margins just don’t fall your way.”
It was the fifth-wicket partnership between D’Oliveira and Hose that defined the day. The pair showed calm heads, breaking down the sizeable task in front of them into manageable chunks.
“Adam and I always like to break it down when we’re out there, five runs at a time, or five-over spells. Never look too far ahead. We’ll try and do exactly the same tomorrow.”
With the pitch flattening out slightly, but still offering some slow turn to Somerset’s spinners, D’Oliveira stressed the importance of discipline.
“It hasn’t spun dramatically, but there’s definitely enough to keep them interested. You can’t take anything for granted, they’re quality spinners, but the surface has improved since the first innings. It’s about capitalising on that now.”
While pleased to contribute with the bat, D’Oliveira was quick to deflect attention away from personal milestones, keeping the focus on what the team can still take from the match.
“It doesn’t really matter who scores the runs. Whether it’s me or someone else, it’s about what we do as a team. If I can contribute anything tomorrow, I’ll give it everything.”
Even if Worcestershire are unable to bat out the day, the skipper believes the group will return home with valuable lessons and renewed belief.
“There are always positives to take. Yes, we’ll probably look back at some missed opportunities, but there’s a lot of belief left in that dressing room. We’ve still got an opportunity to take something from the game.”
Finally, D’Oliveira was full of admiration for Somerset’s Banton and the way the home side have approached the game.
“As strange as it sounds, it was a pleasure to watch Banton at times, even if it was against us. He and James Rew batted brilliantly and handled themselves with real class. Somerset are a high-quality Division One side and have been for years. We know we’ve got to keep working on the basics and striving to be better.”
Brett D'Oliveira Interview
