Sports

Somerset docked 24 points for 'poor' pitch against Essex


Somerset finished second in the County Championship after drawing with Essex in September, missing out on winning their maiden title

Somerset have been docked 24 points after being found guilty of preparing a “poor” pitch for last season’s County Championship decider against Essex.

A hearing at Lord’s found the wicket prepared for the September match had “excessive unevenness of bounce”.

The points deduction will take effect in the 2020 Championship season, but 12 points are suspended for two years.

Somerset have 14 days to appeal against the decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board commission.

A statement on the club website