Despite having to ring the changes, Nottinghamshire turned in a solid performance on the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton.

The home side closed on 307 for seven after winning the toss and opting to bat first.

Wickets were difficult to come by but captain Steven Mullaney thought his side acquitted themselves well.

“When I was walking off the field I was trying to work out how the day had gone, and I think it’s been pretty even really” he said.

“I think we’d definitely have taken seven wickets at the start, although eight would have been perfect on there, because it’s a very good wicket and I think it will turn.

"Overall, I think 307-7 is a par day.”

Matt Renshaw scored a century for the hosts but all the Somerset batsmen were kept on fairly tight leash throughout.

“We probably had a little period either side of tea where we could have been slightly tighter,” said Mullaney. “But we bowled really well over long periods of time.

“Matt Carter has again been outstanding, I thought Matt Milnes did a great job and Luke Fletcher toiled away all day and was magnificent, so I’m pretty happy with the day.”

The skipper was again impressed with the performance of Carter, who took four for 81 on the ground where he made his first class debut three years ago.

“He’s bowled a lot of overs and I had to manage him and take him off a couple of times. He’s still very young, people may forget that – and it’s not that easy bowling off-spin.

“He’s taken a four-for at three runs an over and I think that’s magnificent and he’ll have a great chance of getting a five-for tomorrow.”

Notts handed a first team debut to 23-year old Matt Milnes and he was rewarded for an enthusiastic showing with a wicket late in the day.

“I think he was a bit nervous this morning,” said Mullaney.

“But he bowled well all day. It has been one of those wickets where you have to bowl short spells as a seamer because it’s dry and there is a little bit in it.

"I’m made up for him because he’s had to wait for his chance and thoroughly deserves it.”

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