Only 'Sex we get this year

The game is on SkySports 1, coverage starting at 16.30.

I trust 'Sex will be celebrating their fine win of last weekend and not concentrating on their game!

Who will be making the cakes for the tea?

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

I know it's a cheap shot but it does get you reading things.

Our companion site on the network is involved in a game with us tomorrow and Ged and I are keen to "cross fertilise" as much as possible. (Cheap shot 2 - sorry)

If you are going, comments on the game will be gratefully received. If you want to identify yourself to some of the many cross posters (I did think about 'cross dressers' but stopped myself in time) on both sites then please let them know how to recognise you. (PM's can also be used if you don't want to broadcast that description to all and sundry).

I hope MTWD will provide a match report which we will post on our frontpage and I hope banter is rife and good natured.

We don't play them more than once so it is the only chance of this kind. Enjoy

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Regretably, when the game was switched from Sunday to Monday, my chances of going disappeared, but I'll be there in spirit, even if it does mean watching on Sky+.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Middlesex have named a 14-man squad for their floodlit and televised Pro40 match with Somerset at Lord`s on Monday, adding Gareth Berg, Danny Evans and Steven Finn to the 11 who won the 20/20 Trophy last weekend.

Meanwhile, Notts have rested Charlie Shreck and Stuart Broad for their Pro40 encounter with Glo`shire at Cheltenham tomorrow. I wonder if Broad, who was back among the wickets in the match with Durham just ended, will play against us at Taunton on Wednesday, or will he be back in the England squad for the Brit Oval Test?

Hope hes at Taunton on wednesday, would like to watch him bowl in person.

You hope Broad's playing for Middlesex?

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Cricket's the winner.

Broad played at Taunton for Leics and got battered. I think it was something like 27 overs for 142 runs.

Broad actually took 2/142 in the Taunton fixture last year, when the first four SCCC batsmen all made centuries, but in 2005 I saw him, still a schoolboy, I think, take 3/119 out of a Somerset total of 566 - and a certain Willoughby took 2/130 in the same innings. In 2006 he took 4/62.

9/323 is probably not a bad return over three seasons at Taunton.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Here is the nascent MTWD thread on tonight's match:

MTWD match chat thread

Once we have a report, we'll link through to that also.

Thanks Ged.

Much appreciated.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

according to the western daily press, ian blackwell is in the squad for lords and we are considering a recall

Good - we'll have laid down a false trail for the men in Pink. Great!! If he plays let's hope he stuffs them all ways (so to speak).

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I shall be at the game tonight, as I know will several other Grocklers. I'm pretty aware that when the games are televised, the home audience probably get a better view of the action than those present, but what the roving reporter can perhaps add is a tocuh of flavour and atmosphere. If anyone who will be online this evening would like to post any brief snippets I might send by SMS, then PM me a mobile number in the next half hour or so.

From today's Western Daily Press

Rose eyes a tilt at the Pro40 title
08:00 - 04-August-2008


Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose has told his side that victory at Lord's tonight can set them up for a real tilt at the NatWest Pro40 title.

The Sabres face Middlesex Crusaders at headquarters in a floodlit game that is being televised by Sky Sports.

“I think our side suits 40 overs. We look well balanced for it so we expect to win more than we lose,” said Rose.

“If we can win this one we have then got four successive home matches (against Nottinghamshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire), which will be great for our supporters.

“It should be fantastic. I don't think we have played at Lord's under lights before, and obviously with Middlesex winning the Twenty20 Cup it has given them some real impetus. So it will be a great game which I think will be well supported.

“We have got a good side and we have just beaten Durham away, so they know we will be a handful. We are expecting to win.”

Somerset will consider a recall for Ian Blackwell to give themselves a second spinner against a side that bases its attack around off-spinner Shaun Udal and India Test slow left-armer Murali Kartik.

“The thing that seems to be tipping the scales in some of these games appears to be slow bowling,” said Rose.

“People thought it was going to get hammered but it is getting more and more difficult to play. Udal and Kartik have done well for them.”

Somerset (from): Langer (capt), Trescothick, Kieswetter (wkt), Hildreth, De Bruyn, Trego, Blackwell, Suppiah, Phillips, Thomas, Jones, Turner, Caddick, Willoughby.

The other site says IB is not on the squad.

And neither is Jones, slight niggle.

And Banks is in...

Rather showery in London today, but we know that Lord's has a superb drainage system. I'll be there, dressed as a nun and waving to my mate Andy.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Really, LoL?

I don't think that I've seen a shower today, in either West or North London. Perhaps they're just down South?

Now, look here, LoL. We want nun of this, nun of that and certainly nun of the other.

When I get into old habits I just can't stop myself.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Good to hear, AGod. It's been a bit unsettled south of the river, but that's another country

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Each time I see a one-day squad with Mark Turner and Omari Banks, but omitting Ian Blackwell, I ask myself if the club are serious about winning the match.

Perhaps we could look to the future in games that don't mean anything!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Only just back in.
Am I too late FE?

Hope the lights are good. We've won the toss and are fielding first, and , according to cricinfo, going with only 10 players; no Turner listed as yet.

My cricinfo tells me our Turners are Suppiah and Banks.

Seems Phillips gets a recall. Turner must be carrying the drinks.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

EC Joyce c Suppiah b Willoughby 6

Obviously Willo is resting, he let Ed get to 6.

For those of us without SKY until the pubs open

Radio Middlesex commentary with Kevin Hand

...then click on live radio London commentary!

Mid 16/2 Trego got Godleman c&b



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:04:15:30:25 by Tractor.

I'm watching it online, but it must have started before 4.30!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Started at 4:10pm. Steady on boys, I don't want it over by the time I get there!

The last wicket was very generous. He appeared to hit his pad, with bat, but missed the ball.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

No matter. And another for Willow. Four down for 29. The half-time interval entertainment must surely include a streaking nun.

Spinners what Spinners.

Generous?
He was all over it like a rash.
Out is out.
The hutch is thataway sunshine.
Willo and Trigger bowling beautifully though Willo is struggling with his line a little.
Great start.

Half a mo... a streaking nun... um, if 'she' aint wearing any habit how will one know ...
Back to the cricket quick.

I thought I recognised the Nun,just got this text;

"BJ,ow iz it boy?
Waved 2 Trigga,he wvd back 2.
Ad a few 2 many shandies,going onthe park.
Respect man,LoL"

Great catch by the Man himself,give the boys a wave Trig.

51-5 off 17.

we seem to have lost our way a little.

i knew that would work, sorry should have said it earlier

Well done, Fizz. Some credit to Arul too.

I think Big Ben will have to be given all the credit for the 7th wicket.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:04:17:02:00 by Bobstan.

Apart from the short slogathon by Henderson we've done superbly.
Lovely stuff.

Good afternoon, James. Yes, good, innit.

I am only following on cricinfo. Does anyone know if the pitch or the atmosphere are helpful, or whether it is good bowling and fielding or poor batting after their recent T20 success?

Good bowling,some sloppy batting,a poor decision and a wonderful display by Shah.
We've been on top from the start,it has been an excellent recovery by Shah,got to give the boy credit.
It may nip about a bit under the lights.
Plenty still to play for.

Yes, I wondered about the decision to field first, but I keep being told that the results don't go against the team batting under lights as they used to in the early days.

Thanks for the info, Jim.

It's one of the greater mysteries of life why Shah isn't in the England team.
He's an excellent cricketer,a real gem.
Giving Big Ben some real stick.

Good by the bowlers, the only criticism was some of are throwing from the out field.

Now I think a steady start building to a quick winning finish by Somerset.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Shame from a Somerset perspective, but well done to Owais Shah in that last over, and in the whole innings of course.

Why does this man not get picked for England? Is there something about him that I don't know? It is certainly a mystery to me, BJ.

Sounds a sensible plan, Mike. Sometimes we do seem to think we've got to win a 40 over game in 30 overs.

Perhaps whilst at Lords our players could take advantage of some throwing coaching from Hallam

Banger most certainly has give us that rapid start.
The smile on Langer's face as he hit the straight six was a picture.

Oh dear, was the throwing that bad?

The solution sounds perfect to me, e34. They wouldn't go far wrong with the great man.

Langer drags a very wide one onto his stumps.
Dreadful ball,very unlucky.
24-1.

This from FE (I think)

Good first half at a seemingly subdued Lords. LoL, myself and Tufnell Parka all impressed by Suppiah. Lol convinced IB would have offered more. JL given honorary membership of MIddlesex which was a nice touch.

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Good time to drop banger. Good lad, make em pay

Oh. Thats not good.

Why Banger Why? No problem of the score. Why try to smack the ball to all parts when you didn't need to?

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It's his game Grock. Hilders Trigger and Kieswetter to go yet. Don't despair

I'm still asking myself the same question Grockle.
What on earth was the point of that shot?
Poor cricket,no need to force it.

It's not his game when he's had a couple of scares in the over before WP.

If it is his game then he needs to curb his game and play for the side he works for.

His game should be to make sure that his county wins games because of the base he has built. Once he's past 50 then he can consider playing his game his game.

He has a slow scoring solid number 3, an erratic and precocious number 4 and then a whole load of questions and wonders from the rest of his batting - without a real record of maintaining momentum. Not the game to be smacking balls into the air when you are the major batsman I'm afraid.

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And there is exactly why he shouldn't be smacking balls in to the air! Hilda has gone.

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Fair enough Grock.
Have we a new player? We seam to have a chap called Treego batting!!!! (as opposed to how his name should be pronounced)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:04:19:29:12 by wurzelpotter.

And he was one of theirs only a couple of seasons ago as well. Just after that bloke 'Linger' was playing for them.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:04:19:32:19 by Grockle.

I seem to remember Sam Trego saying that it is pronounced
Treego, not Traygo, wp.

Starting to worry about this. We need to pick up singles at least. A few overs ago, that's all we needed to do. Neither seams interested in pushing and working the one's and two's.

Der Brain could be in a bit of bother with the men upstairs here.

abysmal .. Village batting

I rather hoped that Craig would put himself forward for discusssion for England when he qualifies. On this performance, he can forget that.
I had been looking forward to this all day, and now have the derision of a non cricketing household and wife who has missed her soaps. It's gonna be a long night!

This has been painful to watch.
I don't think I have ever seen such inept batting against spinners before,I wonder if they can actually see the ball.
Great bowling from their spinners but even so.......
Shocking.

Yep more one day pitiful performances.

Why is it that Championship sides can't play one day matches in the same season? Middlesex are doing exactly the same in reverse - poor four day form 20/20 champions and decent one day form.

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10.3run rate required, fancy it ?

It's all too late of course, but a chance for Omari to make a name for himself.......

Once Tres was gone what happened ?

Not enough firepower in the locker or not enough application to score runs off of the spinners , you weren't the first team and you won't be the last to be unable to get them away , Kent found it near impossible last weekend as well .

I got in from work when we had finished batting and thought that our score was gettable by the side Somerset had put out today but with Langer and Tres gone , (Langer very early praise be or it could have been a very different game)there just seemed to be no imputus from anyone to push on .

The Diamond ruled ok

We were outplayed by Middlesex in almost every department.

They deserve to win, you can see why they won the 20/20.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Another game when we had he heel on the throat after excellent early bowling but let them escape to a creditable score.

A very poor batting performance. We seemed all at sea against their (very good) spinners.

How can they pick Banks ahead of Blackie - he has done very little and runs a bit like a headless chicken?!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:04:21:21:23 by Sloop John B.

And Blackwell doesn't even make the team sheet.

I feel p***ed off from all the way over here, so anyone more local must be feeling really hacked.

Why, why, why..............???

Grizzzly

I'm so glad I had to go out tonight. I'd have been so stressed. It was bad enough when we bowled our pace, without variety to Henderson.

Yet another abysmmal performance. Even the fielding was poor.

Well done Ace for a superb performance.

We have a potential matchy winner, like Henderson, but I assume his lawn needed cutting, or something similar.

I sensed some discord, tonight.

Perhaps Blackie should return, as captain, on Sunday, if it doesn't rain.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Certainly an abysm(m)al performance, wurzel, but why your description of `yet another` one?

So far, we have scored a run a ball away to Sussex, only to lose with two balls remaining because one of their players hit 137 off 123 balls - the sort of individual performance that a few times every season will turn a one-day match on its head.

Next we beat Durham, the bookies` red hot favourites for the Pro40 title (and they usually know a thing or two!), by 18 runs on their own patch and with all their star names playing.

And now we`ve gone where the likes of Durham and Kent went before us on Twenty/20 finals day, and totally failed to master the best spinning duo in the UK one-day game.

So, yes we were abysmal, but only once so far - and now we have four home games in a row.

"This has been painful to watch.
I don't think I have ever seen such inept batting against spinners before."

You can tell you don't watch the T20 garbage, Jim.

We specialised in batting like neophytes against the spinners in that too. When Banger was out before the spinners came on, I told the Middx fans next to me that the game was theirs. They did not believe me..

.. more fool them.

(re-produced from the other thread, because it might be more apt here)

Either way, I'm just back from the game.

I missed the good stuff at the start, as delayed at work. Got there just in time to see Scott caught off a miscued pull shot. Was then 'treated,' to the Henderson pyrotechnics. Followed by the Shah show at the end.

Whilst I thought we bowled and fielded well, it was certainly annoying that we let them recover from 135 for 8 or whatever it was to post a respectable score.

From there, given the way that Karthik and Udal have strangled people in the middle of the innings all season; it was obviously imperative that Banger still be there when the spinners came on but, alas, he didn't manage to stay there long enough to do that.

I'm afraid to say that our middle order is hugely short on experience and savvy. The collapse against the spinners was hugely predictable. I'd have felt a lot more confident if we'd had Ian and Parsie to come in the middle-order than what we had.

Moreover, if we're expected to believe that Ian has been left out on form grounds, then when will James Hildreth's one-day form come under the microscope?

One very good ton at the Rose Bowl earlier this season and... I'm not sure if he's made any runs at all in any other one-day game? None spring to mind anyway.

I'm still not at all sure why Neil Edwards have been typecast as somebody who cannot play one-day cricket? It's not obvious from the way he plays in the CC, that I can tell you.

Messrs Rose and Langer have to recognise that their "strategies," such as they are, for one-day cricket have not been successful. They, therefore, must revise them including giving very serious consideration to recalling proven one-day players like Ian and Parsie. But, I'm not holding my breath...

Given that Ian and Parsie will not be back in the one-day sides, then I can only conclude that a significant recuritment drive will be required in the winter if we are to be at all competitive in any form of the short stuff.

And the lack of coherence in terms of a plan is maddening. I wonder how many other counties jumble their batting order up with the regularity that we do? Can it be helpful to the guys to be playing in constantly shifting positions?

After something as bad as this they have got to put a line through the whole sorry affair,put it in the bin and leave it behind.
Lessons however must be learned,we need our strongest side on the field from the resources available and it was obvious to anybody with half a brain that this wasn't.
Defeats like this leave a bad taste in the mouth.
I don't mind getting beaten,full credit to Middlesex for an excellent show,but it was the manner of the defeat.
It was clueless,gutless,something I thought we'd left behind.
Get some hard work done boys,sweat this one out of the system.
And to those who make the decisions,don't sell us short again.
That wasn't acceptable.

I think Wurz is referring to the same kind of problems we had in the 20/20 games CJM.

Once the front two were gone we collapsed or failed to keep up momentum. Spinners seems to love us and we bat like headless chickens (that included Ian as well in more game than one).

Gettable targets fell by the wayside. Needs sorting out but I don't personally see Omari Banks as the saviour of our one day form.

On the official site there is an opening advert
More Action More Drama

Trescothick - Caddick - Blackwell - Langer

MISSION POSSIBLE

Maybe it's time to believe your own hype boys and give the public what you sold them membership on the basis of

Trescothick - Caddick - Suppiah/Banks - Langer?

Not seeming to have the same ring I'm afraid. Surely it can't be worse than this can it?

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:04:22:53:26 by Grockle.

Quote:

cricketjerry-mouse
Certainly an abysm(m)al performance, wurzel, but why your description of `yet another` one?
So far, we have scored a run a ball away to Sussex, only to lose with two balls remaining because one of their players hit 137 off 123 balls - the sort of individual performance that a few times every season will turn a one-day match on its head.

Next we beat Durham, the bookies` red hot favourites for the Pro40 title (and they usually know a thing or two!), by 18 runs on their own patch and with all their star names playing.

And now we`ve gone where the likes of Durham and Kent went before us on Twenty/20 finals day, and totally failed to master the best spinning duo in the UK one-day game.

So, yes we were abysmal, but only once so far - and now we have four home games in a row.

My reference concerns some of the early 20/20 matches and the even earlier FPT.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Thanks, Grockle.

My circumstances result in seeing very little cricket, other than the the 1 day variety. VFM for me has been awful.

It's time the management sat down and did some serious talking about how we can improve.

Fortunately our good form in the 4 day game has masked all the other problems.

We can usually rely on our fielding but tonight it was poor. We lack a middle order and bowling support for Willo. If Langer or Banger fail, then we almost always lose.

It's so depressing.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Yep, Wurzel, the middle order is less than inspirational.

As for Omari, he did field very well at long-leg and he made a few runs, albeit when the game was gone. But still, he seemed to be giving his all and it wasn't a bad performance from him, though one does have to wonder about his place if he's only going to bowl 2 overs?

If Ian was playing, does anyone really think we'd only bowl him for 2 overs? How often has that happened in one-day stuff in the past 5 or 6 years with Ian?

Omari is usually fairly economical and he appears to be a cheerful character, but when we signed a supposedly top player, who has played for his Country, I expected a lot more, but maybe I expect too much and we're destined to be an ordinary one day side.

I certainly don't blame him, or anyone else for taking Blackies place, I just believe that any team that leaves Blackie out is missing out. He is true class and should be one of the first names on any team sheet.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Wow, some fairly frustrated people understandably and I agree with most of it. I went to Lord's last night to watch my second Somerset Pro40 defeat and I think the trouble was that it all looked so inevitable. A few thoughts...

Henderson's knock completely transformed their innings as even with 5 wkts down, their run rate shot up and removed much of the pressure off Shah who batted superbly. I don't think the bowling was bad after Charl but Shah and Henderson seemed to be able to pick up the rate with ease.

Even so, 200-odd under lights though tough was going to be a case of inventive, aggressive batting with plenty of singles and ironically I'd have wanted Owais Shah in my team for a chase like that.

I know his was not a chanceless innings - and I just knew Tresco was going to get out, he seemed restless - but he still looks to me a classy player worthy of an England place today. I would gladly parachute him in for an Ashes series in 2009. If they can pick Pattinson for a game....

Anyhow, sadly after Langer and Tresco, there didn't seem to be anyone who realised they needed to be responsible for the chase and the rate required soared. Full credit to Middx for their spinners killing our chances and the agile fielding but it was disappointing, turgid batting from us.

The only saving grace were the tremendous chicken, bacon and tarragon pies...

Our backup bowling and middle order looked weak compared to Middx and there's no point not comparing us with them as we want to aspire to play the shorter stuff as Middx do.

It's not all doom and gloom, we played some excellent cricket in parts, Charl was fantastic and as the chap behind me said, we're challenging for the Championship and if it turns out Somerset might win it then it's a day off work regardless...

John F

Put it like this , if I had B Rose's budget at the moment and the luxury of having so many international players in a squad of 29 I would expect better performances/results in one day cricket.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:05:08:53:42 by averageside.

Hi guys,

I watched the game on telly last night and I was quite perturbed by the manner of the defeat. I've followed Somerset for 33 years now mostly from afar but have started to come down to Taunton more regularly in recent years. It seemed so inevitable. Apart from the Richards Botham et al era it was like a typical Somerset defeat. Langer's strategies to me have done nothing for us in 1 day cricket since he signed and I'm beginning to wonder whether they ever will. Its the same old stories (we're having a good chat about it, dressing room door locked etc etc) but nothing changes. How many of our guys last night played straight when the spinners were on? Shah hit down the ground and played very well but he played straight. I will be surprised (pleasantly) if we don't get relegated in this competition.

Having said all that maybe everything will come right in the CC. If it does I will be a happy bunny. Im down for days 3 and 4 of the Surrey game (its not easy getting to Taunton from Scotland you know) and I can't wait.

Oh! and Blackwell better be playing.

Cheers guys
Ronnie

Yes, Ronnie, relegation is a very distinct possibility in this one, I'm afraid. Bascially, there's a good chance that we will lose every game in which Marcus does not make a big score quickly.

Teddington - were those the "Square Pies"??

Not a meat eater myself, but ate the spinach and feta pies during last year's CC defeat at Lord's and they were superb. Couldn't find any square pies last night, althoug was informed that they were available at some bar or other which I could not find, I think it was round the other side of the ground as the one near me was shut for re-furbishment.

I contented myself with a sandwich and a bagel.

I did notice there was some dodgy looking racket where there were a load of stalls selling things like "Indian food." Having seen some of the fine stuff available at places like Borough Market, the Indian food on offer at this stall looked markedly over-priced and as if it would be of dubious calibre.

I remember a few seasons ago when management policy was that we would concentrate our resources on the county championship and so some of our best players were rested for the one day stuff, not that we seem to be resting players at present. The problem with this strategy is that defeats breed loss of form and lack of confidence.

Div 1 of the CC is very tight and a couple of defeats could see us in the mire.

This situation needs sorting, now!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Well, Notts game is already looking like a washed out two-day draw in which we try to get maximum batting points, whereas games further East might get the equivalent of three days of cricket, which might be enough for the odd team (Durham?) to force a win.

Summer is on the way.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Quote:

AGod
And the lack of coherence in terms of a plan is maddening. I wonder how many other counties jumble their batting order up with the regularity that we do? Can it be helpful to the guys to be playing in constantly shifting positions?

This was one point LoL and I discussed on thr tube on the way home. Not only is the order too changeable, but bringing de Bruyn into the top three has placed all the serious quality/experience at the top. I'd suggest Banger or Langer drop down to four/five.......unless of course IB does return.

Incidentally, I thought the fielding was generally good last night, with the exception of de Bruyn, who had a half hour in the middle I suspect he'd rather forget.

Quote:

Grockle
On the official site there is an opening advert
More Action More Drama

Trescothick - Caddick - Blackwell - Langer

MISSION POSSIBLE

Perhaps the subliminal message is that with Ian Missing, it's rapidly becoming MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!!!

16 overs 5 for 57; their two spinners combined last night. Ours?

Woeful performance in a decent season.

Time to rethink and move on.

....and like much other 'Sex the anticipation was much more enjoyable than the reality

Though to be fair the cricket did last a little longer.

Mind you,so does the T20.

Quote:

Sloop John B
....and like much other 'Sex the anticipation was much more enjoyable than the reality

I don't know what you mean!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Young side? Hmmm

Well the first 'youngster' comes in at 4 and he has four seasons of first class cricket behind him. He's followed by a 'youngster' at his third county. The real young guy comes in next - but it isn't his first season either.

Then there's a 'youngster' I've been watching in Somerset first team colours for 6 years who was part of a short game championship side three years ago followed by a 'youngster' who has played one day international cricket!

And then there's that 'young' bowling line-up

Come on Justin - come up with something at least credible as the reason!! Playing with the niaivity of youngsters I'd accept but don't try and put this down to inexperience unless you want to relate that to your own one day captaincy perhaps!!

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"I'd suggest Banger or Langer drop down to four/five..."

I've always thought that, on any occasion, in which the opposition's spinners figure to be the main threat, that it makes eminent sense to have England's finest player of spin bowling lying in wait for them in the middle-order.

On the other hand, there's also an argument for saying that the policy should be to smash as many runs as humanly possible off the pacemen, before the spinners come on (so lessening the pressure against them.) Obviously, Banger is important to any such strategy.

On that basis, there could have been an argument for Pete to pinch-hit as he did so successfully in the FP Trophy, on the same ground, last year.

I take it from your post above, Grockle, that some fairly poor excuses have been forthcoming on the other site?

I think Grockle is referring to Langer's Sky interview. I heard it too and wondered what he was wittering on about. By my reckoning we had 6 players in excess of 30 years old playing. Would be interesting(and I haven't a clue about this) to see whether the Middlesex team overall was younger. I suspect it may well have been, hence Langer's ridiculous comment.

Anyway to me why does DeBryun play one day cricket and Edwards doesn't? From what I've seen of young Neil he looks to have all the shots and I would rather see him in there.

Ronnie

I've no idea, Ronnie. Neil looks like he has both a good range and a good weight of stroke. Of course, because they've never tried him in a first-team one-day game, there's simply no way that they can be sure that he would not be effective? It must just be guess work?

Perhaps it's related to mobility in the field? I notice that JL was banging on about that (presumably as a riposte to the Blackwell fan club) before the Lord's game last night.

I think FE raises a very good point about Zander.

In a sense, the key problems revolving around our one-day side pertain to Zander's role and to the exclusion of Ian.

On the one hand, I would say that Zander is not the man to provide acceleration later on in an innings? Therefore, common sense would dictate that he should bat no later than 4 in the order, I would have thought? If you don’t put Zander in early, you get the kind of situation that we had at Durham, where quick acceleration is sought and he ends up getting pushed so far down the line-up that it’s not worth having him out there at all.

Nevertheless, as FE said, having Zander up at three left the middle-order de-nuded of any hugely experienced players. And, based on the Middx track record this season, it was always likely to be the middle order that would face the greatest test, as Udal and Karthik have had tremendous seasons in the short stuff.

Incidentally, did anyone else – apart from me – have some problems with sighting of the ball last night?

Once the lights took effect, I found it pretty difficult to pick up once it had left the bat. I can only assume that conditions were much better at pitch level, otherwise Nannes – bowling at 90 mph – would surely have picked up a number of wickets?

Mr Rose says that, beforehand, we thought that 160-170 batting first might well be a good score.

If that's the case, I wonder if the guys were a bit demoralised at the fact that Middx passed 200?

Quote:

AGod
Incidentally, did anyone else – apart from me – have some problems with sighting of the ball last night?
Once the lights took effect, I found it pretty difficult to pick up once it had left the bat. I can only assume that conditions were much better at pitch level, otherwise Nannes – bowling at 90 mph – would surely have picked up a number of wickets?

Dirk the Diggler is very very lively .The reason he doesn't pick up more wkts is his radar is often out of kilter.He is however a vital part of our set up and with a bit more fine tuning could be even more of a threat.

Dirk is plainly a much, much better bowler to the right-handers than the left. He seemed to bowl the same line to both types of batsmen. Off-stick and slanting away to the right-handers, leg-stump and slanting in to the left-handers.

And Dirk scored his first run at Lords last night, hence the ironic cheer. Didn't he and Murtagh do well, to allow Shah to carve out the match winning runs?

I was just to the right of the media centre, and had as much trouble as some of the fielders in picking out the ball - but I understand that the lights were positioned all wrong, and when the perm lights go in things will be better.

Very disappointed in the outcome though - didn't quite seem to have the fight in us - or perhaps the 2 spinners sucked it out of us. They did bowl well.

I was just to the left of the media Centre.

I was sorry that I did not meet up with fellow Grocklers.

I did receive a message from TP about such a meeting up, but I wasn't aware of the message until about 10 minutes after it was received, by which time I had been tasked with minding the contents of my neighbour's bag whilst he went to the bar. He made a great point of telling me how expensive his glasses (not the ones from the bar) were, so I thought I'd better not abscond.

By the time he returned the bell was already sounding for the imminent start of our innings. I'm assuming that everyone returned to their seats at that point or somepoint thereabouts? I did wander down very briefly and saw a few people in SCCC apparel, but did not see TP, nor LoL, nor anyone else I'd recognise and so thought better of introducing myself to strangers who may be nothing to do with this board at a point when our innings was about to commence.

Still, I hope those of you that were able to assemble had a nice drink and chat.

Perhaps we all need Grocklers labels to be stapled to our shirts for the next game when so many of us are assembled?

I'm not as angry now.
This wasn't good enough and things will have to change,no excuses,no bullship.
Get it right next time.
I'm sure though that we need to look at the general picture.
We're within touching distance of the CC and it is obvious this is the objective.
Whilst this was painful it was a mere blip,a painful blip which we have to learn from.
I'm sure the vast majority of us wouldn't swap our position in the four day stuff for all the tea in Minehead.
Move on,let's not dwell.

Nick Smythe did suggest some metal lapel badges during the season before last but I didn't follow it up. maybe I'll look at it again before the start of next season who knows.

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I too found it difficult to following the ball during the Somerset innings, but assumed it was just old age. Mind you, wearing a nun's habit at the rear end of a pantomime horse didn't help.

One very agreeable feature of yesterday evening was the cheery countenance of Nannes. He looks like a boy who is simply delighted to be playing with the grown ups and determined to relish every minute of it.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Apparently, the guys on Sky commented that Banger "Blocked the ball for six," on that delightful shot where he hit him into the sight-screen.

AG thats exactly what they said. When you saw it again it was a cracker of a shot, no effort at all.

Pity the other guys didn't his straight too!!!

I guess that's the art of timing and the effect that timing has when applied to a ball bowled at 90mph.

Or it's the art of saying "don't wrap me on the gloves again, pal"...

I don't personally think Somerset lost because anyone was inexperienced, it was that they got bogged down in the run chase and lost their heads.

Like others, I thought Dirk Nannes was seriously quick though Tresco's delightful late cut seemed the perfect antidote.

oh and Agod, my good lady sourced the delicious pies so not sure if she ran home to bake a couple or found a Lord's outlet but they're worth looking out for - I suspect they cost several month's wages.

John F

The pies were from a bar under the grandstand. My mate had one, they looked very nice, but had sold out when I wanted one, so I had to have chicken wings and chips which were revolting.

I,m amazed at the compliments directed towards the square pies.
I,m a regular at Lord's and often pick up a few free ones at close of play before they go in the bin,which they regularly do in their dozens.
£4.95 for a tarted up meat pie,most I know regard them as pretty revolting,but no doubt down in the west country these things are a rare delicacy.
No accounting for taste though.

Loverboy,here is a little project for you which would make you a very popular chap.
Instead of throwing away these "tarted up pies"at the end of play how's about getting the good folk who run these things to take them around to the Sally army soup kitchens so that some of the under-privileged living in the capital could get something nutritious to eat?
I hate waste,especially food.
Think about it,it really would make a huge difference to some poor soul and do wonders for the PR of those at Lord's.

Quote:

AGod
Incidentally, did anyone else – apart from me – have some problems with sighting of the ball last night?
Once the lights took effect, I found it pretty difficult to pick up once it had left the bat. I can only assume that conditions were much better at pitch level, otherwise Nannes – bowling at 90 mph – would surely have picked up a number of wickets?

Again a point LoL and I discussed at length. We also had problems picking up the ball once it had left the bat, particularly, of course, from false strokes. The batsman has the advantage over the fielders in these lighting conditions of at least seeing the arm, and knowing the general area in which the arrival of the ball can be anticipated. Having played evening 20-over cricket at club level, I can most definitely confirm that in the absence of floodlights, sight screens etc, the poor light disadvantages the fielding side more than the batsmen.

We also had a wonderful, rambling chat about idiosyncratic Scandinavians. I had mistakenly thought the Australian Nannes was Dutch, and so had likened him to van Troost, which led to Ole Mortensen and on to the equally non-Scandinavian Karl Krikken.
Don't anyone mention Stadtler and Waldorf!

A chap behind us regaled us with the tale of his mate, who plays for Minehead, rolling up to face Clevedon a few weeks ago, and being shocked to find himself facing Andy Caddick. We told him he should find himself some better web-sites to vist, as we all knew a week in advance what the Minehead boys would be up against.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:05:14:50:12 by Frome Exile.

The same guy must, unbelievably, be the one Somerset supporter who clearly knew nothing It seems that FE and I knew nothing, or very little, of Dutchmen playing cricket.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Quote:

Frome Exile
We also had problems picking up the ball once it had left the bat, particularly, of course, from false strokes.

Very good point. Some of those shots would have been hard to read in any light...

Incidentally I spoke to a tall, balding Somerset person who was having an early birthday celebration. Does anyone want to own up? This was behind the arm at the Nursery end.

Not me, guv. I don't have birthdays any more.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Ian Balding,father of Claire?

Quote:

Frome Exile
I had mistakenly thought the Australian Nannes was Dutch, and so had likened him to van Troost, which led to Ole Mortensen and on to the equally non-Scandinavian Karl Krikken.

Well you were half right: he has a Dutch passport through his parentage, so he's as Dutch as Ryan ten Doeschate.

Thanks HR. I'm occasionally told I like being right a little too much, but will gladly accept a "half right" on this one.

Ouch! Last night really hurt. I've always followed Somerset but it's only in the last couple of years that I've really started to support them actively. This i have to say is largely due to this wonderful site. So my pain is down to you guys.
I think I would echo most of the opinion that has been expressed above (and it does seem quite of a kind). I am always careful not to criticise the efforts of the men on the pitch , after all the highest I ever got was playing a couple of seasons with Morebath. HOWEVER, it did seem that the middle of our innings required a rather more grinding approach. Whatever happened to careful accumulations of singles.Fine ,Udal and Kartik may have bowled well but surely if we have aspirations to win the long game our middle order must be capable of getting their heads down. By my memory the run rate didn't get silly until the last 15 overs or so. I also find it worrying that this was the second game on the trot where we allowed the opposition to recover when we clearly had them on the ropes early on( albeit we still beat Durham). Think back to the 4 dayer against Kent, too. I don't think it's good enough to write off one dayers as unimportant, winning habits can still be undermined by performances like last night.

Big Jim,I can assure you that none go hungry on the streets of Lodon.
The ammount of sanwdwiches,pies and allsorts distributed to them every day beggars belief.I do know,I,ve been on soup-runs
They'll often wake up in the morning with piles of donated foodstuff next to them.
Stict regulations mean that all such food not consumed on the day has to disposed of,don't know if that applies in Zummerzet.
And as for Square pies,I wouldn't donate them to my worst enemies,revolting.
As you love them so much up there,we could send a consignment to :
GROCKLES
C/O SOMERSET ccc
TAUNTON
THE WILD WEST.

Now that would do wonders for our PR down here feeding you lot.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:05:16:54:11 by LOVERBOY.

Perhaps Dirk Nannes is a bit of a mystery to some as, although he is now in his early thirties, he didn`t start playing first-class cricket until he was 29 and had been something of a Renaissance Man until then.

He studied the saxaphone at University, become a professional musican, then turned to skiing, representing Australia at the World Cup on several occasions and almost making their Winter Olympics team.

Throw in a command of several languages, including fluent Japanese - and not many current cricketers could match that sort of CV.

Yes Lover there probably are some regulations but I've always believed there are ways around red tape.
Keeping the homeless safe and well is a huge priority in such an affluent country.
I was lucky enough to spend some time working in a hostel in a British city and it's something I feel strongly about.
Another bug bear of mine is supermarkets throwing stacks of good food away whilst people all over the land are starving.
That though is another matter altogether.

It was too good to last!

Bring on more info about Mr Nannes; he sounds like a really interesting man, which is not what you can say about every county cricketer.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

I thought he looked pretty average,would do well to get into the Watchet firsts.

Have you ever considered Frieganism (sp?), Jim?

Is it nice on toast?

Better than Lords square pies?

Seriously though I think there is a lot to be said for it.
I love the philosophy of people like John Lilburne,the original socialist.
Let's stop before we're told off.
The other side beckons.

Off, the pair of you.

It was Rob,he made me do it.
And LoL made him do it.
Please don't send me off,I've got a wife and dog to think of.

I'm not going anywhere Jim.

Shall we ask for a referral?
Let's get the third Umpire out.

Dirk Nannes has been a revelation for us in the shorter form of the game - especuially Twenty20. He was laid off with injury just before the end of the qualifying group stage and the final.

He has not looked quite so sharp since the injury, but then he played no cricket for a few weeks before finals day (apart from one 2nd team game IIRC) and Monday was his first cricket since finals day.

Not sure about the brain surgeon, degree in Saxophony etc.

But he was a keen amateur musician, did ski for the Aussies, does speak Japanese and does have some sort of skiing business on the side. He seems like a top bloke.

I say he's Middlesax Till He Dies.

Been a pleasure doing business with you guys again this year. Hope to see more of you next year but I fear that we'll still be in different CC divisions for another year at least.

Nonetheless we'll pop over for the occasional chat and you are all welcome to do likewise.

Best wishes to you all.

Cheers Ged. There are some regular "cross pollenaters" and I'm sure that will continue.

Good luck with your one day campaign. It looks the best for more silver for you lot.

We've got the longer campaign really. It's where all our best players are used and it's where we have advantages (if any).

Who knows, one day we'll get our short game sorted and give decent sides a better game in that as well.

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Yes, there's an excellent chance that Middx will win the Pro 40. However, that should not be allowed to mask our shortcomings.

Big Jim,please tell me where the STARVING MASSES are and I'll come and feed them personally.
Meanwhile a consighnment of week-old square pies is winging it's way westwards,some say they improve with age,and many prefer them eaten with the cardboard box as well,adds to the flavour

To each his own.

How are Middx doing at Colwyn Bay?

Our 'stellar batting line up' has done it's usual, so Scott and Udal are again left to pick up the pieces. Currently 114-5.

I know, I'm afraid I was just a little tired with a certain person's rant, therefore, the question was rhetorical.

No offence to you, HR.

None taken. I thought I'd save others the need to check.

Have you ever had a square pie AGOD?
It has given rise to much debate here and on MTWD,but doubtless as usual you have nothing to contribute of any value on the subject,Middx 149-5 at Cold Wind Bay.

Yep, several. Spinach and feta. It was me that asked if that was what was being referred to by the other poster.

Enjoyed during last season's Somerset vs Middx games at Lord's (the CC and FP games were played together, the latter after the former.)

Well a poll on MTWD,shows that nobody so far rates them very highly at all amongst Lord's regulars.
Spinach and fetid obviously an aquired west country taste,you're welcome to 'em AG.
URRRRRRGH!!!

[news.bbc.co.uk]

Do you think he will stick to the beef ones Grizzly ?

I love the idea of a Ginsters spokesman being "despatched to Dorset" to deal with the matter . They are a Cornish firm and it,s not that far really ,the beeb making it sound like it's Outer Mongolia the complaint was from .

What else did he expect to buy at a garage? Es-car-go-t!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

I can't believe the BBC cover such a non story.
Eating a snail is probably preferable to some of the stuff they shove in commercial pastry "treats".
Anyone for,hoof,lips,eyebrow or gizzards?
Think it's best to stick to feta and spinach in future.

I stick at all times to meatless pasties, nice little shop in Colwyn I purchased some from on friday.