A Second (Floodlit) Setting For Somerset's Last Suppiah

In Summary 

A fantastic 96 not out from England International Owais Shah led Middlesex to a resounding victory over Somerset under the floodlights at Lord's.

The Afternoon Unfolded 

The 2nd match at Lord's under the temporary floodlights for the fans to enjoy, ex-Middx and current Somerset captain Justin Langer won the toss, and after some contemplation elected to field against his old side. A healthy crowd greeted the players on a pleasant evening as the captain of the Twenty20 champions, Ed Joyce, opened with Billy Godleman a la Finals Saturday.

Middlesex (almost) Folded 

The atmosphere became somewhat subdued soon after, though, as a fiery and accurate spell from Charl Willoughby left Middlesex in turmoil and at one point 50-5 after the departure of wickie Ben Scott. However this period did not pass without controversy, Morgan was dismissed for caught behind but, on replay examination, this looked a dubious decision. Wunderkind Dawid Malan's wicket was not as contentious, departing for plum lbw.

The man of the moment Tyron Henderson suddenly lifted things at HQ, both in the match and the mood of the spectators, as a fantastic spell of characteristic big hitting recovered the innings towards a decent total. After reaching his domestic maiden half-century, the "Blacksmith" departed next ball, bowled by Arul Suppiah following a failed slog attempt.

Another collapse then appeared to be on the cards, but despite wickets tumbling around him stalwart Shah played a sensible innings including some fine expansive shots. Some lofty blows at the end delighted the crowd and Middlesex finished up on a very creditable 203.

That Was Close - Would The Match Be Close? 

A short breather for fans and players alike followed for approx. 20 mins before the formidable opening pair of Langer & Trescothick walked out from the Pavilion.

Trescothick got off to a flyer; after three overs the Middlesex faithful were starting to worry, but soon "Dial M" claimed the massive wicket of Australian Langer who had scored only 4 runs out of 24.

That dismissal slowed the run rate down considerably; neither de Bruyn nor a Langer-free Trescothick seemed able to generate any timing or momentum, although they were able to see off the opening salvos without further alarm for Somerset.  Again there were Middlesex mutterings that 204 was going to be an easy target if Somerset could keep wickets in hand.  Somerset supporters were less sure - 203 was starting to look like a competitive score.

Take That To The Banks 

Indeed, the poor scoring rate set the tone for depressing viewing for Somerset faithful, Tresco the only batsman of note playing reasonably well, but after being dropped by Joyce once off the bowling of Henderson and seemingly trying to get caught a couple of other times shortly before his eventual dismissal, he should not have been too downhearted reaching 40.

5 wickets then fell in the space of just 23 runs (80-2 became 103-7) as the Somerset top and middle order fell apart, credit to the fantastic spin pair of Udal and The Special One but a combination of poor shots and inexperience proved to be the biggest reason for downfall. Arul Suppiah's soft dismissal summed up the innings, a leading edge handing a dolly catch to Captain Joyce.

Despite some dogged resistance from Omari Banks (who was reportedly a target for Middlesex before signing for the Sabres) and Ben Phillips, with 7 wickets down and the required run rate high a victory for the "men in pink" was inevitable. And so it proved to be when Dirk the Diggler finally nabbed Banks.

Phillips and Thomas soon followed as Henderson and Murtagh mopped up the tail to complete a fine 43-run victory; the first of those two wickets being a birthday-celebratory stumping by Ben Scott up to the stumps to the bowling of Tyron Henderson.  Was that a stentorian chorus of "Happy Birthday To You" emanating from the Upper Eddy or did I imagine it?

Closer Than You Might Think? 

But how different things might have been had Langer not been out so early and/or if a handful of people in the Middlesex middle order had not rescued the batting for the umpteenth time this year.

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