Somerset
Antigua in the winter? - It must be T20 Guyana
Alf has Headaches
By Grockle
January 12 2011
Winter in the West Indies must have had a good ring to it. Now its time to earn the holiday as a young Somerset face the tournament winners from 2010 Guyana. They come off an unexpected defeat against Jamaica and will want to get their own campaign back on track. Lambs to the slaughter or the start of a new era? Well that is the question we'd all ike an answer to.
Somerset v Guyana T20 West Indies T20 Tournament Wednesday 12 January 2011
The first cricket of 2011 and it's only 12 days old!! Who would have thunk it? New captain, new venue and new players in the first team. Marcus cannot make this journey, Murali Kartik is not yet on the books for this year and Craig Kieswetter is unavailable because of injury and England demands. So we go with nearly every young player we have and we expect to see some of them!!
There is nothing like going straight into the furnace. We face Shivnaran Chanderpaul's Guyana on their own islands in an afternoon match in Antigua and all we presently know is that the wickets are pretty slow and after a high scoring first game the rest have been pretty low scoring affairs with nothing certain until the final ball.
Alfonso Thomas captains with James Hildreth as his VC. We expect the following to play;
Hildreth, Trego, Thomas, Suppiah, Compton and Buttler
Who else will play is a real question. Craig Mechede will probably make his first start because we are light in the batting. Whether Charl Willoughby will start is a matter of conjecture but I would personally expect it. Will we go with Steve Kirby? Again I would expect so but whether Gemaal Hussain will be included is more of a question. Will there be a spinner? If yes who will partner Arul. In this one would expect us to go with our 'international' George Dockrell but Max Waller may have a say about that. As to who will bolster the batting and provide an extra bowler? Well it could be the second of the two spinners or the website's favourite is Callum Haggett. We'll know very soon now.
Guyana have decided to bat after winning. They don't go with Charl but they do go with both Kirby and Hussain. Dockrell is in for spin and Haggett does get the nod as predicted. It is dull and windy. Guyana have decided to go with the bat first after a bad experience battng second in their first match.
Alf opens the bowling in VERY windy conditions but he gets blood very early with a slower ball to Barnwell going straight up and tghen down into Pete Trego's bucket hands. 1 for 0 in the first over and just what the county needed. They get Sarwan in early and hopefully getting him out.
Gemaal gets the second over - a real statement of confidence - tall boy who bends his back and ends up facing the ground in his delivery. His third ball is a bit too wide and Sarwan get the first boundary of the game from it. They seem to be expecting rain and the wind probably suggests that the weather is moving - it's almost Taunton in April!!. Hussain's first over goes for 5 (with a boundary) so that isn't a bad start.
Kirby gets number 3 and his first ball tempts Dowlin to go over the top and he gets it high enough to miss the infield and the score goes up by four. It suggests that Alf wants everybody to get a feel of the ball as soon as possible. As someone said on the forum it won't do the same as in the indoor school. The fifth ball nearly results in a run out as Sarwan is asked to get his older bones moving and only just beats the kick from Steve in reaching the crease before the stumps break. Then the rain comes and on come the covers!
We're back on at about 9 (our time) for the fourth over bowled by Hussain Dowlin takes him on with the fourth ball but it is too close to George Dockrell and he takes a very good low catch and it is 18 for 2 with the young English bowler getting his first Somerset wicket. Gemaal gives the West Indian batsmen some width and they seem to look to get after him but we have good infielders and the young Irishman looks like another one!! Jacobs is the next man in. It looks like Chanderpaul may be giving us some respect and wants to see what we have before he comes out to the crease. They also have a dangerous man of Chinese extraction call Foo who can turn a game.
Kirby has over 5 and it starts with 20 to the 'visitors' (it seems daft but we are the 'home' side in this game). SK is also bending his back and getting some lift and he has Jacobs dropping his hand off the bat with a dangerous delivery. It seems to worry Jacobs who forces the next one to Thomas running around to take the catch at Mid on. Kirby's first Somerset wicket and out comes 'Shiv' at 22 for 3. A great start for the English side and the new man is welcomed with a straight full one. He doesn't half grunt as he bowls - that will be something we get to hear a lot! At the end of 5 it is still 22 for 3.
Alf is back for the sixth over facing Sarwan and he nearly has him with ball two as Sarwan top edges one nearly into the hands of the short fine leg fielder and Jos picks it up short of the boundary while they take 3. A slightly 'leggy' one gets them a guided boundary and Guyana reach 31 after 6. Haggett comes into the attack - how good it is to see him. The commentators think this is nearly our full side. If they only knew!! They are also impressed by the 'tightness' of our side in relation to Hampshire - who have sent their 'reserves' to a greater extent it seems. That shouldn't take anything away from Canada who beat them yesterday - they did it well and without favours. Callum has done his job bowling straight and full and these two major Windies internationals can only take 4 off him. 35 for 3.
It looks like they are planning to bowl Hussain through as he continues his spell in over 7. He offers more width but he does get it up there and although they drive we are good in the field. They do get a four though when a drive is diverted by a diving fielder but still gets to the boundary. to take them to 40. Sarwan nearly runs out his partner with a very straight drive which just evades Gemaal's hand and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Good tight over though 42 for 3.
On comes Dockrell against Chanderpaul. He bowls, Chanderpaul reaches and he plops the ball back to the Irishman who gets a major wicket with his first Somerset ball!! Well done that man. You can play again!!. 42 for 4 and a BIIIGG wicket. Crandon is the next man in and he drives George for a four off his first...very close to the fielder though. Dockrell is a 'floater' and gives it air, he also seems to turn it as the next delivery takes an outside edge. No indication of pace changing yet but a wicket in the first 6 is fine by me. He goes for 3 and trapped the batsman at least twice in his crease.
Hussain finishes and his first ball stays low and nearly has Crandon. A near run out brings a single as the fielder hits the stumps and they take a single off the diversion. But the young man is bowling very straight now and the Guyanians are trying to play across the line and getting nowhere. Why didn't this guy play short form cricket last season? There seems little wrong with this spell of bowling. He finishes with very commendable 14 for 1 off his 4.
George continues to give singles only but they pass 50 after 11. 51 up at the end of the over. In the 12th there is a direct hit from a Haggett delivery. Alfonso hits and Crandon is gone by inches 51 for 5 and we are on top in this one. Excellent allround cricket by this side in their first 2011 run out. Brilliant work by the skipper. The batsman actually hesitated at the start of his run and that was why he was short on a tight single. Saqlain is sitting on the bench with the obligatory Mushy beard - not as bushy as the great man but 'significant' nevertheless. The young man does well again and it is 54 for 5 at the end of the 12th.
George delivers his third and is dropped by Hildreth in the midwicket position as Sarwan drives in the air and all he can do is bat it down instead of pouch it. A life for the West Indian and an unusual error by James. He goes for 5 and Guyana go to 59 after 13. The press is well and truly on as Arul Suppiah is brought into the attack. Confusion reigns with you reporter as there seem to be Crandon brothers and Crandon has replaced Crandon which diverts me from the first six of the game as Sarwan hits Arul over his head TWICE in the 14th. He dances down and smacks a huge hit for the second. However our man holds his nerve and although they have gone to 73 Sarwan gets nothing else off the over.
However, Sarwan is taking on the spinners as he smacks Dockrell for another full boundary off his first ball. It takes him close to 50 and Guyana to 80 for 5. Hildreth's uncharacteristic drop is looking costly. Nevertheless George comes back and holds Crandon in his crease and keeps Sarwan off strike for most of the over and it is only 81 at the end of the over. 5 to go as we see Miss England (World) in the crowd watching the guys. Hello Jessica. How the hell are you?
Crandon puts Haggett into the crowd at the start of the 16th but he tries it again and is caught in the deep on by Meschede on 87. In comes their last big man Foo but Haggett keeps him under wraps and they stay under 90 at 89 for 6. Good response to pressure from the young lads. Kirby is back on for the 17th and is bowling to the feet of the batsman whenever possible. Foo is a good straight hitter and he looks for a straight four with the next one but is foiled by good diving outfielding and they only get two. Our fielding is not affected it seems by the introduction of new players which is good to see. Steve shows a good and deceptive change of pace which fools Foo and gives him little opportunity to open his shoulders. 94 for 6 after 17 - excellent effort from SK.
The 18th falls to the skipper and he has Foo as he moves outside and is followed by the bowler and spoons it to the mid off fielder for 3. If you want something doing then call Alf! 94 for 7. Sarwan goes to 50 off the next ball. The backbone of his side but he is not happy with this performance and barely accepts the mild applause that comes from the achievement. Christian is the next man in (not that one)! He's a slogger and gets off the mark with a slower delivery that is miscued over Buttler's head for a single. Sarwan is still a danger as he brings up the 100 with a good boundary at the end of the 18th. The lights are on now and we are into the evening.
Kirby takes the penultimate. He really does have a good slow ball that batsmen find hard to predict and he uses it to good effect on ball one. The Guyanians are looking to hit anything now and are taking at least singles off every ball while trying to hit more if they can. However, Thommo's field placings are good and when they do pierce the infield, the outfielders pick up the ball and fire it in quickly so they are still only getting singles. 106 with 6 balls to go. Steve ends on 25 for 1
The last over is put in the hands of Thomas and he must be happy that everyone has done their jobs really well with solid line and length bowling. He finishes it off with a bowled batsman as Sarwan drags on trying to smack the ball through the covers. God he is good in these situations!! 108 for 8 as Bishoo comes in as Sarwan leaves with a captain's 59 (more than half his side's score) to his name. Meschede nearly gets a catch on 'nelson' but he came a long way and didn't get two hands to it. The final ball is still a single as a great throw keeps the batsman in his crease as it smacks into the keeper's gloves. 112 after 20. What a great show with Thommo taking 3 wickets as only a skipper should.
Personally I am very impressed with this first half of a game. NOW can the batsmen make a statement here and keep the heel on the Guyanian throat I wonder?
The Reply
Courteney thinks we have a 'very strong side' here. A bit different to our own view of the side as we seem to think this is light in the batting. Nick Compton is named as an opener though the scorecard order is not always anything like the actual batting line-up. We'll see soon I suppose as the turn around is quick.
Trego will take the first ball and Compo is his partner. Trigger has 999 T20 runs to his name so let us all hope he gets at least one. Guyana open with an orthodox spinner and he gets his thousandth off the second ball. James is padded up at number 3 (but so is Jos) as Nick also gets off the mark first ball faced. Curtly was impressed with Nick's manners when he asked him for an autograph before the game. We start with 2 off the first.
Esuan Crandon takes the second over and starts with a wide and adds two more in the first over. A long over ends on 14 but Pete is taking some chances and nearly bottom edges into his stumps and is up the wicket to Crandon by the end of the over. Permaul is short and Trigger doesn't come but cuts him for four. 20 by the end of the third and Trigger is willing to take them on and he does so at the start of this over to the faster man Crandon. He's pulling to the midwicket boundary and although he is getting only singles, he is pushing the bowlers. 23 at the end of 3.
Permaul follows Pete as he moves wide but he finds himself trapped in his crease by a fuller ball and is bowled off his pads for 16. 23 for 1 and in comes Hildreth. A bit tentative to start with but he takes us to 29 at the end of the 6th as Bishoo takes over the spin role for the 7th. We need a run a ball so there is no need to do anything over the top. Just milk the singles and punish the bad balls and we would be home. It never is quite that simple though when you watch our county so I'm the nervous one at the moment. 32 for 1 after 7 and the commentators think that Nick seems out of form...he is a cautious batsman and not really a T20 natural. However if he anchors one end and lets the 'swash' blokes do their stuff at the other end I doubt anyone will argue.
Barnwell comes on for the 8th which has James in two minds with his first delivery. He then edges the second and is gone trying to steer it to third man and edges to the keeper for a sedate 5. 32 for 2....when we get to something for 5 we should start worrying. In comes Jos Buttler to words of advice from Compo. We need 81 from 76. Barnwell is your deceptive medium pacer - huge run up with little pace. Buttler edges the ball into the ground and through wide first slip for four...off and running but he doesn't look all that confident at the moment.
Both Crandon's bowl it seems as Royston comes on for over number 9. He is a slow bowler and he and his fellow bowlers are keeping us trapped on the strip. 40 for 2 after his six balls. Nick does not seem to want to hit out and Jos's touch is not there yet so he is having problems working the ball about. However, the singles are still coming so the score is moving on and we don't have to panic yet. The problems come if we lose wickets as we do not have our usual depth after Arul (who should be in next one woudl assume) within our line-up. However, if you bowl short to Nick he'll put you away and that is exactly what he does to Barnwell during the 10th and we end that at 47 for 2.
Crandon starts the eleventh and Jos hits him inside out and gives us the first Somerset six of the tournament!! Past 50 and the confidence grows...hopefully!! They are up the wicket to Crandon popping the ball past the infield and pressurising the Guyanese. 58 for 2 after 12 needing 55 from 54 with this pair looking to take the singles and pushing the 'visitors' whenever possible. It looks like they are putting their foot slightly on the gas...nothing dangerous just looking for twos where possible and playing the gaps.
Jos looks to go over the top but he doesn't get all of it and is caught just inside the boundary by Crandon for 18. A good catch by the fielder who had to be very aware of where his feet were as he took it just inside the rope and needed to be careful not to step back. 62 for 3 after 12 and Arul is in. This is the vital partnership. After this it is all new stuff!!
Jacobs is the next bowler, another slow man and he seems to cause problems for Arul early on. We can only hope that he works his way through this because he is probably our best player of slow bowling. Again there is no need to panic YET!! The one thing Arul always has been is a subtle batsman and he guides a four to the third man boundary at the end of the 13th 69 for 3 with 7 to go. More of that please Mr Suppiah. Meanwhile, Compo is playing the ZdB role - steadying the ship and guiding it around the rocks.
Bishoo comes back for the 14th with Somerset needing 40 from 36. The commentators are starting to question whether we ought to be pushing the score along more as we are still behind the Guyanese comparative score and they think they should be pushing past them. It is hard to get momentum moving when it has been a slow start as we all know. These two are not the best guys to push it along. Arul may need to push the score along in the way Sarwan did as we reach 80 with 5 to go. Only 33 off 30 but it gets hairy if we go down to the last over...rather that didn't happen.
There are cries of 'keep it tight' from the Guyanese players tells us that they know what their job is. Arul is looking to push and we go into the 90's as he opens his shoulders. I get a mention on the commentary - their response to Facebook posts is very very quick and it is excellent that you can post something and get a response in seconds. As that happens, we get the first free hit of the tournament and Compo decides to reverse sweep it for ONE! Not great.
We need 18 from 18 so we are on track but there is a question about whether this is planned or a side with one speed. I would have been happier seeing this game put to bed with three or four overs to go - suggesting there was something more in the tank. A six from Suppiah eases the pressure. He pushes the next one for four and this is more what we want. 'Just a flick of the wrist' - well that is AS. However he won't see the end of the game as he is adjudged LBW after a while (he was out to be honest) and he is out for 26 at 105 for 4. In comes Craig Meschede with a job to do. 12 balls to go with 8 runs needed.
Nevertheless it gets desperate and Meschede is run out looking for two. Why take it down to the wire when a bit more application would have wrapped it up earlier. In comes Alf with 5 needed. The second half of this innings has not been managed well by the batsmen and I think it is fair to say that Nick still needs a bit of skill development to get his management right because he was the man in the driving seat - though not really driving!
108 for 5 and there is a discussion about whether a delivery was a no ball. Another quick single and Alf is run out to a direct hit!! This is stupid. We should not be here whether we win this game or not! This was no big target and we have to learn that if you don't move the score along then it eventually becomes really hard to do so sensibly. Callum Haggett is the next man in and we still need 5 runs. Someone put this game to bed for heaven's sake! Esuan Crandon is taking the last over and Nick is facing first.
Ball one - Compton tries to guide the ball down to the boundary and puts the ball onto his own wicket. He goes for 32 and what looked like a steadying 'anchor' role has become something of a 'sea anchor' role as we struggle to win this! Gemaal Hussain is the next man in and our batting is falling apart. A waft down and some hesitation in the centre and another run out as Hussain fails to make his ground!! Schoolboy cricket is going to take this one away from us. We've lost 3 wickets without scoring. Haggett is on strike and we need 5 off 4 balls. Why oh why are we here?
A single of the next we need 4 off 3
Next ball goes for 2 - well done Steve Kirby
2 off 2 with Kirby on strike a high full toss is flapped to the fielder and he is out!! 111 for 9
George Dockrell is the last man needing 2 off 1 ball. 1 to tie. He misses it and is run out!!
Absolutely pathetic batting display. How the hell could we lose this from a position with 5 overs to go. Absolutely gutted!! We lose a game we had in control of and then we lose 7 wickets for 6 runs in just over 2 overs. Oh dear oh dear oh dear.
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StumbleuponAntigua in the winter? - It must be T20 Guyana
Discussion started by Grockles.com , 12/01/2011 19:56
Grockles.com
12/01/2011 19:56
12/01/2011 19:56
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For information of anybody without access to Eurosport there is commentary on BBC Somerset.
I see we are heading to the WI T20 event in January as runners up on the FP20 last year. Take it Tres wont be there then and that Pollard and Kartik wont either.
Maybe we can entice White to join us?
Possibly just using it as new season warm ups etc though.
Maybe we can entice White to join us?
Possibly just using it as new season warm ups etc though.
Cricinfo has an article with quotes from Richard Gould.
Tres will not go. Everybody else will, barring international duty. They intend to fly Trego and Compton back for the tournament.
Tres will not go. Everybody else will, barring international duty. They intend to fly Trego and Compton back for the tournament.
He is unlikely to be involved in THE shindig, but is likely to play in the "Who gives a monkeys?" one-day series that will follow the main event.
I was being a little naughty there BR. I dont expect White to appear again in a Somerset shirt to be honest.
This news has been on the site for a few weeks.
Good opportunity for the lads and it will give us the chance to experiment with the top order and spin department. We also get to look at a Zander replacement/cover.
My media contacts tell me that ESPN is the place for satellite and BT Vision viewers. If you want to know PC links then drop me a pm nearer the time and I shall pass on some details.
A special moment for Alfie awaits..
Good opportunity for the lads and it will give us the chance to experiment with the top order and spin department. We also get to look at a Zander replacement/cover.
My media contacts tell me that ESPN is the place for satellite and BT Vision viewers. If you want to know PC links then drop me a pm nearer the time and I shall pass on some details.
A special moment for Alfie awaits..
The Dates.
The England and Wales Cricket Board today announced that the 2010 Friends Provident t20 champions Hampshire Royals and runners-up Somerset have accepted an invitation from the West Indies Cricket Board to take part in the Caribbean T20 from January 10-23 2011 [www.ecb.co.uk]
The England and Wales Cricket Board today announced that the 2010 Friends Provident t20 champions Hampshire Royals and runners-up Somerset have accepted an invitation from the West Indies Cricket Board to take part in the Caribbean T20 from January 10-23 2011 [www.ecb.co.uk]
A real bonus for the team. 2 or 3 weeks in the West Indies
has got to be better than 2 or 3 weeks in fog bound Taunton.
It will be interesting to see the impact of Hussein and Kirby, albeit in the shortest version of the game. Hopefully it will be a good springboard for the start of the new season.
has got to be better than 2 or 3 weeks in fog bound Taunton.
It will be interesting to see the impact of Hussein and Kirby, albeit in the shortest version of the game. Hopefully it will be a good springboard for the start of the new season.
Somerset have named their squad for the Caribbean T20 tournament in January. As well as Marcus Trescothick and Murali Kartik being absent, there is no place for Zander de Bruyn, who is playing in South Africa during the winter.
Somerset squad: Thomas, Suppiah, Compton, Buttler, Hildreth, Trego, Willoughby, Kieswetter, Dibble, Haggett, Meschede, Waller, Dockrell, Kirby, Hussain. [www.thisisbristol.co.uk]
What is slightly odd is if the rumours are true that Zander is leaving that statement doesn’t sound like it!!
Somerset squad: Thomas, Suppiah, Compton, Buttler, Hildreth, Trego, Willoughby, Kieswetter, Dibble, Haggett, Meschede, Waller, Dockrell, Kirby, Hussain. [www.thisisbristol.co.uk]
What is slightly odd is if the rumours are true that Zander is leaving that statement doesn’t sound like it!!
uncle morpheus I could not agree more 2 to 3 weeks of sun on their backs playing cricket outside can only help the team. It will be interesting to see how our new signing go as well as the youngsters should they feature.
Wurz
Wurz
The ECB have today releasd the schedule for the 20/20 in January.
Hants and Somerset learn T20 draws
22 November 2010
Hampshire Royals will begin their Caribbean T20 campaign against another invitational team - Canada - on January 11
Hampshire Royals and Somerset have discovered their groups and schedules for January’s Caribbean T20, which they qualified for by reaching the Friends Provident t20 final.
FPt20 winners Hampshire have been drawn alongside Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Leeward Islands and another invitational side - Canada - in Group B.
Somerset will play Guyana, Jamaica, Combined Campuses & Colleges and Windward Islands in Group A.
The Royals open their campaign against Canada on January 11 and Somerset versus Guyana a day later.
The competition begins on January 10 with the first of 12 preliminary matches in Antigua at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
These are followed by the remaining eight preliminary games, the semi-finals, third place play-off and the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Full schedule
(times are local to Caribbean)
Antigua - Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground
January 10
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Windward Islands (4pm)
Jamaica v Guyana (8pm)
January 11
Canada v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Barbados (8pm)
January 12
Somerset v Guyana (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Jamaica (8pm)
January 13
Hampshire Royals v Barbados (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
January 14
Windward Islands v Somerset (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Guyana (8pm)
January 15
Leeward Islands v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
Barbados - Kensington Oval
January 18
Jamaica v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Guyana (8pm)
January 19
Canada v Leeward Islands (4pm)
Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados (8pm)
January 20
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Jamaica (8pm)
January 21
Trinidad & Tobago v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Barbados (8pm)
January 22
Semi-final one: Group A winner v Group B runner-up (4pm)
Semi-final two: Group B winner v Group A runner-up (8pm)
January 23
Third place play-off (4pm)
Final (8pm)
Hants and Somerset learn T20 draws
22 November 2010
Hampshire Royals will begin their Caribbean T20 campaign against another invitational team - Canada - on January 11
Hampshire Royals and Somerset have discovered their groups and schedules for January’s Caribbean T20, which they qualified for by reaching the Friends Provident t20 final.
FPt20 winners Hampshire have been drawn alongside Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Leeward Islands and another invitational side - Canada - in Group B.
Somerset will play Guyana, Jamaica, Combined Campuses & Colleges and Windward Islands in Group A.
The Royals open their campaign against Canada on January 11 and Somerset versus Guyana a day later.
The competition begins on January 10 with the first of 12 preliminary matches in Antigua at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
These are followed by the remaining eight preliminary games, the semi-finals, third place play-off and the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Full schedule
(times are local to Caribbean)
Antigua - Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground
January 10
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Windward Islands (4pm)
Jamaica v Guyana (8pm)
January 11
Canada v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Barbados (8pm)
January 12
Somerset v Guyana (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Jamaica (8pm)
January 13
Hampshire Royals v Barbados (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
January 14
Windward Islands v Somerset (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Guyana (8pm)
January 15
Leeward Islands v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
Barbados - Kensington Oval
January 18
Jamaica v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Guyana (8pm)
January 19
Canada v Leeward Islands (4pm)
Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados (8pm)
January 20
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Jamaica (8pm)
January 21
Trinidad & Tobago v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Barbados (8pm)
January 22
Semi-final one: Group A winner v Group B runner-up (4pm)
Semi-final two: Group B winner v Group A runner-up (8pm)
January 23
Third place play-off (4pm)
Final (8pm)
Do we assume TRES is NOT going as he has retired from International cricket because of the stress related illness caused by going abroad? I would hope he doesn't so that we have him fit and well for April?
old boy!
old boy!
"Somerset have named their squad for the Caribbean T20 tournament in January. As well as Marcus Trescothick and Murali Kartik being absent, there is no place for Zander de Bruyn, who is playing in South Africa during the winter.
Somerset squad: Thomas, Suppiah, Compton, Buttler, Hildreth, Trego, Willoughby, Kieswetter, Dibble, Haggett, Meschede, Waller, Dockrell, Kirby, Hussain."
Somerset squad: Thomas, Suppiah, Compton, Buttler, Hildreth, Trego, Willoughby, Kieswetter, Dibble, Haggett, Meschede, Waller, Dockrell, Kirby, Hussain."
Just out of curiosity... I have it somewhere in the back of my mind that at some point Trescothick bought a home in the Caribbean (at about the same time as Vaughan also did so).
Does he still own that property and would he ever consider going there?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Does he still own that property and would he ever consider going there?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I wonder if BBC Radio Somerset will send someone to give a running commentary! Nice holiday for someone if they did!
old boy!
old boy!
Shall we sponsor our very own Lord Grockle to do the commentary and also send Tractor as our token supporter, cos we know he loves that kind of cricket and would probably not find the occasional rum punch distasteful (and to prevent him from further self-harm at matches involving Bristol City)?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Well, we avoided T&T so I suppose that might mean we got an easier draw than Hants.
I assume the above squad selection can definitively draw a line under any suggestion that Charl had 'retired,' from one day cricket..
I assume the above squad selection can definitively draw a line under any suggestion that Charl had 'retired,' from one day cricket..
We took Jonah to India when he was a Somerset player in name only really so there is a precedent.
It's one of the questions I hope to get an answer to tomorrow at the regional AGM. Along with the situation regarding Zander.
It's one of the questions I hope to get an answer to tomorrow at the regional AGM. Along with the situation regarding Zander.
thanks Grockle. Some information on these 2 issues would be good I think. I look forward to hearing what you find out.
The Zander one is interesting. He leaves Somerset two weeks early to take part in a T20 event which he thought was a bigger stage. Now the same thing happens except the other way and thers no mention of him even contemplating it. Seems strange. I would be surprised if he stayed with us now but you never know.
The Zander one is interesting. He leaves Somerset two weeks early to take part in a T20 event which he thought was a bigger stage. Now the same thing happens except the other way and thers no mention of him even contemplating it. Seems strange. I would be surprised if he stayed with us now but you never know.
I'm not sure it is entirely fair to say he left for a 'bigger stage'. We were reminded that Somerset are his winter team and although through marriage he has credentials here his home side (of long standing) is in SA.
I wonder how we would have felt if an English cricketer had chosen to stay with their overseas winter job rather than return to represent Somerset in a domestic competition.
I'll see what I can find out. Report later if the site stays open for that long - we are over the 14 day limit so apologies if the site closes for a while this afternoon.
I wonder how we would have felt if an English cricketer had chosen to stay with their overseas winter job rather than return to represent Somerset in a domestic competition.
I'll see what I can find out. Report later if the site stays open for that long - we are over the 14 day limit so apologies if the site closes for a while this afternoon.
depends how you look at it. I would say Somerset going for the Championship is bigger than any t20 event, but that is my bias I suppose.
The problems are probably all contractual. He had one with us but chose to leave before it ended (with our agreement). Does he have one with us in the winter? (probably not) which is probably why we can't ask for him to be released thats assuming he wanted to be released in the first place.
The problems are probably all contractual. He had one with us but chose to leave before it ended (with our agreement). Does he have one with us in the winter? (probably not) which is probably why we can't ask for him to be released thats assuming he wanted to be released in the first place.
If the agreement was that he would be released for the tournament he didn't "leave" his contract. He fulfilled it.
Yep it's all a matter of opinion I suppose. I wonder if we would have been complaining about him playing for his SA side if we'd been present at the T20 tournament as well.
Maybe these overseas players should be tied to "unstinting loyalty to the county" clauses irrespective of whether they have a decade's playing history with another side in their homeland before they sign.
Anyway water under the bridge and hopefully some info about what is happening this evening.
Yep it's all a matter of opinion I suppose. I wonder if we would have been complaining about him playing for his SA side if we'd been present at the T20 tournament as well.
Maybe these overseas players should be tied to "unstinting loyalty to the county" clauses irrespective of whether they have a decade's playing history with another side in their homeland before they sign.
Anyway water under the bridge and hopefully some info about what is happening this evening.
Go for it may man....I like Zander and feel he adds to the team and hope he stays for that.
However, I fear there is no smoke without fire in these rumours but time will tell.
However, I fear there is no smoke without fire in these rumours but time will tell.
With Mureli Kartik absent from the Somerset squad for the Caribbean Twenty/20 in January, it will be interesting to see what sort of case George Dockrell makes for immediate first-team selection when the proper stuff starts in 2011.
He was brilliant for Ireland in the 20/20 World Cup in the West Indies while still at school.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:11:24:20:10:33 by cricketjerry-mouse.
He was brilliant for Ireland in the 20/20 World Cup in the West Indies while still at school.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:11:24:20:10:33 by cricketjerry-mouse.
Surely, George will have to choose between Ireland and a County career at some point? And probably sooner or later? Ireland seem to be playing every other week nowadays, so it will be difficult for him to build a County career if he's unavailable on a regular basis.
hopeully he's available at the start of the season. After that his chances you presume will be limited when Kartik is around anyway.
Longer term.I agree, he will have to make his decision
Longer term.I agree, he will have to make his decision
His contract makes him available for Ireland whenever and wherever they want him - it is seen as vital for his career development. Very enlightened position from a first class county IMHO
It is enlightened, Grockle, though I hope there is some kind of quid pro quo, such as contractual first refusal to SCCC over a long-term County contract should he decide to jack in Ireland and qualify for England or what have you. I think that would be a fair quid pro quo because not every County would take the guy on under the terms that we have.
We work well with him and I wold assume that wouldn't be a problem and if it is I'm not sure I'd be particularly interested in him anyway....God does that mean I have principles? Gosh!
First post in months, and it's to correct a spelling mistake.......................I really shoiuld get a life!
See you in another three months or so!
FE.
See you in another three months or so!
FE.
Quote:Frome Exile
First post in months, and it's to correct a spelling mistake.......................I really shoiuld get a life!
FE.
Yes, you shoiuld.
But it's great to hear from you again; we've missed you.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
He is on a day release.
Ask them for a longer time FE you know they will do it.
Ask them for a longer time FE you know they will do it.
... but don't tell them that you know us lot or they'll never let you out.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I didn't know that you do fluent Esperanto, Wickham?
As a friend of mine used to say to me
"Is there no beginning to your talents?"
As a friend of mine used to say to me
"Is there no beginning to your talents?"
Stop you if you're boring me, Bobstan.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Thank me.
Obedience is my middle name, as they say in Basingstoke and Welsh Wales.
Obedience is my middle name, as they say in Basingstoke and Welsh Wales.
Many apologies for an earlier post I made...
Coverage of this tornament will be provided by Eurosport. This channel is covered under the basic Sky Sports package.
Eurosport also have online coverage rights for those on the move. For anyone else, I suspect Richard will arrange a few nights out at the CG.
Coverage of this tornament will be provided by Eurosport. This channel is covered under the basic Sky Sports package.
Eurosport also have online coverage rights for those on the move. For anyone else, I suspect Richard will arrange a few nights out at the CG.
I see that British Eurosport is televising the 20/20 matches from the WI live at 2000 hrs. With England 20/20 at 8.00 am and Somerset at 8.00 pm life is definitely worth living.
ANTIGUA – Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds
Monday January 10
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Windward Islands (4pm)
Jamaica v Guyana (8pm)
Tuesday January 11
Canada v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Barbados (8pm)
Wednesday January 12
Somerset v Guyana (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Jamaica (8pm)
Thursday January 13
Hampshire Royals v Barbados (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
Friday January 14
Windward Islands v Somerset (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Guyana (8pm)
Saturday January 15
Leeward Islands v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
BARBADOS – Kensington Oval
Tuesday January 18
Jamaica v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Guyana (8pm)
Wednesday January 19
Canada v Leeward Islands (4pm)
Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados (8pm)
Thursday January 20
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Jamaica (8pm)
Friday January 21
Trinidad & Tobago v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Barbados (8pm)
Saturday January 22
Semi Final 1: Group A Winner v Group B 2nd (4pm)
Semi Final 2: Group B Winner v Group A 2nd (8pm)
Sunday January 23
3rd place payoff: Semi Final 1 loser v Semi Final 2 loser (4pm)
FINAL: Semi Final 1 Winner v Semi Final 2 Winner (8pm)
. [www.windiescricket.com]
Monday January 10
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Windward Islands (4pm)
Jamaica v Guyana (8pm)
Tuesday January 11
Canada v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Barbados (8pm)
Wednesday January 12
Somerset v Guyana (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Jamaica (8pm)
Thursday January 13
Hampshire Royals v Barbados (4pm)
Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
Friday January 14
Windward Islands v Somerset (4pm)
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Guyana (8pm)
Saturday January 15
Leeward Islands v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Trinidad & Tobago (8pm)
BARBADOS – Kensington Oval
Tuesday January 18
Jamaica v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Guyana (8pm)
Wednesday January 19
Canada v Leeward Islands (4pm)
Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados (8pm)
Thursday January 20
Combined Campuses & Colleges v Somerset (4pm)
Windward Islands v Jamaica (8pm)
Friday January 21
Trinidad & Tobago v Hampshire Royals (4pm)
Canada v Barbados (8pm)
Saturday January 22
Semi Final 1: Group A Winner v Group B 2nd (4pm)
Semi Final 2: Group B Winner v Group A 2nd (8pm)
Sunday January 23
3rd place payoff: Semi Final 1 loser v Semi Final 2 loser (4pm)
FINAL: Semi Final 1 Winner v Semi Final 2 Winner (8pm)
. [www.windiescricket.com]
Anytime John, I believe you add 4 hours on to the time.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
Edited thanks to 'Bagpuss' add 4 hours
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:06:17:52:15 by Mike BOS.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
Edited thanks to 'Bagpuss' add 4 hours
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:06:17:52:15 by Mike BOS.
Many thanks, Mike. I look forward to watching these games.
I want to see what the likes of Gregory and Meschede can do.
I want to see what the likes of Gregory and Meschede can do.
think he is in Sri Lanka captaining the U19s at the same time AG so he is one we won't see. Meschede, Barrow, Dibble and Haggett will all be there.
Ive heard so much about Meschede Im looking forward to seeing him. Hope he shows at least something to justify the hype.
Ive heard so much about Meschede Im looking forward to seeing him. Hope he shows at least something to justify the hype.
Am I missing something with regards start times for Somerset's fixtures in the Caribbean. I was under the impression games were starting at 8pm our time. Somerset's website today is saying that the long room will be open from 3.30pm for live coverage with games starting at four??
I thought the 4pm start was West Indies time and not British time seeing the start times were on the West Indies web site.
I must have got something wrong!!
I must have got something wrong!!
My guess would be the Club have actually got it wrong!
The WICB site is quite clear about times and I can't see T20 matches starting at 11:00 am in the Windies!
The WICB site is quite clear about times and I can't see T20 matches starting at 11:00 am in the Windies!
The club have got it wrong - the Eastern caribbean is 4hrs behind GMT so the matches will start at either 2000 or 0000 GMT - all Somersets matches are 2000 start. Times are on the Cricinfo Windies page.
Of course it may be a cunning plan by the club to sell fine wines and ales for four hours prior to the start of the cricket . . .
Of course it may be a cunning plan by the club to sell fine wines and ales for four hours prior to the start of the cricket . . .
I have wondered this before if the person that updates the Clubs website is one of our posters. It happened when I pointed out that the club positioned the new hotel in the wrong area (North East), it was changed soon afterwards.
The Club has now changed the start time of Somerset’s t20 matches. [www.somersetcountycc.premiumtv.co.uk]
The Club has now changed the start time of Somerset’s t20 matches. [www.somersetcountycc.premiumtv.co.uk]
With your combined knowledge can anyone let me have the fixtures for the England A Teamin the West Indies 4 day championship?
I am heading off for a couple of weeks, so will need to catch up by reading BJ's ball-by-ball commentaries on my return.
Update - the British Eurosport Channel at 8:00pm on Wed against Guyana.
My informant the same person that told me about Craig K tells me that James Hildreth is captain in the t20 series in the West Indies; I haven’t checked this information myself.
He won't have much experience around him, so it should be a good test for James.
I see the other site say that Alfonso Thomas is acting captain so my information may not be correct, we will have to wait and see.
Quote. - "Director of Cricket Brian Rose and acting captain Alfonso Thomas are pictured with some of the youngsters making the trip to the West Indies"
Quote. - "Director of Cricket Brian Rose and acting captain Alfonso Thomas are pictured with some of the youngsters making the trip to the West Indies"
With Alfie now missing until end of May potentially, would make much more sense for Hildy to captain.
Alfie can then take back over as May 26 Hildy will clearly be in Cardiff for the first test match of the summer v Sri Lanka...
Alfie can then take back over as May 26 Hildy will clearly be in Cardiff for the first test match of the summer v Sri Lanka...
I have found out where the information came from, it was from the Eurosport program information for the Somerset’s match.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:09:19:56:29 by Mike BOS.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:09:19:56:29 by Mike BOS.
I thought I'd put it here but obviously not. EurosportUK is only 'free' on the SKY network if you subscribe to the News package. If that is not part of your usual setup it will cost you an extra pound to get it for January.
Quote:wsm fan
With Alfie now missing until end of May potentially, would make much more sense for Hildy to captain.
Alfie can then take back over as May 26 Hildy will clearly be in Cardiff for the first test match of the summer v Sri Lanka...
er... what will Marcus be doing on May 26, or do you know something that we do not?
T20 doesn't seem to have capured the crowds in Antigua.The first game is underway and hardly any crowd.
True - almost no-one there though they seem to expect the ground to fill up as it goes into the evening.
Great beginning where we had the TV director on foldback as well so we were hearing the camera directions and comments being fed to the commentators as well as hearing from them as well. Lots of respect for the men on the mike with all that burbling in the background. There was an Aussie director who really wasn't impressed with it all to start with.
They've got it sorted now. This first game is a bit 'regional' in the sense that the Windward Islands are playing a university side effectively. Interesting that the first game commentators seem to have no idea that they are being recived in England.
They also called us the Somerset 'Sabres' first time up. It seems to be an error from the commentator however because the graphics had us as "Somerset" and Hampshire as the "Hampshire Royals".
WI are 68 for 0 after 8 overs. Have to say, some of the combined college fielders are ponderous in the field to say the least! I will do a match report on the Wednesday game if my machine manages to survive for that long.
Great beginning where we had the TV director on foldback as well so we were hearing the camera directions and comments being fed to the commentators as well as hearing from them as well. Lots of respect for the men on the mike with all that burbling in the background. There was an Aussie director who really wasn't impressed with it all to start with.
They've got it sorted now. This first game is a bit 'regional' in the sense that the Windward Islands are playing a university side effectively. Interesting that the first game commentators seem to have no idea that they are being recived in England.
They also called us the Somerset 'Sabres' first time up. It seems to be an error from the commentator however because the graphics had us as "Somerset" and Hampshire as the "Hampshire Royals".
WI are 68 for 0 after 8 overs. Have to say, some of the combined college fielders are ponderous in the field to say the least! I will do a match report on the Wednesday game if my machine manages to survive for that long.
The College team has the oldest player in the tournament,Floyd Reifer aged 38.
The Winwards look like a good batting side. The CCC will get murdered unless their fielding improves drastically.
Our lot will love this - a real opportunity for the experienced guys to guide our younger boys into a real cricket competition and then on from there.
I'm even more excited about Wednesday after an hour of this.
Our lot will love this - a real opportunity for the experienced guys to guide our younger boys into a real cricket competition and then on from there.
I'm even more excited about Wednesday after an hour of this.
I wonder if Trigger will open for us.He would fill his boots against this lot.
apologies if this has been posted elsewhere, from CT20 West indies site
James Hildreth - Captain
Joseph Buttler
Nicholas Compton
Adam Dibble
George Dockrell
Calum Haggett
Gemaal Hussain
Craig Kieswetter (withdrawn player - England duties)
Steven Kirby
Craig Meschede
Saqlain Mushtaq (replaced Kieswetter)
Arul Suppiah
Alfonso Thomas
Peter Trego
Maximilian Waller
Charl Willoughby
Team Management Unit:
Jason Kerr - Head Coach
Ian Brewer - Physiotherapist
Brian Rose - Director of Cricket
Andrew Hurry - Coach
Adam Dibble - Support staff
Alexander Barrow - Support staff
James Hildreth - Captain
Joseph Buttler
Nicholas Compton
Adam Dibble
George Dockrell
Calum Haggett
Gemaal Hussain
Craig Kieswetter (withdrawn player - England duties)
Steven Kirby
Craig Meschede
Saqlain Mushtaq (replaced Kieswetter)
Arul Suppiah
Alfonso Thomas
Peter Trego
Maximilian Waller
Charl Willoughby
Team Management Unit:
Jason Kerr - Head Coach
Ian Brewer - Physiotherapist
Brian Rose - Director of Cricket
Andrew Hurry - Coach
Adam Dibble - Support staff
Alexander Barrow - Support staff
So then who reckons they have a team idea?
1 Arul Suppiah
2 Peter Trego
3 James Hildreth (C)
4 Jos Buttler (Wk)
5 Nick Compton
6 Craig Meschede
7 Alfonso Thomas
8 Max Waller
9 George Dockrell
10 Steve Kirby
11 Charl Willoughby
I think we're a batsman short as CK is not there.
Alex Barrow does not seem to be a playing member of the squad and I'm personally unsure about the general 'allround' aspects of the bowling members. Shame Chris Jones is not there.
Will they risk Hussain early? Possibly. We will have problems if we lose early wickets.
1 Arul Suppiah
2 Peter Trego
3 James Hildreth (C)
4 Jos Buttler (Wk)
5 Nick Compton
6 Craig Meschede
7 Alfonso Thomas
8 Max Waller
9 George Dockrell
10 Steve Kirby
11 Charl Willoughby
I think we're a batsman short as CK is not there.
Alex Barrow does not seem to be a playing member of the squad and I'm personally unsure about the general 'allround' aspects of the bowling members. Shame Chris Jones is not there.
Will they risk Hussain early? Possibly. We will have problems if we lose early wickets.
That is certainly a different t20 side than last summer.
I see that Hampshire’s new signing Johann Myburgh is with them.
I see that Hampshire’s new signing Johann Myburgh is with them.
I'll move this from the other thread, then.
And update it, if Barrow isn't there as a player, then I think we really are short, batting wise;
Personally, I kind of hope we've mainly taken Charl along for the ride and to pass his experience on to the younger bowlers, may be do some coaching etc.
We're not going to learn anything about his ability to bowl in T20 at this stage in his career. Nor am I sure that we will play him in the competition over here.
Having said that, we need to have a look at Hussain to see if he looks competent in the short form of the game, given that Gloucs did not field him in short form cricket. I expect the pitches will be mainly very slow (they often are in WI) so it should be a good test for Hussain.
If we're playing in Guyana (I know we are playing against them) then we have to expect turn, so will be interesting to see GD there.
I think we'll find we're rather short on the batting front in this tournament unless at least one of Meschede or Barrow takes to this format like a duck to water.
If not, we have four batsmen and Pete and that's it which would be a very short batting line up for a short game where you are meant to be 'pedal to the metal,' most of the time.
What is the team likely to look like?
Maybe?
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Trego
Meschede
Barrow
Alf
Hussain
Kirby
Dockrell
I'm not sure there would be enough batting, even on paper, if you took Barrow out and put a bowler or Haggett in there?
And update it, if Barrow isn't there as a player, then I think we really are short, batting wise;
Personally, I kind of hope we've mainly taken Charl along for the ride and to pass his experience on to the younger bowlers, may be do some coaching etc.
We're not going to learn anything about his ability to bowl in T20 at this stage in his career. Nor am I sure that we will play him in the competition over here.
Having said that, we need to have a look at Hussain to see if he looks competent in the short form of the game, given that Gloucs did not field him in short form cricket. I expect the pitches will be mainly very slow (they often are in WI) so it should be a good test for Hussain.
If we're playing in Guyana (I know we are playing against them) then we have to expect turn, so will be interesting to see GD there.
I think we'll find we're rather short on the batting front in this tournament unless at least one of Meschede or Barrow takes to this format like a duck to water.
If not, we have four batsmen and Pete and that's it which would be a very short batting line up for a short game where you are meant to be 'pedal to the metal,' most of the time.
What is the team likely to look like?
Maybe?
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Trego
Meschede
Barrow
Alf
Hussain
Kirby
Dockrell
I'm not sure there would be enough batting, even on paper, if you took Barrow out and put a bowler or Haggett in there?
Oh, and having seen the squad listed above, I hope we do not faff around playing Saqlain Mushtaq in this competition... would be a complete waste in my view, just denying a younger player the chance to put down a marker for when the real stuff starts in a few months' time.
If Saqlain gets fit and has enough potency left then I've no real problem with bowling him in the CC at the start of next season but he can get fit by training with the squad rather than by playing in this thing.
If Saqlain gets fit and has enough potency left then I've no real problem with bowling him in the CC at the start of next season but he can get fit by training with the squad rather than by playing in this thing.
In fact, if there's no Barrow then I guess Haggett is almost sure to be needed to try to balance the side?
You can't have either spinner or Kirby, batting at 8 in a T20, IMO. And Alf would be a place too high at 7.
Having said that, that is based entirely on guess work on the basis that Haggett is, I believe, viewed as an all-rounder?
You do have to say that, in the event of international calls (which could deprive of us of one or both of Kieswetter and Hildreth) during the season, we look a little light on batting, full stop.
I wonder whether Brian might look at a batsman to cover for Kartik.
You can't have either spinner or Kirby, batting at 8 in a T20, IMO. And Alf would be a place too high at 7.
Having said that, that is based entirely on guess work on the basis that Haggett is, I believe, viewed as an all-rounder?
You do have to say that, in the event of international calls (which could deprive of us of one or both of Kieswetter and Hildreth) during the season, we look a little light on batting, full stop.
I wonder whether Brian might look at a batsman to cover for Kartik.
I don't know a great deal about some of our younger players, but both the overall squad and the first suggested team do look uncomfortably unbalanced - indeed the batting seems to stop very abruptly at Alf, and five specialist bowlers plus Pete and Arul is unnecessary. An extra batsman might have been a wiser investment than a spin coach in the circs.
What exactly does 'support staff' mean, and if Adam Dibble can be both that and a player, can young Barrow do likewise?
What's happened to Lewis Gregory? Is he injured?
What exactly does 'support staff' mean, and if Adam Dibble can be both that and a player, can young Barrow do likewise?
What's happened to Lewis Gregory? Is he injured?
Somerset youngsters will get their chance in the Caribbean.
I will not put an extract just read the article. [www.thisisbristol.co.uk]
I will not put an extract just read the article. [www.thisisbristol.co.uk]
Nope Lewis is captaining the U19 England side.
All the group games are At the Viv stadium in Antigua I think.
Yesterdays pitch was slow.
We seem a batsman short (because of the loss of Craig really) and without Burke or Jones I'm not sure what the situation is regarding the young bowlers who bat.
You may not have the luxury of saying Alf CAN'T play at 7 AG. He may have to. Don't forget, Alf is seen as a short form swashbuckling middle order man in SA....The front end will just have to work above and beyond the call.
We may have to look to Max for some batting experience and that isn't exactly filling me with confidence as I type it.
All the group games are At the Viv stadium in Antigua I think.
Yesterdays pitch was slow.
We seem a batsman short (because of the loss of Craig really) and without Burke or Jones I'm not sure what the situation is regarding the young bowlers who bat.
You may not have the luxury of saying Alf CAN'T play at 7 AG. He may have to. Don't forget, Alf is seen as a short form swashbuckling middle order man in SA....The front end will just have to work above and beyond the call.
We may have to look to Max for some batting experience and that isn't exactly filling me with confidence as I type it.
I've taken out the 'Kieswetter' thread as it was produced by the same publisher and the items on there are now part of this one as the tournament has started. It was either that or merge it and there were 16 items on it 13 of which have been discussed and finished or circumnavigated by more recent events.
Hope you don't mind.
Hope you don't mind.
anyway.Edited
That was supposed to be on the Somerset Team of the Decade 2000 to 2010 thread.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:11:12:01:07 by Mike BOS.
Yes, Grockle, unless Haggett can bat at seven, it does not appear that we have the luxury of saying that Alf is not an ideal number 7.
To be honest it's 8 and 9 (if Alf is at 7) that worry me more than Alf would at 7, anyway.
I suppose one advantage of this might be that we will learn a hell of a lot about Meschede? After all, there will be quite a weight of responsibility on his young shoulders if we have a short batting line up.. I'm assuming that he is certain to play.
It's a real shame that Lewis Gregory is not here. Even allowing for the fact it is T20, I suspect he'd benefit more by playing for SCCC than for England Under 19.
To be honest it's 8 and 9 (if Alf is at 7) that worry me more than Alf would at 7, anyway.
I suppose one advantage of this might be that we will learn a hell of a lot about Meschede? After all, there will be quite a weight of responsibility on his young shoulders if we have a short batting line up.. I'm assuming that he is certain to play.
It's a real shame that Lewis Gregory is not here. Even allowing for the fact it is T20, I suspect he'd benefit more by playing for SCCC than for England Under 19.
Too true about Meschede but he has been waiting a while to get this opportunity so let's hope he makes the most of it.
I hope Haggett is considered because he offers a lot with the ball as well according to the coaches...Hussain also but he may be a possibility if we get a little further - he may be too much of a loose cannon to actually start.
But who knows. They say they are here to realistically have a go at winning this...it will be interesting to see how much is experiment and how much is win win win.
I hope Haggett is considered because he offers a lot with the ball as well according to the coaches...Hussain also but he may be a possibility if we get a little further - he may be too much of a loose cannon to actually start.
But who knows. They say they are here to realistically have a go at winning this...it will be interesting to see how much is experiment and how much is win win win.
Unless there is a big cash prize for the club (as opposed to for the players by way of a bonus pot) then I think they'd be a bit batty if they make the main focus winning as opposed to giving guys that we may well have to lean on some first team experience.
There has to be a chance that Craig and or James will be unavailable at some point during the summer.... so I really think we need to find at least some things out about the guys that have yet to play.
I'm not sure exactly how strong the opposition is, but I suspect most of the teams are quite strong and so I don't know if we are capable of winning this with such a short batting line-up even if we want to make the Gold medal the number one priority?
I think they'd come back feeling slightly silly if we use almost entirely the experienced guys like Willow, Kirby and Saqlain but fall at the first anyway due to a short batting line-up. What would have been learned then?
There has to be a chance that Craig and or James will be unavailable at some point during the summer.... so I really think we need to find at least some things out about the guys that have yet to play.
I'm not sure exactly how strong the opposition is, but I suspect most of the teams are quite strong and so I don't know if we are capable of winning this with such a short batting line-up even if we want to make the Gold medal the number one priority?
I think they'd come back feeling slightly silly if we use almost entirely the experienced guys like Willow, Kirby and Saqlain but fall at the first anyway due to a short batting line-up. What would have been learned then?
I agree with AGod that Alfie at 7 is not a major concern as such if we had a couple of bowlers who could bat to the standard of, say, Johnson and Caddick at 8 and 9. We do rather seem to have four no. 11s.
I've been to the club website with the intention of informing myself a bit more thoroughly about the youngsters, but the squad list doesn't seem to have been updated for a while and Barrow and Meschede aren't there. Tried their Cricinfo profiles but they're giving nothing away. I see Barrow's made runs for England u19. What is Meschede's pedigree?
Surely Chris Jones in place of one of the young bowlers, maybe Dibble, would have made for a better balanced squad?
I've been to the club website with the intention of informing myself a bit more thoroughly about the youngsters, but the squad list doesn't seem to have been updated for a while and Barrow and Meschede aren't there. Tried their Cricinfo profiles but they're giving nothing away. I see Barrow's made runs for England u19. What is Meschede's pedigree?
Surely Chris Jones in place of one of the young bowlers, maybe Dibble, would have made for a better balanced squad?
Do I take it that Craig is not going to the WI for the 20/.20? Still can't find the fixtures for the A Team in the 4 day interisland competition any help would be greatly appreciated.
According to the article that Mike linked, Gemaal Hussain has been "training with the Pakistan national side."
It also says he's committed to England. If that's the case, it makes one wonder why Pakistan would bother to have him train with them?
I can see that from his point of view it might be good experience, so I can see what's in it for him... but for them there is surely nothing in it unless he's interested in playing for them?
It also says he's committed to England. If that's the case, it makes one wonder why Pakistan would bother to have him train with them?
I can see that from his point of view it might be good experience, so I can see what's in it for him... but for them there is surely nothing in it unless he's interested in playing for them?
According to BR on the official website it sounds likely that haggett is going to start on wednesday, at 7 I would assume.Alf at 8 plus 3 bowlers??
mama mia I have tried to find what you asked for the first time without any luck, the latest article on the ECB England Lions thread is dated last December. [www.ecb.co.uk] in it they say “A full schedule will be announced in due course but the Lions are set to depart for the Caribbean on January 24 and will return to the UK on March 28 to prepare for the domestic season.” I can’t find it.
Interesting that there are suggestions that Nick Compton, who was the leading run-scorer in Zimbabwe this winter, has been approached to play for them at international level ahead of their eventual return to Test cricket. Although he was born in South Africa, his mother comes from Zimbabwe.
It all seems part of a concerted effort to get Zimbabwean cricket back on track. They have already persuaded Sean Ervine, a more than useful all-rounder, to give up his Kolpak registration with Hampshire and return to play for his native country.
Compton is 28 this summer, and although the attractions of playing for England in the creasemarks of his distinguished grandfather must be huge, time will not always be on his side.
It all seems part of a concerted effort to get Zimbabwean cricket back on track. They have already persuaded Sean Ervine, a more than useful all-rounder, to give up his Kolpak registration with Hampshire and return to play for his native country.
Compton is 28 this summer, and although the attractions of playing for England in the creasemarks of his distinguished grandfather must be huge, time will not always be on his side.
I, for one, wouldn't blame Nick Compton for switching his cricketing allegiance to Zimbabwe, for he is unlikely to follow his grandfather into the England side. It will mean of course that he is lost to Somerset.
Interesting to see that Andy Hurry has been assisting the England development squad in Australia. His ability has obviously been recognised.
Interesting to see that Andy Hurry has been assisting the England development squad in Australia. His ability has obviously been recognised.
Yes, I would imagine that Compton will decide to play for Zimbabwe within the next couple of years or so.
The opposition is variable but we may reap the whirlwind on Wednesday after the winners last year Guyana were skittled for 60 odd by Jamaica after they had restricted them to 115.
Some much better fielding from both sides than last night and some decent bowling as well. Not much on the batting front from the stars Sarwan, Chanderpaul etc. It'll be an eye opener for some of our guys.
Some much better fielding from both sides than last night and some decent bowling as well. Not much on the batting front from the stars Sarwan, Chanderpaul etc. It'll be an eye opener for some of our guys.
Some odd stuff from Alf on CEEFAX. Says in respect of his IPL deal that 'he hopes something can be worked out,' and 'I'd hate to think that SCCC would not be looked after.'
I don't really know what he is on about - I suspect he means he wants us compensated for his absence. However, I believe this happens anyway and assume Alf is simply unaware of the fact.
I don't really know what he is on about - I suspect he means he wants us compensated for his absence. However, I believe this happens anyway and assume Alf is simply unaware of the fact.
From the other site.
He would be sorely missed if he went to the IPL however we have got two new seam bowlers at the club in Gemaal Hussain and Steven Kirby and we will look to see what Alfonso decides to do and will support him whatever decision he makes.
The Somerset boss went on: "During his time away from Somerset his salary will be deducted on a pro rata basis so Alfonso needs to do his sums to see whether or not the finances stick up for him
How does that sound to you?
He would be sorely missed if he went to the IPL however we have got two new seam bowlers at the club in Gemaal Hussain and Steven Kirby and we will look to see what Alfonso decides to do and will support him whatever decision he makes.
The Somerset boss went on: "During his time away from Somerset his salary will be deducted on a pro rata basis so Alfonso needs to do his sums to see whether or not the finances stick up for him
How does that sound to you?
Basically Alf will receive around 60k for his efforts in IPL4, this is subject to the usual deductions.
Not sure what he gets at SCCC but you can deduct eight weeks and if we do well in the CC I would imagine he may receive a reduced amount of prize money.
Personally I don't think he's in it for the money, at his stage in his career he wants a crack on the big stage - fair play to the fella.
I view it as a positive, we have the position covered, Alf will be primed for the T20 in England and he would have bowled less overs and therefore a bit fresher come the second half of the campaign.
Not sure what he gets at SCCC but you can deduct eight weeks and if we do well in the CC I would imagine he may receive a reduced amount of prize money.
Personally I don't think he's in it for the money, at his stage in his career he wants a crack on the big stage - fair play to the fella.
I view it as a positive, we have the position covered, Alf will be primed for the T20 in England and he would have bowled less overs and therefore a bit fresher come the second half of the campaign.
Posters may well be hugely over-estimating how much Alfonso will earn from the IPL.
Pune have signed 10 overseas players (the equal top number)but, as with all the other teams, can only play four at any one time. So he is unlikely to play in all 16 matches, possibly not even in half of them, and the 100,000 dollars is on a sliding scale, reduced for each match he misses.
It could be that BR will try to persuade him that it will be more financially rewarding to stay with Somerset for the whole season.
Another possible downside for us is that if he stays at the IPL but doesn`t play, Alf could be considerably under-cooked when he does return to Taunton.
Pune have signed 10 overseas players (the equal top number)but, as with all the other teams, can only play four at any one time. So he is unlikely to play in all 16 matches, possibly not even in half of them, and the 100,000 dollars is on a sliding scale, reduced for each match he misses.
It could be that BR will try to persuade him that it will be more financially rewarding to stay with Somerset for the whole season.
Another possible downside for us is that if he stays at the IPL but doesn`t play, Alf could be considerably under-cooked when he does return to Taunton.
So that Thomas can be available for all SCCC matches, I'm prepared to play in the IPL on his behalf and then to hand all my winnings on to him (minus my expenses). It's a generous offer, I admit, but I can't see any flaw in my plan.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
So you will not be in it for the money LoL?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:11:22:10:13 by Mike BOS.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:11:22:10:13 by Mike BOS.
Having seen with my own eyes how tired we looked up at Durham, I can see the benefit that somebody mentioned that if Alf does go to the IPL, he ought to at least come back to the club relatively fresh.
Typical chutzpah from Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove in tonight`s Southern Evening Echo.
He is quoted as saying he will talk to Sean Ervine about his decision to leave the county, and return to international cricket with Zimbabwe, after tonight`s victory over Canada in Hampshire`s first T20 match in the Caribbean.
Only problem: not a victory in sight! Hampshire lost by 23 runs, despite chasing a modest 129.
He is quoted as saying he will talk to Sean Ervine about his decision to leave the county, and return to international cricket with Zimbabwe, after tonight`s victory over Canada in Hampshire`s first T20 match in the Caribbean.
Only problem: not a victory in sight! Hampshire lost by 23 runs, despite chasing a modest 129.
No! Hampshire have to progress beyond the group stage so we can beat them in the final!
Somerset will face two leg spinners with Chinese backgrounds playing for Guyana, where there is a large immigrant Chinese population.
Sewnarine Chattergoon, who may well open the bowling, has played once for the West Indies, while fellow leg spinner Devendra Bishoo has played for the `A` side.
Guyana`s two leading batters, Sarwan and Chanderpaul, were both run out for a combined contribution of five runs from 14 balls in Monday`s defeat by Jamaica. So lets hope our fielders are at their sharpest.
Sewnarine Chattergoon, who may well open the bowling, has played once for the West Indies, while fellow leg spinner Devendra Bishoo has played for the `A` side.
Guyana`s two leading batters, Sarwan and Chanderpaul, were both run out for a combined contribution of five runs from 14 balls in Monday`s defeat by Jamaica. So lets hope our fielders are at their sharpest.
I believe Guyana has also, historically, had a significant amount of immigration from India and this is held to be one reason why they always seem to have several spin bowlers. The pitch at Bourda Oval usually turns, too.
I'm gutted about the Hants game because they were favoured with my bookie by a massive margin of 60 or so runs. I thought that seemed outlandish but I decided that my knowledge of Canada was not sufficiently strong to take the bet - huge mistake.
It seems that these games are rather slow scoring on slow pitches?
Somerset seem to me to have had more trouble in recent years, batting on that type of track in T20 cricket, than in batting or any other phase of their game on any other type of pitch in any other type of cricket. So this could be very, very useful practice indeed and I hope we can get a lot out of it.
I'm gutted about the Hants game because they were favoured with my bookie by a massive margin of 60 or so runs. I thought that seemed outlandish but I decided that my knowledge of Canada was not sufficiently strong to take the bet - huge mistake.
It seems that these games are rather slow scoring on slow pitches?
Somerset seem to me to have had more trouble in recent years, batting on that type of track in T20 cricket, than in batting or any other phase of their game on any other type of pitch in any other type of cricket. So this could be very, very useful practice indeed and I hope we can get a lot out of it.
Slow pitches don't help us usually. We tend to like the ball coming on to the bat...but we'll have to see I suppose.
Yep - watching last night I was struck by the very slow wicket and slow outfield too. We will need to be patient and work the ball around.
Picking up on the run and throwing down a wicket will be tricky too as the ball won't come to the hand as it does in the indoor school!!
Anticiation is rising....
Picking up on the run and throwing down a wicket will be tricky too as the ball won't come to the hand as it does in the indoor school!!
Anticiation is rising....
"Maybe he is trying to work out a deal that he plays for Somerset and if Pune need him to play in any game he will fly out for it. Its the being away and not playing any games that will not benefit anyone most of all Alfie"
Was this done in a hurry Ronnie? Is is even posted on the right thread?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:12:12:09:21 by Grockle.
Was this done in a hurry Ronnie? Is is even posted on the right thread?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:12:12:09:21 by Grockle.
Thanks for your help Mike B, perhaps we may have the fixtures before England leave>>>>>>>>>>
Sorry Grockle was getting carried away. I was responding to some posts about Alfs IPL position which are further up this thread,but I did type it out quickly between meetings.
Well, only a couple of hours to go. WE have to walk a delicate line between not letting ourselves down in our performances whether we win or not and letting some of our exciting and promising young bloods come to the fore. Very interesting prospect.
SCCC official 14 man squad for tonights game is;
Jos
Nick C
Arul
Hildy
Tregs
Meschede
Haggett
Alf
Hussain
Kirby
Dockrell
Waller
Willo
Dibble
Loks very interesting!!
Jos
Nick C
Arul
Hildy
Tregs
Meschede
Haggett
Alf
Hussain
Kirby
Dockrell
Waller
Willo
Dibble
Loks very interesting!!
Bloody hell the Leeward Islands keeper is loud!! I thought it was a spectator at first near the coimmentators mike. Then I realised it was on the pitch.
The man isn't even miked up. Christ he would get on your nerves very very early!!
The man isn't even miked up. Christ he would get on your nerves very very early!!
Really hoping we see the young 'uns. Think we might be slightly up against it, results wise, because of the short batting line up, but I hope to see some glimpses of quality from the young guns.
I also just had a random though about Saqlain - he's an offspinner but none of our spinners are off spinners. How easy is it for that kind of spinner to coach the left armer and the wrist spinner? I know England have Mushy and our spinners are Swann and Monty. I guess Mushy might be in post, partly, to work at a developmental level with any wrist spinners in the England age group sides?
I also just had a random though about Saqlain - he's an offspinner but none of our spinners are off spinners. How easy is it for that kind of spinner to coach the left armer and the wrist spinner? I know England have Mushy and our spinners are Swann and Monty. I guess Mushy might be in post, partly, to work at a developmental level with any wrist spinners in the England age group sides?
I think, AGod, it is more about plans and tactics than mechanics.
Similar to David Saker, everything I have read has said he doesn't mess about with actions. He might do little things here and there but primarily he is there to drill bowling discipline and tactics into them. I assume Mushy does the same, as will Saqlain.
Similar to David Saker, everything I have read has said he doesn't mess about with actions. He might do little things here and there but primarily he is there to drill bowling discipline and tactics into them. I assume Mushy does the same, as will Saqlain.
Somerset la la la................oh its nice to get one of them in so early in the season 
Wurz
Wurz
Reasonably happy with Hussain's lone over.
Shame about the weather. Meant I had to switch over to the other game, and it's actually not been too shabby, Bobstan.
Shame about the weather. Meant I had to switch over to the other game, and it's actually not been too shabby, Bobstan.
Yes, must be the best performance for a good while.
Wickham seems to be playing well. These Wickhams get everywhere.
A decent enough over from Hussain.
Wickham seems to be playing well. These Wickhams get everywhere.
A decent enough over from Hussain.
I realised when the rain started that it was always like that when there is cricket at the county ground. I've come home to see how many murders there have been so for in Midsomer!
old boy!
old boy!
bet BJ's glad he chose to have an early night.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Wonderful performance and result for Ipswich, AG. I reckon Tuffers will have had a good evening.
Now let's see if our team can make it a double.
Now let's see if our team can make it a double.
I'm just wondering if there is a local radio station that's covering this and may be available online . Any thoughts ?
You serious radio Somerset are covering us during the football season ??!!
I found radio Voice of Guyana !
I found radio Voice of Guyana !
Great effort, Bobstan, at both venues of concern to us so far tonight.
I'm afraid I got sucked into the football so have missed most of this innings - how have Hussain and Dockrell gone? And has Haggett had a bowl?
I'm afraid I got sucked into the football so have missed most of this innings - how have Hussain and Dockrell gone? And has Haggett had a bowl?
Why don't you look at Cricinfo, AGod!
[www.cricketnetwork.co.uk]
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
[www.cricketnetwork.co.uk]
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Voice of Guyana is way behind the Eurosport coverage while BBC Somerset is simultaneous.
Was hoping for the combined wisdom of the Grockles cognoscenti as to the merit or otherwise of the bowling, LoL. All the bits I've seen have looked good, but I only saw the first three overs and final four.
I'd be inclined to be a bit more helpful, AGod, if you hadn't been flirting with football in the middle of the cricket season. (well the opening day, anyway)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
Why don't you look at Cricinfo, AGod!
Starting early this year!! Don't you lot ever learn?
You could try reading the frontpage of this site AG!
As I said I am reporting on the game as it happens. Though why I bother is beyond me sometimes!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:12:22:22:12 by Grockle.
I did not know that you were doing that for this one, Grockle. Like most people, I suspect, I have the message thread paged saved in my favourites so I get taken straight there, so was none the wiser.
Many thanks - I shall look there.
Many thanks - I shall look there.
Here's a rule for most of you. If there is a game on that I can report on AND the thread for it is sticky at the top of the message board then the chances are it is linked to a frontpage report on the game.
What would be the point for me operating a supporters site that does not report on games that are available? Why have any other options than the message board if that is the only service I provided?
It does get up my nose when people assume Cricinfo is the font of all knowledge. We are FAR more up to date on what is going on day to day during a season that that monolith yet people who use this site day in day out through summer after summer still don't think we bother to record games..its simply frustrating that this still isn't the first place people check after 16 sodding years!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:12:22:59:37 by Grockle.
What would be the point for me operating a supporters site that does not report on games that are available? Why have any other options than the message board if that is the only service I provided?
It does get up my nose when people assume Cricinfo is the font of all knowledge. We are FAR more up to date on what is going on day to day during a season that that monolith yet people who use this site day in day out through summer after summer still don't think we bother to record games..its simply frustrating that this still isn't the first place people check after 16 sodding years!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:12:22:59:37 by Grockle.
Hey Grock, sounds like winter blues ! You know we love and appreciate you really.
Going to need an explosive effort from Jos, I think, or we'll get stuck on this slow track.
Arul and Meschede gone. 5 from 7 is getting tighter BUT
free hit, now a run-out of Alf...
...this is getting tense!!
free hit, now a run-out of Alf...
...this is getting tense!!
Compo played himself in for far too long, once again and put everyone else under pressure. What a shambles. Take a risk or to in the first 6 overs and what about the free hit, an attempted reverse sweep. How bloody frustrating for all Somerset supporters.
It WAS 105/3 - but like that Hants match last summer, only the other way round.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
surely a record, 105-3 to 111 all out in about 10 minutes, takes some doing that does...
Unbelievable - defeat from the jaws of victory...
...inexperience perhaps?
Lost 7 wickets for 5 runs.
...inexperience perhaps?
Lost 7 wickets for 5 runs.
What a frustrating evening. The sensible ones were those who stayed away. Good experience for the youngsters in learning that the game is never won 'til it is.
Well, I think we knew the batting looked weak on paper but that rather took the biscuit. Just some crazy running between the wickets. Another couple of overs of Jos and we'd have won it anyway but...
Well I'm glad I'm not in the Long Room. That was simply pathetic.
How can you control a game for 36 overs and lose it by 1 run with 7 wickets in hand from the start of the 37th?
To say that was headless chicken stuff would insult poultry without heads!
Nick has to learn another speed! Whatever one he starts in is the one he stays in. James looked out of touch. Jos had the faith to play to his strengths. Pete looked aggressive. Arul still doesn't seem to know what his role is and we left it to boys to do a job that should have been done and dusted without problem by the 16th.
The first half was excellent. The last tenth was amateurish. Just like the Sussex Final at Edgbaston - we seem to have learned nothing!
It had little to do with batting strength or weakness and everything to do with understanding how to pace an innings. If you put any batsman in the position where all they can do is swing and run irrespective of what the ball does then you don't play to any strengths or weaknesses they may or may not have. Nick was too slow and only Jos came in to push the score along. We let the slowest man take charge and then seemed to watch helplessly while he throttled the life out of our game...I'm simply astonished at how poor that was.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:08:59:43 by Grockle.
How can you control a game for 36 overs and lose it by 1 run with 7 wickets in hand from the start of the 37th?
To say that was headless chicken stuff would insult poultry without heads!
Nick has to learn another speed! Whatever one he starts in is the one he stays in. James looked out of touch. Jos had the faith to play to his strengths. Pete looked aggressive. Arul still doesn't seem to know what his role is and we left it to boys to do a job that should have been done and dusted without problem by the 16th.
The first half was excellent. The last tenth was amateurish. Just like the Sussex Final at Edgbaston - we seem to have learned nothing!
It had little to do with batting strength or weakness and everything to do with understanding how to pace an innings. If you put any batsman in the position where all they can do is swing and run irrespective of what the ball does then you don't play to any strengths or weaknesses they may or may not have. Nick was too slow and only Jos came in to push the score along. We let the slowest man take charge and then seemed to watch helplessly while he throttled the life out of our game...I'm simply astonished at how poor that was.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:08:59:43 by Grockle.
I think the guys in the 2nd half of the order probably lacked some confidence in each other with the bat. On top of that, how often have they batted together before?
There was always going to be a big onus on the top 5 and they did not quite carry it through.
There was always going to be a big onus on the top 5 and they did not quite carry it through.
It's even affected your Arithemetic - but then you're an economist.
(and my spelling!)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:00:11:33 by Loyal of Lhasa..
(and my spelling!)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:00:11:33 by Loyal of Lhasa..
If Compton is going to bat slowly for a long time then he has to finish it off. Some poor decision making; a wasted free hit and a risky shot off ball one over 20 lost it for us.I think he was trying to farm the strike which was why Alf and Haggett were run out. I lay this one firmly at Compton's feet and feel we are exactly where we were with him at the beginning of last season.
Well that's not a problem at the moment because neither is the side he plays for :-)
Unless we get him sorted and work around him properly then this season will not be what we want it to be.
Nick is a vital aspect of our top order - more so now ZdB is not there - he is the link between the big guns and the shot makers. Anyone else playing that role wil be playing out of their comfort zone - he does it naturally (though not very well at the moment).
Don't use him in the short stuff if you want but he is there to do a job in the championship and he has to do that job because Rosey's whole plan fits around it.
We have to sort him out because we do not have anyone to replace him - do we?
Unless we get him sorted and work around him properly then this season will not be what we want it to be.
Nick is a vital aspect of our top order - more so now ZdB is not there - he is the link between the big guns and the shot makers. Anyone else playing that role wil be playing out of their comfort zone - he does it naturally (though not very well at the moment).
Don't use him in the short stuff if you want but he is there to do a job in the championship and he has to do that job because Rosey's whole plan fits around it.
We have to sort him out because we do not have anyone to replace him - do we?
I think, guys, a little harsh on Compton. I agree with GM that the free hit shot was poor thinking, though. The bottom line is he got it down to 6 off 13 balls, I think? Yes, he should have finished the job but inexperience, or no, I still don't really think that justifies what followed. If the party we named for this one includes all of the batsmen that SCCC can call upon, then I think, quite frankly,that we could do with adding an extra batsman to the squad?
I can't agree, Grockle, that any of our last 5 or 6 were actually in a position where they could 'only swing and run,' as run rate was not an issue in those fateful final three overs. I do accept, though, that as panic set in the players played as though they needed 10 an over.
Zander averaged 50, I believe, in short form cricket for SCCC, in short form cricket and so was always going to be a huge miss.
We'll also have Alf and Kartik unavailable, too, and so I think the one day stuff is likely to be more challenging than of late.
I can't agree, Grockle, that any of our last 5 or 6 were actually in a position where they could 'only swing and run,' as run rate was not an issue in those fateful final three overs. I do accept, though, that as panic set in the players played as though they needed 10 an over.
Zander averaged 50, I believe, in short form cricket for SCCC, in short form cricket and so was always going to be a huge miss.
We'll also have Alf and Kartik unavailable, too, and so I think the one day stuff is likely to be more challenging than of late.
Teams talk alot about learning from defeats, and with so much inexperience in the team, I think it will have been a useful lesson.
I'm not sure if we have an extra batsmen, such as Chris Jones, in the touring squad, but the team seems a little excessive on all rounders. Trego and Meschede didn't even get to bowl. I think 8 is high enough for Alfonso to bat and everyone batting above him should obviously be a better batsmen than he. Like England have done, I think we need to address scoring quickly in the first 6 overs too. I would pick a team as such in this batting order;
Buttler
Trego
Compton
Hildreth
Jones?
Suppiah
Meschede
Thomas
Haggett / Hussain
Kirby / Dibble
Dockrell / Waller
Finally the last time I seem to remember a team (Hampshire) being defeated in such a catastrophic fashion in the group stage of a 20/20 tournament they went on to win it!! So all is not lost!
I'm not sure if we have an extra batsmen, such as Chris Jones, in the touring squad, but the team seems a little excessive on all rounders. Trego and Meschede didn't even get to bowl. I think 8 is high enough for Alfonso to bat and everyone batting above him should obviously be a better batsmen than he. Like England have done, I think we need to address scoring quickly in the first 6 overs too. I would pick a team as such in this batting order;
Buttler
Trego
Compton
Hildreth
Jones?
Suppiah
Meschede
Thomas
Haggett / Hussain
Kirby / Dibble
Dockrell / Waller
Finally the last time I seem to remember a team (Hampshire) being defeated in such a catastrophic fashion in the group stage of a 20/20 tournament they went on to win it!! So all is not lost!
Surprise of the day was how out of form James looked. I'd have thought he should have been our form banker after the Developmental squad down under.
At least Brian and Alf are likely to have been pleased with discipline in the field.
At least Brian and Alf are likely to have been pleased with discipline in the field.
I am a little worrried abut the report on the official county site. It's fair enough but the picture of Compton talks of his "invaluable 32". Not the word I would have used.
Oh dear never mind it is only t20.
We did see some of the back up staff all looking very happy, Alfonso did manage a smile near the end.
One thing that did annoy me was the commentators saying we had nearly a full strength team. How many of that team played with the first team that season?
We did see some of the back up staff all looking very happy, Alfonso did manage a smile near the end.
One thing that did annoy me was the commentators saying we had nearly a full strength team. How many of that team played with the first team that season?
With our inexperienced batting line-up, the more experienced professionals should never have allowed the situation to get to a place where panic was able to affect how we finished the game. The Guyanese bowling was not all that restrictive IF we had paced the game better. As someone said, If Nick was going to pace the game in the way it was paced then he HAS to finish it off. It was not all his fault but he was the controlling factor and no-one dealt with the problem when that control started to look shaky.
Curtley Ambrose was questioning our tactics in the 13th over...he's a bowler, if he could see it then why couldn't anyone else? The low total probably lulled us into a false sense of security and it always seemed retrievable...but it wasn't.
"Valuable learning experience" - well I wonder how many of the guys in that side were on the field or experienced the aftermath of the Edgbaston Final? We haven't seemed to learn from that or from last year either...
Sorry but I see NO positives from this batting display. It has happened before and it keeps on happening.
The bowling was brilliant after saying that. This game was so in our control up until about the 15th over that it was almost impossible to see how we could possibly lose it.
Curtley Ambrose was questioning our tactics in the 13th over...he's a bowler, if he could see it then why couldn't anyone else? The low total probably lulled us into a false sense of security and it always seemed retrievable...but it wasn't.
"Valuable learning experience" - well I wonder how many of the guys in that side were on the field or experienced the aftermath of the Edgbaston Final? We haven't seemed to learn from that or from last year either...
Sorry but I see NO positives from this batting display. It has happened before and it keeps on happening.
The bowling was brilliant after saying that. This game was so in our control up until about the 15th over that it was almost impossible to see how we could possibly lose it.
Personally I think we need to be more aggressive with the scoring rate. Last season in a couple of T20 games when chasing low scores we seem content to tick along nicely with the rate but then if the opposition have a good couple of overs we panic. The Essex game at home when Ryan TD got injured for them was a similar collapse when losing and another game Pollard had to hit a couple of sixes before just scrapping home in a game which should of been won comfortably.
A belated but very Happy New Year to all the pessimists on here.
I hope you have a good one.
I hope you have a good one.
If you are going to bat slowly, ie below the rate required, you must bat long and Compton should have finished what he started. His shot selection for the free hit was ludicrous, and his shot selection when he got out was equally ludicrous. Having scratched around all innings you dont play a shot like that with such a low tally of runs needed. Play it on its merits please.
Let's hope if anyone learns lessons from this it is our Zimbabwean friend, not the junior players who would have expected the senior players to complete the job having got to where they got to.
Commentary was a joke - "Somerset have a very strong side here" Not true and someone needs to put that right with them."
Let's hope if anyone learns lessons from this it is our Zimbabwean friend, not the junior players who would have expected the senior players to complete the job having got to where they got to.
Commentary was a joke - "Somerset have a very strong side here" Not true and someone needs to put that right with them."
A handful of factors to consider:
1. It's January
2. It's our first game in Caribbean conditions
3. Guyana found it hard to score runs too. Only Sarwan made more than 10.
4. Pacing run chases in T20 is difficult.
Let's not be too harsh.
1. It's January
2. It's our first game in Caribbean conditions
3. Guyana found it hard to score runs too. Only Sarwan made more than 10.
4. Pacing run chases in T20 is difficult.
Let's not be too harsh.
I couldn't resist it Grockle so I looked it up and the answer to your question ref how many players involved yesterday and in 20/20 finals of last two seasons, 5 on each occasion. So for more than half the team it does remain a valuable learning experience and more to the point of those that were actually culpable in losing there heads, none played in the finals except Thomas.
I think considering the level of experience among team members, the fact it is the first competitive Somerset game for 4 months and overseas with foreign conditions, some of the criticisms here are a bit harsh. The collapse shouldn't have happen but cricket being cricket it did and will again, but I believe for our team it couldn't have happened at a better time and they will become a better team in the tournament and the future for it having done so.
I think considering the level of experience among team members, the fact it is the first competitive Somerset game for 4 months and overseas with foreign conditions, some of the criticisms here are a bit harsh. The collapse shouldn't have happen but cricket being cricket it did and will again, but I believe for our team it couldn't have happened at a better time and they will become a better team in the tournament and the future for it having done so.
"Curtley Ambrose was questioning our tactics in the 13th over...he's a bowler, if he could see it then why couldn't anyone else? The low total probably lulled us into a false sense of security and it always seemed retrievable...but it wasn't."
Frankly, Richie Benaud, he is not!
The commentary was virtually schizonphrenic. In one breath they said Somerset were batting too casually and setting themselves up for a fall... in the next sentence, usually, they said "Somerset look so professional,'" Make up your minds guys!
In truth, it was the sort of sluggish pitch that I think most of us expected and not the kind of pitch on which it is easy to score quickly.
Frankly, I think the reason folks are being a bit harsh on Compton is that I do not believe he possesses the actual ability to score more rapidly than he did on that type of surface.
Most of our batsmen usually struggle on that type of surface. Guys that rely on timing find it very difficult on slow pitches like that one. It's the guys that can bring brute force to bear, like Jos and Pete, that have the best chance, in my view, of succeeding (by which I mean getting a good score quickly,) on that type of surface.
I was a bit shocked to see that Arul's highest T20 score was only 32 not out. I think I know the innings he got it in - at Edgbaston in partnership with Omari Banks a few years ago in the final group game. Perhaps Arul should be given more of a chance to bat up the order in T20 cricket?
The talk from Brian on Meschede has been about what a long hitter he is.. so perhaps he ought to move up the order a bit, too, to try and take advantage when the ball is new? I know he lacks experience, but then he lacks experience in the kind of 'finishing,' role that we were, presumably, hoping he would be able to fill in this one, too.
Perhaps Compton and Hildreth, who ran so well together in the Pro 40 Final, would be best in the "finishing," roles at 5 and 6? (at least from the party we have available for this game.) Of course, that would still rely on the bigger hitters coming off, but then if they don't come off, we're unlikely to win these games anyway, so...
Frankly, Richie Benaud, he is not!
The commentary was virtually schizonphrenic. In one breath they said Somerset were batting too casually and setting themselves up for a fall... in the next sentence, usually, they said "Somerset look so professional,'" Make up your minds guys!
In truth, it was the sort of sluggish pitch that I think most of us expected and not the kind of pitch on which it is easy to score quickly.
Frankly, I think the reason folks are being a bit harsh on Compton is that I do not believe he possesses the actual ability to score more rapidly than he did on that type of surface.
Most of our batsmen usually struggle on that type of surface. Guys that rely on timing find it very difficult on slow pitches like that one. It's the guys that can bring brute force to bear, like Jos and Pete, that have the best chance, in my view, of succeeding (by which I mean getting a good score quickly,) on that type of surface.
I was a bit shocked to see that Arul's highest T20 score was only 32 not out. I think I know the innings he got it in - at Edgbaston in partnership with Omari Banks a few years ago in the final group game. Perhaps Arul should be given more of a chance to bat up the order in T20 cricket?
The talk from Brian on Meschede has been about what a long hitter he is.. so perhaps he ought to move up the order a bit, too, to try and take advantage when the ball is new? I know he lacks experience, but then he lacks experience in the kind of 'finishing,' role that we were, presumably, hoping he would be able to fill in this one, too.
Perhaps Compton and Hildreth, who ran so well together in the Pro 40 Final, would be best in the "finishing," roles at 5 and 6? (at least from the party we have available for this game.) Of course, that would still rely on the bigger hitters coming off, but then if they don't come off, we're unlikely to win these games anyway, so...
I believe the tournament moves to Barbados next week, and I think we're more likely to see the best of guys like Compton and Hildreth on a quicker surface.
I was nervous throughout the run 'chase', as a direct result of some shoddy performances last season and so nearly winning three trophies, not knowing which team was going to turn up.
I wonder if the same nervousness is now with the squad? Brian Rose also looked very nervous.
We must strive to be more clinical.
I wonder if the same nervousness is now with the squad? Brian Rose also looked very nervous.
We must strive to be more clinical.
Was that our first game in those conditions?
I see that Hampshire had a warm up game against Barbados.
Edited - it was an error Sid, two keys next to one another R_T.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:11:27:30 by Mike BOS.
I see that Hampshire had a warm up game against Barbados.
Edited - it was an error Sid, two keys next to one another R_T.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:11:27:30 by Mike BOS.
To the best of my knowledge it was our first game - but then warm up games have been known to pass by undetected by me!
Edited to reflect Mike's editing above.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:11:31:13 by Sid Valley.
Edited to reflect Mike's editing above.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:11:31:13 by Sid Valley.
I'm still in a bit of a daze of disbelief that I witnessed that collapse on eurosport last night. I'd nodded off when Arul came to the crease.. and then woke up when he was walking back. What happened after that was just crazy. If Kirby had angled that drive about 1ft the other way of Chanderpaul we'd have not been sat here working out what went wrong.
Crompton's free hit. Sorry, but what was that?
Crompton's free hit. Sorry, but what was that?
Compton's free hit smacked of a foolish idea that somebody had in the nets and which they thought they'd "experiment," with in this game.
Better to know that it does not work now than to trot it out in a domestic T20 game!!
Better to know that it does not work now than to trot it out in a domestic T20 game!!
Surely what type of shot you play with a free hit should be decided on what type of ball is balled.
The only good news to come out of last night was that the Combined Campus team beat Jamaica meaning the other 4 teams have all one one and lost one
Did they?
Interesting.
Guyana are supposed to be the best of these teams and we only lost to them due to outright panic.
Still, I think the bowling will have to be exceptional throughout for us to qualify from the group as we've already seen that we cannot even be sure of chasing below-par totals. I do think things will get easier for us with the bat once we switch to Barbados, though.
Interesting.
Guyana are supposed to be the best of these teams and we only lost to them due to outright panic.
Still, I think the bowling will have to be exceptional throughout for us to qualify from the group as we've already seen that we cannot even be sure of chasing below-par totals. I do think things will get easier for us with the bat once we switch to Barbados, though.
My thinking exactly AG.
No-one, even Sarwan, looked comfortable on that surface.
A bad day at the office - but very early days. Things will be better - and, as others have said, we looked in control for most of the match.
We need to find finishers.
No-one, even Sarwan, looked comfortable on that surface.
A bad day at the office - but very early days. Things will be better - and, as others have said, we looked in control for most of the match.
We need to find finishers.
I personally suggested that Arul did what he's used to and opened the innings sending Nick in if the wheels start to come off. It isn't Hildreth, Trego or Compton's first competive game of the winter though admittedly it is the first Somerset game in 'Windie' conditions.
It isn't the end of the world and we have to be happy this isn't happening at the start of the real stuff in April so we have to get it sorted. But only Marcus and Craig are not here (MK won't be here anyway) and CK isn't going to increase our stability if we want him to do what he does.
It's just so disappointing after the experience of the end of last year that we start with the same problem which was so avoidable.
Really happy with Hussain (though he may get punished a little more if he continues to provide width). I see no reason on that performance why he can't play short format cricket - takes the pressure off the older men especially Charl.
Dockrell was older than his years by a considerable margin - really liked him.
Haggett did not look out of place and Kirby makes up in effort what he may have lost in terms of physical agility. That grunt is gonna get repetitive real fast!!
There was one other thing that was noticable. Both the ex-Gloucestershire bowlers did not make any real effort to cover the stumps at the non striker's end after they had delivered the ball - the bad habits other counties teach them eh?
It isn't the end of the world and we have to be happy this isn't happening at the start of the real stuff in April so we have to get it sorted. But only Marcus and Craig are not here (MK won't be here anyway) and CK isn't going to increase our stability if we want him to do what he does.
It's just so disappointing after the experience of the end of last year that we start with the same problem which was so avoidable.
Really happy with Hussain (though he may get punished a little more if he continues to provide width). I see no reason on that performance why he can't play short format cricket - takes the pressure off the older men especially Charl.
Dockrell was older than his years by a considerable margin - really liked him.
Haggett did not look out of place and Kirby makes up in effort what he may have lost in terms of physical agility. That grunt is gonna get repetitive real fast!!
There was one other thing that was noticable. Both the ex-Gloucestershire bowlers did not make any real effort to cover the stumps at the non striker's end after they had delivered the ball - the bad habits other counties teach them eh?
Agree Grockle esp. about Hussain - I thought he bowled pretty well - and he is taller than I thought! Yep - a bit of width from time to time but if he can keep the control he showed most of the time he is going to be a real asset.
Kirby was a little expensive but I guess that is what you get with him - lots of effort, some wickets and some looser stuff.
Dockrell had the dream start with wicket off hos first delivery and does give it quite a loop. Looked good.
Haggett did ok too and was a bit unlucky with a powerful sqaure cut that picked out Sarwan. If that had gone past we wouldn't be here today in doom and gloom!
Kirby was a little expensive but I guess that is what you get with him - lots of effort, some wickets and some looser stuff.
Dockrell had the dream start with wicket off hos first delivery and does give it quite a loop. Looked good.
Haggett did ok too and was a bit unlucky with a powerful sqaure cut that picked out Sarwan. If that had gone past we wouldn't be here today in doom and gloom!
I think the ECB website headline aptly sums it up.
'Shoddy Somerset throw it away'
'Shoddy Somerset throw it away'
Yes Ajay shoddy indeed. As other posters have said Dockrell
and Hussein looked very good and Alf was his usual self.
As usual, the opening few overs set the tone for the rest of the innings. Hope Marcus and Craig have good seasons this coming year otherwise we could struggle in the 1 day game.
The top 8 batsmen will need to score all the runs, because on yesterdays performance numbers 9,10 and 11 and unlikely to trouble the scorers.
Lets hope for a better batting performance tomorrow.
and Hussein looked very good and Alf was his usual self.
As usual, the opening few overs set the tone for the rest of the innings. Hope Marcus and Craig have good seasons this coming year otherwise we could struggle in the 1 day game.
The top 8 batsmen will need to score all the runs, because on yesterdays performance numbers 9,10 and 11 and unlikely to trouble the scorers.
Lets hope for a better batting performance tomorrow.
To be fair, in the games at Taunton life will probably be quite a bit easier even for numbers 9, 10 and jack with the bat. Of course, things are also likely to be tougher with the ball.
I just hope we can get a solid batting performance tomorrow. If we win the toss, I think we surely have to bat first?
I just hope we can get a solid batting performance tomorrow. If we win the toss, I think we surely have to bat first?
Woke up and checked the score, read the report and nearly cried into my cereal.....Somerset Boo Hoo Hoo.....it is a worry we have this tendency to collapse at times, I know not our full team but still a trait I would like us to lose.
Wurz
Wurz
I thought Haggett was a touch unlucky with his shot to a wideish ball.. Just picked out the fielder. He hit it hard and it could easily have gone for four.
Yep it was four a yard either way and that would have guaranteed at least a super over.
I'm still stunned - 8 runs, 14 balls, two batsmen well set and 7 wickets in the hutch.
Compton has to shoulder a lot of the responsibility for this, as he was at the crease for two of the run-outs and did not see the side home in the last over. (as well as scoring slowly) A touch of deja-vu, as it was his call that led to the run-out which triggered the collapse in the FPT final. Lets hope he can nip this worrying habit in the bud.
A shame, as we bowled well and looked to be in control of the chase, but better this sort of thing happens in January than June.
I'm still stunned - 8 runs, 14 balls, two batsmen well set and 7 wickets in the hutch.
Compton has to shoulder a lot of the responsibility for this, as he was at the crease for two of the run-outs and did not see the side home in the last over. (as well as scoring slowly) A touch of deja-vu, as it was his call that led to the run-out which triggered the collapse in the FPT final. Lets hope he can nip this worrying habit in the bud.
A shame, as we bowled well and looked to be in control of the chase, but better this sort of thing happens in January than June.
The real positive was Dockrell. I do like a "Slow " bowler. Tomorrow could be frustrating. I shall have to record the game as Newcastle Falcons kick off against Montpelier at 8.00 so I shall be depressed before I start to watch the cricket
I see Simon Jones bowled 4 overs for Hants last night and took 4-10. I really didn't think he'd ever play again - good for him.
I hope to get to see Haggett have a slightly longer bat today. Although he picked out the fielder with that shot, I was encouraged by the way he really climbed into the shot.... he did not look like he had gone into this shell at all. I think that was the only ball he faced before he became involved in one of numerous foolish run-outs all of which, frankly, have blurred into one as far as I am concerned.
Sir Viv Richards, Somerset's greatest batsman, was invited into their dressing-room on Wednesday to address a talented but somewhat callow group of cricketers who would have known him only through the record books and old footage on television.
Alas for them, they singularly failed to impress him when they took on Guyana, the West Indies T20 champions. [www.thisisbristol.co.uk]
Alas for them, they singularly failed to impress him when they took on Guyana, the West Indies T20 champions. [www.thisisbristol.co.uk]
That makes me laugh, Mr Rose said he asked Viv to come and speak with the youngsters but 'it transpired that they all wanted to meet him.'
Of course, they did Brian!! I could have told you that myself.
Of course, they did Brian!! I could have told you that myself.
Yes...I'm off to play in Antigua at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium in my Somerset shirt...is there anything else I would possibly like to do if it can be arranged?
Answers on a postcard in less than 10 words!!
I wonder if they teach them some of the history of the club in their county professional indoctrination classes?
Answers on a postcard in less than 10 words!!
I wonder if they teach them some of the history of the club in their county professional indoctrination classes?
What's the format of this comp? If we lose tonight, are we on the plane home, or are there more matches? If so, how many, and can we still progress?
There are two groups of five so we play 4 league games.If we win tonight every team in our group would have lost one game so every chance of going through.
There are two semi finals being Winner of each group with runner up of other group and a final and third/fourth play off so plenty of chances to proceed.
Much better than the ICL competition.
For anyone interested I will be reporting on the game tonight and updating as we go.
It will be on a new thread because this one is getting quite long and you can't get two match reports on noe thread. This one will close down at 8 and we'll move to the new one for the next bit of the tournament.
For anyone interested I will be reporting on the game tonight and updating as we go.
It will be on a new thread because this one is getting quite long and you can't get two match reports on noe thread. This one will close down at 8 and we'll move to the new one for the next bit of the tournament.
BBC Somerset are covering tonights game.Funny how they can get somebody to Antigua but not Exmouth.
You cynic, you, BR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Grockle, I look forward to it.
Thanks, Grockle, I look forward to it.
Just watched the highlights of this pitiful display. What made our boys think it was ok to 'coast' earlier in the innings, only to fail embarrassingly with panic and run-outs in the last couple of overs? It was utterly painful to watch. To add insult to injury, at least it would have been a draw if that clear 'no ball' had been called. Why did the ump ask for a replay if he didn't intend to give an extra for it? Disgusting effort by Somerset though - they should have won by a distance.
"Coast?"
Generally I'm sure any team would take 8 off the last 14 deliveries with 7 wickets in hand?
I'm not saying that it wasn't emabarrassing to watch the finale, just that the "coast" comment was a bit off the mark ...
Cheers,
VtF.
Generally I'm sure any team would take 8 off the last 14 deliveries with 7 wickets in hand?
I'm not saying that it wasn't emabarrassing to watch the finale, just that the "coast" comment was a bit off the mark ...
Cheers,
VtF.
If you want to debate this long and hard Janet I'll happily re-open the thread and merge this one in :-) A lot has been said and not a lot of it has been happy.
Watch the highlights of the Windward game...that may make you a little happier.
Watch the highlights of the Windward game...that may make you a little happier.
Look, I'd rather we'd won last night and not put up such an abysmal all-round show - as I'd rather we hadn't thrown it away last week.
But let's have a bit of perspective and not write off the whole of 2011. It's a lightweight tournament (a lot of the top home players don't seem to be playing, the pitches are rubbish (as they've been in Windies for years), there are no crowds) to which we've taken a young, experimental batting-light group missing our captain and best bat, our overseas star and our best keeper. Our best middle-order bat has come straight from Australia (in cricket terms, a different planet), while the rest are straight out of indoor nets, with snow and rain outside. And our main all-rounder seems to be hors de combat in some way.
It's experience (of a sort) for the Dockrells, Haggetts and Meschedes, a chance to look at Kirby and Hussain, and, let's be honest, a bit of a bonus cricket-related break which I don't begrudge them.
I wish we'd played better, and still hope we can win the whole thing. But for some people to emerge from hibernation and use one and a half games (one 20 overs, one 6 overs!!!) to moan about the state of our club and our team - a bit over the top, surely?
But let's have a bit of perspective and not write off the whole of 2011. It's a lightweight tournament (a lot of the top home players don't seem to be playing, the pitches are rubbish (as they've been in Windies for years), there are no crowds) to which we've taken a young, experimental batting-light group missing our captain and best bat, our overseas star and our best keeper. Our best middle-order bat has come straight from Australia (in cricket terms, a different planet), while the rest are straight out of indoor nets, with snow and rain outside. And our main all-rounder seems to be hors de combat in some way.
It's experience (of a sort) for the Dockrells, Haggetts and Meschedes, a chance to look at Kirby and Hussain, and, let's be honest, a bit of a bonus cricket-related break which I don't begrudge them.
I wish we'd played better, and still hope we can win the whole thing. But for some people to emerge from hibernation and use one and a half games (one 20 overs, one 6 overs!!!) to moan about the state of our club and our team - a bit over the top, surely?
Judgng by some of the comments on here today, you'd think this was a football forum.
Too true. It's like 10 overs into the first innings of the first CC1 home game in early April 3 months early. And Spike doesn't even post here!!
"the pitches are rubbish "
SP - the pitch in Antigua was rubbish.
BUT.... could you explain what was so wrong with the pitch in Barbados?
SP - the pitch in Antigua was rubbish.
BUT.... could you explain what was so wrong with the pitch in Barbados?
It kept moving the stumps away from the Somerset line AG! Varying back and forth! Waving from side to side! How can you play decent cricket on that?
SPs points are all relevant, but the fact is we should have been better than we were. A bunch of guys off one of the 365 Antigan beaches could have done better. We were awful from the team selection right through to the end, and that should not be ignored as it is January.
Personally I see it as a wake up call...to have that in January is better than in April when the "real" stuff begins.
Personally I see it as a wake up call...to have that in January is better than in April when the "real" stuff begins.
I wonder if we just did not want to play the game in its 6 over format? i.e we thought it was too wet to play or something like that? Certainly, I could not identify an experienced SCCC bowler who seemed to relish the game at all.
The batsman also looked less than motivated, though that's perhaps not entirely surprising as they were facing mission almost impossible and Jerome Taylor's first over basically removed the "almost," from that proposition.
The batsman also looked less than motivated, though that's perhaps not entirely surprising as they were facing mission almost impossible and Jerome Taylor's first over basically removed the "almost," from that proposition.
apparently both teams were keen to play as you only get one point for a rain ruined game as opposed to four for winning.
As it turned out 1 point each would have left both teams only needing to win their last game to qualify without worrying about run rates
No hindsight in this because I was thinking this at the time.
Given our batting weakness and Jamaica's at least decent bowling and batting line-up I did hope that they would not play and we would be left with a game against the CCC's to make or break this tournament.
I would have understood it a little more if Alf had gone with both spinners - it would have suggested that he had a belief in them holding the key.
Faith in Charl's first competitive over of 2011. Kirby's ability to hold it tight (though I do take AG's point about his over - he did fool the batsman and the no ball was unlucky).
Maybe it was too much faith in Jos to do a Samuels - because no-one else had shown they were in any kind of form.
Personally, the ONLY thing that would have made me keen to go for a 6 over slog would have been a FIT PETER TREGO!!
Other than that it would have been a 20 over game or abandonment for me as captain.
Given our batting weakness and Jamaica's at least decent bowling and batting line-up I did hope that they would not play and we would be left with a game against the CCC's to make or break this tournament.
I would have understood it a little more if Alf had gone with both spinners - it would have suggested that he had a belief in them holding the key.
Faith in Charl's first competitive over of 2011. Kirby's ability to hold it tight (though I do take AG's point about his over - he did fool the batsman and the no ball was unlucky).
Maybe it was too much faith in Jos to do a Samuels - because no-one else had shown they were in any kind of form.
Personally, the ONLY thing that would have made me keen to go for a 6 over slog would have been a FIT PETER TREGO!!
Other than that it would have been a 20 over game or abandonment for me as captain.
Grockles.com
14/01/2011 20:01
14/01/2011 20:01
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Scarily short batting line up.
Their Keeper has got a mouth on him hasn't he?
Their Keeper has got a mouth on him hasn't he?
And another near run out. Have our top order forgotten that we have arguably the longest tail in the history of T20 cricket?
Absolutely awful from Compton - extremely poor.
Meschede and Haggett are going to get a chance with the bat, for sure.
Meschede and Haggett are going to get a chance with the bat, for sure.
get the feeling they are all feeling the pressure because of the batting line up. afraid to play the normal 2020 game
Its is a bit painful to watch, running between the wickets has looked poor.....Come on Somerset
Wurz
Wurz
Wild slog from Hildreth ends promising stand.
The danger now is that Jos will feel compelled to inhibit himself. The gameplan should have been Jos to blaze away and the other 3 recognized batsman to play sensibly.
The danger now is that Jos will feel compelled to inhibit himself. The gameplan should have been Jos to blaze away and the other 3 recognized batsman to play sensibly.
Excellent from Jos. And pretty impressive from Meschede too.
It looks another slow pudding of a track with nothing in it for either batsman or bowler. It's the kind of track where if you bowl standard length stuff, on a wicket to wicket line you will be tough to get away and the batting team will make mistakes under pressure.
I think we have about a 50:50 shot here, assuming we bowl and field anything like.
It looks another slow pudding of a track with nothing in it for either batsman or bowler. It's the kind of track where if you bowl standard length stuff, on a wicket to wicket line you will be tough to get away and the batting team will make mistakes under pressure.
I think we have about a 50:50 shot here, assuming we bowl and field anything like.
Well at least we have the runs on the board and the Windward Islands have to score them. As long as we don't let them get off to a flyer (what they like to do) we have a shot.
I'd agree it's about 50:50 here on whether we have another two games or more than that.
Liked Meschede...he has some power.
I'd agree it's about 50:50 here on whether we have another two games or more than that.
Liked Meschede...he has some power.
Can some enlighten me why have a t20 tournement and then produce absolutely awful slow tracks. No wonder nobody is turning up to watch! 
I would even prefer my hero at six.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Good job Dockerell was in front of that catch.
If it had been Haggett and he missed it, he could well have been opened up again!
If it had been Haggett and he missed it, he could well have been opened up again!
Tidy so far, don't want to give away too many boundaries tho otherwise it'll be a doddle
Not too good in the pp - too much width from the seamers.
Good start by Max, though.
Good start by Max, though.
We're slightly ahead of the game I think - 8/11 to win with the bookies.
Key here is to get Charles out.
Think George could be a gem of a player this season
Think George could be a gem of a player this season
This Max Waller guy....he's not bad really is he? 65 for 6 as Charles takes him on....and loses.
Bloody wonderful!!
Bloody wonderful!!
looking around the somerset back room staff. No PT?? Any news of any injury or illness??
Nice and laid back in the commentary room.. just answer the phone.
Come on Waller, get another in your last over.. been superb tonight.
Come on Waller, get another in your last over.. been superb tonight.
My money is staying firmly in my pocket until the obesely challenged female begins to warble!!
I haven't.
Arise Sir Alf!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Arise Sir Alf!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
All but over now. Max stunningly good. I think Dockrell will know he has a fight for a place on his hands.
I'm a little concerned about the accuracy of both former Gloucs' pacemen in this shortest of one day forms. I expect some pace, bounce and even a bit of seam movement in Barbados so they may be more threatening there.
I'm a little concerned about the accuracy of both former Gloucs' pacemen in this shortest of one day forms. I expect some pace, bounce and even a bit of seam movement in Barbados so they may be more threatening there.
dont know about anyone else but Compton looks totally lost at the t20 game to me.
Young Meschede looks good though.
Waller and Dockrell excellent tonight.
Young Meschede looks good though.
Waller and Dockrell excellent tonight.
Well done lads - a fine win . Confidence back up
Excellent from Max and Dock too.
Well led by Alf
Haggett diid well too.
Excellent from Max and Dock too.
Well led by Alf
Haggett diid well too.
Somerset la la la .....good bowling performance.....well done boys.
Wurz
Wurz
So... For domestic T20 can we get all 3 spinners into the team?
Tresco
Craig
Pollard
Hildreth
Buttler
Trego
Meschede
Alf
Kartik
Waller
Dockrell
I'd like to see Meschede bowl in this tournament to know if he would be an option as 4th seamer in the above side.
But if we can produce some turning tracks for home games that could be pretty tough to beat?
Tresco
Craig
Pollard
Hildreth
Buttler
Trego
Meschede
Alf
Kartik
Waller
Dockrell
I'd like to see Meschede bowl in this tournament to know if he would be an option as 4th seamer in the above side.
But if we can produce some turning tracks for home games that could be pretty tough to beat?
Did any one else think Max also had a dead plumb lbw turned down?
My MOM I think!
My MOM I think!
Quote:Sloop John B
Did any one else think Max also had a dead plumb lbw turned down?
My MOM I think!
Just a bit, it was taking middle stump out half way up!
... and now we are second in the table. (Where have I heard that before?)
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I wonder how Clarence is going to cope with the unfounded optimism of this evening?
I think they asked Nick to play an un-natural game this evening but he did get bat on ball. I'm more worried about the scratchyness of Hildreth who didn't look settled at all.
I like Hussain who can bowl tight but veers wide occasionally. Kirby worried me until he gave us what he can give with that stump demolition near the end. They will both have to be tighter at Taunton.
Dockrell got some tap in his last over but wasn't Max just superb? That googlie to get Sammy was stunning. He just gave him nothing. It was only equalled by the second one he got Smith with after the man had just missed the one before!!
I think I'd like to see Max bowl instead of Arul in future please.
No sign of Pete...worrying. He didn't bowl on Wednesday. Hope he is OK...having said that I'd like to see some more of Meschede who looks useful.
I'm happy tonight gentlemen and ladies...that was what I personally want to see. make a total that isn't shabby and then defend it in a professional manner. Much better way to play I think.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:14:23:15:14 by Grockle.
I think they asked Nick to play an un-natural game this evening but he did get bat on ball. I'm more worried about the scratchyness of Hildreth who didn't look settled at all.
I like Hussain who can bowl tight but veers wide occasionally. Kirby worried me until he gave us what he can give with that stump demolition near the end. They will both have to be tighter at Taunton.
Dockrell got some tap in his last over but wasn't Max just superb? That googlie to get Sammy was stunning. He just gave him nothing. It was only equalled by the second one he got Smith with after the man had just missed the one before!!
I think I'd like to see Max bowl instead of Arul in future please.
No sign of Pete...worrying. He didn't bowl on Wednesday. Hope he is OK...having said that I'd like to see some more of Meschede who looks useful.
I'm happy tonight gentlemen and ladies...that was what I personally want to see. make a total that isn't shabby and then defend it in a professional manner. Much better way to play I think.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:14:23:15:14 by Grockle.
I assume Mr S Trego may provide us with some kind of update as to any injury that Pete may have. Hopefully, it's just Delhi belly or something like that.
I think Arul's bowling, sadly, has gone backwards somewhat, Grockle.
I think Hildreth will be much, much happier once we get to faster pitches in Barbados.
Almost everyone has struggled with the slowness of the pitch, but I'd suggest that the difference in pace between Australian pitches and this turgid pudding is colossal. And James has spent the past few weeks on far quicker, bouncier pitches down under.
It's quite incredible how often Jos looks by far the best batsman on either side in this format of the game.
I think Arul's bowling, sadly, has gone backwards somewhat, Grockle.
I think Hildreth will be much, much happier once we get to faster pitches in Barbados.
Almost everyone has struggled with the slowness of the pitch, but I'd suggest that the difference in pace between Australian pitches and this turgid pudding is colossal. And James has spent the past few weeks on far quicker, bouncier pitches down under.
It's quite incredible how often Jos looks by far the best batsman on either side in this format of the game.
I do love seeing spinners win matches - especially when they're ours.
Once again bowling better than batting. It will be interesting to see us playing on a quicker surface from both a bowling and batting viewpoint.
Once again bowling better than batting. It will be interesting to see us playing on a quicker surface from both a bowling and batting viewpoint.
Yes. In one sense the slow pitches might have helped us in that it's not actually easy to actively bowl people out on them... you have to frustrate people out. This has meant there has been zero chance of the top order being blown away, thus exposing the long tail.
So Barbados should present both a better chance for our top-order to look fluent but also a greater risk of them getting knocked over. There should also be a greater chance of us knocking the opposing top order over.
So Barbados should present both a better chance for our top-order to look fluent but also a greater risk of them getting knocked over. There should also be a greater chance of us knocking the opposing top order over.
But if Jos fires on a pitch where it's really coming onto the bat, then God help Jamaica!!!
Talking of the pitch at the Sir Viv, wasn't the great Anderson Roberts the groundsman (curator?) there?
Is he still?
Is he still?
When was the last time that the two best fielders on the Somerset side - or indeed any other one-day side - were both spinners?
George Dockrell`s catch to remove one the the opening batters, who scored well in the eighties in the Windwards` last match, was quite stunning, while Max`s off the skier from the other opener, their top scorer this time, swirled away from him and was far more difficult than he made it look.
Credit to him, too, for calling it when there were other fielders also in range.
George Dockrell`s catch to remove one the the opening batters, who scored well in the eighties in the Windwards` last match, was quite stunning, while Max`s off the skier from the other opener, their top scorer this time, swirled away from him and was far more difficult than he made it look.
Credit to him, too, for calling it when there were other fielders also in range.
The answer to your first question is yes, BobStan.
However, I do not know the answer to your second question. It is fair to surmise that he would not want to bowl on this track, though! Talk about a back-breaker! (and maybe a heart breaker, too, for a fast bowler)
However, I do not know the answer to your second question. It is fair to surmise that he would not want to bowl on this track, though! Talk about a back-breaker! (and maybe a heart breaker, too, for a fast bowler)
Well, the young spinners certainly lifted my depression after the Rugby. That was lovely to watch.
Was Pete co commentating on BBC Somerset like Charl was the last game?That might explain why he was not with the others.
BR could you post details of where you found the commentary on BBC Somerset, I looked last night and could not find it.
Many thanks
Wurz
Many thanks
Wurz
No word at all on the other site about any injury or what have you to Pete. It simply notes that 'Waller replaced Trego.'
If it was just a straight tactical switch then introducing Waller looks like genius. But it would still have been nuts to voluntarily leave Pete out, given that we have Alf batting at six! In other words, Waller could and should have replaced somebody else.
If it was just a straight tactical switch then introducing Waller looks like genius. But it would still have been nuts to voluntarily leave Pete out, given that we have Alf batting at six! In other words, Waller could and should have replaced somebody else.
Quote:WaresWurzel
BR could you post details of where you found the commentary on BBC Somerset, I looked last night and could not find it.
Many thanks
Should be able to find it here.....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/counties/7992843.stm
following some of the tweets looks like Tregs wasnt well last night. Dont know if accurate but certainly was the under-current of the conversations.
Hopefully back in Barbados.
Hopefully back in Barbados.
I'd kind of guessed myself that that might be the case - hence why he would not have been watching the game.
Hopefully he has a trivial stomach upset or something like that that will be gone in 48 hours and will be available to resume in Barbados.
We surely have to play both spinners again in the next one so Pete would presumably return at the expense of either one of the former Gloucs' pacemen or of Haggett. Personally, I'd like to see more of Haggett and it would strengthen the batting more if Pete replaced either Hussain or Kirby.
Of course, this all assumes that the tweetosphere got this right. They may simply have just jumped to the same conclusion as me - i.e if Pete had simply tweaked a groin, or a hamstring or a calf or something, then he would probably still be watching the game, hence he was probably unwell.
Hopefully he has a trivial stomach upset or something like that that will be gone in 48 hours and will be available to resume in Barbados.
We surely have to play both spinners again in the next one so Pete would presumably return at the expense of either one of the former Gloucs' pacemen or of Haggett. Personally, I'd like to see more of Haggett and it would strengthen the batting more if Pete replaced either Hussain or Kirby.
Of course, this all assumes that the tweetosphere got this right. They may simply have just jumped to the same conclusion as me - i.e if Pete had simply tweaked a groin, or a hamstring or a calf or something, then he would probably still be watching the game, hence he was probably unwell.
Quote:Grockle
I wonder how Clarence is going to cope with the unfounded optimism of this evening?
And I wonder exactly what you mean by that comment, Grockle?
I know that one swallow doesn't make a summer and it was only 'tip-and-run' but after all our (Waller supporters) bleatings last summer for him to be picked ahead of one of the seamers (who knows we might have won the championship with an extra spinner) it was wonderful to see his control of the googly plus the accurate standard leggie. I don't remember him bowling many, if any googlies last year, so presumably somebody has been coaching him this winter?
Dockrell also looks a fine prospect. I bet TRES was sitting in his armchair at home drooling with anticipation of using both with Kartik. Send the Gloucester lads, particularly Kirby back to Bristol!!
old boy!
Dockrell also looks a fine prospect. I bet TRES was sitting in his armchair at home drooling with anticipation of using both with Kartik. Send the Gloucester lads, particularly Kirby back to Bristol!!
old boy!
Excellent! Well done Somerset.
Max and George were great, and good to see Jos adapt his batting to the needs of the team.
Also really pleased for Meschede. He looked a bit like a startled rabbit the other night. Amazing what a couple of sixes can do for confidence.
lets hope Pete is Ok for next week. We got away with it in this game only playing 5 batsmen. One of the seamers need to make way.
Max and George were great, and good to see Jos adapt his batting to the needs of the team.
Also really pleased for Meschede. He looked a bit like a startled rabbit the other night. Amazing what a couple of sixes can do for confidence.
lets hope Pete is Ok for next week. We got away with it in this game only playing 5 batsmen. One of the seamers need to make way.
Listened to part of the commentary last night. Lot of names in the Somerset side I'd never heard of. Have we sent a weak side out there.
I was out last night and have just finished watching the game having somehow summoned up a) the organisation to record it and b)the self-discipline not to peek.
Hugely impressed with both Waller (only about my third sight of him) and Meschede (my first, obviously). Waller's googly seemed virtually impossible to pick, though I suppose county batsmen may find it easier as they get used to him. Jos we know of course. Waller thoroughly deserved his MoM though Jos must have run him close.
Less impressed with Husssain's line and Kirby's temperament, not that the latter is news. Undecided which of these two and Haggett I would leave out for Trego.
I agree that Compton isn't really a 20-20 player, though I thought some of the criticism of his contribution in the first game was quite unfounded. He made a game effort to play his unnatural game last night but didn't look at ease. I'd certainly pick Meschede ahead of him in this format - I see AGod picks him ahead of Suppiah as well. (I love the idea of playing three spinners, particularly on wickets like these - I even wonder if playing Saqlain here in place of one of the quicker men might be a viable option).
Good to see a win anyway.
Hugely impressed with both Waller (only about my third sight of him) and Meschede (my first, obviously). Waller's googly seemed virtually impossible to pick, though I suppose county batsmen may find it easier as they get used to him. Jos we know of course. Waller thoroughly deserved his MoM though Jos must have run him close.
Less impressed with Husssain's line and Kirby's temperament, not that the latter is news. Undecided which of these two and Haggett I would leave out for Trego.
I agree that Compton isn't really a 20-20 player, though I thought some of the criticism of his contribution in the first game was quite unfounded. He made a game effort to play his unnatural game last night but didn't look at ease. I'd certainly pick Meschede ahead of him in this format - I see AGod picks him ahead of Suppiah as well. (I love the idea of playing three spinners, particularly on wickets like these - I even wonder if playing Saqlain here in place of one of the quicker men might be a viable option).
Good to see a win anyway.
Nope Sid we've sent the squad we have minus Kartik, Marcus, Lewis and Craig. This is the bulk of our side for next season. Exciting isn't it?
If someone has to make way for Pete I'd hope it wasn't Callum as he has bowled very well and therefore if it has to be between Gemaal and Steve I think we have to keep Gemaal because he has been dangerous even if a bit wide too often - the boy seems to be one of those who takes wickets. I'd reluctantly ask Steve to make way even though I love the controlled belligerance (?) of the man.
Max has done some real work this winter it seems. I've never seen him that dangerous. I've always thought of him as a controlled 'stopper' - a good man to have when you need to keep batsmen quiet. Either Saqlain or someone else has added another few "arrows" to the Waller "bow". I hope it just wasn't a one off 'zone' performance. If this is a consistent change we have some selection problems for next season. We have to play him to see how this pans out, it is what this visit is for - the same goes for Haggett IMHO.
If someone has to make way for Pete I'd hope it wasn't Callum as he has bowled very well and therefore if it has to be between Gemaal and Steve I think we have to keep Gemaal because he has been dangerous even if a bit wide too often - the boy seems to be one of those who takes wickets. I'd reluctantly ask Steve to make way even though I love the controlled belligerance (?) of the man.
Max has done some real work this winter it seems. I've never seen him that dangerous. I've always thought of him as a controlled 'stopper' - a good man to have when you need to keep batsmen quiet. Either Saqlain or someone else has added another few "arrows" to the Waller "bow". I hope it just wasn't a one off 'zone' performance. If this is a consistent change we have some selection problems for next season. We have to play him to see how this pans out, it is what this visit is for - the same goes for Haggett IMHO.
Quote:Clarence ParkerQuote:Grockle
I wonder how Clarence is going to cope with the unfounded optimism of this evening?
And I wonder exactly what you mean by that comment, Grockle?
13/1/11 - "A belated but very Happy New Year to all the pessimists on here.
I hope you have a good one."
What a difference a day maaaakkkes. 24 little hours (why don't they give you an icon of someone singing? :-)
The wickets prepared for these matches are just not suitable.
Earlier matches were played on 'pudding like' strips.
The outfield looks poor as well.
Perhaps the Antiguan authorites (once BR has left the island) could put in a call to a famous English football
groundsman, once of this parish.
This said individual would I am sure give up at once shovelling snow off his muddy pitch for the challenge of a bit of sun on his back.
Once installed at the Sir VR Stadium he would soon get down to the construction of a new road layout.
I suppose he may not be available just yet as he puts the finish to his new bestseller shortly to be released.
Perhaps we can get Richard & Judy to add it to the top 10.
I can visualise a book signing on a saturday morning at Somerset Sports.
Another at the Rose & Sceptre?
Earlier matches were played on 'pudding like' strips.
The outfield looks poor as well.
Perhaps the Antiguan authorites (once BR has left the island) could put in a call to a famous English football
groundsman, once of this parish.
This said individual would I am sure give up at once shovelling snow off his muddy pitch for the challenge of a bit of sun on his back.
Once installed at the Sir VR Stadium he would soon get down to the construction of a new road layout.
I suppose he may not be available just yet as he puts the finish to his new bestseller shortly to be released.
Perhaps we can get Richard & Judy to add it to the top 10.
I can visualise a book signing on a saturday morning at Somerset Sports.
Another at the Rose & Sceptre?
I think some are being a bit unfair on Hussain. Admitedly he does bowl wide deliveries and needs to curb that but he tends to deal with that when it happens and it isn't a case of "Stiffness" where there is one good ball in a bunch of mediocre stuff. Or "Turnerisms" - one good ball on line and length in amongst lots of short stuff.
He can bowl good lines. We knew he was an unfinished picture but he took two in his spell - one more than we would have got in last year's Turner Experiment. He has speed variation and can get a full ball in on a far more regular basis. Surely he's worth working on. There is a heart that beats in the Kirby breast that I have a lot of time for personally - he reminds me a lot of Steffan but with a bit more of the heart on the sleeve in a game. However, as with Steffan how it will measure up on an unforgiving Taunton pitch we'll have to wait and see.
I also apologise to Nick for my own frustration painting all of his game with a T20 brush. This is not his forte any more than it is Charl's. He is a long game technician not a short game smacker. It is doubtful he was ever planned to be a major cog in the county's T20 machine. He got the first game pace wrong and tried to put that right last night. Neither method is his way of playing the game.
I also think you are being unfair to Arul. I think his bowling has had its day except in a one over change role but he is a wonderfully wristy batsman and even if he isn't a T20 certainty I think we underuse that skill in CB40 games when we send him in at the end of the batting line-up with no time to do much other than slog with the tail. Move Pete up and in so doing so move Arul as well and I think we'll see more from him.
There are some real young prospects here though. None have disappointed up to now. Meschede looks promising. Dockrell is a mature practitioner. Haggett has not looked out of place at all. Buttler is just exceptionally cool adn I have to agree with the coaches that Husssain has something though I don't know how long it will take to get 'IT' consistent.
He can bowl good lines. We knew he was an unfinished picture but he took two in his spell - one more than we would have got in last year's Turner Experiment. He has speed variation and can get a full ball in on a far more regular basis. Surely he's worth working on. There is a heart that beats in the Kirby breast that I have a lot of time for personally - he reminds me a lot of Steffan but with a bit more of the heart on the sleeve in a game. However, as with Steffan how it will measure up on an unforgiving Taunton pitch we'll have to wait and see.
I also apologise to Nick for my own frustration painting all of his game with a T20 brush. This is not his forte any more than it is Charl's. He is a long game technician not a short game smacker. It is doubtful he was ever planned to be a major cog in the county's T20 machine. He got the first game pace wrong and tried to put that right last night. Neither method is his way of playing the game.
I also think you are being unfair to Arul. I think his bowling has had its day except in a one over change role but he is a wonderfully wristy batsman and even if he isn't a T20 certainty I think we underuse that skill in CB40 games when we send him in at the end of the batting line-up with no time to do much other than slog with the tail. Move Pete up and in so doing so move Arul as well and I think we'll see more from him.
There are some real young prospects here though. None have disappointed up to now. Meschede looks promising. Dockrell is a mature practitioner. Haggett has not looked out of place at all. Buttler is just exceptionally cool adn I have to agree with the coaches that Husssain has something though I don't know how long it will take to get 'IT' consistent.
Grockle
I agree with all that you say. However as I said before - IF Max really has developed a very good googly AND kept his excellent standard leggie, when BR TRES and Andy pick their CC team come April then after TRES Max would be my next name on the sheet. He could be the missing link which will enable us to claim the Championship at last. I don't believe any other counties would have such a potential matc winner - I would even say keep him away from the 20/20 and 1 day AND guarantee him at least 25/30 overs each CC game. He HAS TO PLAY REGULARLY.
old boy!
I agree with all that you say. However as I said before - IF Max really has developed a very good googly AND kept his excellent standard leggie, when BR TRES and Andy pick their CC team come April then after TRES Max would be my next name on the sheet. He could be the missing link which will enable us to claim the Championship at last. I don't believe any other counties would have such a potential matc winner - I would even say keep him away from the 20/20 and 1 day AND guarantee him at least 25/30 overs each CC game. He HAS TO PLAY REGULARLY.
old boy!
Quote:Grockle
I think some are being a bit unfair on Hussain. Admitedly he does bowl wide deliveries and needs to curb that but he tends to deal with that when it happens and it isn't a case of "Stiffness" where there is one good ball in a bunch of mediocre stuff. Or "Turnerisms" - one good ball on line and length in amongst lots of short stuff.
He can bowl good lines. We knew he was an unfinished picture but he took two in his spell - one more than we would have got in last year's Turner Experiment. He has speed variation and can get a full ball in on a far more regular basis. Surely he's worth working on. There is a heart that beats in the Kirby breast that I have a lot of time for personally - he reminds me a lot of Steffan but with a bit more of the heart on the sleeve in a game. However, as with Steffan how it will measure up on an unforgiving Taunton pitch we'll have to wait and see.
I wouldn't dream of writing Hussain off having only seen him bowl three overs! He has a good action and looks a likely prospect, and bowled plenty of good balls (just not good overs).
As for Kirby, I've never been a fan - I find his antics almost as unappealing as Andre Nel's, and his response to being hooked for four last night (as good a shot as I've ever seen a no.11 play) was plain childish. However he is one of us now and we must learn to love him - if it could be done with Allan Jones it can be done with anyone.
Quote:I also apologise to Nick for my own frustration painting all of his game with a T20 brush. This is not his forte any more than it is Charl's. He is a long game technician not a short game smacker. It is doubtful he was ever planned to be a major cog in the county's T20 machine. He got the first game pace wrong and tried to put that right last night. Neither method is his way of playing the game.
I can't agree that Compton got the first game pace wrong - he helped get us to a place where we needed eight off 14 balls with seven wickets in hand, which seems pretty much pace perfect. Unfortunately...
Certainly put Max`s name second on the team list for the county championship in April - but only if the wickets defy early season characteristics since time immemorial and offer even a smidgen of help to the spinners.
But please don`t risk setting him back again if they are the usual April seamers` green top paradise, where every known wisdom is that the ball doesn`t grip and the wrist spinner is in danger of being cannon fodder.
Play Max in the one-dayers from the start, George Dockrell in the championship, and Max and Murali in partnership when the real summer arrives.
But please don`t risk setting him back again if they are the usual April seamers` green top paradise, where every known wisdom is that the ball doesn`t grip and the wrist spinner is in danger of being cannon fodder.
Play Max in the one-dayers from the start, George Dockrell in the championship, and Max and Murali in partnership when the real summer arrives.
Yes, Mike, I agree with you about the shot from that number 11.. perhaps we could sign him for the rest of the tourament and he could bat at about 8 or 9 for us!!!
Kirby is a real competitior and will, I'm sure, be an asset in the CC. His head will not go down, no matter what the circumstances. I think both he and Hussain would need to become considerably more accurate if they are going to play in home T20 games. Away games on more sporting surfaces might be another matter. On Tuesday we should see more of their wicket taking potential on a more lively track.
As for Max Waller and the CC, Brian's view has been that he must turn his leg break more. Brian has said that quite a bit. I don't know that that has changed greatly? Having said that these are pudding pitches with not a huge amount of turn available, but his stock leg break barely turned yesterday.
Kirby is a real competitior and will, I'm sure, be an asset in the CC. His head will not go down, no matter what the circumstances. I think both he and Hussain would need to become considerably more accurate if they are going to play in home T20 games. Away games on more sporting surfaces might be another matter. On Tuesday we should see more of their wicket taking potential on a more lively track.
As for Max Waller and the CC, Brian's view has been that he must turn his leg break more. Brian has said that quite a bit. I don't know that that has changed greatly? Having said that these are pudding pitches with not a huge amount of turn available, but his stock leg break barely turned yesterday.
Quote:Grockle
Well I'm glad I'm not in the Long Room. That was simply pathetic.
To say that was headless chicken stuff would insult poultry without heads!
The first half was excellent. The last tenth was amateurish. Just like the Sussex Final at Edgbaston - we seem to have learned nothing!
I'm simply astonished at how poor that was.
"Valuable learning experience" - well I wonder how many of the guys in that side were on the field or experienced the aftermath of the Edgbaston Final? We haven't seemed to learn from that or from last year either...
Sorry but I see NO positives from this batting display. It has happened before and it keeps on happening.
This game was so in our control up until about the 15th over that it was almost impossible to see how we could possibly lose it.
It's just so disappointing after the experience of the end of last year that we start with the same problem which was so avoidable.
There was one other thing that was noticable. Both the ex-Gloucestershire bowlers did not make any real effort to cover the stumps at the non striker's end after they had delivered the ball - the bad habits other counties teach them eh?
A number of hostile and vitriolic comments expressed there, in my opinion.
Personally, I have no interest in watching or listening to a Twenty20 game, which purports to resemble the great game of cricket that I love, whether it is played within these shores or in the Caribbean.
However, when I read the comments like those quoted above, and posted by Grockle himself, after the game v. Guyana, I detected a sense of undeniable and, I have to confess, uncharacteristic pessimism as well as perhaps a severe case of the ‘January Blues’. So, in good spirit, I wished all the pessimists (and most notably Grockle of course) a belated but Happy New Year. Dear Old Frazer was highly amused I can tell you.
Perhaps though, my best wishes had the desired effect, for after last evening’s skirmish, we are able to read:-
Quote:Grockle
I'm happy tonight gentlemen and ladies...that was what I personally want to see. make a total that isn't shabby and then defend it in a professional manner. Much better way to play I think.
A truly wonderful response, Grockle. May the “unfounded optimism” of last evening remain with you throughout the remainder of this competition, as well as during the forthcoming English season.
As you say, “What a difference a (couple of)Day(s) make”.
Max had a tremendous match and it is indeed exciting to see him bowl both leggies and googlies so subtly.
However let's not judge the team selection for April on one match on a pudding.
HQ on an April day may not give him any purchase to work with so let's wait until we know he has the right wicket before we make him a 'shoe-in'.
Forgot to mention Meschede's contribution last night - he does look an excellent prospect who wasn't overawed and hits a strong ball!
Largely agree with Grockle over Hussain and Kirby - thought Kirby's penultimate over was a bit brainless and went for 10 runs. His last over was FAR better and he did look like the bowler we need. Someone needs to be always in his ear!
Isn't it good to have so many positive selection issues before the season even starts!
However let's not judge the team selection for April on one match on a pudding.
HQ on an April day may not give him any purchase to work with so let's wait until we know he has the right wicket before we make him a 'shoe-in'.
Forgot to mention Meschede's contribution last night - he does look an excellent prospect who wasn't overawed and hits a strong ball!
Largely agree with Grockle over Hussain and Kirby - thought Kirby's penultimate over was a bit brainless and went for 10 runs. His last over was FAR better and he did look like the bowler we need. Someone needs to be always in his ear!
Isn't it good to have so many positive selection issues before the season even starts!
It was more the powerplay overs from Kirby/Hussain that concerned me... too much of bowling both sides of the wicket, which always makes life tough for the captain.
In a way that's what makes Max's performance even more impressive .... they were under no particular pressure when first Max came on.
Jos Buttler put it best "On a string, Waller, on a string."
That was certainly the case for almost every ball apart from the one he got the opener with, which was a long hop which the opener got totally and utterly wrong.
It was great to see Max pick up Sammy with that googly and the over of Max vs Devon Smith was one of the most one-sided I have ever seen!
In a way that's what makes Max's performance even more impressive .... they were under no particular pressure when first Max came on.
Jos Buttler put it best "On a string, Waller, on a string."
That was certainly the case for almost every ball apart from the one he got the opener with, which was a long hop which the opener got totally and utterly wrong.
It was great to see Max pick up Sammy with that googly and the over of Max vs Devon Smith was one of the most one-sided I have ever seen!
I know nothing of this little shindig.
What's it all about and when did it start?
And yes, I am being serious.
What's it all about and when did it start?
And yes, I am being serious.
You can say that again, AG.
I only knew it was 2011 when somebody told me last night.
Confusion.
It's where it's at.
I only knew it was 2011 when somebody told me last night.
Confusion.
It's where it's at.
But if you are serious, Jim, we are playing in the West Indian domestic T20 tournament (yes, it's T20, I'm afraid!)
The games are being covered on BBC Somerset and UK Europsort live and in full.
We played on Wednesday and Friday on turgid pitches at the Master Blaster stadium in Antigua and we next play on Tuesday against Jamaica in Bridgetown, Barbados. All (of our) games are at 8pm UK time, though there are other games on at other times if you want to sit through those. After Tuesday we then play our final group game on Thursday, also in Barbados.
There are two groups of five teams each, the top two teams go through to the semis. In our group each team has won one and lost one, so all to play for.
Jos and Max dominated the Windward Islands yesterday. On Tuesday we produced one of the most inglorious collapses in the history of SCCC to lose to Guyana by one run.
I think that's it in a nutshell. If you were NOT being serious, please bear in mind that I have only one finger and half a brain....
The games are being covered on BBC Somerset and UK Europsort live and in full.
We played on Wednesday and Friday on turgid pitches at the Master Blaster stadium in Antigua and we next play on Tuesday against Jamaica in Bridgetown, Barbados. All (of our) games are at 8pm UK time, though there are other games on at other times if you want to sit through those. After Tuesday we then play our final group game on Thursday, also in Barbados.
There are two groups of five teams each, the top two teams go through to the semis. In our group each team has won one and lost one, so all to play for.
Jos and Max dominated the Windward Islands yesterday. On Tuesday we produced one of the most inglorious collapses in the history of SCCC to lose to Guyana by one run.
I think that's it in a nutshell. If you were NOT being serious, please bear in mind that I have only one finger and half a brain....
I'm not convinced you deserve such a comprehensive summary, BJ, but I might as well add that the Six Nations is already over and that Wales lost all five matches, despite the recall of the mighty Henson.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
We must be even-handed in our comments on Henson.
He can certainly sing better than that Charlotte whatshername.
He can certainly sing better than that Charlotte whatshername.
After watching the Way Max has improved both his accuracy and his skills, along with George's performances,I think a replacement spinner for the first half of the season is probably not needed
Perhaps an overseas batsman,to cover for Murali, would provide a much better option for us , also allowing us to play Kirby ,Hussain, and Willo in the same team.
Perhaps an overseas batsman,to cover for Murali, would provide a much better option for us , also allowing us to play Kirby ,Hussain, and Willo in the same team.
I totally agree that we should be looking for an overseas batsman while we are waiting for Murali to turn up.
We need as strong a top seven as possible as, with Alf at the IPL as well as Murali, we look like having four no. 11s again whichever three of Hussain, Kirby, Dockrell and Waller play.
I note that Tamim Iqbal (inexplicably) is not playing in the IPL, and Bangladesh have no international commitments in April/May.
We need as strong a top seven as possible as, with Alf at the IPL as well as Murali, we look like having four no. 11s again whichever three of Hussain, Kirby, Dockrell and Waller play.
I note that Tamim Iqbal (inexplicably) is not playing in the IPL, and Bangladesh have no international commitments in April/May.
I think you are right Nelliec and others. The only thing it has told us is that our two young spinners may be able to hold their end up at the start of the season.
Max will certainly not be a shoo in - unless he continues to put together spells like the one last night. Devon Smith is no tailend West Indian slogger and Darren Sammy likewise. He was told what he needed to work on and he seems to have done that. If thatmakes him a contender for a spot then all the better for him and the side as a whole.
However it seems we have mostly liked what we've seen from names we didn't know and hadn't seen play before (if you ignore my 'hostility' and 'vitriol'(?) - which was mostly aimed at old lags anyway)
I don't think my comments were antagonistic or related to some enemy (hostile). They might have been scathing (vitriolic) but I did see, listen and report on the game (which you admit you did not care to watch or listen to) where even the captain compared the skill levels to that of schoolboys.
You are very right Clarence it is your opinion. It seems my throwaway comment about your (I assumed) throwaway comment has hit some kind of nerve. There was obviously more to your one liner than I realised. There wasn't really anything more to mine :-)
However my posts are my opinions of what I see/hear - you may class me a pessimist if you want to.
I'll happily (or miserably) live with that but I may not agree as is my right.
My comments about the management of the game were negative. There was little to be positive about. Had you seen the last three overs you may well have agreed. I was not negative about the young prospects at all and I think I would have had to have been so to be classified as a pessimist. To be so I think it has to be seen as a 'habit' and you yourself say it is unusual.
But there you go we'll probably have to agree to disagree once more. But I may refer to this the next time someone suggests I have those Rose coloured spectacles on or always look on the bright side :-)
I've already wished HNY to all so I won't return your belated greetings but thanks anyway :-)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:15:19:00:42 by Grockle.
Max will certainly not be a shoo in - unless he continues to put together spells like the one last night. Devon Smith is no tailend West Indian slogger and Darren Sammy likewise. He was told what he needed to work on and he seems to have done that. If thatmakes him a contender for a spot then all the better for him and the side as a whole.
However it seems we have mostly liked what we've seen from names we didn't know and hadn't seen play before (if you ignore my 'hostility' and 'vitriol'(?) - which was mostly aimed at old lags anyway)
I don't think my comments were antagonistic or related to some enemy (hostile). They might have been scathing (vitriolic) but I did see, listen and report on the game (which you admit you did not care to watch or listen to) where even the captain compared the skill levels to that of schoolboys.
You are very right Clarence it is your opinion. It seems my throwaway comment about your (I assumed) throwaway comment has hit some kind of nerve. There was obviously more to your one liner than I realised. There wasn't really anything more to mine :-)
However my posts are my opinions of what I see/hear - you may class me a pessimist if you want to.
I'll happily (or miserably) live with that but I may not agree as is my right.
My comments about the management of the game were negative. There was little to be positive about. Had you seen the last three overs you may well have agreed. I was not negative about the young prospects at all and I think I would have had to have been so to be classified as a pessimist. To be so I think it has to be seen as a 'habit' and you yourself say it is unusual.
But there you go we'll probably have to agree to disagree once more. But I may refer to this the next time someone suggests I have those Rose coloured spectacles on or always look on the bright side :-)
I've already wished HNY to all so I won't return your belated greetings but thanks anyway :-)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:15:19:00:42 by Grockle.
Cheers everyone, lovely summary AG.
I think I need to start drinking again, I am in the final stage of a medical procedure and I have never been as addled in my life.
Where's the vodka?
Now that sounds like a marvelous way to spend an evening.
I think I need to start drinking again, I am in the final stage of a medical procedure and I have never been as addled in my life.
Where's the vodka?
Now that sounds like a marvelous way to spend an evening.
Mike - Do you know if Shakib has signed to the IPL?
If not, I doubt Worcs can afford to bring him back.
He would give us a bit of both in the spin and batting department. He's clearly a better batsman than Alf. And he would give us a quality, like for like replacement for Kartik at the same time. I don't what Dockrell's international commitments are looking like?
If we got Shakib a team for the CC could look something like;
Tres
Arul
Compton
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Buttler
Trego
Shakib
Kirby
Hussain
Willow
Three number 11s, yes, but our 7 and 8 would probably be the best in the land with the bat in those two slots.
As for Tamim? He'd actually be an ideal recruit if KP cannot make it for our T20 competition, though of course Bangladesh may have commitments in June?
If not, I doubt Worcs can afford to bring him back.
He would give us a bit of both in the spin and batting department. He's clearly a better batsman than Alf. And he would give us a quality, like for like replacement for Kartik at the same time. I don't what Dockrell's international commitments are looking like?
If we got Shakib a team for the CC could look something like;
Tres
Arul
Compton
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Buttler
Trego
Shakib
Kirby
Hussain
Willow
Three number 11s, yes, but our 7 and 8 would probably be the best in the land with the bat in those two slots.
As for Tamim? He'd actually be an ideal recruit if KP cannot make it for our T20 competition, though of course Bangladesh may have commitments in June?
Well its a wish list AG but it isn't gonna happen.
As was said a while ago they'll think they've covered the spin aspect for the duration of Kartik's absence and IF they do look to strengthen it will be in other aspects of the game.
As was said a while ago they'll think they've covered the spin aspect for the duration of Kartik's absence and IF they do look to strengthen it will be in other aspects of the game.
I'm not sure that they have said that they think they have covered the spin aspect with Max and George? Certainly, neither of those two men is here purely to provide cover for Kartik.
There's still Saqlain hanging around as a possibility, too, I guess? I suppose he might be the cover for spin option.
If you put him where I've put Shakib, then I think you get one number 10 to go with the three 11s, though!
I don't know what Dockrell's international commitments will be, nor do I think we know whether Brian envisages him as a CC bowler, in the first instance. He looks, to me, to be steady, composed and accurate more so than especially crafty or penetrative, though of course he might have the ability to bowl differently in different competitions.
I suppose that other alternative of an overseas batsman coming in would push Pete down all the way to 8, unless they decided to go with the long tail from 8 through 11 and play an overseas batsman instead of Compton?
In theory, if they've got the money, I suppose the option exists to have both Saqlain and an overseas batsman?
There's still Saqlain hanging around as a possibility, too, I guess? I suppose he might be the cover for spin option.
If you put him where I've put Shakib, then I think you get one number 10 to go with the three 11s, though!
I don't know what Dockrell's international commitments will be, nor do I think we know whether Brian envisages him as a CC bowler, in the first instance. He looks, to me, to be steady, composed and accurate more so than especially crafty or penetrative, though of course he might have the ability to bowl differently in different competitions.
I suppose that other alternative of an overseas batsman coming in would push Pete down all the way to 8, unless they decided to go with the long tail from 8 through 11 and play an overseas batsman instead of Compton?
In theory, if they've got the money, I suppose the option exists to have both Saqlain and an overseas batsman?
The comments of some of our posters here reminds me of the reason why I have felt so frustrated over the last few years.
Because the youngsters are young and untried there is a presumption that BUYING-IN so called established players will ensure success, when nothing is guaranteed other than that there is a great financial cost in wages for the 'so called' stars.
Great store on the correctness of the posters is based on the first match collapse - greater teams than ours have succumbed to end of innings nerves, AND lived to succeed later. The only way to be sure what talent we have got amongst our youngsters is to play them.
Interestingly, if we hadn't been short of manpower early last season WHEN would have J Buttler been given a real chance? The young spinners AND batters and/or all rounders NEED to play and the WI trip has been a great opportunity to see how they perform under pressure.
I agree it is ONLY a shortish 20/20 trip but it surely will not be lost on BR how his young hopes perform in REAL matches!
We were asking them to perform 4 months since the end of last season, and UNFORTUNATELY it will be another 4 months before the new season starts.
As far as I'm concerned PERFORMANCES are ALWAYS the priority in my book rather than RESULTS deserved or not.
The PERFORMANCES that SCCC put out last year (3 runners up), in my opinion mean more and will be remembered longer than winning one of the trophies narrowly.
old boy!
Because the youngsters are young and untried there is a presumption that BUYING-IN so called established players will ensure success, when nothing is guaranteed other than that there is a great financial cost in wages for the 'so called' stars.
Great store on the correctness of the posters is based on the first match collapse - greater teams than ours have succumbed to end of innings nerves, AND lived to succeed later. The only way to be sure what talent we have got amongst our youngsters is to play them.
Interestingly, if we hadn't been short of manpower early last season WHEN would have J Buttler been given a real chance? The young spinners AND batters and/or all rounders NEED to play and the WI trip has been a great opportunity to see how they perform under pressure.
I agree it is ONLY a shortish 20/20 trip but it surely will not be lost on BR how his young hopes perform in REAL matches!
We were asking them to perform 4 months since the end of last season, and UNFORTUNATELY it will be another 4 months before the new season starts.
As far as I'm concerned PERFORMANCES are ALWAYS the priority in my book rather than RESULTS deserved or not.
The PERFORMANCES that SCCC put out last year (3 runners up), in my opinion mean more and will be remembered longer than winning one of the trophies narrowly.
old boy!
My understanding of the asssumption IS that Saqlain is in the Windies to mentor our spinners AND be assessed as an option should an experienced spinner be seen as needed at the start of the season.
George was signed as a one day option primnarily I think but I'm not sure what Eire's fixture list is either.
Richard Gould said they would only look at cover should they feel it was necessary AND what was available was better than what they already had.
Max had to work on the amount he could spin the ball and the number of deliveries he could offer. He seems to have started that.
Looking at the seam options I'm not sure they will feel cover is necessary and with a full batting line-up do we really need another one?
Injuries may cause problems but we've worked with that for the past two years at least and the backroom guys have done an excellent job in that area.
The prospects are showing what they have and it isn't falling short at the moment. They can do little else really but perform as OB says.
George was signed as a one day option primnarily I think but I'm not sure what Eire's fixture list is either.
Richard Gould said they would only look at cover should they feel it was necessary AND what was available was better than what they already had.
Max had to work on the amount he could spin the ball and the number of deliveries he could offer. He seems to have started that.
Looking at the seam options I'm not sure they will feel cover is necessary and with a full batting line-up do we really need another one?
Injuries may cause problems but we've worked with that for the past two years at least and the backroom guys have done an excellent job in that area.
The prospects are showing what they have and it isn't falling short at the moment. They can do little else really but perform as OB says.
One of the main examples why I think a batsman could help us is the away Championship game at Sussex. Murali and Alf would probably be away still.Hildy and Craig at worst would be playing for the Lions.With a possible 4 players with an average of less than ten at 7 to 11 who bats at 5 to 7.Is PT a no 5? Meschede 6? Haggett 7?To put a team like that out at Hove could cost us the championship again.
AGod - Shakib would be a nice idea but he has an IPL contract (the only Bangladeshi to have one).
I am taking the liberty of starting a new thread 'Championship XI 2011' as it seems kind of appropriate for the new season.
I am taking the liberty of starting a new thread 'Championship XI 2011' as it seems kind of appropriate for the new season.
Shame, thanks for that, Mike.
It's a pity we could not wangle an invite to play in their first-class competition whilst we are over here, too!!
It's a pity we could not wangle an invite to play in their first-class competition whilst we are over here, too!!
Shakib was bought by Kolta Knight Riders for 450,000 dollars - a tidy old sum.
As far as George Dockrell`s availability goes, Ireland`s last group match in the upcoming World Cup is against the Netherlands, also in Kolta, on March 18. So unless they repeat their heroics of the last Cup and reach the quarter-finals, Dockrell will be available for a fair whack of pre-season training with Somerset. The final is on April 2.
On Ireland`s participation in the ICC International Cup, which runs for 20 months from May 2011 to December 2012, Dockrell will play in seven matches (if selected of course) rather than the six of the last International Cup.
This is because although Zimbabwe have dropped out, the ICC are promoting two countries from the Second Division - to be decided this April.
When Ireland play England in a official ODI at Clontarf on August 25, Somerset are without a championship match.
As far as George Dockrell`s availability goes, Ireland`s last group match in the upcoming World Cup is against the Netherlands, also in Kolta, on March 18. So unless they repeat their heroics of the last Cup and reach the quarter-finals, Dockrell will be available for a fair whack of pre-season training with Somerset. The final is on April 2.
On Ireland`s participation in the ICC International Cup, which runs for 20 months from May 2011 to December 2012, Dockrell will play in seven matches (if selected of course) rather than the six of the last International Cup.
This is because although Zimbabwe have dropped out, the ICC are promoting two countries from the Second Division - to be decided this April.
When Ireland play England in a official ODI at Clontarf on August 25, Somerset are without a championship match.
Will CK and Hildreth actually be playing for the Lions for sure?
Yep we'd be short. Does it affect one game or more than that? Will the club buy cover because of that? Maybe they should cover in the case of some injury that takes one of ours out for part of the start of the season. Some believe we are short of batting prowess - Maybe they agree.
Is Pete a number 5. If you ask him..yes. Is Meschede a Championship 6 - no idea but he may have to be. Is Callum a batting bowler - no idea but the same applies.
If they were picked and underperform would we be in danger of losing the Championship? Well I would suggest that if we are relying on our number 5,6,and 7 to post a decent score it may be more than those three who are to blame.
Many seem to be obsessed with the fact we no longer bat to 9 and we're gonna lose because we don't have someone with over a 30 average at 7. The solution to a short batting line-up is your 1 to 5 performing to their potential and are there many sides with the scoring potential of our top five?
The other aspect is that the bowlers bowl the other side out for less than we score irrespective of what that score is.
I'm sure the club will assess the risks and the costs but whatever they plan to do they will expect the 11 they pick to do the job they are picked for because they were picked to do it.
I'm personally happy to put my faith in the best eleven we put on the pitch if it is on merit because I think we have a strong squad. If they underperform I'll be the first to ask why and what is going to be done about it.
We brought McKenzie in for that reason and many posters moaned about him stopping others in the squad getting their opportunity.
There's an alternative perspective. Rather than assuming the solution for any absence is going to fail maybe we ought to assume some of the options are capable of the responsibility. It worked with Jos. It worked with Arul.
If management take the belt and braces option then it may be sensible but I doubt they will do it for one game. It has to be more long term than that and someone will miss out for half a season probably and THEN be asked to step up.
Yep we'd be short. Does it affect one game or more than that? Will the club buy cover because of that? Maybe they should cover in the case of some injury that takes one of ours out for part of the start of the season. Some believe we are short of batting prowess - Maybe they agree.
Is Pete a number 5. If you ask him..yes. Is Meschede a Championship 6 - no idea but he may have to be. Is Callum a batting bowler - no idea but the same applies.
If they were picked and underperform would we be in danger of losing the Championship? Well I would suggest that if we are relying on our number 5,6,and 7 to post a decent score it may be more than those three who are to blame.
Many seem to be obsessed with the fact we no longer bat to 9 and we're gonna lose because we don't have someone with over a 30 average at 7. The solution to a short batting line-up is your 1 to 5 performing to their potential and are there many sides with the scoring potential of our top five?
The other aspect is that the bowlers bowl the other side out for less than we score irrespective of what that score is.
I'm sure the club will assess the risks and the costs but whatever they plan to do they will expect the 11 they pick to do the job they are picked for because they were picked to do it.
I'm personally happy to put my faith in the best eleven we put on the pitch if it is on merit because I think we have a strong squad. If they underperform I'll be the first to ask why and what is going to be done about it.
We brought McKenzie in for that reason and many posters moaned about him stopping others in the squad getting their opportunity.
There's an alternative perspective. Rather than assuming the solution for any absence is going to fail maybe we ought to assume some of the options are capable of the responsibility. It worked with Jos. It worked with Arul.
If management take the belt and braces option then it may be sensible but I doubt they will do it for one game. It has to be more long term than that and someone will miss out for half a season probably and THEN be asked to step up.
Totally agree with most of your comments grockle.
But if we do have injuries or International call ups during the season where will we be hit most?
Batting or Bowling?
But if we do have injuries or International call ups during the season where will we be hit most?
Batting or Bowling?
Where every other county is affected is Nell - all those unpredictable areas :-)
In terms of cover, injury in the batting line-up may have a greater effect if others are off form.
Another thought.
Can we get our money back if we assume our batting will not stand up to the demands, buy someone in and they end up with a poorer batting average than the person they keep out of the side?
Anyone remember Sanath J?
In terms of cover, injury in the batting line-up may have a greater effect if others are off form.
Another thought.
Can we get our money back if we assume our batting will not stand up to the demands, buy someone in and they end up with a poorer batting average than the person they keep out of the side?
Anyone remember Sanath J?
Sanath J was not really a great signing even on paper. I had plenty of doubts when it was announced ... perhaps if it had been for the end of the season it would have made more sense, but he's never been the greatest on green seamers.
To answer Nellie's question, i don't think any of our bowlers will get international call-ups. But they are surely more likely to get injured - all things being equal - than our batsmen, so.....
To answer Nellie's question, i don't think any of our bowlers will get international call-ups. But they are surely more likely to get injured - all things being equal - than our batsmen, so.....
But we do have a deeper level of cover there and very little in the batting department don't we?
Watching the Leeward Islands reminds me of umpiring in Division 3 of the West Somerset League.
The commentators were talking about the umpires the other day. I know one of them is Billy Doctrow (?) but I think the others are very much of the regional official level and they've done very well up to now.
Its worth noting that there has been no indication whatsoever of any kind of dissent from any player. It seems that in the Caribbean at least the umpire's decision is final.
Its worth noting that there has been no indication whatsoever of any kind of dissent from any player. It seems that in the Caribbean at least the umpire's decision is final.
I've only seen our games, but the umpires have been fine in our two games. Possibly they might have been slightly too lenient on the wides?
Oh gosh, misunderstanding. I didn't mean anything about the standard of umpiring, which I agree has been excellent in the games I've seen - probably higher than many recent Tests.
What I meant was that the standard of the Leeward Islands' play, and the build and athleticism of some of their players, reminded me of things I had seen while, myself, umpiring in the West Somerset League.
Apologies for my inability to express myslef with clatiry.
What I meant was that the standard of the Leeward Islands' play, and the build and athleticism of some of their players, reminded me of things I had seen while, myself, umpiring in the West Somerset League.
Apologies for my inability to express myslef with clatiry.
Don't the Leewards have that huge youngster who isn't 18 yet? Wait until you see CCC. They have a 35 year old student playing for them.
Helluva debate chaps, but I do wonder how much real significance this jamboree will really have come April.
Still, good to see us perform well, especially Max.
As for adequacy of squad, I think we have enough to see us through.
Grizzzly
Still, good to see us perform well, especially Max.
As for adequacy of squad, I think we have enough to see us through.
Grizzzly
Can somebody please text me when the next game starts?
Ohhhh, to do that you need my text number.
Have I go a mobile phone anymore?
Let me check, mun.
Ohhhh, to do that you need my text number.
Have I go a mobile phone anymore?
Let me check, mun.
We could all of us PM Big Jim at about 7.40 or so ... Just remember to leave computer and PM box on all day!!
Next Somerset match
Tues 18th January starts at 8.oopm
Commentary of whole match on Somerset sound 1566 medium wave
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:16:11:10:01 by Lydeard Rob.
Tues 18th January starts at 8.oopm
Commentary of whole match on Somerset sound 1566 medium wave
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:16:11:10:01 by Lydeard Rob.
Grockle - I think the older CCC player is Floyd Reifer, ex-West Indies player, who is their player-coach or similar.
If it is, he has an uncle named Elvis who used to play for Hampshire.
And another uncle, George, who played for Scotland. Quite a cosmopolitan family.
Does anyone know how the surname is pronounced? I imagine 'Rye-fer', but I hope it's 'Reefer' - much more Caribbean.
@ Grockle - yes the big lad was playing - I'd no idea how young he was until I looked up his Cricinfo profile halfway through and exclaimed 'Seventeen!', probably loud enough for James Hayman's granny to hear in the flat upstairs.
In fairness, he looks a decent cricketer for all his surplus poundage - plays straight and hits the ball extremely hard, and somehow contrived to be Leewards' most economical bowler.
Maybe one shouldn't be too censorious - I've often thought that if Ollie Milburn or David Shepherd applied to join a county staff nowadays they'd be told to go away and get fit, and the game would have lost two very cherishable characters and one top-class umpire.
Does anyone know how the surname is pronounced? I imagine 'Rye-fer', but I hope it's 'Reefer' - much more Caribbean.
@ Grockle - yes the big lad was playing - I'd no idea how young he was until I looked up his Cricinfo profile halfway through and exclaimed 'Seventeen!', probably loud enough for James Hayman's granny to hear in the flat upstairs.
In fairness, he looks a decent cricketer for all his surplus poundage - plays straight and hits the ball extremely hard, and somehow contrived to be Leewards' most economical bowler.
Maybe one shouldn't be too censorious - I've often thought that if Ollie Milburn or David Shepherd applied to join a county staff nowadays they'd be told to go away and get fit, and the game would have lost two very cherishable characters and one top-class umpire.
I wonder whether Reifer and Ganga ever played in the same team - and faced that famous double-jointed tearaway David Spliff.
I don't know how far the medium wave coverage reaches, but I have been listening to BBC Radio Somerset on my computer. Alas, I shall be out for most of Tuesday evening.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I don't know how far the medium wave coverage reaches, but I have been listening to BBC Radio Somerset on my computer. Alas, I shall be out for most of Tuesday evening.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LOL, you'll find that if you use a tuned loop antenna with your medium wave receiver then you can vastly improve your reception. Unwanted co-frequency interference can be easily removed by turning the antenna sideways towards the offending transmitter.
doesn't work in Lhasa - I just get Chinese propaganda...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Only live radio we get in Thailand is when they are broadcasting from the UK. BBC says its contract reasons.
I love it when you talk dirrrty, Grizzzly.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Has anyone heard anything as to whether Pete is fit for tonight's game? I can't find a thing about it on Cricinfo, SCCC or anywhere else online.
We'll know at 8 o'clock Mike...if not before. The fact that we haven't heard that he is coming home or struggling I think puts it in the more likely corner that he is OK.
But that could just be wishful thinking on my part of course.
But that could just be wishful thinking on my part of course.
My guess is that we will keep the same XI. Could be wrong but my little bird tells me something like that.
old boy!
old boy!
@Grockle - your reasoning seems sound to me but of course that could be wishful thinking on my part too.
Sadly I will not find out at 8.00 because I shall be out at a rehearsal.
I am extremely aggrieved, having just shelled out £2.99 for a temporary subscription to The Entertainment Xtra Mix (which includes Eurosport) to find that they are not televising tonight's game so I can't tape it. Apparently Europort 2 (where I presume the game is to be found) is not covered by The Entertainment Xtra Mix. I am not pleased.
@old boy - I can't imagine they'll keep an unchanged side if Pete is fit, he is vital to team balance. Alfie at 6 is very far from ideal.
Sadly I will not find out at 8.00 because I shall be out at a rehearsal.
I am extremely aggrieved, having just shelled out £2.99 for a temporary subscription to The Entertainment Xtra Mix (which includes Eurosport) to find that they are not televising tonight's game so I can't tape it. Apparently Europort 2 (where I presume the game is to be found) is not covered by The Entertainment Xtra Mix. I am not pleased.
@old boy - I can't imagine they'll keep an unchanged side if Pete is fit, he is vital to team balance. Alfie at 6 is very far from ideal.
surely Trego will return? I agree that Alf at 6 makes no sense. If we chase with him at 6 and no Trego I would not be confident.
Yeah I noticed it had changes channel as well. Not a problem with the SKY stuff but a bit naughty really.
Scared to death as well when I turned over at 7 to check things and watched Hilda walking in with Somerset 77 for 3. It wasn't until I'd stopped panicking that I realised it was a re-run of the Windwards match!!
Scared to death as well when I turned over at 7 to check things and watched Hilda walking in with Somerset 77 for 3. It wasn't until I'd stopped panicking that I realised it was a re-run of the Windwards match!!
Grockles.com
18/01/2011 19:43
18/01/2011 19:43
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:19:37:26 by Grockle.
They haven't had the toss yet, the team is usually announced after that. Cricinfo have a list of fourteen players.
It has stopped raining and they are clearing the water off the covers.
If they play it will be a shortened match, the latest they can start is 11.10 our time.
If they play it will be a shortened match, the latest they can start is 11.10 our time.
Can someone let me know when the guyana highlights have finished please so that I can switch back on
Willoughby in for Dockrell apparently. Trego still not playing, presumably for the same reason as last time.
Dropping Dockrell does not seem like a good idea to me - presumably conditions are seam-friendly but still...
Alfie and Willo both below their best according to BBC Som.
Dropping Dockrell does not seem like a good idea to me - presumably conditions are seam-friendly but still...
Alfie and Willo both below their best according to BBC Som.
Gosh, how nice it would be to think that Trescothick was about to open the batting. It's going to be a tough target.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Ive never seen so much drivel. Wrong choice of team, wides, no balls, dropped catches, mis-fields. All in only 6 overs.
Heavy defer probable. Really extremely poor from the experienced bowlers. Far too many wides. Far too much short stuff in first over from Alf and then both sides of the wicket from Charl. Throw in two dropped catches...
Windies batsman make Waller look unfathomable. There can surely be little doubt that Brian will still want him to work on turning the stock ball a lot more. At the moment Max is more like an off spinner with the ball that turns from off to leg and the other ball going straight on, more or less.
Windies batsman make Waller look unfathomable. There can surely be little doubt that Brian will still want him to work on turning the stock ball a lot more. At the moment Max is more like an off spinner with the ball that turns from off to leg and the other ball going straight on, more or less.
No sound and@#$%&picture.
Is that Nick Compton. That's not Nick Compton is it?
Is that Nick Compton. That's not Nick Compton is it?
I'd have dropped that one on purpose!
Great first ball from Taylor to Jos - don't think we got a single ball to move from our seamers.
And Jos out now, so game over.
Great first ball from Taylor to Jos - don't think we got a single ball to move from our seamers.
And Jos out now, so game over.
Max is more like an off spinner with the ball that turns from off to leg and the other ball going straight on, more or less.
...so a bit like Kumble then - could be worse.
...so a bit like Kumble then - could be worse.
Spot on, RonnieS. Why have we sent the second XI out for this? Ok, its only a T20 tournie.....something to do between the beach and the rum punches. But this display is just as cringe-making as the recent fiasco against Guyana. Glory days again for Somerset in 2011? I don't think so - not unless they raise their game 200% in the next few months.
I was wondering whether to re-new my membership - the boys have just made the decision less painful for me.
I was wondering whether to re-new my membership - the boys have just made the decision less painful for me.
Jerome Taylor bowling better by a factor of about 300 than any of our pacemen - great over.
We could lose a 6 over game here by around 50 runs or so. Not impressed. Shows where we are in terms of real strength I would say.
Hopefully young Meschede will hit a few blows to make me feel better.
Hopefully young Meschede will hit a few blows to make me feel better.
Blimey Janet - mickey mouse tournament on dodgy tracks in the rain, without the world's best county batsman - and you've written the year off already! Crumbs!
Need 83 off 30 balls - good game to win from here!
Need 83 off 30 balls - good game to win from here!
Worst performance by SCCC for a very long time. I don't really blame the batsmen - the bowlers really left them with no chance whatsoever. The tail will be in by about the 4th over now.
Love that, nellie, made I laugh.
Block it out from here, boys, we can still get a draw out of this.
Block it out from here, boys, we can still get a draw out of this.
Bad 6 overs. Right choice of two over bowler, wrong choice of replacement seamer and wrong choice of 5th over bowler. Dockrell should have stayed and taken Kirby's over while Haggett should have taken the Willoughby's. Excellent once again from Max, made worse than it was by a flukey six from Findlay.
Then the sense of sending Compton out when you needed 20 plus off the first two? Meschede and Buttler was the ONLY choice surely and hope they clicked. Hildreth at 3, Suppiah at 4 Compton in at 5 if needed and then only if we weren't chasing the game still.
Sorry I understood the tactics of that slog not at all.
OK it was T6 but we were never anywhere near in this one. As I reported... oh for Tresco, Trigger and Kies!! It would have still been a tall order after we gave them nearly 7 overs anyway.
Then the sense of sending Compton out when you needed 20 plus off the first two? Meschede and Buttler was the ONLY choice surely and hope they clicked. Hildreth at 3, Suppiah at 4 Compton in at 5 if needed and then only if we weren't chasing the game still.
Sorry I understood the tactics of that slog not at all.
OK it was T6 but we were never anywhere near in this one. As I reported... oh for Tresco, Trigger and Kies!! It would have still been a tall order after we gave them nearly 7 overs anyway.
Went out & missed it.
Just as well by the sound of it !
Oh dear.
Still, tells me what I have always thought - 20/20 games are a lottery, even before the weather intervenes.
Wonder why NC opened ?
Wonder what's up with PT ?
Wonder what is the meaning of Life ?!!
Grizzzly
Just as well by the sound of it !
Oh dear.
Still, tells me what I have always thought - 20/20 games are a lottery, even before the weather intervenes.
Wonder why NC opened ?
Wonder what's up with PT ?
Wonder what is the meaning of Life ?!!
Grizzzly
I went to bed before it started.Won't be bothering to watch the recording.
It's only a game,well not even that.
It's only a game,well not even that.
This wasn't about a lottery. Jamaica did not beat us because of any kind of appreciable luck.
That was one of the most disappointing experiences I have had watching Somerset, not because we lost, but the way in which we lost. It was unprofessional. The management must take a fair share of the blame, as we are simply not learning from our and other teams mistakes.
Perhaps they do feel it's a holiday?
I was screaming for Waller and Dockerell to bowl, as we desperately needed some control.
I didn't watch after Kirby bowled, as I knew I'd be so cross I wouldn't sleep.
The Caribbean does excellent coffee. It's about time that we woke up and smelled it.
Perhaps they do feel it's a holiday?
I was screaming for Waller and Dockerell to bowl, as we desperately needed some control.
I didn't watch after Kirby bowled, as I knew I'd be so cross I wouldn't sleep.
The Caribbean does excellent coffee. It's about time that we woke up and smelled it.
I haven’t read this thread so I do know what people think of our performance except for this page.
I started watching it in bed and as soon as I watch Thomas’s rubbish over and then Willoughby’s I turned it off, like Botham I was concerned about getting to sleep.
It sounds like the worst of the t20/t6 game.
I started watching it in bed and as soon as I watch Thomas’s rubbish over and then Willoughby’s I turned it off, like Botham I was concerned about getting to sleep.
It sounds like the worst of the t20/t6 game.
6 over slog. 36 balls apiece (or in their case 40 odd)
Jamaica got it very right and we got it very wrong. BUT it wasn't the World Cup and there's a game to show the other side of our ability.
Musicians always say "Bad soundcheck good gig" so who knows.
If this indicates we may not set the world alight in international T20 cricket tournaments then I can personally live with it as long as the lessons learned go back with us and we do something in the longer formats of the game.
Jamaica got it very right and we got it very wrong. BUT it wasn't the World Cup and there's a game to show the other side of our ability.
Musicians always say "Bad soundcheck good gig" so who knows.
If this indicates we may not set the world alight in international T20 cricket tournaments then I can personally live with it as long as the lessons learned go back with us and we do something in the longer formats of the game.
I agree lessons have to be learned.
Make no mistake however, and I know that it was only 6 overs a side but that has to be the most inept display by a professional cricket team I have seen.
That alone should be enough for them all to get the finger out.
For me, and it is only my opinion we need to get that extra batsman/all rounder or whatever in early season and last night demonstrates it.
Make no mistake however, and I know that it was only 6 overs a side but that has to be the most inept display by a professional cricket team I have seen.
That alone should be enough for them all to get the finger out.
For me, and it is only my opinion we need to get that extra batsman/all rounder or whatever in early season and last night demonstrates it.
Nightmare!!!!
Really glad I didn't stay up to watch that.
Lots of re-thinking to do. Why are we so reluctant to trust our spinners?? Kirby found out. Willow not the right man for T20...? Compton as opener in a slog...????
Really glad I didn't stay up to watch that.
Lots of re-thinking to do. Why are we so reluctant to trust our spinners?? Kirby found out. Willow not the right man for T20...? Compton as opener in a slog...????
Embarrassing stuff but not the end of the world. The bowling let us down asides from Max. They had some powerful hitters to take advantage and even if we had MT, CK, PT, KPollard in our ranks their bowling for much of the time was on the money and I think we would have still lost. Our batting depth looked weak before the comp started and I don't think our bowlers gave us a chance last night.
Well it indicated not a lot in the batting aspect except we missed the captain, the other keeper and the "illrounder". Those guys were on a hiding to nothing after over number 1
Alf got the tactics really wrong and spinners should play in West Indian conditions it seems.
Nick Compton/Charl Willoughby are not T20 players
Steve Kirby may struggle to fulfill hopes and ambitions at Somerset.
We need to have more faith in Callum Haggett because he may play more than expected. The same goes for Craig Mersched
James is not in touch - out a lot trying to hit across the line
Jos can't carry big batting on his own....not yet anyway.
It wasn't so much panic as having no idea how to deal with the situation after plan one (bowl tight) had gone wrong.
It could have been worse...we could have been bowled out - Steve Kirby had a go at making that happen. What exactly was the plan behind the shot he got out to in the last over?
Alf got the tactics really wrong and spinners should play in West Indian conditions it seems.
Nick Compton/Charl Willoughby are not T20 players
Steve Kirby may struggle to fulfill hopes and ambitions at Somerset.
We need to have more faith in Callum Haggett because he may play more than expected. The same goes for Craig Mersched
James is not in touch - out a lot trying to hit across the line
Jos can't carry big batting on his own....not yet anyway.
It wasn't so much panic as having no idea how to deal with the situation after plan one (bowl tight) had gone wrong.
It could have been worse...we could have been bowled out - Steve Kirby had a go at making that happen. What exactly was the plan behind the shot he got out to in the last over?
The plus was Max. The negatives were Compton who is definitely not a short form opener and Kirby who reminds me of a second rate footballer who makes a mistake and then glares as though it was someone elses fault. We gave away an overthrow-not that the run mattered- becuase Kirby couldn't be bothered to get back to the stumps. Until last night I had forgotten what poor village cricket of the 1950's was like
I thought Kirby bowled less badly than Alf or Willow.
Alf bowled short (short is almost always rubbish in all forms of the game unless the bowler is very tall indeed) and Charl bowled both sides of the wicket. Kirby bowled straight and on a length and tried to mix it up. The no ball call was questionable and, unlike Charl and Alf I don't think he bowled any wides.
But, yes, it's really unprofessional not to get back behind the stumps and I hope he gets a phone call from Marcus to that effect. We cannot have the kind of unprofessional, amateruish habits that people pick up at Gloucestershire in our set-up, we just cannot.
I agree with Grockle that James has not looked good. Then again, after last night, I am moved to wonder whether James should become vice-captain? Becuase Alf, I'm afraid, got everything apart from the (rather obvious) choice of the 2 over bowler absolutely wrong.
Alf bowled short (short is almost always rubbish in all forms of the game unless the bowler is very tall indeed) and Charl bowled both sides of the wicket. Kirby bowled straight and on a length and tried to mix it up. The no ball call was questionable and, unlike Charl and Alf I don't think he bowled any wides.
But, yes, it's really unprofessional not to get back behind the stumps and I hope he gets a phone call from Marcus to that effect. We cannot have the kind of unprofessional, amateruish habits that people pick up at Gloucestershire in our set-up, we just cannot.
I agree with Grockle that James has not looked good. Then again, after last night, I am moved to wonder whether James should become vice-captain? Becuase Alf, I'm afraid, got everything apart from the (rather obvious) choice of the 2 over bowler absolutely wrong.
Any short comings with Kirby I would hope will get corrected now he is with Somerset, we do seem to have a better coaching setup here.
We certainly do. I would hope Brian will make that a point of emphasis for the arrivals from Gloucs... doing the "little things," right.
There's a reason why Gloucs have been probably the least successful team in the land over the past 3-4 years and it is because they are unprofessional. They get a lot of "little things," wrong and those "little things," add up into a big mess if you get enough of them wrong.
There's a reason why Gloucs have been probably the least successful team in the land over the past 3-4 years and it is because they are unprofessional. They get a lot of "little things," wrong and those "little things," add up into a big mess if you get enough of them wrong.
The really stupid thing after two horrendous performances is that we are still not out of the tournament. With the Windwards beating Guyana a big victory(I mean big) against the CCC will at least guarantee joint second and possible progression.
Saying that maybe we've all been put through enough in the last week and we should instead try and look forward to the new season.
At least it has shown BR where we will be lacking. I really believe you've got to bring the new youngers in on a gradual basis, much like we did with Jos last year.This allows them to develop that winning feeling, been part of a winning team.
To throw 5 or 6 in together(although this couldn't be helped) has meant that we've appeared a nervy team who doesn't really expect to win or know how to win.
Max was outstanding in both the last 2 games and I believe would be worth an early season gamble if required, but I would prefer an international batsman to steady the middle order.I think the bowling will come good and I also think Meschede has the potential to break into the team this year.
Saying that maybe we've all been put through enough in the last week and we should instead try and look forward to the new season.
At least it has shown BR where we will be lacking. I really believe you've got to bring the new youngers in on a gradual basis, much like we did with Jos last year.This allows them to develop that winning feeling, been part of a winning team.
To throw 5 or 6 in together(although this couldn't be helped) has meant that we've appeared a nervy team who doesn't really expect to win or know how to win.
Max was outstanding in both the last 2 games and I believe would be worth an early season gamble if required, but I would prefer an international batsman to steady the middle order.I think the bowling will come good and I also think Meschede has the potential to break into the team this year.
It certainly looks, as I feared, as though Zander and Ben will both be missed in one-day cricket.
Kirby and Hussain might be good signings for the CC, which would be great, but they are not stellar performers in the one day stuff.
This re-balancing of our squad is why I've said that I think our CC chances are rather better than our one day chances, for next season.
Kirby and Hussain might be good signings for the CC, which would be great, but they are not stellar performers in the one day stuff.
This re-balancing of our squad is why I've said that I think our CC chances are rather better than our one day chances, for next season.
I left a social function slightly early to get home to listen to the end of the match; as it happened, I followed the whole of the match and wish I hadn't.
In my view the result in the first match was much worse; last night we never had a chance after the first over. I don't think the batsmen were to blame in any way, given the near impossibility of the target they faced. And I think it was probably Willoughby's first and only over in about four months and I don't think we should have expected too much from him. Kirby does not, in my opinion, have the right temperament for a one-day bowler.
Had I won the toss, I would have batted first and certainly have included Dockrell in the side. It's so easy from here.
I have another engagement coinciding with Thursday's match; I am inclined to stay till the end.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
In my view the result in the first match was much worse; last night we never had a chance after the first over. I don't think the batsmen were to blame in any way, given the near impossibility of the target they faced. And I think it was probably Willoughby's first and only over in about four months and I don't think we should have expected too much from him. Kirby does not, in my opinion, have the right temperament for a one-day bowler.
Had I won the toss, I would have batted first and certainly have included Dockrell in the side. It's so easy from here.
I have another engagement coinciding with Thursday's match; I am inclined to stay till the end.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
To be realistic Nell they won't be throwing youngsters in in handfuls.
Max IS established despite being under-used last year. If he puts it together domestically then George Dockrell will have a devlopment season in front of him.
Meschede looks like the top 7 backup though I'd like to see him bowl (I assume he does). He may get more get short format cricket I doubt he'll be a CC1 frontliner without injuries.
Kirby will start, he is an experienced player though new to us...I'm yet to be convinced he will hit the grade but he will be used at the start of the season.
Hussain is working with high expectations and will be expectd to be a first team regular...beginning of the season? Hmmmm but he has something IMHO
Haggett? If one of the above don't hit the grade then he is the reliable backup and I think he may come into the picture later on in 2011 should we have any form problems or injuries.
Gregory - will have to live down the expectations of the Pakistan four-fer. He got the wickets but it wasn't a stunning bowling spell or anything. He may be the batting extra but he may have to wait longer than people seem to presently expect.
Certainties for the April start (bar injury)
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth (if available)
Buttler
Trego
Kieswetter (if available)
Willoughby
The other three?
Bowlers
Waller
Kirby
Hussain
Haggett
Dockrell
Allrounders
Meschede
Gregory
Plus A.N.Other (if we buy in)
So - once Alf, Kartik, Hildreth and Kieswetter are back in the fold and IF we have an injury free squad there is little space for any others - well one in the CC1 and possibly 3 in the OD squad.
Assuming form puts the expected players in the first team of course
Max IS established despite being under-used last year. If he puts it together domestically then George Dockrell will have a devlopment season in front of him.
Meschede looks like the top 7 backup though I'd like to see him bowl (I assume he does). He may get more get short format cricket I doubt he'll be a CC1 frontliner without injuries.
Kirby will start, he is an experienced player though new to us...I'm yet to be convinced he will hit the grade but he will be used at the start of the season.
Hussain is working with high expectations and will be expectd to be a first team regular...beginning of the season? Hmmmm but he has something IMHO
Haggett? If one of the above don't hit the grade then he is the reliable backup and I think he may come into the picture later on in 2011 should we have any form problems or injuries.
Gregory - will have to live down the expectations of the Pakistan four-fer. He got the wickets but it wasn't a stunning bowling spell or anything. He may be the batting extra but he may have to wait longer than people seem to presently expect.
Certainties for the April start (bar injury)
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth (if available)
Buttler
Trego
Kieswetter (if available)
Willoughby
The other three?
Bowlers
Waller
Kirby
Hussain
Haggett
Dockrell
Allrounders
Meschede
Gregory
Plus A.N.Other (if we buy in)
So - once Alf, Kartik, Hildreth and Kieswetter are back in the fold and IF we have an injury free squad there is little space for any others - well one in the CC1 and possibly 3 in the OD squad.
Assuming form puts the expected players in the first team of course
If the engagment is at all enjoyable, then I would certainly do precisely that*
It's a good point about Willow, LoL. And it does raise a question against the selection.
I, too, would have batted first even if for no other reason than that I don't trust a batting line up with Alf at six to successfully chase down any target.
Having said that, the way we bowled it would not have mattered what we did first.
* The one thing you did miss was another enjoyable effort from Max. In two games, there cannot have been more than 2 or 3 balls from him that have been played competently by the opposing batsmen. They seem petrified of him... with the kind of footwork one would expect from said rock.
It's a good point about Willow, LoL. And it does raise a question against the selection.
I, too, would have batted first even if for no other reason than that I don't trust a batting line up with Alf at six to successfully chase down any target.
Having said that, the way we bowled it would not have mattered what we did first.
* The one thing you did miss was another enjoyable effort from Max. In two games, there cannot have been more than 2 or 3 balls from him that have been played competently by the opposing batsmen. They seem petrified of him... with the kind of footwork one would expect from said rock.
I wish somebody from the club would update us as to why Pete is not playing. I'm a bit concerned about it and will be unless and until I hear that either there is not much wrong with him or whatever it is is all but certain to be solved in time for the start of the season.
There is also a lack of response from the club re last nights game at all. THe up-dates after the last two were up quickly but not this one...........mmm. Id like to know their thoughts, and what they intend to do about it and to tray and stop it happening again.
We don't seem to be learning the basics.
It is a dangerous ploy to just keep up with the asking rate, as T20 has a habit of biting you on the bum. Suddenly a bowler will find his line and length, or a fielder do something brilliant and then the new batsmen are under pressure. We must take advantage of the power play, use slow bowlers more often, stop bowling short and wide and when batting hit straight through the line.
I thought it was basic good play, but we are lacking in many areas.
It is a dangerous ploy to just keep up with the asking rate, as T20 has a habit of biting you on the bum. Suddenly a bowler will find his line and length, or a fielder do something brilliant and then the new batsmen are under pressure. We must take advantage of the power play, use slow bowlers more often, stop bowling short and wide and when batting hit straight through the line.
I thought it was basic good play, but we are lacking in many areas.
yes and last night was a perfect example of that.
Lots of lessons to be learned. Hopefully we can learn thjem in January though and not conme April. I never want to see a Somerset side play like that again regardless of the competition
Lots of lessons to be learned. Hopefully we can learn thjem in January though and not conme April. I never want to see a Somerset side play like that again regardless of the competition
They won't be winning many marketing prizes for their campaign to sell CC memberships by comparing the price of them to a pair of M & S socks.. a truly bizarre and meaningless comparison.
Matching Pairs and Pairs of Matches - truly a great new marketing ploy.
Can I get a single sock if I promise to attend a T20 match?
(I've got lots already so it would be nice to find one that matched).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Can I get a single sock if I promise to attend a T20 match?
(I've got lots already so it would be nice to find one that matched).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Regarding deafening silence on PT only make things worse.
I keep making a list in my mind of all the things the club normally tell us about and all the things they don’t. (Except to the local paper).
Come on Somerset tell us.
I keep making a list in my mind of all the things the club normally tell us about and all the things they don’t. (Except to the local paper).
Come on Somerset tell us.
Last night wasn't really a game related to the rules of anything I'm afraid and it was an indicator of nothing except getting the plan wrong and having NO time to get it right again.
'Keeping up with the run rate'! We let them score at 14 an over!! Unless we got more than that in the first we were going to always be behind the rate with no time to rectify that situation.
Now if it had been a T20 game and they had scored at that rate for 6 overs then there is time to get it back - If Max had got all three wickets he should have in his first over he may have stemmed the flow even more than he did but it didn't happen and only he got the chance to sort his bowling out in the time given to each player.
The batsmen had no time and we didn't have the men who have shown that they could match Marlon Samuels - a past master at this kind of slog - once Jos had gone.
But in 36 balls - come on! Be realistic about what you can do or learn in that period of time or from that kind of experience.
Alf, the bowlers (except Max) and the selection team got it royally wrong but they won't be looking at the experience there for a template of how to play T20.
Don't read more into this than it was.
Inept? Yes.
Badly thought out and excuted? Most certainly.
Showing up massive problems with the T20 Somerset side that will represent the county in the domestic competition? Not really.
A major indicator of four day or one day prospects? I think you infer too much importance in this format of cricket or the involvement of some of these players in our domestic cricket season.
Remember this is January - some of these players would usually just be working up to full time training for a start in April.
'Keeping up with the run rate'! We let them score at 14 an over!! Unless we got more than that in the first we were going to always be behind the rate with no time to rectify that situation.
Now if it had been a T20 game and they had scored at that rate for 6 overs then there is time to get it back - If Max had got all three wickets he should have in his first over he may have stemmed the flow even more than he did but it didn't happen and only he got the chance to sort his bowling out in the time given to each player.
The batsmen had no time and we didn't have the men who have shown that they could match Marlon Samuels - a past master at this kind of slog - once Jos had gone.
But in 36 balls - come on! Be realistic about what you can do or learn in that period of time or from that kind of experience.
Alf, the bowlers (except Max) and the selection team got it royally wrong but they won't be looking at the experience there for a template of how to play T20.
Don't read more into this than it was.
Inept? Yes.
Badly thought out and excuted? Most certainly.
Showing up massive problems with the T20 Somerset side that will represent the county in the domestic competition? Not really.
A major indicator of four day or one day prospects? I think you infer too much importance in this format of cricket or the involvement of some of these players in our domestic cricket season.
Remember this is January - some of these players would usually just be working up to full time training for a start in April.
is it just me but is Max gripping and holding the ball differently now than what he did before?
Maybe just my imagination but I think theres a difference!!!
If so maybe a reason he is doing so well.
Maybe just my imagination but I think theres a difference!!!
If so maybe a reason he is doing so well.
Good stuff, Grockle. In the words of Lance-Corporal Jones...
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Guess where I found a report on the BBC Web site.
Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose says he was bitterly disappointed with his side's performance as they were thrashed by 61 runs by Jamaica.
Rose says he has learned a lot about his players in the Caribbean [news.bbc.co.uk]
I should hope so.
Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose says he was bitterly disappointed with his side's performance as they were thrashed by 61 runs by Jamaica.
Rose says he has learned a lot about his players in the Caribbean [news.bbc.co.uk]
I should hope so.
Thank goodness BR has the same opinion of Max as me. The only worry is he said IF he can find a slot for him. Blimey as far as I'm concerned Max's name should be straight on after TRES and Buttler. Looks as though some of the apparently 'nailed on' experienced certainties may be cooling their heals in the stiffs at the start of the season.
I am pleased that BR is looking at attitudes and performances rather than results.
old boy!
I am pleased that BR is looking at attitudes and performances rather than results.
old boy!
I lasted six balls more NW5 - judging by our'effort', the right decision was made.
The worst thing I saw during the match (and there were plenty of balls to choose from), was an aimless throw at the stumps after the first ball of the penultimate over. This allowed an overthrow which enabled Samuels to get back on strike and the rest of the over went for 20+. Utterly brainless! (Waller was the only player that can escape censure)
The worst thing I saw during the match (and there were plenty of balls to choose from), was an aimless throw at the stumps after the first ball of the penultimate over. This allowed an overthrow which enabled Samuels to get back on strike and the rest of the over went for 20+. Utterly brainless! (Waller was the only player that can escape censure)
If Brian is serious about 'having learned a lot' then I'd have to assume that we will now be seriously considering trying to strengthen our squad, if at all possible.
After all, in most cases I doubt Brian has learned good things. He's learned that Max might be back to his form of two years ago and after that, well...
Yes, he's seen Meschede can hit a long ball but then he already knew that because he has been constantly telling us that fact.
After all, in most cases I doubt Brian has learned good things. He's learned that Max might be back to his form of two years ago and after that, well...
Yes, he's seen Meschede can hit a long ball but then he already knew that because he has been constantly telling us that fact.
Where are the 'weaknesses' then AG that 92 overs in the Caribbean have made so glaringly obvious?
I think most of us have agreed that there is a need for someone with some willow if we lose two - James and Craig - early but what else?
I think most of us have agreed that there is a need for someone with some willow if we lose two - James and Craig - early but what else?
We need depth, at the very least, Grockle.
So far as batting is concerned I'm not sure we have much. Sure, maybe we don't lose James or Craig but there's also the ever present threat of injuries... They are bound to happen at some stage - a tweaked hamstring here, a broken finger there etc.
Quite frankly I'm not particularly convinced that I trust Compton to produce anyway. He was patchy, at best, last season.
Then there's the bowling. In the absence of Alf and Kartik then the one day stuff looks thin, quite frankly. If early season conditions turn out to be good for spin then great - we've got Waller and Dockrell. If not? I'm not sure the rest of it really inspires confidence in one day cricket?
We lost two experienced players -one a batsman that bowled, the other a bowler who could bat. And we've replaced them with two bowlers. This change in the balance of the squad places a bigger premium on the top 4 or 5 getting it right.
I think we should probably look for a batting allrounder, ideally somebody that is a reliable one day bowler, as well as good batsman in all forms.
So far as batting is concerned I'm not sure we have much. Sure, maybe we don't lose James or Craig but there's also the ever present threat of injuries... They are bound to happen at some stage - a tweaked hamstring here, a broken finger there etc.
Quite frankly I'm not particularly convinced that I trust Compton to produce anyway. He was patchy, at best, last season.
Then there's the bowling. In the absence of Alf and Kartik then the one day stuff looks thin, quite frankly. If early season conditions turn out to be good for spin then great - we've got Waller and Dockrell. If not? I'm not sure the rest of it really inspires confidence in one day cricket?
We lost two experienced players -one a batsman that bowled, the other a bowler who could bat. And we've replaced them with two bowlers. This change in the balance of the squad places a bigger premium on the top 4 or 5 getting it right.
I think we should probably look for a batting allrounder, ideally somebody that is a reliable one day bowler, as well as good batsman in all forms.
Also if Jos starts the season strongly how long would the odds be against him getting a Lions call?
I think the first stanza of the season will be about hanging in there in the CC - being within striking distance at the point where we get everyone back.
I think the first stanza of the season will be about hanging in there in the CC - being within striking distance at the point where we get everyone back.
"the first stanza of the season" - that's a new one to me. I thought BJ did the poetry round here. Will it be followed by the second tranche?
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Is there really a tournament going on in the Windies?
No feedback about Tregs situation
Nothing on the SCCCwebsite about the Jamaica game.
Not even one mention in the Somerset County Gazette about any of the games played??
No feedback about Tregs situation
Nothing on the SCCCwebsite about the Jamaica game.
Not even one mention in the Somerset County Gazette about any of the games played??
I think Grockle's analysis on the previous page is spot-on. Let's not forget we have played 92 overs of cricket in the Caribbean - less than a full Championship day - and performed perfectly decently for 78 of those.
I'm not really sure what lessons there are to be learned that weren't apparent from looking at the team sheet - the balance of the side clearly needs addressing but with Tres back and Craig and Pete fit that will be done. Actually when you think how drastically our side has been weakened, specifically in the area of attacking batting, we've done pretty well - most of the time.
Tonight, as I see it, we need to beat CC&C by at least 11 run to overtake Guyana on net run rate, and we and Jamaica both need to win by a combined margin of around 61 runs for us to overtake the Windwards as well and hence qualify. (Jamaica's NRR is so superior that we haven't a hope of overtaking them, so the Windwards have to lose).
Maddeningly I have to be out again and Eurosport I is again covering the Australian Open (apparently a tennis tournament). I anticipate nipping out to the car park at every possible moment to try and get BBC Somerset on the car radio.
(Re AGod's last post - I wouldn't have thought the Lions would call up Craig AND Jos?)
I'm not really sure what lessons there are to be learned that weren't apparent from looking at the team sheet - the balance of the side clearly needs addressing but with Tres back and Craig and Pete fit that will be done. Actually when you think how drastically our side has been weakened, specifically in the area of attacking batting, we've done pretty well - most of the time.
Tonight, as I see it, we need to beat CC&C by at least 11 run to overtake Guyana on net run rate, and we and Jamaica both need to win by a combined margin of around 61 runs for us to overtake the Windwards as well and hence qualify. (Jamaica's NRR is so superior that we haven't a hope of overtaking them, so the Windwards have to lose).
Maddeningly I have to be out again and Eurosport I is again covering the Australian Open (apparently a tennis tournament). I anticipate nipping out to the car park at every possible moment to try and get BBC Somerset on the car radio.
(Re AGod's last post - I wouldn't have thought the Lions would call up Craig AND Jos?)
Mike - I think it's conceivable that either (or even possibly both!?) of Craig and Jos might be deemed to be good enough to take a look at as a specialist batsman?
Clearly, the identity of those who we do or do not lose to the Lions will depend in part on how they start the season.
So, it's a bit of a double edged sword. If Craig and James start the season badly, they might be available for Sussex after all. But the last thing we want is for them to start the season badly.
I think Brian needs to find us a batting all rounder to prevent a four number 11s situation, unless he thinks Gregory or Haggett should play in the CC team and bat at number 8. I don't think a CC team that includes all of Willow, the two former Gloucs men and any of our spinners not named Kartik is a good idea, I really don't.
I think sign a batting all-rounder and then, depending on the conditions, omit either one of the former Gloucs guys or a spinner. Willow will surely have to play in the CC.. perhaps a heavy workload for him during the season's opening rites, with the possibility of some rest in the second half of the CC season (when Alf returns) and the probability of a long break during T20.
If you look at it overall then, compared to the side that played the majority of the CC games last season, we will be down four of the eleven players for the first six (I think it is?) CC games. And that's without any Lions call ups.
I don't know of any other CC1 teams that will have had such turnover?
Hence why I think it would be remiss of us not to bring somebody in to help offset all of the absences.
Batting all-rounder please, Brian!
Clearly, the identity of those who we do or do not lose to the Lions will depend in part on how they start the season.
So, it's a bit of a double edged sword. If Craig and James start the season badly, they might be available for Sussex after all. But the last thing we want is for them to start the season badly.
I think Brian needs to find us a batting all rounder to prevent a four number 11s situation, unless he thinks Gregory or Haggett should play in the CC team and bat at number 8. I don't think a CC team that includes all of Willow, the two former Gloucs men and any of our spinners not named Kartik is a good idea, I really don't.
I think sign a batting all-rounder and then, depending on the conditions, omit either one of the former Gloucs guys or a spinner. Willow will surely have to play in the CC.. perhaps a heavy workload for him during the season's opening rites, with the possibility of some rest in the second half of the CC season (when Alf returns) and the probability of a long break during T20.
If you look at it overall then, compared to the side that played the majority of the CC games last season, we will be down four of the eleven players for the first six (I think it is?) CC games. And that's without any Lions call ups.
I don't know of any other CC1 teams that will have had such turnover?
Hence why I think it would be remiss of us not to bring somebody in to help offset all of the absences.
Batting all-rounder please, Brian!
Who though? Are there many floating about?
What about Albie Morkel.....didnt see his name in the IPL auction thing and he was meant to be here 6 years ago.
What about Albie Morkel.....didnt see his name in the IPL auction thing and he was meant to be here 6 years ago.
Albie used to play for "Chennai Super Kings," and was one of their better players, so I imagine he will have been retained by them under a pre-existing contract, perhaps?
I understand that Pakistan and West Indies will be playing a Test series, so that is their players out.
Has big Jacob Oram signed to an IPL team? He would be somebody that would give Marcus a strong element of control in the field in the CC which is something that I am worried about, with no Kartik, no Ben and no Alf. In early season English conditions which may not be ideal for spin, I see only Willow as really being a banker to provide much control for Marcus.
I understand that Pakistan and West Indies will be playing a Test series, so that is their players out.
Has big Jacob Oram signed to an IPL team? He would be somebody that would give Marcus a strong element of control in the field in the CC which is something that I am worried about, with no Kartik, no Ben and no Alf. In early season English conditions which may not be ideal for spin, I see only Willow as really being a banker to provide much control for Marcus.
Will Pollard be involved in the Test series?
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I looked it up and big Jake does not appear to have been sigend up to the IPL.
He has a career average of 33 with the bat (36 in Tests). With the ball he would bring the control that would otherwise, I fear, be absent for Marcus in the field.
To illustrate this point, I want to start with the career economy rates of the three absentees from last year's CC team;
Kartik: 2.37 runs per over.
Alf: 2.86 runs per over.
Big Ben: 2.88 runs per over.
Here are the economy rates for the three main pace bowlers that will be available to start the season;
Charl: 2.81 runs per over (very good)
Kirby: 3.39 runs per over (questionable when you consider he's played on helpful surfaces)
Hussain: 3.64 runs per over (eye-watering, to my mind)
What is Jacob Oram's economy rate?
Oram: 2.33 runs per over!
In other words he has been even more frugal than Kartik!!!
If we want to blast away with guys like Kirby and Hussain that could bring real firepower, we also need to have good options to contain at the other end. If he's fit and willing to come, big Jacob Oram would be absolutely ideal.
When I went to watch the Test Match in Wellington a few years ago, Oram's control was flawless that day, so his career figures provoke no surprise.
He has a career average of 33 with the bat (36 in Tests). With the ball he would bring the control that would otherwise, I fear, be absent for Marcus in the field.
To illustrate this point, I want to start with the career economy rates of the three absentees from last year's CC team;
Kartik: 2.37 runs per over.
Alf: 2.86 runs per over.
Big Ben: 2.88 runs per over.
Here are the economy rates for the three main pace bowlers that will be available to start the season;
Charl: 2.81 runs per over (very good)
Kirby: 3.39 runs per over (questionable when you consider he's played on helpful surfaces)
Hussain: 3.64 runs per over (eye-watering, to my mind)
What is Jacob Oram's economy rate?
Oram: 2.33 runs per over!
In other words he has been even more frugal than Kartik!!!
If we want to blast away with guys like Kirby and Hussain that could bring real firepower, we also need to have good options to contain at the other end. If he's fit and willing to come, big Jacob Oram would be absolutely ideal.
When I went to watch the Test Match in Wellington a few years ago, Oram's control was flawless that day, so his career figures provoke no surprise.
Pollard is unlikely to be involved in the Test series but he will have a big money IPL deal.
Does not Oram havea dodgy injury record, esp for first-class cricket?
Anyway, AG, I broadly agree with your analysis - I'd like a batting all-rounder to be available. Pollard's not a bad shout; would Symonds be an option? Razzaq? Is there a South African that fits the bill?
Anyway, AG, I broadly agree with your analysis - I'd like a batting all-rounder to be available. Pollard's not a bad shout; would Symonds be an option? Razzaq? Is there a South African that fits the bill?
Jacob has certainly had injuries in his career, yes.
Finding the perfect prospect may not be possible, however.
Pollard will certainly be in the IPL and I'd be very surprised if Symonds is not.
I've lost track of whether Razzaq is currently in favour with the Pakistan Test team.. if so they have a series vs WI, if not he could be a decent shout.
I wonder if Angelo Matthews has an IPL deal? He's always struck me as a good all-round cricketer, including being an excellent fielder.
Finding the perfect prospect may not be possible, however.
Pollard will certainly be in the IPL and I'd be very surprised if Symonds is not.
I've lost track of whether Razzaq is currently in favour with the Pakistan Test team.. if so they have a series vs WI, if not he could be a decent shout.
I wonder if Angelo Matthews has an IPL deal? He's always struck me as a good all-round cricketer, including being an excellent fielder.
Matthews does have a deal.
SP asked about South African all rounders .. the two Justins, Kemp and Ontong were both passed over for the IPL as was former Middx man, Tyron Henderson.
The link below contains the names of all unsold players from Day 2 of the IPL auction.. that is those that have not won deals and should, presumably, be free to seek employment elsewhere, should they so desire.
[www.iplcricketlive.com]
SP asked about South African all rounders .. the two Justins, Kemp and Ontong were both passed over for the IPL as was former Middx man, Tyron Henderson.
The link below contains the names of all unsold players from Day 2 of the IPL auction.. that is those that have not won deals and should, presumably, be free to seek employment elsewhere, should they so desire.
[www.iplcricketlive.com]
The game tonight against CC&C will be on British Eurosport 2 at 7.50pm.
Hopefully the rain stays away.
Hopefully the rain stays away.
I'll also be ball by balling it on the frontpage tonight - hoping there is something to report on!!
Not so many years ago AG Someset would have killed for a bowler with a less than 4 economy rate!!
Remember Hussain was not used in one day matches and so was not necessarily asked to bowl frugally. It certainly a much better rate than bowlers we had last year!!
Doesn't it also relate to their strike rates ( I have no idea how they compare).
Not so many years ago AG Someset would have killed for a bowler with a less than 4 economy rate!!
Remember Hussain was not used in one day matches and so was not necessarily asked to bowl frugally. It certainly a much better rate than bowlers we had last year!!
Doesn't it also relate to their strike rates ( I have no idea how they compare).
I take the point about what we might have killed for a few years ago - but times have moved on!
I think you said yourself - in fact I'm sure you did - that a big difference between what went on at the County Ground in 2010 and previous years was the greatly improved accuracy of our attack in CC cricket.
And, yes, Kirby and Hussain have good strike rates and should give us a sharp edge, but I think any captain has to also have control in the field.. this is particularly important when things go a bit flat, either because conditions for batting have eased or because two batsmen are in and going really well, or what have you.
p.s. Those figures listed above are career records for first class cricket only, so Hussain not having played one day cricket has no bearing on them as one day figures are not included. Even if they were, the effect would be the opposite one ... as bowlers go for a greater number of runs per over in the short stuff,
I think you said yourself - in fact I'm sure you did - that a big difference between what went on at the County Ground in 2010 and previous years was the greatly improved accuracy of our attack in CC cricket.
And, yes, Kirby and Hussain have good strike rates and should give us a sharp edge, but I think any captain has to also have control in the field.. this is particularly important when things go a bit flat, either because conditions for batting have eased or because two batsmen are in and going really well, or what have you.
p.s. Those figures listed above are career records for first class cricket only, so Hussain not having played one day cricket has no bearing on them as one day figures are not included. Even if they were, the effect would be the opposite one ... as bowlers go for a greater number of runs per over in the short stuff,
take wickets....thats the best form of control you can get.
Id rather a team was 250 all out than 200 for 2
Id rather a team was 250 all out than 200 for 2
When things aren't going your way, you need to be able to build pressure, though.
Kirby and Hussain have good strike rates and should bring some penetration. But that does not mean they are Waqar and Wasim! I don't think we can just expect them to turn up and roll people over. There will be times when pitches go flat and there are big stands by opposing batsmen, I'm sure.
Kirby and Hussain have good strike rates and should bring some penetration. But that does not mean they are Waqar and Wasim! I don't think we can just expect them to turn up and roll people over. There will be times when pitches go flat and there are big stands by opposing batsmen, I'm sure.
absolutely, but I would rather see us winning by attacking to try and take wickets.
Boring Durham last year in the last game didn't work.
Boring Durham last year in the last game didn't work.
"Depth" is not going to be achieved by employing one bloke for 6 to 10 weeks irrespective of whether he bats, bowls or does both.
Gregory, Hussain, Dibble, Haggett, Meschede, Jones, Dockrell, Barrow(?) is where you're gonna get your long term "depth".
No faith in Nick Compton? Is this a new revelation? Little comment on his inadequacies from many on here since the end of the season - most expecting him to come into his own this season and do the job Rosey expects from him.
Do you expect England to pull a handful of players from the Somerset masses? How realistic is it that we will see James, Craig, Peter and Jos pulled out of domestic cricket to represent their country in 2011? It's never happened before but there's always a first time.
This tells us very little about CC1 prospects...not even sure how clear it gives us an indication of one day prospects either.
All these protents of doom...maybe we should withdraw from all domestic competitions and accept defeat before the worst case scenarios come to pass in all formats as it seems they surely will.
We had no bowling last season and look what we did! What could possibly happen now we seem to have no batting? :-)
Gregory, Hussain, Dibble, Haggett, Meschede, Jones, Dockrell, Barrow(?) is where you're gonna get your long term "depth".
No faith in Nick Compton? Is this a new revelation? Little comment on his inadequacies from many on here since the end of the season - most expecting him to come into his own this season and do the job Rosey expects from him.
Do you expect England to pull a handful of players from the Somerset masses? How realistic is it that we will see James, Craig, Peter and Jos pulled out of domestic cricket to represent their country in 2011? It's never happened before but there's always a first time.
This tells us very little about CC1 prospects...not even sure how clear it gives us an indication of one day prospects either.
All these protents of doom...maybe we should withdraw from all domestic competitions and accept defeat before the worst case scenarios come to pass in all formats as it seems they surely will.
We had no bowling last season and look what we did! What could possibly happen now we seem to have no batting? :-)
I don't recall saying anything about us 'having no bowling,' last season.
KT may have said that, but I doubt anybody else did.
Ronnie... I really don't think we tried to 'bore,' Durham in the last game.
I was there for two days and there was certainly zero attempt to bore them on the days on which I was present.
It was more a case of everyone being exhausted.
KT may have said that, but I doubt anybody else did.
Ronnie... I really don't think we tried to 'bore,' Durham in the last game.
I was there for two days and there was certainly zero attempt to bore them on the days on which I was present.
It was more a case of everyone being exhausted.
Oh I think we read a lot about sparse seam resources and not just from KT who seemed to be more obsessed with Somerset never developing home grown bowlers.
Ben was not the saviour he has since his departure become. Stiff was not expected to get away with it twice and Mark Turner was not expected to stay fit. There was even discussion about whether Alf could really be called in to be a majore force in the four day setup.
Ben was not the saviour he has since his departure become. Stiff was not expected to get away with it twice and Mark Turner was not expected to stay fit. There was even discussion about whether Alf could really be called in to be a majore force in the four day setup.
Grockles.com
20/01/2011 19:35
20/01/2011 19:35
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Evening all
Is the only way we can win tonight by batting first and bowling them out cheaply?
Cheers
Is the only way we can win tonight by batting first and bowling them out cheaply?
Cheers
I wonder if it is raining in Antigua too? If not, I bet they wish they'd left it where it was, in spite of the terrible pitches there.
I doubt we'll get anything more than another six overs, at best.
I doubt we'll get anything more than another six overs, at best.
What the hell is going on?
They just announced on British Europsport 2 that they would have live coverage of Somerset v CCC.
They are now showing a re-run of Somerset v Guyana.
I'm presuming the game against CCC is rained off?
They just announced on British Europsport 2 that they would have live coverage of Somerset v CCC.
They are now showing a re-run of Somerset v Guyana.
I'm presuming the game against CCC is rained off?
About to start. Batting
Trego & Dockerell for Haggett & Willougby
(Edit - beat me to it)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:20:21:18 by Ajay.
Trego & Dockerell for Haggett & Willougby
(Edit - beat me to it)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:20:21:18 by Ajay.
We have live cricket folks. Alf won toss and we bat with Compo and BoBo opening.
Pete is in as is Dockrell - Willow and Haggett make way.
Pete is in as is Dockrell - Willow and Haggett make way.
I dont really know why we have not given Haggett a cahnce instead of the one of the former Gloucs' bowlers?
We seem very determined to go with this four number 11s policy.
We seem very determined to go with this four number 11s policy.
Poor shot from Trego.
Looking to clip through midwicket and a leading edge has him pouched easily at extra cover.
Looking to clip through midwicket and a leading edge has him pouched easily at extra cover.
Compton has literally just tapped the ball into the covers and run.
Hildreth was a yard out if the fielder hit.
We have to sort Compton's running out. It is very very poor.
Shah, his old Middlesex mate, missed out on a good England career, in part, due to poor running.
Hildreth was a yard out if the fielder hit.
We have to sort Compton's running out. It is very very poor.
Shah, his old Middlesex mate, missed out on a good England career, in part, due to poor running.
Good progress from Compo and the Emperor - much more like the Somerset we know and love.
76 - 1 at 10 overs.
76 - 1 at 10 overs.
The thing that is notable about this tandem is that they do seem to run very well together.
If Compton holds onto his domestic T20 place then it might be an idea for him and Hildreth to bat in adjacent places in the order.
I say if he holds onto the place because it might be the case that Arul gets preferred in games where we want an extra spin option and/or it's possible that Brian will want the most explosive line up possible and might want to get Meschede in the T20 line up.
If Compton holds onto his domestic T20 place then it might be an idea for him and Hildreth to bat in adjacent places in the order.
I say if he holds onto the place because it might be the case that Arul gets preferred in games where we want an extra spin option and/or it's possible that Brian will want the most explosive line up possible and might want to get Meschede in the T20 line up.
um....any ideas on commentary ? I'm getting rugby from the front page link
Thanks for that . How bizarre, it looked like the same page but it was definately rugby coming out of the speaker before
For any newcomers to the site Grockle always give the commentary link on the front page as he has done on this match.
Hmmm - now 122 - 4. Jos and now Arul depart.
Need the Emperor to see this out.
Need the Emperor to see this out.
Bit of a mini-collpase. Glad that we get another chance to have a look at Meschede, though.
RSP should be brief.
RSP should be brief.
We still have a problem pushing on.
The bowling is not holding us back but we are still pushing singles.
Having said that Compo and Hilda pushed the score on with few boundaries and a lot of twos.
Both batsmen looked much more confident tonight. I still don't think Nick is a T20 player but he did a much much better job tonight.
Don't think they have done enough though unless we can get them out very cheaply.
The bowling is not holding us back but we are still pushing singles.
Having said that Compo and Hilda pushed the score on with few boundaries and a lot of twos.
Both batsmen looked much more confident tonight. I still don't think Nick is a T20 player but he did a much much better job tonight.
Don't think they have done enough though unless we can get them out very cheaply.
We haven't scored that many despite the fact that (I think) they have bowled pretty poorly.
So, if we bowl very well...
So, if we bowl very well...
That's a very competent score I think. Excellent knock from the Emperor and very good late support from young Meschede.
If we bowl as we can then we can certainly win this one.
If we bowl as we can then we can certainly win this one.
26 off 11 when called in with less than 3 overs to go? Can't really ask for much more. He looks like another cool one. Two big and very competent sixes. He drives along the floor as well.
Like him...but can he bowl?
Like him...but can he bowl?
More than just support from Meschede, I would suggest, SJB.
He has given us a chance, if we can bowl better than heretofore (Waller excepted, of course).
And of course Vive l'Empereur.
He has given us a chance, if we can bowl better than heretofore (Waller excepted, of course).
And of course Vive l'Empereur.
Should win this match comfortably, I would think.
Meschede certainly looks the bright prospect that Brian told us he was.
Having said that about winning the match, it looked like the clouds were closing in again?
Meschede certainly looks the bright prospect that Brian told us he was.
Having said that about winning the match, it looked like the clouds were closing in again?
Yes Bobs - can now agree - I missed the beginning of the last three overs and had to time shift to see it after I had posted. He really looked rather classy. Very good one for the very near future methinks.
Very good first over from Hussain.
Alf below his best again... and shocking first over from Kirby.
Alf below his best again... and shocking first over from Kirby.
Somebody will need to get a good grip of Kirby.
Whilst I love enthusiasm and commitment he seems to be a loose cannon!!
He's now arguing with Alf!!!
Edited for gender change!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:22:45:13 by Sloop John B.
Whilst I love enthusiasm and commitment he seems to be a loose cannon!!
He's now arguing with Alf!!!
Edited for gender change!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:22:45:13 by Sloop John B.
I wish I'd seen Meschede's innings instead of just listening to it. I certainly want to see this boy bat some more next season.
The (otherwise excellent) radio commentary team keep on, and on, about how Somerset need to win by 55 runs to have a chance of qualifying. I cannot imagine why.
I have been back to the league table and rechecked my figures, and I see no reason to adjust my calculation that a) we cannot tell how many Som need to win by because we do not yet know the result of the last game, b) we need only win by 7 or more (yes, small recalculation there) to have at least a mathematical chance (as we will then overtake Guyana) and c) we cannot possibly qualify if the Windwards beat Jamaica, but if we and Jamaica win by an AGGREGATE margin of about 61/62 runs we qualify. (So we want to win by as many as possible, but at least 30-40 to give Jamaica as little a possible to do on our behalf).
And CC&C's two big hitters are both out...
On the other hand, the Windwards will know exactly how many they can afford to lose by and may be in a position to adjust their tactics accordingly.
The commentators are also going on about CC&C needing to score 165 off 11 if they are to qualify, and again I see no way at all they can know this - am I missing something?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:23:00:59 by mikeindex.
The (otherwise excellent) radio commentary team keep on, and on, about how Somerset need to win by 55 runs to have a chance of qualifying. I cannot imagine why.
I have been back to the league table and rechecked my figures, and I see no reason to adjust my calculation that a) we cannot tell how many Som need to win by because we do not yet know the result of the last game, b) we need only win by 7 or more (yes, small recalculation there) to have at least a mathematical chance (as we will then overtake Guyana) and c) we cannot possibly qualify if the Windwards beat Jamaica, but if we and Jamaica win by an AGGREGATE margin of about 61/62 runs we qualify. (So we want to win by as many as possible, but at least 30-40 to give Jamaica as little a possible to do on our behalf).
And CC&C's two big hitters are both out...
On the other hand, the Windwards will know exactly how many they can afford to lose by and may be in a position to adjust their tactics accordingly.
The commentators are also going on about CC&C needing to score 165 off 11 if they are to qualify, and again I see no way at all they can know this - am I missing something?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:23:00:59 by mikeindex.
Aggressive bowling is fine - but Kirby seems to rather uncontrolled. He has bowled wides both sides of the wicket and has not brought much control.
...but he has got two wickets!
...but he has got two wickets!
Kevan James says Hussain has bowled 'absolutely superbly'.
So of course Reefer has to hit him for six, as I type.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:23:03:28 by mikeindex.
So of course Reefer has to hit him for six, as I type.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:23:03:28 by mikeindex.
Quote:NW5Somerset
We have to sort Compton's running out. It is very very poor.
I've been saying that about Denis for years now, but it doesn't seem to make any difference.
Len Hutton
I feel that Kirby's aggression would probably not be suited to 1 day cricket, much like Andy Caddick's bowling in the 1 day form,but when a four day game is heading for a draw he might be the one to light the touch paper
You can keep your fast bowlers - nothing better than watching two young spinners tie batsmen down - and taking wickets.
Would we be better off with Jos keeping than Craig when both are playing? (This really belongs on the other thread I started).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:23:31:21 by mikeindex.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:20:23:31:21 by mikeindex.
So if CCC get 109 or less then all we need is Jamaica to beat Windward Islands and we are through?? MikeIndex??
They are going to just past I reckon - they need 16 in the last 4 overs
They are going to just past I reckon - they need 16 in the last 4 overs
And the radio guys are still on about this 110 CC&C need to bat us out of the competition - anyone any clue what they're on about? Seriously, have I missed something?
98-7 If we stop CCC getting 109 we are second provided Jamaica beat Winwards later.
On the Buttler/Kieswetter issue: Buttler is an outstanding outfielder with one of the best arms in the business.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Aha, I have it!
If we win by 55 (61 was a slight overestimate), and Jamaica win by ANY margin (barring a tie and an OOPSE), we go through. This is where the figure of 55 comes from.
Where the radio commentators are wrong is in thinking that we HAVE to win by 55, as if we win by 50 and Jamaica win by 5/6 or more we can still qualify.
I think.
If we win by 55 (61 was a slight overestimate), and Jamaica win by ANY margin (barring a tie and an OOPSE), we go through. This is where the figure of 55 comes from.
Where the radio commentators are wrong is in thinking that we HAVE to win by 55, as if we win by 50 and Jamaica win by 5/6 or more we can still qualify.
I think.
surely if CCC get 125, but jamaice batter winward that will still be sufficient???
Quote:Exactly.wsm fan
surely if CCC get 125, but jamaice batter winward that will still be sufficient???
I think.
Kirby 4 overs, 3-26 - surely proof, if ever it were needed, that good figures don't mean you bowled well!
Well, given that Willoughby said the dressing room believed in the magic figure of 55, I hope the Somerset players don't board a London-bound plane before tonight's second match is over.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Well, Kevan J and Charl have just signed off, still talking about Somerset's 'disappointing end' to the tournament.
As I see it we still qualify if Jamaica beat the Windwards by 17 runs or more.
Anyway BBC Som is off for the night.
Does anyone know if they are showing the Jamaica game at the County Ground? I could make it there in ten minutes.
Probably everyone who does know is at the County Ground already and not at their computers. Such is life.
As I see it we still qualify if Jamaica beat the Windwards by 17 runs or more.
Anyway BBC Som is off for the night.
Does anyone know if they are showing the Jamaica game at the County Ground? I could make it there in ten minutes.
Probably everyone who does know is at the County Ground already and not at their computers. Such is life.
So some of you don't like Stevie-boy.
Well he's got some heart I'll give him that and his wickets weren't flukes. He took Perkins on and beat him with an aggressive ball and fooled one of the others with a slowey.
His late no ball issue needs sorting in short games but have I missed something?
Didn't you know what you were getting?
Haven't you seen this bloke play at Taunton? Haven't you heard how he plays the game?
He takes no prisoners on a cricket pitch, he never has. But I'll personally take 3 for 26 and let him grumble at himself all evening.
Well he's got some heart I'll give him that and his wickets weren't flukes. He took Perkins on and beat him with an aggressive ball and fooled one of the others with a slowey.
His late no ball issue needs sorting in short games but have I missed something?
Didn't you know what you were getting?
Haven't you seen this bloke play at Taunton? Haven't you heard how he plays the game?
He takes no prisoners on a cricket pitch, he never has. But I'll personally take 3 for 26 and let him grumble at himself all evening.
You can follow the score on cricinfo if you're desperate: I'm not.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The irony is that if it had rained throughout our match with Jamaica on Tuesday, instead of relenting in time for that six-over farce, we would definitely have qualified, along with the winner of tonight`s Jamaica-Windward Islands clash.
The game is on Eurosport2 live from 12:15 but as I haver no idea what has happen beyond Jamaica have to win I can't bothered.
If we get through I'll happily watch the semi. if we don't I'l refer back to that debacle in Antigua when we threw four points away with 3 overs of stupidity and say we deserved no less.
Either way I've seen some good fortune in Somerset's future.
A spinner I thought had shot his bolt coming up with lots of surprises and doing it for three games in a row on two different pitches.
Another spinner who will run him close (while they both learn and develop with Kartik) and is an exciting prospect for his home nation
A raw young pace talent who could be something very special because wickets follow him about the place it seems.
Another batsman to challenge the Buttler's and Kieswetters of this world with that architypal Somerset cool head on his shoulders that suggests he's never been out of the firsts.
I'll also enjoy a season in the company of 'Grumpyguts' the beligerant redhead with the heart of a lion and hope to see another youngster with a heart that I hope is now fit fulfill the promise he shows and which was underused in this tournament.
All in all its been a great way to start a year.
70 days to go people!!
If we get through I'll happily watch the semi. if we don't I'l refer back to that debacle in Antigua when we threw four points away with 3 overs of stupidity and say we deserved no less.
Either way I've seen some good fortune in Somerset's future.
A spinner I thought had shot his bolt coming up with lots of surprises and doing it for three games in a row on two different pitches.
Another spinner who will run him close (while they both learn and develop with Kartik) and is an exciting prospect for his home nation
A raw young pace talent who could be something very special because wickets follow him about the place it seems.
Another batsman to challenge the Buttler's and Kieswetters of this world with that architypal Somerset cool head on his shoulders that suggests he's never been out of the firsts.
I'll also enjoy a season in the company of 'Grumpyguts' the beligerant redhead with the heart of a lion and hope to see another youngster with a heart that I hope is now fit fulfill the promise he shows and which was underused in this tournament.
All in all its been a great way to start a year.
70 days to go people!!
Said Grockle.." So some of you don't like Stevie-boy.
Didn't you know what you were getting?
Haven't you seen this bloke play at Taunton? Haven't you heard how he plays the game? "
The answer basically Grockle is no I've never seen Kirby play anywhere, I didn't know what I was getting and I don't like what I've seen, but if he wins the championship for us I'll bite the bullet
Didn't you know what you were getting?
Haven't you seen this bloke play at Taunton? Haven't you heard how he plays the game? "
The answer basically Grockle is no I've never seen Kirby play anywhere, I didn't know what I was getting and I don't like what I've seen, but if he wins the championship for us I'll bite the bullet
Damn surprised Geordie because he has never been a shrinking violet.
He was the 'enfant terrible' of Yorkshire and they loved every bone in his body.
You may have to "bite the bullet" because I think he may be here to stay and I doubt he's gonna change for you or anyone else :-)
We've certainly talked about him enough over the years when we've come across him.
He was the 'enfant terrible' of Yorkshire and they loved every bone in his body.
You may have to "bite the bullet" because I think he may be here to stay and I doubt he's gonna change for you or anyone else :-)
We've certainly talked about him enough over the years when we've come across him.
Ok Wws batting first makes it that bit more complicated and means we can't work out exactly how many balls Jamaica need to have to spare until we know how many Wws make.
However it will be somewhere in the region of two overs or slightly over.
However it will be somewhere in the region of two overs or slightly over.
Windward's won by 17 runs, so I guess that's it for us.
Chill..........
Grizzzly
Chill..........
Grizzzly
I don't dislike Kirby - I've never met him - I just thought his figures flattered him. I've never seen him play live (wish I got to watch that much cricket) and, yes, I knew what we were getting.
I think he'll be a real asset in 4-day cricket and will take expensive wickets in one-day games - if he's in our best one-day XI. I also know full well about his temper and have learnt something tonight about his language. We'll see how well that goes down with his captain, coach and management, the umpires and the Taunton crowd. I'm sure we'll all bite the bullet if he wins us the Championship but I do think that can be done without the over-the-top shenanigans.
I think he'll be a real asset in 4-day cricket and will take expensive wickets in one-day games - if he's in our best one-day XI. I also know full well about his temper and have learnt something tonight about his language. We'll see how well that goes down with his captain, coach and management, the umpires and the Taunton crowd. I'm sure we'll all bite the bullet if he wins us the Championship but I do think that can be done without the over-the-top shenanigans.
I've seen Kirby live a couple of times prior to today. One was a game on May bank holiday at the dump (Bristol) when he bowled very well with the new ball and then kept his head later whilst the rest fell apart under attack from Pete.
I don't think that I've seen him on TV before, though. His antics are certainly not edifying.
I think that he will be an asset in the CC because he never quits and has some pace. His career strike rate speaks to a guy that will cause plenty of problems in the CC.
However, I don't think he'll be an asset in T20 to be honest. Just too erratic. I suspect that like most fast bowlers he likes to get into a rhythm by bowling long spells... And T20 obviously mitigates against that.
Jos's take of a massively wide Kirby ball was brilliant, as were his stumpings.
I don't think that I've seen him on TV before, though. His antics are certainly not edifying.
I think that he will be an asset in the CC because he never quits and has some pace. His career strike rate speaks to a guy that will cause plenty of problems in the CC.
However, I don't think he'll be an asset in T20 to be honest. Just too erratic. I suspect that like most fast bowlers he likes to get into a rhythm by bowling long spells... And T20 obviously mitigates against that.
Jos's take of a massively wide Kirby ball was brilliant, as were his stumpings.
Compton's running between the wickets is certainly worrying.
As LoL implies that has been said before in the '40s and'50s.
I did think though that NRD Compton fielded exceptionally well and saved us quite a few runs.
I wasn't keen on Kirby moaning at his own fielders for failing to save an exceptionally difficult run, then giving away a run that really he never should have done, when fielding himself!
As I said before, he is now the Andre Nel of Somerset. If he helps us win the County Championship I shall get over the fact that Kirby is not my kind of cricketer. I'm all for controlled aggression directed at opposition batsmen, less keen when much of the aggression appears on last night's evidence to be directed at his own team.
As LoL implies that has been said before in the '40s and'50s.
I did think though that NRD Compton fielded exceptionally well and saved us quite a few runs.
I wasn't keen on Kirby moaning at his own fielders for failing to save an exceptionally difficult run, then giving away a run that really he never should have done, when fielding himself!
As I said before, he is now the Andre Nel of Somerset. If he helps us win the County Championship I shall get over the fact that Kirby is not my kind of cricketer. I'm all for controlled aggression directed at opposition batsmen, less keen when much of the aggression appears on last night's evidence to be directed at his own team.
I cannot understand people questioning Kirby's antics.There's no malice meant,he's just one of these grumpy sods while at work.We've all met such people.I've never met him but I'm let to believe that he's a lovely chap off the field of play.
toatl carve up between Jamaica and the Windwards eh?
Typical Somerset to bow out in such circumstances. If we keep knocking then surely at some point we will go through the door.
Think Meschede looks good and Waller and Dockrell? (is there really only 40 years between them). Hussain appears to have something too.
Plenty to work with and Im sure we will have an overseas batter/bowler to assist too in the early stages.
Typical Somerset to bow out in such circumstances. If we keep knocking then surely at some point we will go through the door.
Think Meschede looks good and Waller and Dockrell? (is there really only 40 years between them). Hussain appears to have something too.
Plenty to work with and Im sure we will have an overseas batter/bowler to assist too in the early stages.
I'm not sure I heard any language in the West Indies - maybe I wasn't listening hard enough. I did hear him being angry with himself and he was giving something to bowlers - but that has happened for decades.
Surely the umpires would haul him up if his activities were against the spirit of the game. I think he's been warned before but not excessively (though I could be wrongn that). It's not something we've experienced at Taunton for a while, except from the likes of Nel and Warne and others....is it a bad thing? Who knows. His wickets cetainly weren't expensive tonight (in the T20 world) and he does have something if he gets it right.
The question really is, how often will he get it right.
Surely the umpires would haul him up if his activities were against the spirit of the game. I think he's been warned before but not excessively (though I could be wrongn that). It's not something we've experienced at Taunton for a while, except from the likes of Nel and Warne and others....is it a bad thing? Who knows. His wickets cetainly weren't expensive tonight (in the T20 world) and he does have something if he gets it right.
The question really is, how often will he get it right.
I knew Kirby can be like that on occasion but I didn’t realise he is like it all of the time.
He does carry three penalty points but that was for “Full-pitched deliveries but they disappear in May this year.
He does carry three penalty points but that was for “Full-pitched deliveries but they disappear in May this year.
"As I said before, he is now the Andre Nel of Somerset. If he helps us win the County Championship I shall get over the fact that Kirby is not my kind of cricketer. I'm all for controlled aggression directed at opposition batsmen, less keen when much of the aggression appears on last night's evidence to be directed at his own team."
I think the key point here is that it does not really matter what any of us think.
It probably will matter, however, what his team-mates think.
If you are going to be constantly on people's cases, it helps if those same team-mates perceive you to be a superior player. I suspect that some players that might not bat an eye-lid at moaning from Justin Langer, test match average very high, might be less happy with the grumbling of Steve Kirby, test match average, never yet reached that level.
It will depend on how well he does. If he proves to be a very effective spearhead to the CC attack, his team-mates will probably take his antics with a large pinch of salt.
If he's going to bowl all over the shop in the one day stuff whilst simulatenously berating his fielders on any occasion that they do anything wrong? Well, I don't think that will go down well.
I think the key point here is that it does not really matter what any of us think.
It probably will matter, however, what his team-mates think.
If you are going to be constantly on people's cases, it helps if those same team-mates perceive you to be a superior player. I suspect that some players that might not bat an eye-lid at moaning from Justin Langer, test match average very high, might be less happy with the grumbling of Steve Kirby, test match average, never yet reached that level.
It will depend on how well he does. If he proves to be a very effective spearhead to the CC attack, his team-mates will probably take his antics with a large pinch of salt.
If he's going to bowl all over the shop in the one day stuff whilst simulatenously berating his fielders on any occasion that they do anything wrong? Well, I don't think that will go down well.
I love pasionate, commited aggresion in a cricketer and Kirby has it in spades.
However my concern is that it seems uncontrolled and undirected. To be really effective aggression and sledging needs to be channeled and directed when the time is right.
He can't do that all the time in a 4 day match - he would expire!!
I think he is danger of distracting himself (hence the somewhat erratic deliveries)and, more importantly, some of our younger cricketers who need to keep focussed on their own roles. Hence my comment that someone needs to get a grip of him and channel that aggression.
He did deserve a couple of his wickets last night as Grockle points out and he could well be a catalyst for resuscitating a moribund 4 day match.
Ironically I thought that Hussain was the more dangerous bowler - although he also still bowls some buffet deliveries.
However my concern is that it seems uncontrolled and undirected. To be really effective aggression and sledging needs to be channeled and directed when the time is right.
He can't do that all the time in a 4 day match - he would expire!!
I think he is danger of distracting himself (hence the somewhat erratic deliveries)and, more importantly, some of our younger cricketers who need to keep focussed on their own roles. Hence my comment that someone needs to get a grip of him and channel that aggression.
He did deserve a couple of his wickets last night as Grockle points out and he could well be a catalyst for resuscitating a moribund 4 day match.
Ironically I thought that Hussain was the more dangerous bowler - although he also still bowls some buffet deliveries.
I thought Kirby bowled better in the six over game - in which his one over cost something like 22 run, than he did for his 3 for 26 yesterday!
Hussain certainly bowled better once he got to the proper pitch in Barbados, as opposed to the sponge in Antigua.
Hussain certainly bowled better once he got to the proper pitch in Barbados, as opposed to the sponge in Antigua.
I think he asked one of the WI batsman "do you want some" or words to that effect.
He seems to over-do it sometimes but channeled in the right way could be an asset. That'll be Marcus's job.
Hes got something to offer I think
He seems to over-do it sometimes but channeled in the right way could be an asset. That'll be Marcus's job.
Hes got something to offer I think
just read Kirby's interview in BEP. Apparenetly he is at Taunton on less money than he was at Glos and hes made the move to get Div 1 cricket.
Also, says Notts were after him.
Also, says Notts were after him.
I tend to think that goes out the other side of ambitious and into deluded.
It would be good if you could go into the dressing room and tell him that.. preferably before our most important CC game of next season!
Definition: I think the opposition would pay.
A bit like when SA hit Devon Malcolm on the head.
A bit like when SA hit Devon Malcolm on the head.
I do take the point about self-control. He does seem to be on the edge of 'stark raving mad' at times and I don't know enough about him to say whether he keeps that in check or allows it to affect his game.
"do you want some" sounds like a response to me rather than an initiated "sledge" and certainly the West indians were not above comments themselves.
Sledgers also tend to get as good as they give so Steve has to be willing to take it if he gives it out. You're right though - Marcus needs to set the tone and expectations for Mr Kirby.
Can someone please explain the comment about directing this at his own team? They all seemed to be very happy when he struck and there seemed a good comraderie between the lads playing in this. Lots of encouragement and back slapping in the good times and the bad from all sides.
"do you want some" sounds like a response to me rather than an initiated "sledge" and certainly the West indians were not above comments themselves.
Sledgers also tend to get as good as they give so Steve has to be willing to take it if he gives it out. You're right though - Marcus needs to set the tone and expectations for Mr Kirby.
Can someone please explain the comment about directing this at his own team? They all seemed to be very happy when he struck and there seemed a good comraderie between the lads playing in this. Lots of encouragement and back slapping in the good times and the bad from all sides.
It's all right, BJ: it's all over for now and you can come out from behind the sofa.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Win what, BJ?
Nothing significant has happened and the county championship will resume as usual in April.
Courage, mon brave.
Nothing significant has happened and the county championship will resume as usual in April.
Courage, mon brave.
I think it's a good question, Botham. Ever the optimist, I am hoping that the occasional well-timed mot juste from our favourite supporter, when toys are being sprayed from the pram faster than Kirby can actually bowl, might persuade him to take himself a little less seriously.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
They've got on perfectly fine when Steve had been here before and as Tractor rarely does anything but banter with players and Steve seems to grumble mostly with himself they'll get on fine.
It's more likely that the 'just not cricket' crowd (even though it probably was) will have more difficulty with him (as they do sometimes with Mr T himself)
It's more likely that the 'just not cricket' crowd (even though it probably was) will have more difficulty with him (as they do sometimes with Mr T himself)
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