Somerset
Putting on the Glos.
The world is his oyster
By Grockle
July 8 2011
An important game in a T20 context on a Friday at Taunton is not always a banker for cricket!! This Friday looks a little better than some experienced in what is laughingly called the 'summer' of 2011. Gloucestershire have won the toss and will field first.
V Gloucestershire FLT20 @ Taunton Friday 8 July 2001
Home again needing 2 points from this one and from the Southgate finale. Marcus has put his faith in the following (it won't be much of a surprise);
Trecothick, Trego, Hildreth, Buttler, Pollard, Meschede, Suppiah, Kartik, Gregory, Kirby and Waller
Gloucestershire have won the toss and decided to bat and presently it looks like we will start on time. It is not so sure that we will have an uninterrupted game but the cloud is high and non threatening and the conditions are expected to improve after 6 according to the local weather reports.
Play starts on time and Payne takes the first over...and the first wicket as the skipper lazily slaps his second into his own leg stump and we are 0 for 1!! Now can they manage NOT to slump?
Craig Meschede continues to come in at 3 and as Gidman (in for the absent Lewis) takes the second he proceeds to smack balls 2, 3, 4 and 5 to the boundary with ball 3 going over the rope without a bounce infield. 21 for 1 after 2 and some level of normality is retained. Now..can they keep it going?
Payne continues and after CM drops one over the infielder for four to the Cowshed, he gets his second wicket as a different pace persuades Meschede to plop one up to Marshall and he goes for 24 off 13 out of a total of 25. It's OK doing that for an over BUT you gotta keep it going!! James is next man in as O'Brien takes the fourth with us 25 for 2.
It's 32 for 2 after 4 and Muralitharan is on for the first time for the 5th. Hildreth shows him respect and they only move on by 5 to 37 for the first quarter. Pete has only 2 to his name - mostly because he has hardly seen the ball. O'Brien changes this in his next over...and Pete smacks the ball straight to Marshall for 2. It only came off 6 balls but it still is definitely NOT what Somerset wanted!! 40 for 3 after 5.5 and Jos at the crease.
As 6 o'clock appears MM is on for his second and the rain is starting to 'persist'. 5 balls into the 7th and the umpires decide it's too much and take the players off for a very short period, 4 minutes later they are back on, the Sri Lankan with 800 in his shirt finishes his over and the home side stumble to 43. It's isn't looking good, Gloucestershire are much tighter than we will be given recent performances and we can't afford a short run chase against a D/L target. That is playing straight into the visitor's hands.
Williamson takes the 8th and shows this 2011 emphasis on slow bowlers taking the pace off it. Buttler and Hildreth are taking singles but little is getting past the inner ring and the Gloucestershire press is most definitely on as Young (another slow man) take the 9th. A single takes us to 50 but we only have 54 by the end of it.
As the rain returns halfway arrives with a mere 60 to their name. Not a competitive total by any stretch of the imagination! However, our pair are playing the game right and it is to be hoped that they are in the position to push it up a level in a couple of overs and take this home to a 150+ score. If one of them goes you will expect KP to be next man in looking to put some big shots in...that will bring MM back I will guarantee.
Taylor (slowman) takes the 12th with 67 on the board and Hilda facing. After missing the first he puts the second to the boundary - the first one for many an over.
To stop them pushing it, Williamson brings MM back to hold them in check and Jos does what is required and takes him on, straight driving him and delicately reverse sweeping him twice. He goes for 14. Buttler continues with a 6 off Taylor's first of the 14th and a single off the second. Unfortunately Hildreth is caught behind next ball and Kieron strides out backwards without his helmet on, just the black cap. Last swing of the bat for the home side!! 6 and a half overs to go. After 14 the 100 is up and a good partnership has put us back into this game. James controlled the scoring with 34 off 35 balls and only two boundaries. He's got Jos in and now it is for KP to help his young partner take this one home...if possible.
However, Young is not going to let them have it their way if he can help it. They only have 4 off the over when Pollard pushes a single which Buttler looks to turn into a 2 - suicidal!! Luckily for us, the keeper knocks the stumps over without the ball with the big West Indian nowhere near the crease. He survives but needs treatment after a really desperate dive to stay in.
The square leg umpire (Gough) gave KP out but then rescinded the decision and after 15 overs Somerset are 110 for four. MM is back on for the 16th from the River and his second ball goes into the Tone from Pollard. This seems to get to MM and he bowls three consecutive wides before he ends his spell having gone for 27 off his last 2. 123 for 6 after 16.
Young takes the 17th and they hit 11 off him with Jos taking the lead role. Payne takes the 18th and Jos goes to a very good 50 (37balls 5 fours and 1 six) off the first. He is trying to get his big partner on strike and when he does Kieron mistimes one and top edges it straight for two! If he gets the ball on the bat it goes miles whether he hits it well or not. However, it is Buttler who middles a six into the Somerset at the end of the over to take his team to 146 with 12 balls to go.
O'Brien takes the 19th from the Old Pavilion and 150 comes up with a Jos straight drive for 2. Later in the over we see the huge power of KP as he bottom edges one to the boundary and no-one moves it goes so fast. Jos then hits the Irishman back over his head AND the pavilion and we have 161 with 6 balls to go and KP on strike (though it doesn't matter at the moment who is facing).
Payne takes the last a good over would put Pollard on 50 (he presently has 28) but a single off the first negates that as Jos sends him back. A single off the next makes 175 doubtful and a single off the third makes this a very good over from Payne. Jos turns and flips an audacious four off the next to the OP boundary. Another single gives the Big Man the last and he hits a long one to the boundary but the fielder pings it in. 170 with KP not out on 31 and JB unbeaten on a very good 72. 73 partnership in 6.3 overs by the two men but the real contribution coming from the 20 year old keeper who seems to be coming into some form at the end of the short stuff.
Defendable but not unbeatable. We need tighter bowling than a couple of matches ago.
During the change Arul Suppiah is honoured for his world record at Cardiff and awarded with an engraved ball to a standing ovation around the ground. Let's hope he beats it tonight!!
The Reply
Murali K takes the first as is now the tradition and troubles the batsmen but no more than that. 5 after the first. This is followed by the other tradition of Steve K taking the second. He goes for 3 off his first which is no more than a loosener. Short half volleys follow and O'Brien sends one straight past his ear and then one to either side's "mid" boundary. As a number say...he is a long standing bowler and should not be going for 16 off his first over!! The Boss pats him on the backside as he goes past - he ought to be tanning it for that over!!
Lewis takes the third to Marshall and nearly has him first ball flipping down the leg side. He keeps the Glos men in check until he drops one short for no apparent reason and sees it fly into the temporary stand by the club office. 30 after 3 and we are on for a loss unless this starts to be brought under control.
Kirby is allowed to bowl the fourth to some supporter consternation and you can see why when Marshall cuts him for four off his third ball. A near run out due to some Glos indecision almost retrieves the over BUT Kirbs follows up with the widest ball of the whole match... this is followed by a fuller ball which is striaght driven past him for four more. He tries to end with a back of the hand slow one and ends with 14 off his second. He WON't bowl again please!!
That decision by Marcus has given the opposition the start they really needed and put our backs against a wall of our own making!! Not impressed at all I am afraid.
The rot is stopped to some extent when O'Brien fires one off Gregory and is well caught in the deep by Hildreth at 51 - the total at the end of 5!! Kieron takes the 6th and we need something big from him as well because we are struggling to stay in this one. So much so that MK is back on for the 7th and goes for 3 (60 for 1 at the end) and Max is introduced for the 8th and starts to get prodigious spin though a straight hit 4 means he goes for 7.
That prompts the introduction of the "world record holder" at the River for the 9th and he beats Marshall with his second. He then beats Taylor with his last two and the ball is turning a LOT!. Max starts the next with a poor legside delivery and goes for two fours in his first three to take the foot of the Gladiator's neck. Presently they are going to be halfway at halfway with wickets in hand. A bad over by Mr Waller means 88 after 10 and Somerset still looking down the barrell of a gun I am sorry to say. The 'press' has not stopped the rot and the 29 off Kirby's early overs may well come back to haunt us in overs 17 to 20!!
Arul continues and it is 94 after 11 - they need 77 off 9 - should be a stroll. The worry is shown by the fact that MK is back at the River for the 12th. We need wickets and he looks the most likely one to get them.
Lo and behold he gets one as Taylor tries to go over the top and drops the ball into the waiting hands of Waller and it is 95 for 2. This brings the press on a little harder as Suppiah works Gidman from the moment he arrives. Unfortunately they still keep accumulating and after 13 they have 105 - the 100 coming 2 balls into that over. However, we are running out of spinners and Marcus goes back to the pace of Pollard for the 14th. His first goes for four and the Glads can rest for the over just pushing the ball about. They don't because we keep bowling stuff Marshall likes to him and he keeps milking them. Twelve off the over and Kartik has to be used to hold them.
Marshall goes to 50 with the third ball (41 balls 5 fours) and while he is there this is on for the visitors. Nevertheless Murali K and Buttler get rid of Gidman with a very sharp stumping. 121 for 3 with 5 to go. Cockbain is the new man and Kartik ends with 16 for 2 off his four. He has done his job but who will do the big job towards the end of this innings?
Arul takes the 16th from the River and there is more consternation about the leg side field placings as anything 'nurdled' on that side is going for 2 when it shouldn't!! However Suppiah does strike as Marshall fires one out into Gregory's hands and goes for an excellent 52 (44 balls and 5 fours). 127 for 4, Williamson in and Gregory in to bowl the 17th they need 42 off 3.4.
Fielding goes up a notch as Lewis looks to keep them in check though his yorker seems to have disappeared. He is unfortunate as one gets under Steve for a four. There is then a free hit at the end of the over (a good yorker it was as well!!). Max catches him but it won't count despite the cheers and the music!!
32 off 3 and Pollard continues from the River. His first is a dot. His second is a single. His third is a wicket as Williamson goes for broke and top edges to Trego at backward point. 140 for 5. Jack Taylor is in with a big job to do and he hits a huge one which is pouched in stunning fashion by Lewis Gregory coming in from the Somerset boundary to take the ball millimetres off the pitch. 141 for 6 and a great over for Somerset and KP.
Lewis takes the ball for the penultimate they need 30 off 12 balls and it's dark. They take a squirted single off the first. The second is fired out to the Somerset by Cockbain and caught by Suppiah. Coughtrie comes in on a hiding to nothing. He has to fire from ball one!! He gets a single and then Taylor is nearly yorked. Taylor cuts high and gets a four off the last ball.
Gloucestershire need 22 off the last one and it is Pollard to bowl it. This game is not yet over!! Ball 1 = 2 (20 needed) Ball 2 = slow ball goes for 2 (18 needed) Ball 3 = single (17 needed) Ball 4 = Coughrie run out going for a second fired in by Gregory (16 needed) Ball 5 = dot as MM is in Ball 6 = MM caught once more in stunning fashion by LG swooping in from the boundary. We win by 15 runs!!
A win but it still isn't at all convincing I'm afraid. The Pollard stumping was vital and the first Taylor wicket were the significant parts of this game. The first gave us the chance to pull the game back with the bat and the second, a poor shot, split up the partnership that Gloucs could have built a victory on.
We didn't look like we were gong to win this at 10 overs in either innings but you have to be there at the end to have a chance and we caught what came our way and Pollard's 3 for 25 when it mattered took their middle order out. Lewis was supreme in the field with 2 wickets with the ball, two brilliant low catches running in, another catch and a run out! Exccellent performance. Add to that the sensible but powerful innings of Buttler and it wasn't all luck!!
Good result. Keeps us in the hunt.
Now to Middlesex and a better mauling of the minnows.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:10:15:24:13 by Grockle.
Skipper Alex Gidman is still troubled by his quad injury, but hopes to play at least one T20 match next week before his side return to cc action.
Squad: Marshall, Williamson (c), Cockbain, O`Brien, Taylor (C), Taylor (J), Young, Coughtrie, Lewis, Payne, Saxely, Muralitharan and Dawson.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:07:11:17:55 by Grockle.
After the fantastic crowd at Bath lasy night, that's quite some achievement.
Clearly the appetite for t20 in Somerset is still growing and should make it interesting with only five home games in 2012.
We could send a letter around to the other 17 counties asking them if they have anyone else that they or the England management might like us to given an outing to?
You do like stirring things up don't you!!
Go and sit on the naughty step for 10 minutes!!
I wonder if Somerset has notified Gloucester of the sell-out.
Botham don't forget to mention Steff and Neil and Matt then there's Ben and Zander and Mark. Gosh if they were all available, what a side we would have... what a shame we have who we have when all those old diamonds could be available aye? (Falls asleep while typing.............) :-)
No mention was made whatsoever as to why you shouldn't be allowed to post it but I think we also have the right to comment on a posted opinion.
IMHO It's pointless to keep dragging these people up on a regular basis as people we should re-sign to play for us but please continue indulging your freedom to mention it ad nauseum if you so desire.
Total agreement with your postings isn't going to happen any time soon though I'm afraid. People may not agree with you in the future as well.. just to prepare you for that possible eventuality.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:07:12:46:49 by Grockle.
The Met Office forecast has poor afternoon weather, but better by early evening.
Better not do that then...how about good old positive waves and expecting to take two points from them in a game without massive bad weather vibes perhaps?
Too much to hope for? Probably...get the guy in from Dad's Army!!
It may be wrong, either in part or in its entirety.
But looking at a forecast, putting my fingers in my ears and pretending that it said it will be warm and sunny all day would be rather stupid, to say the least.
It's ok Grockle, you can decide who plays with your toys, just don't try and pretend you don't.
b) I'll see the entire game
c) I'll not end up in Frenchay A&E after the game as I did on Monday
What do they put in the cider at Bath?
Quote:Botham
It's ok for others to mention the return of Steffan Jones, then?
It's ok Grockle, you can decide who plays with your toys, just don't try and pretend you don't.
Absolutely no idea what you're on about?? Maybe they do it only once??
Ohhh hang on......
Are you on about the real news that Steff IS coming back to teach at Wellington School?
He's not coming back to play for Somerset..you are aware of that?
What's more it IS actually going to happen so it's a reported fact not something so highly improbable that it verges on fantasy?
I'm also not pretending to do anything.
I commented on your references to Ian and Wes pointing out it isn't the first time you have referred to them in this context and that it gets a little wearing after three years. I wasn't the only person to comment.
I do think that although I realise that you idolise IDB beyond a level I personally would define as rational you ought to come to terms with the fact that it is HIGHLY unlikely he will ever grace a Somerset shirt again.
I did try and do that using humour but failed almost as totally as you do sometimes with these "funny" little quips.
You do these things for the effect and then complain but I'm not really sure what you expect the response to be...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:07:16:10:43 by Grockle.
Quote:AGod
I just looked at the forecast, Grockle.
It may be wrong, either in part or in its entirety.
But looking at a forecast, putting my fingers in my ears and pretending that it said it will be warm and sunny all day would be rather stupid, to say the least.
I looked at the forecast as well and thought - we might get the game in after all... I also didn't put my fingers in my ears (why would you)?
I'll be on my way over at 3:30 in the hope of that being the case...maybe I'm just made that way rather hopeful and...it seems rather stupid.
From Somerset's point of view maybe the majority hope my scenario is nearer reality.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:07:15:51:52 by Grockle.
But there is a difference between hope and expectation.
That puts pressure on the captain who wins the toss to choose whether to bat or bowl on the basis of the rule conditions rather than the ground conditions. Do you take the big innings or the short run chase with the D/L as the target?
It's going to be dark much earlier at this end of the month as well so the light in conjunction with the water aspects come into play in cloudy overcast situations.
The only thing that might change that is...are we on the Murdoch Empire Televisual Extravaganza tonight? He seems to be able to have the rules changed for his own requirements...or is that me being a cynic?
On that game where it wasn't complete because of the rain, if the umpires had not done the recalculation on time remaining and instead looked at the forecast and said will play a ten over match, that match would have had a finish.
Quote:GrockleQuote:Botham
It's ok for others to mention the return of Steffan Jones, then?
It's ok Grockle, you can decide who plays with your toys, just don't try and pretend you don't.
Absolutely no idea what you're on about?? Maybe they do it only once??
Ohhh hang on......
Are you on about the real news that Steff IS coming back to teach at Wellington School?
He's not coming back to play for Somerset..you are aware of that?
What's more it IS actually going to happen so it's a reported fact not something so highly improbable that it verges on fantasy?
I'm also not pretending to do anything.
I commented on your references to Ian and Wes pointing out it isn't the first time you have referred to them in this context and that it gets a little wearing after three years. I wasn't the only person to comment.
I do think that although I realise that you idolise IDB beyond a level I personally would define as rational you ought to come to terms with the fact that it is HIGHLY unlikely he will ever grace a Somerset shirt again.
I did try and do that using humour but failed almost as totally as you do sometimes with these "funny" little quips.
You do these things for the effect and then complain but I'm not really sure what you expect the response to be...
Botham might have been referencing my post in the "loan," discussion, where I opined that if we really have to bring a seamer on loan, then perhaps we could bring Jonah for a few games before he takes up his Wellington post - on the basis that we could be assured, at least, of 100% effort from Jonah.
I'd agree that if they can get a game on they should do it - by which I mean starting it after the so-called "cut-off time," if necessary.
What I don't agree with, though, is the suggestion that I've seen made at times on here (not, I think, by you) that the umpires should be able to decide before it's rained (on the basis of the forecast) to play a curtailed T20 game to make sure they get a game in. That would strike me as the thin end of the wedge ... i.e. should they turn round and make a CC game a one-innings affair on day one and two because biblical storms are forecast for days three and four?
Something similar happened in a gilletter Cup match in 1977 which went to six days before they could start the match. The umpires then decided to make it 15 overs a side.
I merely comment on what I read, forgetting who the poster is.
We all have our styles and clearly any of us can upset anyone else or be upset by our views or their views, if we let them or they us. That was a complicated sentence.
I try and add my own bit's of humour to the forum, thought clearly my humour isn't to everyone's liking.
Above all, I participate in this and all other fora, because I enjoy doing so and because it's fun.
If my postings upset or offend anyone just hit the ignore button or just simply ignore me.
Quote:rambling sid
I can't see whats wrong with looking at the weather conditions, forecast etc at 5pm, deciding that no more than 20 overs will be possible during the evening, and making it a 10 overs a side match.
Something similar happened in a gilletter Cup match in 1977 which went to six days before they could start the match. The umpires then decided to make it 15 overs a side.
I still remember that dreadful sequence of wet days - I had taken leave in the hope of enjoying some cricket in the sunshire. Somerset subsided very limply at Lord's, seemingly having had the stuffing knocked out of them by sitting round for days on end for the match to start when they could have been at home with their families. It was probably the most dismal match I ever watched.
If I can, I may very well go up to Trent Bridge for a day or two next week, though.
I shall be there in fancy dress with my knuckle dusters and a concealed flagon or three, spoiling for a fight with any metropolitan natives. I am relying on a tightly topological forecast from AGod before deciding whether streaking will also be an option (if it is, I shall select someone nice from the crowd to do it for me).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Unless they have decided to do both in the same innings which is a sure way to win the game.
Certainly that was my impression at the early fall of Trescothick, though they've calmed down a little since then.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Wurz
Wash your keyboard out, Rob.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:WaresWurzel
Interesting that they said they are not bias....are they reading Grockles
They clearly pressed the ignore button, as all of a sudden my incomplete post was sent!
Time to head out for a cider, methinks!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:08:17:58:08 by Botham.
The 50 up at 8.3.
I've got an application called Fstream, which enables you to paste the asx link, but I'm just getting standard BBC Bristol radio rather than the commentary. My laptop at home is dead & I have to leave work soon or I'll be locked in for the weekend!! Looks like BBC text updates this match....
I don't think it would have occurred to me to send Craig Jr in at 3 but it seems to have been a good call.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:08:19:05:28 by mikeindex.
Pace the Geordie last year I expect to hear our tail begins at 5, stops and starts again at 7.
A minute it's taken me to type this and they've said it twice more, very consistent.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:08:18:54:13 by mikeindex.
Perhaps I like these commentators after all.
Plus (in fairness) the bias previously commented on is not too evident at all (maybe somebody had a word), just a certain tendency to cliche.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:08:18:57:18 by mikeindex.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Grizzzly
Bad day + need to unwind + glasses of wine = familiar taste of shoeleather. Should have gone to the County Ground instead.
James has just pulled a catch out of the air to send O'Brien back at 51.
Wurz
Can we replaceKirby on Sunday? If we need a bit of speed we have the uunused PT
Steve needs a rest from this and a poorish night for Max but you can't excel all the time.
Pulled it back really well but some dubious captain decisions in the field and a helpful opposition who couldn't hold it together. A better side would have taken that one home. We have to tighten up or the quarter final (if we get one) will make no difference home or away.
Excellent fighting win but the opposition were ripe for it.
(I've just realised that I've expressed a disagreement with SP; I MUST be wrong)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edit: sorry that's a stupid thing to say - they could catch us on points (if they win tonight) but I doubt they will on NRR.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:08:21:05:00 by SheptonPaul.
Glos have done this all competition so pae for the course tonight I think.
Gloucester have the look of a team that could be getting dividends for their patience next season. Their batsmen taught ours a lesson in running the first run quickly, and turning to look for a second. Our batters lost at least 10 runs batting through strolling the first and not being able to take advantage of any misfields or fumbling. That 10 runs would have made our fielding innings a lot easier.
Nevertheless, a great effort generally speaking.
Must have been a different Taunton wicket judging by how few sixes we hit, compared with wickets lost.
Was the ground full and was there a cracking atmosphere?
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn? Kirby, invite me to meet you during a T20, let someone else play and we'll all be happy, almost.
Bobstan will inform me that my batteries are running down.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The atmosphere was great I pity the fielder fielding by the Somerset Stand he was getting some stick every time the ball went anywhere near him.
It is going to be too late to post any photos today I haven’t started sorting them yet. I will do it tomorrow.
1) We won without Marcus making a contribution with the bat.
2) We won despite our fast bowling limitation.
3) We won despite looking out of it more than once.
4) JB made a very welcome return to form.
Well done all. Let's hope this spurs the team into greater consistency hereafter.
Grizzzly
Hampshire
Sussex
Somerset
Surrey
Kent
Essex
Glamorgan
Gloucestershire
Middlesex
The bottom three cannot qualify for the quarter finals.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
If you come down to a full game with the possibility of rain. Bring a brolley and something to eat and drink. It gets a bit cramped though the temporary stand by the side of the Caddyshack helped a bit.
Simples.
This suggestion might be poorly received but, based purely on the figures, I am bound to wonder whether or not Arul's 4 overs for 21 on a presumably good track was not at least as good a performance as the world record?
ps is it my imagination or does Arul seem to have really responded to Saqlain's coaching?
Quote:Mike TA1
Why did you ask if the ground was full then?
I like to hear about the atmosphere, the Taunton Wave and the singing, etc, not just what happened on the field, sort of like a 'Tractor' report.
Quote:BothamQuote:Mike TA1
Why did you ask if the ground was full then?
I like to hear about the atmosphere, the Taunton Wave and the singing, etc, not just what happened on the field, sort of like a 'Tractor' report.
I wasn't getting at you Botham I was confused by your question.
The atmosphere was great, I didn't see any Wave though there was some booing so maybe they tried to start one, I always think that is good it means people have come to watch the cricket, even the 'give us oh give us a ar' (if somebody can spell that correctly) didn't get going.
Everybody seems to have enjoyed watching the cricket.
Or should i say none were confident enough to make themselves heard!!!
Guess the sell out Tuesday had a huge impact on that.
Every 4 they hit or wicket took was totally silent, you often hear odd shout and ripple of applause in some spots but i you could have heard a pin drop.
Obviously it was going to be a huge % of home fans but being a local derby it was noticable it seemed to me 100% Somerset.
Not complaining mind, i never like hearing applause when one of our guys gets out, not a time for celebration in my eyes.....
He was brave under constant attack from sixes raining down around him below the Old Pavilion! And still managed to take his pics as the ball flew towards him at high speed!!
A win tomorrow would be handy in our efforts for a home tie and would surely see us in the top three, thereby avoiding Notts away.
Craig Meschede opening the face of the bat and guiding the ball for four runs down to the boundary.
H Marshall being beaten by a ball from M Kartik, Kartik was more threatening than Muralitharan even Arull Suppiah was but he is still a good bowler.
Some batsmen get surprised by Lewis Gregory’s pace, H Marshall was.
Jos Buttler playing all different kinds of shots once he gets in, Jos is a bit like Pollard you look a the scoreboard and you are surprised how many runs he has scored.
James Hildreth being beaten by a ball from Muralitharan.
Lewis Gregory celebrating with James Hildreth after Hildreth caught KJ O'Brien off the bowling of Lewis Gregory.
If I tried what K Pollard is doing I would fall flat on my face.
The temporary stand next to the main scoreboard, a rough count of over 300 seats, I was told it is staying for the tourist match because ticket are selling fast.
Spontaneity is my middle name, as another Grockles poster would say.
I particularly like the one of KP - where did the ball end up?
One of the biggest cheers of the evening thogh was for a Max Waller catch off a free hit bowled by Lewis Gregory after he overstepped. Huge cheer as he took it helped along by the PA system which immediately played the 'wicket' music because they seemed to have no idea what the 'lassoo' signal from the umpire meant either!
Ref Pollard's shots. I reported that IF he middles it it will go like a tracer bullet irrespective where it is directed.
To illustrate this he top edged one ball with such force that instead of it going straight up in the air, it came off the edge at right angles and went straight past the bowler's left shoulder for two runs down to the Botham.
He really is a powerful individual.
I suppose that geniuses can get away with ignoring the coaching manual, but SK is not quite at the genius level.
It may be a little late in his career for a fundamental change of action for SK!
When I read your post I did think if your friend could see it why our many coaches don’t also see it.
If I could be allowed to join the 'unofficial coaches' I would say first stop yapping, practise yorkers and then some of us would come to appreciate you more. And by the way, there is no chance of him making the England XI now at any level, despite his many statements that that is his ambition.
As far as Pollard is concerned, he is not a quick bowler, and he could achieve accuracy and be more potent by bowling from about half a dozen steps. I will submit my invoice later!!!
His absence of yorker length deliveries was a particular complaint and when he tried his usually good slow one it came out all wrong twice and was called for very big wides.
I think to be fair, the T20 side has seemed to develop over time during the event for the last couple of years and has been a very good place for the younger members to hone their skills. I don't think we expected Steve to be in there as much as he has been but the injury to Alf left the side with little in terms of experience in the seam department. But it was a little brainless last night and he needs a rest from it to be honest. Now KP is here and Lewis has played a few plus the welcome inclusion of the spin boys we can rest him and should.
T20 was never really the paceman's game - It didn't suit Caddy or Johnno (though there was that famous day) and Charl has avoided it like the plague for a while now!!
Had he been fit then I wonder whether Dibble might have played some T20 games as he seemed to be a first-choice bowler in Pro 40?
I see Mark bowled 23 balls for 38 this evening. Not much has changed I'm afraid.
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