By Grockle
July 17 2011

A cowboy fixture against the Indians?  Well we have Andrew Strauss the England captain and Middlesex stalwart opening our batting while our own opening skipper sits the game out.  The skipper is Alfonso Thomas, back after a false start and an injury.  Some of our new guys are up against the cream of the sub-continent, Tendulkar, Singh, Gambhir (the skipper in this game), Khan, Sreesanth.  No Laxman, Dhoni, Harbajan thgough....or Kartik for that matter.  Three days of ??  Well let's see.

v India Tourist @ Taunton Friday 15 July 2011

Scoreboard

Commentary - click Kartik's face and all will be revealed

So the side is;

Strauss (never expected to type this), Suppiah, Compton, Jones, Hildreth, Trego, Buttler, Meschede, Waller, Thomas, Willoughby

We win the toss and bat and Strauss gets his wish against some pretty innocuous Indian bowling from the likes of Khan, Mishra, Sreesanth and Raina.  Eventually he departs at 101 caught behind off Mishra having made the bulk of the runs in , dare I say it, Trescothick style mode with Arul supporting.  The bowling does not get any better as Nick and the world record holder start to put on a bunch of runs between the rain breaks.  To say the Indians are 'lethargic' in the field is an understatement!  They seem to have no intention of attacking the ball in the field and on a reduced day they come out after a late Tea interval looking to get the day over.  Yuvraj comes on to bowl and makes a lot of local club bowlers look good as he serves up long hops, wide slow full tosses and nothing of quality for Arul to murder on his way to 100.  The two Somerset men take singles and twos off nearly every ball and the total poottles along merrily.  Just before the end of the day with Compo on 88 looking for his hundred befor the end of the day reverse sweeps a floated ball from Raina into the waiting hands of Singh (placed a deep leg slip for just that stroke).  A lapse in concentration costs him a ton but a good innings nonetheless.  Meanwhile Arul is 145 and the only problem is that Chris Jones has 3 overs to face at the end of play.

Luckily Sreesanth puts his foot through his new boot and has to have a replacement sent out and he only has to face an over and a bit.  No worries Arul 145 and Jones on 1.  Good day for us....Indian summer? Not on this showing.

Day 2

No play until 2:40 on the second day because of rain.  Somerset will declare at some time one would assume.  But first they will let Arul get his highest first class score if possible.  He does that before he falls for 156 to Sreesanth taking him on and plopping one to Dravid at point.  He now has to shave his beard off because he said he woul if he beat his best.  Hasn't been a bad few days for Mr S and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

We now need to mention what has been happening at the other end while our great ex Malaysian opener has been reaching his own milestone.  Chris Jones, a man who is a lot bigger than last time I saw him about a year ago (height not girth I might add), started the day on 1.  While his experienced partner was adding to his 145, Jones was showing that he has shots, composure and quality. In his time at the crease with both Arul and James Hildreth, the replacement, he dominated proceedings and reached his second 50 in consecutive innings off 70 balls with 9 fours.  JH also did himself favours by looking in sparkling form until Alf called his men off with about half an hour to go before tea and with 425 runs on the board for the loss of 3.  'Sparkling' it is but not from an Indian point of view!!

Gambhir leads out India wth his opener Mukund to face Charl and Alf for the first time this season (I think) and they find that this 'benign' pitch (quote from Indian Cricket Fever) is not so 'benign' as both Somerset new ball men are straight on the money.  Soon the Indian captain is back in the hutch with only 32 on the board and just after 50 the man they all want to see Sachin Tendulkar is out there as Mukund becomes Willoughby's second victim (Charl asked to play this game to give him his frontline edge) LBW (the skipper was caught behind).

At 71 the position gets worse for the Tourists as Dravid becomes Charl's third caught by Hildreth at second slip and then at 76 Singh is adjudged in front without adding a run to his name.  4th victim for the lefty.  The warm feeling of pride however is reserved for one of the change bowlers.  Pete comes on for Alf at the River and Craig Meschede comes on for Charl at the OP. He gets the biggest cheer when his skiddy, whippy and quite pacey stuff takes out the 'little man' who is decieved by a faster one and knicks it behind.  We did get a little taste of the skill of Sachin before that with some truly sublime cover drives that were timed to perfection but the joy of CM having him as his premier first class victim makes a lot of people forget it.  Tendulkar goes for 26 and India slump to 89 for 5.

The main difference between the two attacks?  Somerset bowl nothing loose and nothing that can be left.  India?  Well I think you can possibly work it out for yourself.  The other factor is that the home boys attack the ball in the field while the visitors really didn't at any time except towards the end of Day 1 when Sreesanth tried to instil some fire in his teammates' bellies.

The slump soon becomes a collapse as Suresh Raina starts to run out of partners trying to set up a rearguard. Saha the keeper is in and out as Pete Trego gets him to follow one 90 for 6.  Khan comes in at 7 and looks all at sea.  He tries to stay around but doesn't look like much of a hope for getting his side anywhere near the follow on total of 275.  He does manage to add 15 in his partnership with Raina but is finally found out by Thomas when a straight one does not get up enough and his lazy swipe is just about finished when the middle stump hits the ground some 5 feet behind him!  123 for 7 brings Mishra to the crease.  He looks a much better prospect than the man he replaces but Somerset have their tails up and Willow is looking for wicket number 5. MIshra obliges at 132 as he gets a square shot too well and Chris Jones dives forward to clutch the ball in both hands at Backward Point as it stays in the air a little too long and a little too close to the tall man.  Raina must be wondering what is going on and is definitely NOT keen on letting the new man Sreesanth anywhere near the ball. He refuses any singles in the last few balls fo the day and the Indians therefore lose no more wickets and finish it at 138.

Day 3

Starts a little late as damp conditions mean that the groundstaff - who have produced miracles during the three day game - have a bit of clearing up to do.  We get underway at 11:30 and it doesn't take long for Charl to add to his haul. The second ball he provides for Sreesanth to have a punt at sees the Indian's off stump cartwheeling out of the ground.  140 for 9 and only Patel to come.

Patel looks a little cumbersome but he has two things in his favour.  He defends the ball straight and has a very good idea of where his off stump is.  His partner has worked out that he can't expect much run making support from Patel and so Raina opens his shoulders!! His score of 46 at the start begins to mount in double figures per over as he takes on Alf first (18 off is next over) and then Charl. With a decent cushion, the Somerst captain thinks "let him" and sets the field for the hopeful ball down the throat shot.  Unfortunately Suresh does not oblige and his score mounts as the follow on gets closer.  His 50 arrives after 73 balls and his 100 is there after 110...Patel is simply holding up his end and rotating the strike.  He doesn't get off the mark for 17 balls while Raina makes hay.  The 200 comes and is left behind before Alf resorts to the spin of Max Waller and finally gets Patel to a rather dodgy LBW call which was probably bat before pad, with the batsmen a good two strides down the wicket and stepping outside the line when hit.  But what do we know?  India finish their first on 224 and the game effectively ends at that point as the obvious decision to enforce the follow on is not taken and Somerset bat again with a 201 lead on the last day.

After that...who cares?  The highpoint other than Andrew getting a century was the annihalation of Mishra by Pete Trego on his way to a 32 ball 50 after Arul and James were dismissed in successive balls.  Mishra went for 28 off one over as Trigger followed up a first ball boundary with 4 consecutive sixes (into the Caddick car park, over the Old Pavilion, down the side of the Ondaatje and into Cow Corner).  Just before tea Mishra returned but needing 25 for a 50 odd ball century, Pete couldn't get up his nose enough and finished with 85 off 57 with 7 fours and an equal number of sixes.  Hello Andrew my name is Peter Trego and I think I'm a better T20 candidate than your Luke Whatshisname.

We declared at Tea...pointless.  We came back with the Indians batting and then came on and off until the two captains put the game out of its misery just before 6.

What did we learn?  We're quite good.  The Indians didn't want to be here and didn't perform at all.  Charl has found his radar.  Meschede is a talent.  Jones is another talent. Arul is a talent with the bat AND the ball.  Andrew Strauss is a good egg who worked as part of a team in a situation that might have been uncomfortable but he made it easy and did it well.  We'll learn far more tomorrow at Old Trafford BUT we didn't do ourselves any damage and left the game as the dominant side with some young players feeling 8 feet high. 

Cowboys and Indians

Discussion started by Grockles.com , 17/07/2011 15:26

Grockles.com
17/07/2011 15:26

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:19:21:16:14 by Grockle.

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nelliec
12/07/2011 20:02

Thought you all might want a go at picking Somerset's line-up on Friday.Here's my prediction;
Strauss
Jones
Compton
Barrow
Butler
Trego
Gregory
Kartik
Waller
Dibble
Thomas
Any thoughts??



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:16:11:57:24 by Grockle.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
12/07/2011 20:19

Trego to captain?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Mike TA1
12/07/2011 20:32

I think two would not play Lewis Gregory because of fitness doubts and M Kartik will be rested for the CC.

George Dockrell for M Kartik if available.

James Burke or James Hayman for Lewis Gregory

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Grockle
12/07/2011 20:41

As I've said before I doubt very much that they will persuade MK NOT to play...press suggests he's been waiting for this opportunity for almost a year!

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RadstockRob
12/07/2011 20:43

Are the club doing commentary Grockle?

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Grockle
12/07/2011 20:49

They are indeed BR

Day One.
First session- Paul Harper and John Hamlin.
Second session-Julian Cattenach and Richard Oliver
Third session- Paul Bird and Chris Greenwood.

Day Two
First- Eric Cole and Richard Oliver.
Second- Paul Harper and John Hamlin
Third- Paul Bird and Roy Kerslake

Day Three
First- John Hamlin and Julian Cattenach.
Second- Paul Harper and Eric Cole.
Third- Paul Bird and Roy Kerslake.

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Ajay
12/07/2011 20:54

George Dockrell will be away as captain of the Irish U19 World Cup team July 28th - Aug 9th.
Maybe a bit before that if they need prep time / boot camp / bonding weekend etc

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Mike TA1
12/07/2011 20:58

Ignore what I posted then.

Rob are you not coming to the match

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wsm fan
12/07/2011 21:05

Tres not playing.
Kartik i'm sure said on radio 5 Monday he too would NOT be playing.
Rose stated Sunday he was looking forward to CK, JH and JB playing v Indians.
Charl will depend whether we feel after Notts game he needs more bowling.
He also said Jones likely to get a game, and that Thomas was very likely to play.
Yes Dockrell is away with Ireland i believe.

Personally don't see Kirby playing, Gregory has slight side strain so think he'll be rested, so here's my effort.
Only 2 others i guess are Meschede or Barrow

Therefore....

Strauss, Suppiah, Compton, Jones, Hildy, Craig, Jos,
Tregs, Thomas, Dibble/Charl, Waller

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Grockle
12/07/2011 21:10

Then MK has given up his desire to play for his country. Excellent we may have him for longer.

There is a second aspect to this people don't seem to be taking into account. Resting people is fine but this game has to go to three days for financial reasons as it is played over a weekend.

If we put as close to our seconmd eleven as we can up against an Indian side looking to get it's top players some English acclimatisation then we'd better hope they win the toss and bat and the weather takes about a day and a half out of this game!!

People have paid for this game. They deserve the right to watch a competitive match

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RadstockRob
12/07/2011 21:20

I'm resting for this game Mike.I think it should be listed as an ECB SelectX1 v India.

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wsm fan
12/07/2011 21:26

See what you are saying but on flip side there is no logic in Indians hammering us.
They want 3 days full practice in English conditions.

Sure 3 days cricket is more their aim than winning, ie they wouldnt enforce a follow on if they batted first then skittled us.
Equally they would not declare in first innings to push a result, they want the 3 full days.

I still think team i quoted which did not have Tres, Kartik or Kirby looked fairly decent?

May be wrong but do the club really care if match is competitive?
They will say all the right things but in reality it is our most meaningless match of the season.
Unless as you say its over early and we lose potential revenue from ticket refunds and lost beer/food income i dont think the club give a jot if we win in reality.

Will anyone who goes and sees us lose not join next year as a result.
Those who pay for a ticket, are they coming to watch Somerset win, or primarily to see the number 1 test team in the world play on their doorstep???

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Grockle
12/07/2011 21:52

If it is the most meaningless match of the season, why was it the first one they promoted for the 2011 season?

It has NO points value and regular punters will know that they will probably NOT see all the stars BUT they've taken the money and their function is to entertain their public. They'll learn if we simply rip them off

I just don't want to be commentating for three days on an embarrassment with India not pushing in order to give their men a run out.

We have a reputation for being a difficult county to play in these tourist games and that is the best experience young players get if they aren't getting first team games.

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old boy!
12/07/2011 21:58

I would like to forecast that unless we fall on our backs and have our tummies tickled, there is no chance of India doing anything but using it as a match to get their batsmen into form, and allow the bowlers to turn their arms over. I reckon that 9 or 10 of the team against Somerset/Middlesex (and maybe all eleven) will be the First Test team.

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wsm fan
12/07/2011 22:07

I see it as all PR!
We promote KP all over the 20-20 and he only came for 2nd half.
Last year we promoted Cameron White for months and he never played.
We've been clever never to say Tres was or was not playing this game, we left it until Tuesday lunchtime to confirm it once i'm guessing a lot of tickets had already been sold.
Did any one of us seriously ever think Tres was going to play?
Points wise it is meaningless, but yes PR wise it is a big game for us.
We dress it up as a chance for some of our youngsters to prove themselves, we have not i don't think ever stated we are aiming to put out our strongest possible team and to beat the Indians.
Very sure the 11 picked will try their very best but if winning/competing with test best team was our aim surely Tres and Kartik would be playing.

I am quite happy with the clubs stance on this match, i just see it for what it is and not what they may like to portray it as.
I think what they have done and way they have done it is actually very clever, as a lot of our PR and marketing usually is.

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ronnies
12/07/2011 22:15

it means nothing. I would accept 2 cc wins either side of it and a battering v India.

However, if people have paid good money.............

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old boy!
12/07/2011 22:19

wsm fan
It is called SPINNING and you are absolutely right!

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Grockle
12/07/2011 22:19

PR is succesful if it generates income and these three days were targeted as income generators, expecially the weekend. We have been very clever but we also have to deliver or PR will be harder next time.

We are cricket watchers and we know the secondary agenda of games like this BUT half the punters who turn up won't be regulars and will expect more. They are the punter who turn up for the odd one dayer and T20's. They'll be here for the Indian stars. Stupid as it may sound this game amy be the nearest thing to a Test seat some West country spectators get.

I personally want to see some smug Indians looking for a run out get their backsides kicked. Two of my most enjoyable games at Taunton were Rob Turners side beating the Windies and that glorious day in 2005 when the Aussies thought they were getting a bit of net before the big stuff and came up against Smith's Somerset and a rampant Jayasuriya.

Happy punters return. It's all a question of balance.

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Mike TA1
12/07/2011 22:25

And being India there will be a lot of media interest.

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wsm fan
12/07/2011 22:34

I agree Grockle, i think we are both right here.

What you say is where the club have to be careful, if we do underperform and as you say the one off fans are narked that Tres, Kartik, Kirby, Willoughby were all rested that could have a future impact on their attendance.

Guess they are relatively safe as tourists games these days are fairly sparce.
If we do get hammered in 2.5 days, will those paying fans who arent happy, then not come if we get a 50 over warm up v Aussies in couple of years time?

As normal i think the club have been very clever, the fact it's a 3 day game and we think Indians will be looking for practice over a result i think the club will come out of this fine.
That coupled with the forecast means my 50p is going on a drawn match!

If we win Monday v Lancs and then the 4 dayer v Durham they will tell us how great it was we rested those 4 and look how it's worked...

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Bagpuss
13/07/2011 07:21

This match is financially important to the club both this weekend and for the prospect of future tourist matches at Taunton - gone are the days of summer-long tours where a touring team would play at most of the County grounds so demonstrating to the tourists and the ECB that Taunton should be one of the first venues pencilled in when a schedule is being planned is important (as I have said elsewhere agreeing to accommodate the request of the England captain can't be a bad thing in this respect).

I also think the match has importance for the team as a whole - struggling at times this year for form and confidence - and for individual players. Bowlers will be hoping to add Tendulkar to their victim list, batters will be aiming to outscore the England captain (please don't run him out though - you know who you are!). those with England aspirations will be looking to impress in a match where there will be many Press and possibly the England coach watching.

It is also important for the tourists - the majority of whom have just flown in from the Caribbean to join a few who are already here in some cases for long enough to meet the Fed at Wimbledon but none of whom have any sort of match practice.

Unfortunately I fear the weather gods may disappoint all involved.

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AGod
13/07/2011 12:17

Strauss will, I assume, be well aware of Mr Compton's propensity for failing to judge a run correctly. I would guess he will be wary.

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mikeindex
13/07/2011 14:48

Just saw Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel strolling down the High Street.

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Bagpuss
13/07/2011 15:03

Just imagining them going into a restaurant and asking for the blandest thing on the menu . . .



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:13:15:18:49 by Bagpuss.

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old boy!
13/07/2011 15:17

Down the High Street?? Nothing there that would suit! Try Station Rd!!

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AGod
13/07/2011 15:22

Well, I suspect they'd be appalled if they saw a "Korma."

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NW5Somerset
13/07/2011 21:07

As you know, I'm going Friday. I'm going with a London based Yorkshire fan who loves his cricket but has never been to Taunton and his father-in-law who has recently moved down to Frome (ex vicar in South London).

It was mentioned to me that they would simply love to watch some cricket and we plumped on this as being the best fixture.

Match tickets in advance cost £60 all in and my Yorks fan pal and my train tickets have cost £70 in advance.

Personally, looking forward to showing them round the ground, having a few ciders and if the cricket is good then an added bonus.

Fingers crossed with the weather.....

Does anyone know of any food/drink restrictions regarding stuff being brought into the ground?

Also, can anyone recommend a good local pub to the ground if it does rain? (I am planning on at least a couple on the Old Pavillion bar but it could be busy)

Cheers in advance and here's hoping we fight hard on Thursday at Trent Bridge

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wsm fan
13/07/2011 21:18

Very sure that no alcohol is allowed in at all.

Being an international opponent wouldnt be surprised at all if there was extra security men everywhere, body scanner detectors i recall being used in other such matches.

Dread to think of our security costs for this game.....

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Mike TA1
13/07/2011 21:29

WSM, just about covered it, security is very tight for all tourist matches these day's they even had a security man with them at the ground today as well one of our own stewards.

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Scrumper
14/07/2011 00:20

Quote:

wsm fan
Very sure that no alcohol is allowed in at all.

How do they stock the bar then?

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Mike TA1
14/07/2011 09:09

I have just had an e/mail telling me that the seconds are playing a two day match at the Vale ground starting today.

That should tell us who isn't playing in the tourest match.

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AGod
14/07/2011 09:30

It would tell us which second XI regulars are not being promoted to the first team for the game. I doubt any senior players that do not play against India would play in the second team game instead, though?

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Mike TA1
14/07/2011 09:46

Your first sentence AG, was what I meant.

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AGod
14/07/2011 10:19

Sorry, Mike, I should have read it more closely... if it's starting today then that could only have been what you meant.

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Grockle
14/07/2011 12:53

Pubs in the vicinity?

Well there's the Crown and Sceptre and the Plough at the bottom of the road to the station (past Morrisons)

If you wanna eat outside the ground the Princess Royal, the Ring of Bells and the Malt and Hops are all close.

But you're not far from the centre so there's more and more of the stuff in there.

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Mike TA1
14/07/2011 16:47

To get you in the mood for the start of the match tomorrow.





Middlesex Andrew Strauss in the nets.

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Bagpuss
14/07/2011 16:59

Not finished printing a Somerset shirt with his name on yet then!

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Grizzers
14/07/2011 17:05

Is that a SCCC 'lid' he's wearing ?

Hope we're charging him rent for the privelige !!

Grizzzly

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AGod
14/07/2011 17:11

I hope it isn't (or at least that he wears no SCCC apparel in the actual game.)

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Bagpuss
14/07/2011 17:30

I have heard that for the match, in the spirit of entente cordiale Strauss will be wearing one of Trctor's T-shirts. For this honour he will be picking up Tractor's tab in the old pavilion for the duration of his innings. Better drink up quick if Zaheer Khan opens the bowling Tractor!

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Mike TA1
14/07/2011 17:37

We at the County ground have heard Tractor shout Whoooo when a player is announced on the tannoy usually a opposition player, I can just imagine him shouting Whooo when the Somerset team is announced.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
14/07/2011 17:58

What a delicious prospect!

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old boy!
14/07/2011 18:15

Clearly it would worth PETER LANE (announcer) using the well known intruder!!! name A. N. OTHER and omit any mention of Strauss. Will Tractor notice then??

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wsm fan
14/07/2011 18:48

Team line up has been announced

Strauss, Arul, Nick, Jones, Hildy, Jos, Tregs, Meschede, Thomas, Max, Charl.

Not far off my prediction, CK rested along with Tres and MK.
Guessing Gregory and Hussain still recovering from injuries.
GD still with Ireland.
So only other 2 who realistically could have played i guess are Barrow and Dibble

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Scrumper
14/07/2011 18:53

Strass on Points West had the caption:

Andrew Strass
Former England Captain

Do they know something we don't?

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Grizzers
14/07/2011 18:55

Points West rarely know anything, ranking second only to Radio Bristol in their ignorance of anything south of Weston Super Mare !

Grizzzly

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SheptonPaul
14/07/2011 20:04

I hope Strauss DOES wear proper Somerset apparel - that's who he's playing for, so I don't see why he wouldn't or shouldn't.

Strong team - hope it's a good game.

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Grockle
14/07/2011 21:02

Points West know even less about cricket than what is south of WSM

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Kingston Black
14/07/2011 23:12

Will there be any commentary Grockle?

KB

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Mike TA1
14/07/2011 23:21

KB, Grockle has said there is on page one with all the details.

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AGod
15/07/2011 05:49

Quote:

fRed
Strass on Points West had the caption:
Andrew Strass
Former England Captain

Do they know something we don't?

yes- he has retired and joined SCCC instead. All the ECB stuff is just a smokescreen designed to help him escape from Middx..

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AGod
15/07/2011 05:54

Very pleased that Max is playing. Charl clearly not content with his form as BR said Charl would only play if 'he himself felt he needed the bowling.'

It's actually a good chance for Max vs the best players of spin around... A possible genuine opportunity to force his way into CC side for those five home games. It will be interesting to see if Arul can maintain his good bowling form, too.

I hope Craig M gets a decent bowl as I liked the look of his bowling at Hove.

Praying Alf comes through unscathed.

I'd like to wish those of you attending a great day. Hope Sachin plays for you!

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 08:35

Alfonso is the captain, that I agree with seeing that he was Vic last season.

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Chinaman
15/07/2011 08:48

AG: Certainly looks as if Craig M will get a good bowl, given that there's only Willo, Alf and Pete as seamers, and given that Somerset will probably have to bowl plenty of overs since the team is up against eleven of the following:

MS Dhoni*†, G Gambhir, R Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, P Kumar, VVS Laxman, A Mishra, A Mukund, MM Patel, SK Raina, WP Saha†, V Sehwag, I Sharma, SR Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh

I presume India will want to get all of their main players into form ahead of the tests, so that could mean Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Sehwag, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Gambhir as the top seven (if they are all fit). Good luck to Somerset - we will need it bowling at that lot!

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SheptonPaul
15/07/2011 08:57

Sehwag's injured - won't play.

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AGod
15/07/2011 09:02

DF now talking about 'hopefully Sehwag might make it for the 3rd or 4th Test," so I don't think we'll see him at all.

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Blub
15/07/2011 09:28

Golly!

I am pleased that Max is playing, BUT I have to say that it is not the most formidable attack.

Maybe something of a poisoned chalice for Max; his chance for a decent bowl in a first class game - against India at Taunton.

I really hope he rises to the challenge.

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AGod
15/07/2011 09:37

Well, Blub, from a seam stand-point it's bascially what will presumably be the first-choice attack minus Kirby?

If I were Max, I'd be looking at this as a "no-lose," situation.

What's the worst that could happen?

He concedes quite a few runs to Tendulkar, Laxman and Dhoni -- I'd be very surprised if that eventuality would lead to the club thinking less of him!!? It wouldn't be akin to getting tanked around Bristol by Gloucs!

Conversely, if he bowls tidily against opponents of this calibre and even dismisses one or two Test batsman, then it's difficult to see how that could do anything other than increase the esteem in which the club holds him?

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Chinaman
15/07/2011 10:56

Don't forget, there's always our world record holder in reserve ...

But seriously, Arul's bowling figures this season demonstrate marked improvement.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 11:05

Is this commentary very quiet or do I just need my ears syringing?

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AGod
15/07/2011 11:08

I think it is fairly quiet.

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Kingston Black
15/07/2011 11:31

I have had to crank the volume up to hear anything as well - very quiet.

KB

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AGod
15/07/2011 11:33

If you click "listen in external player," that should fix the issue, at least to an extent.

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Nailsea_Fizz
15/07/2011 12:17

Has the world stopped revolving now that the England captain is playing for another county.?

He seems to be progressing nicely

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Tumbles
15/07/2011 12:26

50 up in a Trescothick like strike rate. Are we sure its AS under that helmet?

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Blub
15/07/2011 12:35

AG - responding to your post a little earlier, it is not our FC attack minus Kirby. It is also minus Kartik, and in all honesty I think that Hussain (when fit) or Dibble would bowl first change instead of Trego or Meschede.

I agree as to the 'opportunity' facing Max, and i don't doubt his optimism or enthusiasm for it. My hope is that IF it doesn't go well, which is always a possibility for a bowler facing these players, it is not viewed as a failure.

I also rather hope that Trego bowls well, as he seems to be out of form with the ball at the moment.

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SheptonPaul
15/07/2011 12:38

...and Chris Tavare under the other helmet?

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N Hughes
15/07/2011 12:40

Good to see Thomas back in the line up.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 12:40

Must be a bit overwhelming batting with a world record holder, but Strauss seems to be managing ok!

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AGod
15/07/2011 12:40

Well, Blub, if the forecast is to be believed then poor old Max might not get a bowl at all, nor India a bat... the latter part would presumably suit the England management down to the ground.. runs for Strauss and zero batting preparation for India!

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 12:54

Do you think a message came out with those new gloves - 'thanks Andrew, but could you get out and give someone else a bat now please?'

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Tumbles
15/07/2011 12:55

Strauss out for 78, now for the real batsmen.

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 14:15

I am back home, We were wondering why come out with anything ten minutes before the lunch break!

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 14:20

Come in number 12 you're time's up!?

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Ronniesabre
15/07/2011 14:32

I take itthat the consenus is there will be no more play today?

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 14:39

I think there could be is it brightening up at the moment.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 15:06

Think its meant to be 3.15 restart unless more rain - and may be drizzling now

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 15:54

Compton dropped by Tendulkar

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AGod
15/07/2011 15:57

Well done, Arul Suppiah. Has sounded absolutely excellent.

Somerset are clearly too good for India.

But, seriously, England must be favourites for this Test series as the Indians are going to be very short of cricket before the first Test?

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Bobstan
15/07/2011 15:57

Sachin! Dear, dear.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 16:17

I'm sure it would suit Somerset's most recent recruit were the home team to bat fo say a day and a half and rain washed out the rest of the match. India could go on to Lords with little if no batting practice. Of course, this may be against good old fashioned cricketing etiquette, but I cant see the australians declaring and letting the tourists have a bat in similar circumstances.

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AGod
15/07/2011 16:25

Why on earth is this commentator repeatedly pronouncing Compton as Cumpton? It is just his accent? He surely cannot think that the 'o,' should be pronounced as a 'u'??

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 16:28

Perhaps he's from Cullompton

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AGod
15/07/2011 16:30

He has no problem with Suppiah's name!!!

And he MUST have heard of Nick's Grandfather!?

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SheptonPaul
15/07/2011 16:34

Denis Compton? Nick Compton? Compton Dunden? Hmm, I'd pronounce them all as if it was Cumpton.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 16:50

Just had a look on the India Fever forum - our team and our pitch getting a bit of stick. Is Taunton killing Indian cricket?

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Sloop John B
15/07/2011 16:54

Wait 'til we bowl them out for 47 !!

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edinburghbil
15/07/2011 16:58

Are you predicting a reprise of Arul's 6 for 5 ?

Not wanting to hex anything, but 59 overs and no Somerset wicket so far!

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SillyMidOn
15/07/2011 16:59

Quote:

Bagpuss
Just had a look on the India Fever forum - our team and our pitch getting a bit of stick. Is Taunton killing Indian cricket?

Jealously is a terrible thing.

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brt1919
15/07/2011 17:24

Why can't I find the commentary?

And why have I been silly enough to book a ticket for old traffod CB40 monday given the weather forecast for the next few days?

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 17:28

They came off for rain and are taking tea in the hope the weather may clear for more play today.

May see you at Old Trafford on Monday brt1919. Weather forecast may improve before then - its a rule up here in the north west always tell everyone it will rain then its a pleasant surprise if it doesnt!

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edinburghbil
15/07/2011 17:44

How has the pitch been playing ? It strikes me we don't have an incentive to leave it green as there are no points at stake ?

Even so, well batted against the attack of the world's number one team.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 17:51

Ploay resuming at 6pm 13 overs to play

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Bobstan
15/07/2011 17:55

John Arlott and all other commentators of the time pronounced DCS's name Cumpton.

I didn't, but I wouldn't therefore presume that they were wrong.

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 17:56

I am staying home now got the dinner on.

Did anybody get the name of the bowler that went off injured, Nick Cumpton Compton hit that ball like a rocket back at the bowler.

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RadstockRob
15/07/2011 18:00

TURN UP THE VOLUME PLEASE GROCKLE!!!!!

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 18:00

Mike I think it was the leggie Amit Mishra who left the field after missing a c&b off Arul

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 18:07

Thank Bagpuss you have put me right on two things with your answer.

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 18:07

BR the commentary has been really quiet all day - in fact this is probably the loudest its been.

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Streeter
15/07/2011 18:08

Was that last post done with a scouse accent bagpuss ?? Sorry lol

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RadstockRob
15/07/2011 18:09

Thanks Bagpuss,I find it a bit better now.

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Wickham
15/07/2011 18:13

Very well done to the world-recorder holder.

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Grizzers
15/07/2011 18:14

Well done Arul !

Grizzzly

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Streeter
15/07/2011 18:16

Good job we didn't put out an experienced side for this game otherwise the Indian fever boys would have been really upset !

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Grizzers
15/07/2011 18:36

"England Captain gets lowest score in Somerset Innings"

Grizzzly

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 18:38

So nice of India to give Arul a chance to find some form. Heading towards his best first class total of 151 - and if i've put the curse on by saying that my apologies

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edinburghbil
15/07/2011 18:40

Has Arul got a press agent ? First a world record bowling effort and now a storming ton against the world number 1 team, and outshining the England skipper in the process.
Certainly getting a gift for making headlines ;-)

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SillyMidOn
15/07/2011 18:40

Getting silly now. Hammering them all over the place.

Love it!

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 18:43

Run rate 6.8 for last 10 overs!

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Keith's Sweater
15/07/2011 18:44

In answer to the question on commentary: this is now Somerset's highest partnership for any wicket vs. the Indians, beating Lee and Gimblett's opening stand of 182 in 1946.

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 18:49

And It is two Somerset players.

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edinburghbil
15/07/2011 18:59

Compo gone now, but good work nonetheless!

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Bagpuss
15/07/2011 19:04

I do wonder if Compton was trying to get to his 100 tonight, as there may be an overnight declaration. I rather hope there isn't - keep 'em running round in the field for as long as possible I say, though i'm sure those of you with a more aesthetic view of the fixture are hoping to see one or two of the Indians bat!

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edinburghbil
15/07/2011 19:05

Pathetic! None of our players are up to it. Sack the lot!

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Streeter
15/07/2011 19:05

That's a fantastic scorecard you've dug out there KS. Andrews and Buse bowling unchanged for 37 overs . Wow they were tough in those days ! And a certain RJO Meyer featuring as well. We certainly have a lot to thank him for . Anyone remember being there by any chance ???

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Slow left
15/07/2011 19:08

If Somerset were given Test status, where do you think we'd rank?

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 20:53

Today’s photos, I am going to do them in two batches because there are two separate interests. Andrew Strauss and our boys.



Andrew Strauss 4 runs look in good form playing on a descent pitch where the ball was coming onto the bat.



A good straight bat from Andrew even that went for four runs.



This pull shot also scoring 4 runs.



The crowd giving Andrew Strauss a standing ovation after he was out.

The ECB should give Somerset a refund on their fine after getting the England Captain in form.

---

---

The pitch look like it was taking some spin as Arul found out when he was beaten with this ball and Andrew Strauss found out to his cost.
Arul Suppiah I think was batting to orders, when the match began hardly any scoring shot while Andrew Strauss was there; he then opened up when Nick Compton came in.



Before Marcus went to the condemned cell he was happy signing autographs for the youngsters.



Nick Compton looked good, this shot went for four runs.



Nick Compton was dropped off this shot he did hit it hard.

What should Somerset do tomorrow declare or bat on? It is a three day match and the weather ……..

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]

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AGod
15/07/2011 21:06

After the Warks debacle Brian said there would be a big emphasis on working on innings-building with the batsmen... And you have to say that, so far, there seems to have been a distinct improvement since then.

I think we will declare overnight, Mike. Both Alf and Charl need whatever bowling they can get.

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WyvernRose
15/07/2011 21:11

Does Strauss have a proper Somerset shirt on? Wonder what that's worth!!

Is there any internet streaming coverage of this game? I was hoping the BBC would have it on their site but no

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 21:18

Somerset themselves do a commentary on all home matches when the BBC can’t be bothered.

If you click on Kartik’s picture above that is the link to the commentary, if you try it now you will see it but no sound until tomorrow.

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Grockle
15/07/2011 21:19

Yes WR. If you log on to this forum and click on the picture of Murali Kartik at the top of the page it will link you to the commentary which comes from the club itself.

Thanks for the reference to the commentary we were wondering whether it was coming over.

Only Sreesanth was up for the fight after 6. He put some fire into the contest. The rest were quite willing to give us any singles we wanted really and Singh was truly appalling!!

Shame that Nick caught one that came at him a little higher and reversed it to said Mr Singh. He could have put it anywhere else and got a boundary. One had fit and his 100 went. I think he realised he could get it out of the way before the end of play...and he could have waited.

It made it a little difficult for Mr Jones but he dealt with it thanks to Sreesanth ripping his foot through his bowling boot and having to change them cutting the overs he had to face down by at least one.

Good day but poor opposition I'm afraid, at least in the later afternoon.

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 21:28

Grockle reference for tomorrows commentary, it was very quiet today when I got home and had listened to it, I think everybody else had the same problem.

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Grockle
15/07/2011 22:37

I'll have a look tomorrow Mike thanks. Did anyone else have commentary problems? It is the first one for over 6 weeks so we may need to reset some things

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AGod
15/07/2011 22:40

Volume was low unless you played it in media player - it was possible to turn the volume up to a reasonable level in Windows Media Player.

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Mike TA1
15/07/2011 22:58

My stand alone player opened with RealPlayer I liked that because you can record the commentary if you want to.

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Sloop John B
16/07/2011 10:11

Windows Media player was also VERY quiet Grock.

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SheptonPaul
16/07/2011 11:08

Is it raining down there? Any prospect of play?

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 11:11

Yes it is raining and no to your other question.

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AGod
16/07/2011 11:19

Strauss should be delighted - zero practice for India's batsmen.

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 11:30

The clouds are higher and it getting lighter.

Straws I am clutching at.

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mikeindex
16/07/2011 11:49

A mile from the ground the clouds are getting higher and lighter so some play this afternoon looks feasible at present.

Re several recent posts, I also found the commentary yesterday very quiet and also, I'm sorry to say, of very poor standard in the morning session.

Re nothing in particular, isn't it slightly crazy that on a Saturday in mid-July there is no first-class level cricket being played anywhere in the country except at Taunton? I realise the weather will probably make this point irrelevant, but that was hardly to be foreseen when drawing up the fixture list.

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Grockle
16/07/2011 11:54

Well it has got us extra coverage Mike

Inspection at 12:15 with hope of play as soon after that as possible.

I'm going to do a test transmission at 12 if anyone is about then. Would appreciate feedback as soon after that as possible from anyone who actually gets the commentary so I can set it up for later.

THe internet here is deadly slow this morning so I hope I can pick up the feed.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 11:54

Apparently the umps have been out for a look and it is getting brighter so fingers crossed - depends how soggy the outfield has got I guess.

I'd like to see Somerset bat on - firstly to see if Arul can achieve his highest first class score (currently 151 I think) and to let some of the other batters have a go, but also to impair India's preparation which has been curtailed by their arriving in the country barely more than a week before the first Test starts.

However, I can see Somerset being very British and polite and inviting them to have a go. In addition India may be reluctant to go out and field on a borderline wet outfield whereas Somerset have more to gain by getting play underway for the paying public.

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nelliec
16/07/2011 12:05

Still rather quiet Grockle. Have got everything turned up to max on the computer, but still need to mute the tv to hear anything.All the best anyway!

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nelliec
16/07/2011 12:08

100% better now!

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Grockle
16/07/2011 12:16

In the words of Nigel Tufnell of 'Spinal Tap' fame - "EVERYTHING is up to 11!!"

Umpires out now and the sun is out - optimistic air herebut lots of water about also.

Will wait for the announcement and see pop on again with new volumes (hopefully) to let you know what is going on at about 20 past I assume.

If you have the option try listening to it in an external player on your computer because that gives you extra volume options on the player and the computer as well but hopefully I've given you a higher base level as well.

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 12:16

Yes the improvement in sound happened when the change headphones.

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nelliec
16/07/2011 12:28

Great sound now

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 12:30

Grockle first set was great second set quieter, but stil far far better than yesterday

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nelliec
16/07/2011 12:31

2nd set of headphones minimal or no sound.

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Grockle
16/07/2011 12:39

That's all I can do I'm afraid. I don't think I can do anything with the general page but the volume levels on media player seems a little higher.

Please let us know if they are wrong in the after lunch session and I'll try and fiddle with them again during the after tea phase.

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AGod
16/07/2011 12:58

Bagpuss - never mind being polite, there are surely other reasons why SCCC should declare? Reasons that should take precedence over anything to do with England's wishes IMO.

To wit;

This is the only chance that I know of for Alf to get a proper bowl before the Durham game - I don't mean 8 overs in a Pro 40 game! Also Charl is playing because he needs more bowling - this we know because BR said that those were the only circumstances in which Charl would play.

If you feel that getting Jos Buttler a bat or something outweighs this need then I could understand that but I certainly could not understand putting a desire to deny India practice time ahead of our needs to get Alf and Charl bowling.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 13:02

Not sure I want Alf running around on a slippery outfield as he's just coming back from injury though.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 14:02

2.10 start now but another shower and covers coming bck on apparently. Butthe outfield didnt stop the players having a kickabout with a football so forget what I said about Alfie on the wet outfield!

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 14:32

Play has started. Somerset batting on.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 14:56

Mike good pics from yesteerday. Nice to see Tres on autograph duty, and to see some India supporters in that picture - now feeling guilty about my wish to keep India in the field and hope those kids get to see Sachin bat. I also hope the Indians that aren't on the field are signing autographs etc for their fans.

Re your comment on the ECB fine and their gratitude for allowing Strauss to play - maybe that is why £1000 of the £5K fine was suspended?

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Streeter
16/07/2011 15:17

Not entirely sure what's going on now.......practicing occupying the crease ? Anyone for a quick biff and a double declaration to make some kind of match ?

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 15:48

I think that they are playing 100 overs max for 1st innings.

Doubt if India would agree a declaration/forfeit of innings as it would backfire if they get rolled over by Somerset's esteemed attack and they dont have another chance to bat!

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Grizzers
16/07/2011 15:55

Well done Chris Jones on his 50.

SCCC 71 off the last 10 overs !

Grizzzly

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WTE
16/07/2011 16:09

Grockle et al and anyone else at the ground, can you look out for my mate Tony Holmes's stag do which is at the ground today. He's getting married for the first time at quite a mature (not by Lols standard) age. We used to play cricket together for Cannington 30 years ago. Please wish him my best. My "niece" (2nd cousin) is also at the ground with instruction to buy him a drink. Shes managed to find 2 stag dos but not his.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 16:30

Gambhir out well done Charl and Jos.

Not sure why the commentators assumed it would be Sachin coming in, has been Dravid at 3 and ST at 4 for India's Test squad for some time now

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Sloop John B
16/07/2011 17:19

Cricinfo showing Tendulkar - are they wrong (again)??

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Grockle
16/07/2011 17:41

Hope you enjoyed Craig for half an hour - good guy to have on.

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Wickham
16/07/2011 17:44

CK came over very well (when I could hear him). It's commendable that a player not involved in the match is willing to give up his time to participate in the commentary.

What's the follow-on figure?!

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Grizzers
16/07/2011 17:49

76-4 & Charl gets all of them.

Must be bowling himself back into form then !

Grizzzly

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Slow left
16/07/2011 17:53

Willoughby - a great example of a high quality, typical English seam bowler. :p

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Grizzers
16/07/2011 18:15

Well, Craig Meschede will remember that wicket for the rest of his life.

Good for him !

Hope Mr Strauss is enjoying us demolish India.

Now, must take a look at that Indian site that was berating us for putting out a sub-standard team !!

Grizzzly

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Grockle
16/07/2011 18:15

Wickham - are you listening on the main page of the commentary or on an external player?

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edinburghbil
16/07/2011 18:20

Nice though this is, why couldn't we have saved this for a championship game ;-(

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Wickham
16/07/2011 18:22

An external player, Grockle. (The commentary is at least louder than it was yesterday.)

Perhaps next time we could look to even things up a bit - say, North Somerset v Asia.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 18:23

Used tea and a break in the Liverpool to walk the dog and got back to find India 4 down, cranked up the laptop just in time for wickets 5 and 6. An d I was only jesting when I suggested the Somerset Invitational XI would roll over the Indians . . .!

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Grockle
16/07/2011 18:26

How many bowlers have taken over 800 first class wickets...anyone know?

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Clarence Parker
16/07/2011 18:28

Receiving you very loud and clear over the Irish Sea anyway.

You mentioned Saqlain, Grockle.

Is he still on the Somerset scene doing some coaching?

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Keith's Sweater
16/07/2011 18:32

333

Willo's 4 today puts him equal 331st on the all-time list (leapfrogging Glen Chapple).

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 18:36

Currently playing in county cricket I reckon Charl is 6th - Glen Chapple passed that mark earlier this season and was apparently the 5th still playing. I could only think of Robert Croft and Dominic Cork but suspect they were including overseas players like Muralitharan



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:16:18:43:39 by Bagpuss.

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Keith's Sweater
16/07/2011 18:45

6 is right (for anyone who's played at least one FC match anywhere in the world this year): Croft, Cork (who, with 989, is bearing down on four figures), Danish Kaneria, Claude Henderson, Chapple, and Willoughby.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:16:18:46:33 by Keith's Sweater.

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Keith's Sweater
16/07/2011 18:54

My favourite story about FC wicket aggregates is that of Bomber Wells, who retired having taken 999 of them. Offered a game against Gloucestershire to make up the thousand – "somebody down there will give you their wicket" – he demurred. "Plenty of people have got a thousand wickets," he reflected, "I bet no one's got 999."

(Actually, the story is just slightly spoiled by the fact that it subsequently transpired that he only had 998. But Iqbal Qasim finished with 999.)

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Sloop John B
16/07/2011 18:54

Is Charl now qualified to play for England?? ;-) Many congrats to him on reaching the 800 milestone.

Brilliant effort from him and the other bowlers. Bagging Tendulkar - Craig must be well chuffed!

Will there be enough play tomorrow to bowl them out twice!!?

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 18:58

Very quiet on the India Cricket Fever forum but one comment that England getting a South African (Charl) to do a job for them.

Can't be bothred to explain this is Somerset not England, and that Charl now has a British passport, but got me thinking -
there are five players in this Somerset(ish) team who were born in South Africa.

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Grockle
16/07/2011 19:20

It'll be worth going on to see them explain this one away....He He He! Excellent afternoon.

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 19:26

Whilst waiting for Mike TA1 to post there are some good pics on cricinfo - like the ones of Willo and Craig celebrating and good one of the keeper and slips

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 19:36

So what do we reckon. Will 11 Indians make as many runs as one Arul Suppiah?

I would expect the beers (and Blackthorns) to be on Andrew Strauss's tab tonight boys!

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mikeindex
16/07/2011 19:45

Wow, what a day. India Cricket Fever is unknown to me (which sounds like my good fortune), but someone on Facebook is contriving to complain simultaneously about Somerset a) putting out an under-strength side and b) creating a batting wicket so the under-strength side scores hundreds of runs off a Test attack.

I do hope, given a fullish day's play tomorrow, that Alfie enforces the follow-on. (Assuming the chance arises of course - stranger things have happened). These games are so often treated as net-practice with numbers now, and it's so much more satisfactory to see them treated as proper cricket matches.

Time was the match against the tourists was the high point of the season, barring a home draw in a Gillette semi. I imagine several of the gents and ladies here were on the ground to see us beat the 1977 Aussies? I wasn't (away at Uni at the time), but I still remember the rejoicings amongst my fellow students over the drinks I bought.

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ronnies
16/07/2011 20:28

wow......good day!! Hopefully we can be inspired by this over the last 2 months of the season.

Great moment for young Craig M too!!

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Bagpuss
16/07/2011 20:30

Craig Meschede and Jos Buttler combining to dismiss Tendulkar, who had already scored a Test century before either of them was born!

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 21:38

No photos from me today Grockle will not pay me for the G Gambhir wicket because it doesn't show Jos B taking the catch, but don't worry I will charge twice as much for the next photo.

I was surrounded by photographer late today they suddenly realised I was in the best spot when Tendulkar was batting, I even had Gary Palmer taking photo's with his son I think and I had a word with him.

My photos will be posted within the hour.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:17:09:15:52 by Mike TA1.

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Sloop John B
16/07/2011 21:39

A great day for the team!

Only annoyance for me is that I had planned to be there today but saw the forecast and opted out! Mistake of the season :-(

There must be some consternation in Duncan Fletcher and the Indian team that an under strength county team can reduce them to tatters!!

What a day tomorrow could be! Follow on - with the much vaunted Indian batters having to bat cautiously to avoid a very embarrassing defeat in their only game before the first test.

History could be made!

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AGod
16/07/2011 22:00

So what happened today!?

Brilliant bowling?

I heard that India were lethargic and less than motivated in the field yesterday - what did they look like with the bat?

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cricketjerry-mouse
16/07/2011 22:40

India asked the ECB and Somerset to make this a 13-a-side, non-first-class match, with 11 batting and 11 fielding at any one time.

Looking at the scorecard at the end of Day Two, the likes of Arul (highest first class score), Nick C, Chris Jones, Charl and Craig M must be mighty glad the request was refused and the match will indeed count towards players` first-class records.

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 23:03

Better late than never, I took so many it has taken me a while to get them uploaded apart from it being a late finish; I didn’t get indoors until 7.30.



A Mukund ducking under a short ball from Willoughby, he didn’t need to duck the ball is at the top of the picture.



Chris Jones has so many shots he can play, some players are stronger in one area but Chris seems to be able to pick his spot.

The next two by Chris Jones is the same shot being played.


Eyeing the short ball up.



And hitting it.



This is the one I am not being paid for. G Gambhir getting an edge off Willoughby and caught by Jos Buttler, even Andrew Strauss looks interested in it.



With the weather as bad as it was today, the crowd was not a bad size.
I think you did right in not coming Rob you wouldn’t have known anybody on the Hill today; even I have been taking my photos from somewhere else.



James Hildreth watching the ball going into the wicketkeeper’s gloves.



Craig Meschede will remember which player was his first first class wicket, S Tendulkha ct Jos Buttler bld Craig Meschede.



It was good to see Alfonso bowling today; he did get one wicket that of Z Khan.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]

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Big Jim
16/07/2011 23:06

Brilliant, Michael.

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 23:10

Yes cj-m the commentary team said that yesterday, and Somerset and the ECB were correct to turn it down.

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Grockle
16/07/2011 23:13

What happened?

Arul wasn't bothered by anything they bowled to him. Chris Jones was in fine fettle and took the Indians on. He does look strong, confident and capable as he strode to his second innings 50. Alf called them in once he'd got that.

Charl, Alf, Pete and Craig made the Indians play every ball. I saw one batsman leave one ball.

Charl was better than I've seen him this year. Alf was bowling with considerable pace. Pete nagged at all the batsmen who faced him and Craig was on the money with deceptive pace.

Nick Compton, James Hildreth and Arul Suppiah were very goo in the field and any change in pace had the Indians struggling for a solution. Many were dismissed by misjudging the pace of deliveries - especially the occasional more speedy one.

We were simply better than the batsmen who faced us. I'm not sure this is a particularly weaker side. Certainly Craig M and Chris Jones did not look out of place in this side. Our new ball bowling was stronger than it has been all year. Our opening partnership lost a little (but only a little) from the absence of Marcus but included a much more in touch Arul. Nick was very good and James was back to something like the man we want to see.

Where was the weakness?

The Indians? Poor with the ball, lethargic and disinterested in the field on Friday afternoon. We punished them and they'd better be better tomorrow or they'll lose this one if we have the time to drive the nails into the coffin.

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Mike TA1
16/07/2011 23:21

In the last two or three overs Raina wouldn't take singles, have they two number elevens?

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wsm fan
16/07/2011 23:22

Are we allowed to enforce the follow on?

I know what the answer should be and what i assume we all want to happen, but has it been pre agreed we can / can't?

I heard that today pre match it had been agreed that we'd declare at 100 overs and then they would bat for 100 overs, no idea if this was true.

We almost got to 100 overs, clearly they will not (hopefully!)
I'd have thought India will willingly follow on, they are here to practice, not to win primarily.
A number of their batters need more time at crease, yet all bowlers and fielders have 100 overs in their legs.

Forecast looks loads better than it did so with a near full days play every chance of a famous day at HQ...

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Grockle
16/07/2011 23:24

Well they ain't gonna score another 138 based on the form of the men before them Mike!!

But will the weather let us make them prove themselves tomorrow? Hope so.

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wsm fan
16/07/2011 23:40

138?
is not the follow on 100 in a 3 day game?

5 day test = 200
4 day lvcc = 150
3 day tourist game ???

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wsm fan
16/07/2011 23:49

Answer is no, 150 runs in 3 or 4 day matches...

1. Lead on first innings
(a) In a two innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.
(b) The same option shall be available in two innings matches of shorter duration with the minimum leads as follows.
(i) 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days;
(ii) 100 runs in a 2-day match;
(iii) 75 runs in a 1-day match.

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Wickham
17/07/2011 07:39

Excellent photos, Mike. And thanks for the summary, Grockle (the line "Our opening partnership lost a little (but only a little) from the absence of Marcus ..." made me chuckle).

I hope that all of you who are able to go to the match today have a very enjoyable day.

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Bobstan
17/07/2011 08:11

My wife and I loved your suggestion of North Somerset v, Asia, Wickham.

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AGod
17/07/2011 08:14

Thanks Grockle. Encouraged to hear about Charl.

His returns have been disappointing this year but then he is a man that - even in the seasons when Taunton has been at it's flattest - has tended to produce better returns at home so the surfeit of home CC games should suit him. Even very experienced players like him no doubt also need some encouragement from time to time and yesterday will surely have provided it.

If they do follow on then it would be nice if Max got a bowl and for Craig M to bowl a bit more. Those 16 first innings overs plus whatever others he bowls in this first dig should be enough for Charl.

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 09:09

Well Charl certainly had a good bowl we were in the twenty fifth over from the other end and I believe Charl was still bowling.

Thanks ‘Wickham’ my literary skills and spelling are not greatest I do try the best I can, I know I spelt Gary wrong if I edit the post the post will be even longer.

Edit - I have just realised the wrongly spelt Gary was on another post so I have edited it.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:17:09:18:41 by Mike TA1.

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 09:42

I would like to thank the ground staff (Simon, Martin and Dan)on their hard work during this match, pulling those large sheets when they have water on them is not easy and back breaking.

It was good to hear the announcer thank them on the first day.

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Sloop John B
17/07/2011 09:42

Some terrific shots again Mike! Like the one with splayed stumps in partic.

Thanks to Grockle too for the summary. Heart warming to hear that all have been hitting their straps to good effect. Esp. Charl coming into some form at last and Chris Jones looking to the Manor born.

Edited for Typo.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:17:09:43:22 by Sloop John B.

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wsm fan
17/07/2011 09:52

Any locals prospects of play?
Assuming delayed?
Seems as if rain forecast to be going through around now so guessing maybe 1/2pm may be most likely?

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 09:56

I was just going to post this WSM.

The weather pattern look similar to yesterday at this moment, it was raining when I got up it has now stopped raining, I can see the hills with the cloud higher and it is brighter, it is windy that should keep the clouds moving quickly.

.

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wsm fan
17/07/2011 09:58

Thanks Mike, fingers crossed we will not be too far from a prompt start

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 10:44

11.30 start if no more rain.

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AGod
17/07/2011 10:57

Thanks Mike - great to hear - and yes, well done to the groundstaff

The only conceivable reason that I could see for not enforcing the follow-on would be if they want to give Jos a bat ----- but then it seems unlikely that Jos will play against Durham so that might be thought a little unnecessary?

It's really good that Chris Jones has come in and done well because it means that Jos will have to work really hard to get back in {at least before Craig goes off to the ODIs}

I suppose there might also be a slight chance that the club will decide to set up some sort of run-chase to entertain the spectators later on? I hope not, though, as it would potentially give India what sounds an entirely undeserved chance to get something out of this game

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Grockle
17/07/2011 11:02

Inspection took place at 10:30 Play will start at 11:30 if there is no more rain and can go on to 7:00 this evening.

It's bright and cloudy here with a hell of a lot of wind!!

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 11:07

I am just going over the road with my gear.

I had a word with a player and he said they may want Andrew Strauss to have another bat!

It would be a shame to miss the chance to go for a win, after all it is Somerset against India, I was afraid this may happen.

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AGod
17/07/2011 11:37

Stuff that - Brocket has had enough of a bat

It's a SCCC game and if we want to go for the win we should be able to do so

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AGod
17/07/2011 11:46

Raina has a reputation for being very poor against short, quick stuff - I don't know if this track has much pace in it but, if it does, then I'd think Alf should give him a couple of bumpers?

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RadstockRob
17/07/2011 11:56

Hearing you loud and clear in Saltford.
A lot better than previous days.
I'm sure we'll have to pull in another favour to the ECB by giving Brocket another knock.
Regarding the price of cricket balls there was a time when Somerset were so hard up they would have to enquire to the treasurer if they could afford to take the new ball.

BristolRob

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old boy!
17/07/2011 12:02

Surely giving India a good "kicking" is more sensible than allowing Strauss to bat again again. If he gets out early do we then immediately declare?

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Tumbles
17/07/2011 12:07

Well this last wicket partnership is becoming a nuisance



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:17:12:08:17 by Tumbles.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 12:12

Happiest person outside of Taunton will be Kevin Pietersen - Raina is ensuring that Yuvraj unlikely to be in the line up for Lords on Thursday!

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AGod
17/07/2011 12:17

I'd be really quite surprised if they pick Raina ahead of Yuvraj

I think England would absolutely pepper Raina with short stuff and I don't think he would go at all well in the Test series

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shilpa
17/07/2011 12:19

Quote:

Bagpuss
Happiest person outside of Taunton will be Kevin Pietersen - Raina is ensuring that Yuvraj unlikely to be in the line up for Lords on Thursday!

Yuv wasn't ever likely to play.

what he has ensured is that the strength of India's weakest link in the batting is evident.

who are the commentators at the somerset club?

why can't they ever tell what type of stroke was played like a square cut or cover drive or what ??

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shilpa
17/07/2011 12:27

the only suprising things about selections has come from the england side.

they have picked a specialist bowler in the 12 for his batting abilities....I mean Broad over Finn.

Defensive selection, one must say

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AGod
17/07/2011 12:31

Right then, are we going to be ordered to make the game boring by giving Strauss a net instead of trying to win the game?

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AGod
17/07/2011 12:37

If we are forced to bat again;

How about a batting line up of;

Brocket
Jones
Buttler
Alf
Kartik

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Keith's Sweater
17/07/2011 12:40

Handy though that stand between Raina and Patel was, it pales somewhat when compared to the last-wicket record of 249, amassed by Sarwate and Banerjee -v- Surrey at the Oval in 1946.

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shilpa
17/07/2011 12:43

Hmm....I hope some kinda gentelman's agreement is reached between two captains.

That Somerset will bat 40 overs and and give another 40 odd to India to bat.

Else it's a matter of time when this will be turn into a farce...with part-timers like Raina, Mukund, Gambhir, Yuvraj trundling with their 2 pace run-ups and delivering harmless stuff on a beningn pitch

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AGod
17/07/2011 12:44

Well, it doesn't seem to have been too 'benign,' a pitch when India batted on it yesterday

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 12:49

Apparently Sachin and Zaheer not out in the field.
Would be surprised if Kartik came out to bat AG as he's not playing.

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RadstockRob
17/07/2011 12:52

Wouldn't surprise me.Anything could happen in this game.

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Wickham
17/07/2011 13:11

The last wicket stand gave the scorecard a more realistic look. Without it, it might have seemed that Somerset were about three times better than India, whereas twice as good (ignoring the fact that we lost only three wickets) seems more realistic.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 13:35

At least by batting again we are giving the bowlers a rest - the most likely thing had the follow on been enforced would have been a long afternoon in the field (much as I would like to beg to differ I wouldn't expect India to collapse again in such spectacular fashion.

After this match Somerset have to travel up to Manchester for a floodlit 40-over match which if weather is generous is unlikely to finish much earlier than 10.30, then travel back to Somerset where on Thursday they start the first of three county championship matches over the next three weeks which will probably seal their fate as championship contenders/also rans/relegation candidates.

I think this match so far has served them well as a confidence booster and a practice match for the important few weeks to come. My thanks go to the Indian tourists.

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Wickham
17/07/2011 13:42

I agree, Bagpuss. I am sure that the spectators have enjoyed the privilege of seeing the India team play - and it is perhaps a pity that they will probably not get a further look at the likes of Tendulkar at the crease.

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Ronniesabre
17/07/2011 13:50

just because we dont think India will collapse again, does that mean we dont even try.

A famous win was there to be had and if this all about Strauss getting another knock then whats the point. Can't say Im too happy about this.

I hope its all justified by wins v Lancs and Durham in the week

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AGod
17/07/2011 13:53

Personally, I'd have thought that Alf could still have used some more bowling -- certainly don't really think Arul or Compton need any more batting at the moment

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 13:58

I dont think Strauss would have been too bothered about having another bat - after his first innings he had nothing much to gain and plenty to lose should he get out early (he wasnt to know that Khan wouldnt take the field at the start of the innings).

Would like to think we'll bat for an hour or so then declare, but I suspect we won't.

The main losers are any Indian fans at the ground hoping to see Tendulkar and Co bat again.

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AGod
17/07/2011 14:21

From SCCC's point of view I this passage of play is all but pointless

If we don't want to bowl because we'd rather rest bowlers, then I'd have thought we'd at least want to give some batting to those that have, perhaps, not had that much of it?

Certainly, if Arul gets to fifty, I'd think we should then call him in as a 'retired not out,' and give Jos a bit of a bat?

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Big Jim
17/07/2011 14:23

I wouldn't worry too much about the Indian fans, they're always a happy, grumble free bunch who'll simply enjoy watching good cricket.
Oh aye, their money'll go down a treat as well.

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edinburghbil
17/07/2011 14:36

Also a bit pointless for Straussy if Zaheer continues not to bowl, confidence and time in the middle aside.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 14:40

Much like those following Lancashire and Yorkshire then BJ

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Grockle
17/07/2011 14:42

Zaheer and Sachin did not come out and do not seem to be going to come out. NOTHING in the Indian bowling suggests this is anything but a stroll for "our" opening batsmen.

Andy just passed 50....

Looking forward to my after Tea commentary stint!!

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edinburghbil
17/07/2011 14:53

Will we set them 350 ?

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Grockle
17/07/2011 14:59

Not sure we'll set them anything! It's all a bit sedate. 107 on the board and the next milestone is a 50 for Arul.

We'll have to see what happens around 40 overs. Have they done some 'one day' sort of deal? Personally I doubt it. They may call it a day a short period after Tea and pop off to their relative next destinations. Long drive ahead of our guys though it is an evening match I suppose.

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shilpa
17/07/2011 15:11

well the speed at which somerset is going now...indicates they might be closing in on a declarations

Maybe 350 in 50 odd overs

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 15:15

With 26 overs played in this innings - theoretically how many overs could there ba left to play today?

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 15:23

Giving Compton a rest - or just not risking him running out the England captain!

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edinburghbil
17/07/2011 15:24

I guess Straussy will want his Ton ?

Poor James gets a first baller. Shame, looked like his season was beginning to pick up.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 15:30

Trego to Strauss "Bet you twenty quid you cant hit the window on that commentary box!"

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Grockle
17/07/2011 15:35

Pete T currently chasing A Strauss to the hundred! He's in "don't bowl that rubbish at me" mode and has shot to 31

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VictheFish
17/07/2011 15:38

Just a pity that AS isn't anything to do with England's T20 or 50 over teams anymore.

"Forget that cove from Hove, there's this chap called Treego down at Taunton that can give it a frightful bash and bally well bowls too!"

VtF.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 15:45

This may not mean anything to some but for those who understand Twitter (I am a Twitter newby) Somerset are now 'trending' in India.

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madglover
17/07/2011 15:47

Jesus Christ Trego is on fire

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Big Jim
17/07/2011 15:49

I think Peter might be proving a point.
Shove it up em boy.

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edinburghbil
17/07/2011 15:50

Looking for an IPL contract ?

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Grizzers
17/07/2011 15:57

Straus 102 n.o., Trego 67 n.o.

I'd say PT is giving AS the benefit of some of his invaulable experience eh ?!

Grizzzly

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AGod
17/07/2011 16:11

Well, I guess Pete has crushed this rabble from India --- sounds like they have given a truly execrable performance in the field, throughout --- where is their pride?

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 16:17

Make the most of the last session anyone at the County Ground cant see the Indians rushing back for a match here anytime soon!

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AGod
17/07/2011 16:29

And a watery grave imminent, based on the actions of the ground staff

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 17:09

Off for rain just in time to cheer on Darren Clarke to his first Major. I know this is off topic but check out Rickie Fowler - no the motorway traffic cone look is not a good one!

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Grockle
17/07/2011 17:17

The Indians didn't get much chance to show any fielding attributes during Peter's innings. Most of the scoring shots were yards aove their heads heading for the respective boundaries.

Mishra went for four sixes in consecutive balls in an over that finally accrued 28 runs. He wasn't a happy bunny. His captain brought him back for a couple before Tea and we were hoping Pete might have hit him for another 25 to get his ton.

Presently we are on and off for rain with no point to this game continuing at all!! But they will for another 45 minutes.

One lovey fact. ALL the Somerset sixes came of Mishra - 8 of them. Andrew S hit 1 and Pete.......... :-)





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:17:17:20:13 by Grockle.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 17:21

Taunton now trending on Twitter in India . . .

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Sloop John B
17/07/2011 17:24

Nice one Bagpuss!! Was saying to my wife 'look at that daft hat!' Style failure!

Darren looking VERY good to break his 20 year drought of a major.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 17:26

India have taken 5-685 in this match.

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mikeindex
17/07/2011 17:42

No doubt Pete enjoyed himself, but from a competitive viewpoint the later part of Somerset's second innings was a complete waste of time. What a pity Alfie decided not to treat the match as a contest.

I'll be interested to see what explanation, if any, is given for the decisions a) not to enforce the follow-on (which I could have seen considerable justification for, if only the second innings had been declared after an hour or so), and b) to prolong the second innings beyond any hope of a result.

It would appear that Strauss fielded throughout.

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mikeindex
17/07/2011 17:44

By the way, why was this thread renamed? And does the new name strike anyone but me as in poor taste?

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AGod
17/07/2011 18:20

I don't know about poor taste but it does suggest that we are the 'cowboys'!

From what I heard there was only one team that bowled and fielded like cowboys in this match.

As for Alf, I expect the ECB stuck their oar in and insisted that Strauss had to be allowed to bat again until he was out?

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 18:28

Was anyone from the ECB there with Alf's arm twisted behind his back? Decision is always in the hands of the captain and even if there were suggestions that this path should be followed I can't think of any repercussions wer Alf to do the opposite should he have seen fit.

All in all a great weekend for Somerset, and a great day for Darren Clarke. Oh and for Mark Cavendish who achieved his 19th Tour stage victory.

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SillyMidOn
17/07/2011 18:31

Wonderful stuff.

Sent the best team in the world (though we know better...) back to London with their tails between their legs.

Everybody wins. Runs for our batsman, wickets for our bowlers, runs for Strauss. And the weather didn't spoil things TOO much.

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edinburghbil
17/07/2011 18:34

Don't know what influence, if any, Straussy's presence may have been.

Alf would have been quite keen to avoid bowling on a really damp pitch, indeed, we would have wanted to avoid injury to any of our bowlers or fielders.

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Grockle
17/07/2011 18:44

It wasn't renamed.

It was merged with the frontpage story.

If you look at the top of your posts you will see that the majority of them still have the same title.

I have to do that to compress the material on the frontpage of the forum so things remain current for longer.

Sorry if you think it is in poor taste. Sorry if you think it refers to Somerset as the cowboys. Maybe when you've read the story underneath it you'll see that nowhere in the story is that the case.

It was a cowboy fixture, it ended in cowboy fashion. There were even some cowboys here and they weren't all called Duncan Fletcher.

(I am referring to the hat he wears by the way before the complaints start about insults to a visiting international coaches!!)

I discussed it with the chief editor and he approved it so what can ya do?





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:17:18:57:27 by Grockle.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 18:47

If it came down to Alf v Strauss, no offence to the England captain but I know where my money would be!

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AGod
17/07/2011 19:00

But Brocket has the louder voice!

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 19:20

You are all looking at it from the wrong angle, pretend Andrew Strauss wasn’t in the team and it was a Somerset player instead (young or old it doesn’t matter) we are on the final day and early on we have a first innings lead of 201 on the visitors.

What would Somerset normally do??

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mikeindex
17/07/2011 19:22

Actually my reservations about the taste of the heading were nothing to do with Somerset being called 'cowboys' (not sure how that would have been tasteless - meaningless, perhaps), but with what seemed at the time a gratuitous renaming dragging in the whole genocide-glorifying ethos of the American West. Having now seen the front-page article I can at least see how the theme is introduced and that it's not as gratuitous as I thought.
You and I seem to be in complete agreement as to the farcical nature of the closing stages.

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 19:48

Mike TA1 - In a CC match where the result counts in points on the league table I would expect Somerset to declare and go for the win.

In a 'friendly' match against, say, a MCCU team (which probably compares rather well to the performance of the opposition here) in the middle of a busy season - I'm not so sure.

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old boy!
17/07/2011 20:29

Bang no excuse! Spectators must have felt conned! I suspected that what happened would happen, and my time can be spent doing something useful rather than attending a farce, so I spent time with the family. What was Thomas's justification in doing what he did? or was he ordered to??

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Grockle
17/07/2011 20:41

Why are you blaming "Thomas" OB? This had nothing to do with him. This was Brian Rose's idea wasn't it?

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Clarence Parker
17/07/2011 20:45

The re - titling of this thread reminds me of a firm of plumbers which was owned and operated by a group of Asians.

They had printed on their white work van the slogan:-

"YOU HAVE TRIED THE COWBOYS NOW TRY THE INDIANS."

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ronnies
17/07/2011 20:51

well said Old Boy...........total waste of time.

People play sport and people watch sport to see their team win. We didnt try and win and that is really disappointing to me. At least have a pop at it.

If the ECB have had a say in this then why not get future touring teams to play various select ECB teams outside the tests rather than counties then the public know what they are getting.

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Grockle
17/07/2011 21:03

It did seem a bit rich that the Indian team seemed not to want to play the fixture. So why did they take the fixture on? They must have been aware of its existence well before this week.

We just provide the opposition. If they want a net then they ought to hire a Cricket Academy and have one.

If they truly think they are ready for Thursday then there must be eleven other players somewhere waiting to take on England because some of this side are really not there yet.

So Strauss will probably get a king pair and India will win by an innings and bucketloads

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mikeindex
17/07/2011 21:23

Quote:

Grockle
Why are you blaming "Thomas" OB? This had nothing to do with him. This was Brian Rose's idea wasn't it?

One of cricket's most fundamental features is that strategy and onfield tactics are in the hands of the captain. If external pressures are being exerted it is still up to him whether he bows to them or not.

Hence - in default of an explicit ECB ruling that they are in charge not merely of team selection but of all strategical and, presumably, even tactical matters in matches against the touring team - Alfie has to take responsibility for the decisions a) not to enforce the follow-on (which on reflection I think was marginally the right one, if only the right strategy had followed it), and b) not to declare the second innings until it was too late to matter (by which time he might just as well have let Pete get his 100).

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Bagpuss
17/07/2011 21:39

If the weather hadn't taken so much time out of the game then the expectations - and tactics - may have been different. In the past 3 day county championship matches were set up by captains negotiating a final innings chase (and even recently in the 4 day version- remember Lancashire's more than generous offer to Notts last season). I doubt if on this occasion Thomas or Gambhir would have been able to come to any agreement on this.

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Grockle
17/07/2011 21:46

I'm sure he was responsbile for the on field strategy and tactics and well done to him for them.

As the decision about what was to be done at the end of the Indian first innings was decided before play started today I would imagine Alf was informed. Whether he had anything but a marginal say in that I can't be sure and neither can anyone else.

This was not a normal game and quoting what a captain would do in a competitive game that had meaning in a team's season is wonderful but a little removed from this game. Blaming him for it all is also being a little niaive about the politics around this game if you don't mind me saying so.

I think Alf is possibly a little more of a realist and would have seen making a stand here over cricket principles as a pointless exercise. If the county was going to do that it would have done it a long long time ago.

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 22:01

Tell me it is July that wind was cold today it felt like November.

Mainly shots today not many wicket to take.



Let’s hope Andrew Strauss can continue his runs he score playing for Somerset for England, this was one of his eighteen fours.



Arul Suppiah watching the ball onto his bat.



Grockle said M Patel was unlucky to be given out lbw bowled Max Waller. I was not very straight today I couldn't get to my place until later on.



Peter Trego taking a short ball on his helmet, that was the only way they could stop him scoring runs, after inspecting his helmet and his face he continued batting.



A hit on his helmet didn't stop Pete scoring another six runs.



I will keeping tabs on S Raina during the test series, this was a six hit by him.



The only wicket I took today, S Sreesanth bld Charl Willoughby.

Bring on Durham.

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Mike TA1
17/07/2011 22:30

Do Grockle or anybody else remember who the bowler was that bowled several wide balls in one over just after PT big six’s over? I thought it was more than two but cricinfo doesn’t show any bowler with more than two wide, so maybe it was only two.

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Grockle
17/07/2011 22:34

When Mishra was bowling from the OP Mike I thought Raina was the man at the River. The only other guy would have been Sreesanth.

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Bobstan
17/07/2011 22:39

I was interested to read the post about Jesus Christ Trego.

"Hey, JC, JC
You're alright by me."

Words by my former classmate and MCC President, Tim Rice.

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wsm fan
17/07/2011 23:34

It was Munaf Patel who bowled the wides to Trego, definitely 2 in a row, he did a double teapot twice, clearly he did not agree!

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Bagpuss
18/07/2011 00:25

Thanks for the excellent report Grockle.

I guess I've watched too many of these tourist matches from the other side of the glass - as a supporter of the touring team - to have any conceptions that it would turn into a competitive nailbiter. Generally the touring team are there to have a net, acclimatise to conditions and get some confidence whilst avoiding injury. The home teams objective is to make life difficult to the tourists whilst some individuals are trying to catch the eye of the national selectors.

I remember a painful few days at a tourist match againsst Queensland in the run up to the Brisbane test of 2002. Held at a ground called Allan Border Fields, Mr Border did nothng of the sort but the England team certainly did, from the moment they lost the toss and Queensland chose to bat until they finally managed to bowl Martin Love (250) and Queensland out about an hour after tea on day 2. During the day 2 tea interval the Australia squad, fresh off their flights into Brisbane, arrived looking cool as anything in their team suits and shades whilst England continued to toil in the field.

Fortunately (though my memory of this pales, I think I had lost the will to live) England's batting did not collape in their reply, Vaughan scored a hundred the first of several for him on this tour.

My only other memories of the match are the shortest time interval between 'bad light stopped play' and 'play abandoned' on day 3 - about five minutes - as the mother of all electrical storms took hold. And then a couple of other Barmy girls and I persuading our Melbournite taxi driver on the way back into Brisbane that although we were here for the Ashes we had never actually heard of Shane Warne. He nearly crsshed the cab when I asked him if he bowled seam up!

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Grockle
18/07/2011 01:33

Didn't Patel only bowl from the OP? Mishra bowled from there when Pete murdered him didn't he?

Then again I was away for about half an hour so maybe Patel put in work from both ends as did Mishra later

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Bobstan
18/07/2011 07:30

Most nicknames seem to me to express affection or regard for the person concerned.

Given various happenings in the family (local to where I live) I do not sense that about the name Brocket.

I do not like it, and shall certainly not use it.

Also I'm blowed if I can see the slightest physical resemblance!

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Mike TA1
18/07/2011 09:29

I think WSM could be/is correct, I do have photo of him, I was trying to save my embarrassment of not being able to identify the player.

As people on here know I use this site to identify players I am unsure of which happens often, that is why I make so many notes when I take the photos.

Another reason I would like to know as you said WSM he wasn’t very happy and his body language was terrible. I was wonder if he went too far in his reaction he had quite a lot to say to the umpire even walking back with the umpire to square leg after the over.

I will post the one with the umpire.



Is this Patel?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:18:09:32:30 by Mike TA1.

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Ronniesabre
18/07/2011 09:40

wondered why Meschede was bowling in the 2nd innings instead of Alf. Apparently he is in for Gregory for the CB40 game tonight. Well thats what I saw in one of the on-line papers this morning

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AGod
18/07/2011 09:49

Quote:

Mike TA1
You are all looking at it from the wrong angle, pretend Andrew Strauss wasn’t in the team and it was a Somerset player instead (young or old it doesn’t matter) we are on the final day and early on we have a first innings lead of 201 on the visitors.
What would Somerset normally do??

I'm sorry, but I did not really understand the purpose of this question, Mike?

If what you are implying is that Marcus is cautious about declaring, then fine.

However, this was not about a declaration, it was about enforcing the follow-on. I have no doubt at all that if we were 201 runs ahead (and therefore could enforce the follow-on) AND it was the final day of a CC game, we would enforce the follow-on. After all, in those cirucmstances, there would be no downside to doing so?

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AGod
18/07/2011 09:51

Quote:

Grockle
It did seem a bit rich that the Indian team seemed not to want to play the fixture. So why did they take the fixture on? They must have been aware of its existence well before this week.
We just provide the opposition. If they want a net then they ought to hire a Cricket Academy and have one.

If they truly think they are ready for Thursday then there must be eleven other players somewhere waiting to take on England because some of this side are really not there yet.

So Strauss will probably get a king pair and India will win by an innings and bucketloads

---


Laxman has an article on cricinfo in which he basically says that, on most modern test tours, there are no warm-up games at all and he and his team-mates are fully used to that being the case and they don't feel a lack of preparation will have any bearing at all. If his team-mates feel the same, it's not a huge surprise that many of them gave the impression of not wanting to be in TA1.

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Mike TA1
18/07/2011 09:55

Actually AG it was meant to be a little light hearted.

The question I was tying to say was, if Andrew Strauss wasn’t in the team would we have done the same as we did? I don’t think we would have.

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AGod
18/07/2011 10:02

I see, MIke. That's what I think too, but I thought you were implying that Tres would have been cautious and just batted on!

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Ronniesabre
18/07/2011 10:02

It doesn't make it the correct decision either way though. Its all very well saying well played Strauss, well played Trego, good practice for the next game. We did that at Durham and lost the next one to Sussex.

Winning is a habit.....one we need to start to get into!!

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Grockle
18/07/2011 11:28

Yep that's Patel alright

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Big Jim
18/07/2011 11:35

Come on, this match just confirms what we all knew; we're the best side in the world.
Test cricket is for show ponies, a few games a year, stay in plush hotels, get your face on the front of Hell O magazine...it's all a load of tosh.
When faced with the real deal we showed them what's what, they simply couldn't cope.
Tendulkar?
I'd have Trego any day.

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Mike TA1
18/07/2011 11:51

Morning Jimmy.

How are you on this dull morning.

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Bagpuss
18/07/2011 11:59

BJ I think Trego is more a Sehwag type, although with better bowling and fielding skills!!

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Tumbles
18/07/2011 11:59

Just don't read the comments of the India supporters on cric info unless you want your blood pressure to rise.

I've read everything from we are team of South Africans, the pitch was made for us to bowl them out and apparently we are all racists and don't welcome Indians to Taunton.

I hope the England team thrash them into submission 4-0 after reading some of it.

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AGod
18/07/2011 12:31

What a bunch of muppets. And I think we're going to be stuck with this kind of weather for a few weeks to come yet which should suit the England team down to the ground and India not at all... so we might very well thrash them.

When we hosted India in the World T20, we bowled short and fast and they could not hack it. So even on those days when the track isn't green and/or it's not swinging around corners, I'd think that England could have quite some success with approach, even if plan A of pitch it up and swing it isn't paying off?

Of course, the big question will be whether the England batsmen can cope with conditions that favour seam and swing? With the exception of Trott they were all at sea in such conditions against Pakistan last year. Cook is clearly in much better form now than he was then and we are not lumbered with LoL's hero anymore, but nevertheless, that would be a question mark for me.

Indian pace attack, no doubt, not as good as Pakistan's but I think the likes of Zaheer, Sreesanth and Patel (or Ishant Sharma, should he play) are good enough to cause problems in seam/swing friendly conditions.

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Grockle
18/07/2011 12:34

Don't some Indian cricket 'supporters' se Cricinfo as the mouthpiece of the Anti-Christ Rickie Ponting? I really enjoyed having the India supporters there for the three days and it was cricket after all.

There is much the same on parts of Indian Cricket Fever though you can pick out the measured and the realistic from the "Anglo-Aussie Anti India Conspiracy Theorists" if you try hard. I got a little uptight about it because they sem to have missed the point from their point of view...

Re: Ind v Somerset
Quote:
shilpa
@grockle
thx for the commentary link....it's better than nothing and not bad actually

Thnx for the comments and the Grockle contributions as well Shilpa glad to help. Only sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. As you say it is better than ignoring the games like the BBC do. :-)

That was one of the nice bits

As for some of the rest of the comments.....

Guys and gals if you don't want the fixtures...don't agree to them. If you want a net... then hire a cricket academy.

A lot of your supporters came a hell of a long way to watch your boys over three days and they were nothing but enthusiastic and happy to be there watching their heroes. They were an excellent advertisment for the game as a family and respectful sport ...

It is a shame the "professionals" they came to see, on the whole, didn't look on their loyalty or the event they had come to see in the same light.

There's a lot of talk on here about "greatness" and "integrity" and that 'warrior' spirit. A true warrior respects his opponent and offers him an honourable fight.

In the main India either capitulated or did not try. There were a couple of notable exceptions; Sreesanth on Friday evening and Riana on Sunday morning being two of them.

Try and package it up however you want.

This is not the image that the number one cricketing nation should be showing the rest of the world if it wants to earn that world's respect - and you may say you don't care but we all know you do.

Somerset are not some piffling club side to be ignored by the great Indian cricketing 'warrior' nation as being beneath them.

They are a proud county with over 100 years of cricketing tradition behind them and some of the best players in this country at their disposal.

You don't want to play us...fine don't accept the fixture.

But if you do accept then please...next time... bring your 'A' game or we'll hand you your backsides once more and show you the way out.

But most of all...don't show such disrespect to the people who buy your telly packages, merchandise and provide such wonderful support.

Give them a game that is worth the entry fee AND their support. They've waited quite a while to see it and it wasn't that warm over the last three days.

and if you don't do so well....accept a poor performance with some humility...that is also a great characteristic of a true 'warrior'

Here endeth the lesson.... see you all next time :-)


Haven't looked at responses...don't really care. The game is over and there are far more important things to look at besides overblown and wounded Indian pride.

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AGod
18/07/2011 12:42

It's notable, perhaps, that the Indian players that seemed to be relatively more interested in proceedings were probably those that were not sure of a place in the first Test ... I think that would have applied to Raina and, possibly, Patel too (Patel at least appears to have bowled economically in the first dig.)

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Grockle
18/07/2011 13:03

They were also more interested in the media frenzy about their feet being on English soil..and that included our own Mr Kartik who was being courted by the TV cameras almost as much as the international stars.

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Kentish Townie
18/07/2011 16:13

Quickest this game is over the better. It's a stain on the integrity of the county game and the leadership of Trescothick, Andy Nash and others.

It is treating supporters with utter contempt. The players think it's just about them and are giving no respect whatsosever to the people who to an extent, pay their salaries.

Very serious questions should be asked at the AGM about this and resignations considered.

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Grizzers
18/07/2011 16:38

Seems to me there is a huge amount of self righteous & ill founded pompous indignation being expressed on this thread !

Let's face it, Tourist games have been a lottery for many years. It's all very well castigating India for not being there in spirit, and pilloring SCC/ECB for Andrew Strauss, but many Counties don't put out their strongest teams anyway.

If we were so committed to the game & anxious to satisfy long suffering supporters, then why did we rest Marcus ? Let's not kid ourselves that he would have played if AS hadn't !

Tourist games these days are a harmless bit of fun & that's about it. They rarely have any relevance on how Counties perform for the rest of the season.

Yes, they are an opportunity to blood youngsters (well done Chris Jones) and for those perhaps a bit out of nick to show what they can do (well done Trigger & Willow), but if anyone paid to see a truly competitive game, then they must be naive in the extreme.

Grizzzly

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Grockle
18/07/2011 16:42

Wow...there's the top let's see if we can get over it KT. Never one for under selling something are ya?

I didn't feel disrespected. I saw everyone I expected to see (except maybe MK) playing for us. I watched my side give the tourists a good kicking (always a good thing in a season) and I got the extra chance to see an England International I don't see in the flesh play well as a guest. More than one Somerset player will be walking with their head held a little higher today.

I might have felt disrespected if I had been an Indian supporter but I also have to say that it was a pleasure having some new and totally enthusiastic supporters on the ground whose main objective was NOT to become unconscious as quickly as possible in the areas where the cricket can't be seen.

The weather could have been better. The game should have been more competitive - the only real criticism of the three days. Once the invitation had been offered though there was always going to be the chance that the game would be hijacked but it was worth the watch from our point of view.

As a one off I don't see how it affects the 'inegrity of the county game' because that would assume that tourist games have been taken seriously by county sides for decades...and we all know that isn't true. Perhaps if they had this would not even have been considered as an option. If it becomes more than a one off well...that's a different matter.

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Mike TA1
18/07/2011 18:07

Recently retired Australian umpire Daryl Harper has accused India of "bullying", just days before the start of their Test series against England.

Harper pulled out of his farewell Test this month after criticism from India players and a "lack of support" from the International Cricket Council [news.bbc.co.uk]

It is funny how often the ICC & India is mentioned in the breath.

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Big Jim
18/07/2011 19:06

Evening Michael.
A bit of a busy day, ripping the wee wee out of the Welsh is nearly as much as doing it to the Indians.
Similar accent as well....how odd.

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Grockle
18/07/2011 19:14

Who has been insulting our Celtic cousins?

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Big Jim
18/07/2011 20:41

It's my daily obsession.
They love it really....great sense of humour over here.

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Bagpuss
19/07/2011 00:23

What a pity we couldn't have asked Daryll to 'guest' umpire for the Taunton fixture. I'm sure it would have helped the Indians enjoy it even more than they did!

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edinburghbil
22/07/2011 10:52

Zaheer not taking the field in the 2nd dig might have cost him. Sounds like he could have used a bit more bowling going into the test ?

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AGod
22/07/2011 10:59

To my mind, this is the number one problem with modern test match cricket and a BIG reason why, I feel, some of the quality is not what it once was.

Too much quantity - aimed at packing in spectators in those countries - such as this one - where they still turn out for Tests and not enough quality, not least because tourists turn up green and tend to get hammered in the first test of a series and key personnel are often not seen at their best until the second half of a series.

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