Somerset
2012 CC1 More 'Sex Please we're Somerset
Welcome VP
By Grockle
April 5 2012
The 2012 CC1 matches finally arrive and we have a home fixture against the 2011 Second Division Champs Middlesex and include in our side our new man Vernon Philander straight from his 51 wickets in 7 Tests. Not excited much really!!!
v MIDDLESEX CC1 @ Taunton Thursday 5 April 2012
Commentary (Home commentary can be accessed by clicking on Murali Kartik's picture at the top of each forum page)
Here we are then everyone. It seems like a long wait but Taunton is offering Championship 4 day cricket again and we welcome all the Middlesex travellers to the best county cricket ground in the country. Joe Denly, their new signing from Kent does seem to be certain to start and according to Bran Rose's comments, Somerset will most likely look like this;
Trescothick, Suppiah, Compton, Hildreth, Kieswetter, Trego, Meschede, Dockrell, Kirby, Philander
Craig Meschede has been in the runs and wickets in our friendlies and with Gemaal Hussain out with a hamstring injury and Jos Buttler also unavailable because of a problem he will probably play as a seaming all rounder. George Dockrell seems to have got the nod over his colleague Max Waller for the spin sopt, though both playing is not a complete impossibility. The 11th player will probably be Lewis Gregory unless Adam Dibble is available which is unlikely.
Grockles coverage of games will be slightly different this first part of the season as our resident reporter on games at home is some 7 and a half thousand miles away from the Home of Cricket until the second half of June. If other Grockles want to step into the gap and tell us all about cricket at the ground then don't be surprised if your posts suddenly become additions to the frontpage story - thanks in advance for those. We all hope that the volunteer commentary superstars will keep us all up to date in the far flung parts of the world, further away from Taunton than Shepton and I hope they will respond to comments made on the threads though that does depend on whether they have laptop access. Here's hoping.
I'll add my comments on what I hear and accept that I am talking from the radio and scorecards (not my favourite way of following the side at home but what can ya do?
We want a better start than last year but watch this Middlesx lot, they have been very conscious of their absence from the division they see as their spiritual home and will very much like to take the scalp of a side tipped as Championship contenders who are notorious for starting slowly. Don't under-estimate them boys but please kick their bottoms all around the ground for us all!!
More to come in the next few days Have a good start to your season one and all however you start it. I'm waiting for 2:00 this afternoon Omani Time
As it was I had to wait considerably longer because of rain and Somerset, after winning the toss and deciding to field, took the field at just gone 6 in the Gulf and 3:15 at Taunton in poor light and cold conditions. Jos Buttler was passed fit and took the 11th spot inthe first Championship side It didn't seem to phase Vernon Philander who sent Robson back to the hutch courtesy of Craig Kieswetter's gloves with his 3rd ball after being on the Taunton pitch for 2 minutes. What followed was a spirited start from both our new ball men, Steve Kirby was considerably unlucky and the radio commentators were crooning over the ability of our new South African man.
Middlesex passing 50 and a double change of Trego for Kirby and Meschede for Philander (first Somerset spell 7/3/1/8, as an official said; "...non too shabby...") was the next event even though the ball passed the bat on a number of occasions. A great opportunity for Craig to show why he should be considered for the longer game and he provided evidence for his case by getting wicket number 2 when Rogers was caught by Dockrell at 51.
Middlesex settled a little with Malan and Denly at the crease but Philander kept asking questions and Malan had no answers when he failed to connect with a straight one and was judged LBW at 90. Captain Dexter arrived but didn't stay long when he became VP's third victim, castled at 114. However at the end of the 36th over, the umpires called for drinks, assessed the light and sent everyone off for an early first day bath at 5:30.
The commentary got itself sorted by Tea, Philander was sorted by Ball 1 and looks every bit as good as we hoped he was. Steve Kirby looked ready for the fight as usual Pete Trego was parsimonious with his 19 off 8 tight overs. Craig M was a little expensive but took an important wicket in his spell and George Dockrell turned his arm over for a couple of overs for not a lot.
A good start on a miserable day but lots of work to do on Day 2.
Day 2.........
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 05/04/2012 09:17
Grockles.com
05/04/2012 09:17
05/04/2012 09:17
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:10:06:39:49 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:10:06:39:49 by Grockle.
“More 'Sex Please” are you allowed to say that in Oman? 
We are going to win everything.
We are going to win everything.
I've come up with my team to hopefully srart our opening championship game against Middlesex.
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Keiswetter
Trego
Gregory
Philander
Dibble
Kirby
I don't think we'll start with a spinner in the team but it
will all depend how things go in the friendlies.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:30:07:39:14 by Grockle.
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Keiswetter
Trego
Gregory
Philander
Dibble
Kirby
I don't think we'll start with a spinner in the team but it
will all depend how things go in the friendlies.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:30:07:39:14 by Grockle.
Spot on, that's fully the team i expect they'll pick.
We are always cautious of playing a spinner early season so whilst Max or George may be an option instead of Adam that is the team i expect they'll go for
We are always cautious of playing a spinner early season so whilst Max or George may be an option instead of Adam that is the team i expect they'll go for
Todays Sunday Independent shows TRES batting in the nets against Lewis and Max. Perhaps Max bamboozled him with one or two fast googlies (leg breaks to TRES of course) and will force his way into contention!!
There are probably four youngsters knocking on the door.Meschede,Barrow,Waller and Dockrell along with Hussain.
I think the friendlies will be interesting to say the least.
I think the friendlies will be interesting to say the least.
Fingers crossed about Philander. Doesn't seem to bowl a bad ball.Always on the same spot and moves it both ways.Surprised also with his pace against NZ up round the 90 mph mark.Rumours Hussain has also bulked and increased his pace a bit so hopefully competitive competition between Gregory,Dibble, and Hussain for maybe 2 spots?
I'd expect them to start with Hussain rather than Dibble if he is fit to start. Is he?
Apparently so.Should also be some good competition pre season with the batting line up. One or two good scores from Suppiah,Jones or Barrow could make a difference.Also if Lewis finds form with the bat he might even put pressure on PT for the all rounder spot, which would probably be good for both of them and the club.Previous years 8 out of 11 players have picked themselves, so serious competition can only strengten the team.
I might also be tempted to give Meschede an outing, if during the winter months he has managed to work out a way of dealing with short - pitched deliveries.
I suspect that Hussain will be played ahead of Dibble unless Dibble has had a clearly superior pre-season. If it's deemed to be close, the guy that makes the relatively big money will probably play, IMO.
Wouldn't be at all surprised if Dockrell (if available) plays instead of Lewis Gregory, either.
Wouldn't be at all surprised if Dockrell (if available) plays instead of Lewis Gregory, either.
I agree......I think Dockrell will be in and Hussain instead of Dibble too if fit.
That is the position just now and as has been stated early pre season form may dictate otherwise.
That is the position just now and as has been stated early pre season form may dictate otherwise.
Joe Denly is missing (calf strain) from final Middlesex warm up match v Durham students, so he will either go into this match with no pre-season practise, or miss out.
Great thread. Congrats to whoever started it.
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Trego
Meschede
Philander
Dockrell/Gregory
Dibble
Kirby
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Trego
Meschede
Philander
Dockrell/Gregory
Dibble
Kirby
Well, it was your friend Bristol Rob once again.
You'll have to start picking out curtains together soon.
You'll have to start picking out curtains together soon.
How would you pick between Gregory and Dibble from pre season form,because I personally think only one of these two will start?
Philander/Kirbs/George/??/Tregs and Arul my choice as bowlers!!!
Philander/Kirbs/George/??/Tregs and Arul my choice as bowlers!!!
Quote:AGod
Well, it was your friend Bristol Rob once again.
You'll have to start picking out curtains together soon.
Pull yourself together
Then it has to be Dibble because he has some experience of conditions here while Lewis has been playing in the Gulf.
Have you a problem AGod?
For your information I know Naxxar as much as I know you.
For your information I know Naxxar as much as I know you.
Why does the ticker to the start of the season currently show 1 day 18 hours?!
Quote:BristolRob
Have you a problem AGod?
For your information I know Naxxar as much as I know you.
I know. It was a joke. You'll have to read back.
Yes I know but the ticker says 'The 2012 Championship season starts in... '
However, although tomorrow is a first-class fixture (laughably), it's not the CC
However, although tomorrow is a first-class fixture (laughably), it's not the CC
So what?
The printed Somerset fixture list starts with that game and this is Somerset's Championship Season.
It ain't gonna change so live with it or ignore it.
I set it up and I've set it up that way
Work it out for yourself and use that that one if you want Grockles.com will lose little sleep if you do.
The printed Somerset fixture list starts with that game and this is Somerset's Championship Season.
It ain't gonna change so live with it or ignore it.
I set it up and I've set it up that way
Work it out for yourself and use that that one if you want Grockles.com will lose little sleep if you do.
I'm afraid it is your misinterpretation and not the site's mistake.
This is a Somerset supporters site. Many believe this is Somerset's year for winning the championship if any year is.
Therefore Somerset's CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON starts tomorrow with the first published fixture of the year.
We've published the list like that for many years as it links in with the published fixture list we receive early in the year.
Sorry but we won't be changing any time soon because you don't seem to like it.
This is a Somerset supporters site. Many believe this is Somerset's year for winning the championship if any year is.
Therefore Somerset's CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON starts tomorrow with the first published fixture of the year.
We've published the list like that for many years as it links in with the published fixture list we receive early in the year.
Sorry but we won't be changing any time soon because you don't seem to like it.
Ah so it's actually a prediction, not an accurate statement of fact.
I'm off to watch the non-championship match at Vale. Will report back on it later.
I'm off to watch the non-championship match at Vale. Will report back on it later.
Nobody claimed it was an 'actual statement of fact' you interpreted it as such and were wrong to do so.
It has been explained to you why it was a mis-interpretation and you can accept that or not.
The world will continue to turn and Grockles.com will not miss a beat.
Enjoy your day.
It has been explained to you why it was a mis-interpretation and you can accept that or not.
The world will continue to turn and Grockles.com will not miss a beat.
Enjoy your day.
For somebody who last night claimed not to be losing sleep over it, you're posting quite alot on the subject.
Losing sleep on what? I've posted once today it's a work day for me so haven't been near the thing.
I hate to be a prophet of doom, but forecast I have seen suggests it could be 'cold and wintery showers' by the coming mid-week!!
Lets hope somebody has got it wrong, but it could mean winter mittens all round and the potential for slips, slides and muscle problems!
I do remember that we had snow in June a few years back!!
It's being so cheerful that keeps me going!!
Happy days!
Lets hope somebody has got it wrong, but it could mean winter mittens all round and the potential for slips, slides and muscle problems!
I do remember that we had snow in June a few years back!!
It's being so cheerful that keeps me going!!
Happy days!
Middlesex have announced that their 12-strong squad for the Somerset match is the 11 currently playing against Durham MCCU, plus Corey Collymore:
Dexter (capt.), Berg, Collymore, Crook, London, Malan, Murtagh, Rayner, Robson, Rogers, Roland-Jones and Simpson.
No Joe Denly, then, although they do report he is making good progress from his calf injury - so possibly a mixed message there.
Dexter (capt.), Berg, Collymore, Crook, London, Malan, Murtagh, Rayner, Robson, Rogers, Roland-Jones and Simpson.
No Joe Denly, then, although they do report he is making good progress from his calf injury - so possibly a mixed message there.
You don't have to be a genius to identify Chris Rogers as the prime wicket. Paging Mr Philander....
Jerry mouse
Where did you get Middlesex team from please? Not on official Middlesex site, or their facebook or twitter accounts
Where did you get Middlesex team from please? Not on official Middlesex site, or their facebook or twitter accounts
Frost stopped play? Snow stopped play? Has this happened before at Taunton?
Some would say that Frost stopped some bowlers and Snow certainly stopped some of our batsmen...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:chunkyinargyll
Jerry mouse
Where did you get Middlesex team from please? Not on official Middlesex site, or their facebook or twitter accounts
I am sure that cricketjerry-mouse could tell you, chunky, should he so desire, but perhaps it came from this piece on Middlesex's official site: -
"Middlesex CCC is pleased to announce the following 12-man squad to play against Durham MCCU in a 3-day match starting tomorrow, Saturday 31 March at Merchant Taylors' School. The match is due to start at 11am and is FREE to attend for everyone.
Neil Dexter (captain)
Gareth Berg
Corey Collymore
Steven Crook
Adam London
Dawid Malan
Tim Murtagh
Ollie Rayner
Sam Robson
Chris Rogers
Toby Roland-Jones
John Simpson (wk)
With our opening LV=CC Division One game against Somerset starting on Thursday we are keen to give as many of the players likely to be playing in the game practice.
Therefore, we have selected our probable side for Somerset against Durham MCCU. Joe Denly is making good progress from a calf strain sustained during pre-season but will not play against Durham MCCU."
To the contrary, it may have come from somewhere else.
Ah- so in other words the side v Durham University.
But why has he so confidently concluded Joe Denly not fit for Thursday? He made it sound like Middle had announced the squad v Somerset.
Always dangerous to jump the gun- Might be right- Might be wrong.
Middle have a 1 day game v Northants tomorrow, which will be mostly the second eleven, plus quite probably, Joe Denly.
So basically, it's as you were- No official announcement yet, and Joe Denly may still make the starting line up!
But why has he so confidently concluded Joe Denly not fit for Thursday? He made it sound like Middle had announced the squad v Somerset.
Always dangerous to jump the gun- Might be right- Might be wrong.
Middle have a 1 day game v Northants tomorrow, which will be mostly the second eleven, plus quite probably, Joe Denly.
So basically, it's as you were- No official announcement yet, and Joe Denly may still make the starting line up!
Denly once nearly beat us in a close run thing at 'disgusted of...' I believd it was.
Well its snowing like Greek B*ggery here in Scotland. Hard to believe at this precise moment that the CC starts on Thursday.
Joe Denly playing today in one day match v Northants.
I'm not saying he will play on Thursday- depends how today goes, and it might be risky to go in to match with just one knock. It's just that Mr Mouse said we had announced our squad when we hadn't. He seemed so definate I assumed this had appeared on our official site.
I'm not saying he will play on Thursday- depends how today goes, and it might be risky to go in to match with just one knock. It's just that Mr Mouse said we had announced our squad when we hadn't. He seemed so definate I assumed this had appeared on our official site.
After reading this thread and the one reserved for Philander I am a little amused as to how keen you guys are that he plays against the Mighty Middle.
I hope the wicket makes it a fair contest between bat and ball as I am down in Taunton for four days.
Middlesex over the last number of years, unlike many other clubs including many first division clubs, have had to plan without some of our best players.I think I am correct in saying we are the only club presently who have three players with Central Contracts for England. Strauss Morgan and Finn.
I bet you guys must be very relieved in particular that Finn is not playing for us on thursday.
Though as a Middlesex man I am always very proud that we perhaps more than most clubs provide a steady supply of players for England including over the years England Captains it does mean at times we have suffered domestically.
I hope the wicket makes it a fair contest between bat and ball as I am down in Taunton for four days.
Middlesex over the last number of years, unlike many other clubs including many first division clubs, have had to plan without some of our best players.I think I am correct in saying we are the only club presently who have three players with Central Contracts for England. Strauss Morgan and Finn.
I bet you guys must be very relieved in particular that Finn is not playing for us on thursday.
Though as a Middlesex man I am always very proud that we perhaps more than most clubs provide a steady supply of players for England including over the years England Captains it does mean at times we have suffered domestically.
Well, pardon me for a moment, whilst I get my violin.
Let's face it, if you look at his first-class record, Morgan is no particular loss anyway. And surely the reason he will not be playing has nothing do with England?
Let's face it, if you look at his first-class record, Morgan is no particular loss anyway. And surely the reason he will not be playing has nothing do with England?
A God I was just trying to post a friendly message but if you want to play your violin so be it as long as it makes you happy that is the important thing. I was simply posting facts which happen to be true. England over the years must be very thankful indeed for the Middlesex policy of nurturing and providing a constant supply of young England talent to help our national team. Unfortunately there are a number of clubs who seem more than happy not to play their part in helping the England cause which does increase the burden on those clubs that do.
Morgan is struggling a bit for form internationally but that does not mean he would not score many runs domestically.He is still a young man with a great future in front of him in my opinion.Finn is a fine young bowler with surely a great international career in front of him and Strauss of course has been a fine England Captain
As I say I am really looking forewad to my visit to your lovely ground Taunton and to enjoy hopefully the good hospitality on offer and my clubs first game in the top division for some years. I hope I see a decent game whatever the result and whether Philander plays or not.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:03:17:00:39 by lower pavilion.
Morgan is struggling a bit for form internationally but that does not mean he would not score many runs domestically.He is still a young man with a great future in front of him in my opinion.Finn is a fine young bowler with surely a great international career in front of him and Strauss of course has been a fine England Captain
As I say I am really looking forewad to my visit to your lovely ground Taunton and to enjoy hopefully the good hospitality on offer and my clubs first game in the top division for some years. I hope I see a decent game whatever the result and whether Philander plays or not.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:03:17:00:39 by lower pavilion.
Mike Tai.
Thank you for that and am sure we will be made most welcome.
I will now cease posting on your fine site and return to my spiritual home of Middlesex Till We Die. Enjoy the game.
Thank you for that and am sure we will be made most welcome.
I will now cease posting on your fine site and return to my spiritual home of Middlesex Till We Die. Enjoy the game.
Keep posting if you can, lower - especially during the game if possible. Enjoy Taunton...a bit 
Of course you are hugely welcome at Taunton this week, lp, and I only wish I could be there as well.
On the point of your county nurturing young England players... I cannot disagree, but would add that Somerset also nurtures players of quality and it's not our fault that they don't get selected for England.
On the point of your county nurturing young England players... I cannot disagree, but would add that Somerset also nurtures players of quality and it's not our fault that they don't get selected for England.
Quote:lower pavilion
As I say I am really looking forewad to my visit to your lovely ground Taunton and to enjoy hopefully the good hospitality on offer and my clubs first game in the top division for some years. I hope I see a decent game whatever the result and whether Philander plays or not.
Welcome Middlesex man. Your money is as good as the next man. Ignore the less friendly posters on this site. We would like a good clean fight with one of our bowlers taking your tenth wicket on the last day one short of our total!! Please don't pray for snow or sleet - we had some in TA1 this afternoon!
Otherwise have a lovely 4 days in Gods own country, Somerset!
I don't know whether Middlesex will bring commentating people lLower but there will be ball by ball commentary on the game on the net via this site (click on Murali Kartik unless I get the time to change the top picture as a number of the players have moved on).
I'm looking forward to attending Sat/ Sun. I am hoping to catch up with some familiar and even some less familiar faces from here. This includes ASod and his violin.
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele
Wish I was over there to see the start of the season.
Come on lads - do us, and yourselves, proud !
Grizzzly
Come on lads - do us, and yourselves, proud !
Grizzzly
CP The person you just mentioned has left us in peace for the last 6 months. I'm not sure if he still reads this site and MTWD or not. I don't know the ins and outs of it, but he agreed to leave us in peace and queit, and for 6 months he has been as good as his word. Would very much like to keep it that way, which means not posting anything that might lead to a response.
If person concerned does read this - Thank you for keeping to your side of the bargain.
If person concerned does read this - Thank you for keeping to your side of the bargain.
Highly unlikely CP - especially with Kev.
I'm sure he will introduce himself to his many friends from Grockles if he does turn up.
Please make himn welcome if you see him. :=)
I'm sure he will introduce himself to his many friends from Grockles if he does turn up.
Please make himn welcome if you see him. :=)
There will be many friendly faces from Middlesex at Taunton for some or all of the game. For my 2 days I will happily introduce them and myself. We are easy to spot. One of the best features of four day cricket is the friendly banter between fans.
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele
Quote:BarmierKev
There will be many friendly faces from Middlesex at Taunton for some or all of the game. For my 2 days I will happily introduce them and myself. We are easy to spot. One of the best features of four day cricket is the friendly banter between fans.
Oh no it isn't!
Good job it doesn't start today. TA1 is cold, wet and horrible. Philander won't be practising in the middle today!
Tomorrow could start drizzley but soon clearing..dry but cold..temperature around 10c
Looking forward to getting down to TA1 on Sat/Sunday. Might pack the thermals & brolly by all accounts.
Morning all,
Just been thinking (i'll lie down again soon), with the forecast looking about as cheerful as a Gloucestershire ccc balance sheet, what has been the coldest watching day at the CG you've all experienced?
I can remember a JPL match against Glamorgan in May 1986 being so cold that I sat in the stragglers with a winter coat on and even the late Tony Channing found it necessary to drink a cup of tea rather than the usual amount of cider!!!
Temp on Thursday expected to be between 8-10c!!
Just been thinking (i'll lie down again soon), with the forecast looking about as cheerful as a Gloucestershire ccc balance sheet, what has been the coldest watching day at the CG you've all experienced?
I can remember a JPL match against Glamorgan in May 1986 being so cold that I sat in the stragglers with a winter coat on and even the late Tony Channing found it necessary to drink a cup of tea rather than the usual amount of cider!!!
Temp on Thursday expected to be between 8-10c!!
Could be worse, surely up north there must be the potential for tomorrows play being called off because of snow on the pitch!
It's the start of a potentially really exciting season.
We have CC cricket to enjoy again after 6 months.
We start with a home match with an exciting new signing.
The forecast is for dry weather.
So what if it's a bit cold...
Just enjoy the fact it's back.
We have CC cricket to enjoy again after 6 months.
We start with a home match with an exciting new signing.
The forecast is for dry weather.
So what if it's a bit cold...
Just enjoy the fact it's back.
Quote:Naxxar
The forecast is for dry weather.
Not the forecast I've seen, but lets hope you are right!
Your optimism is laudable!
good work Naxxar. All the doomsters on here as usual.
Maybe see you Fri onwards? I'll be wandering about somewhere.
Maybe see you Fri onwards? I'll be wandering about somewhere.
Naxxar,
No issues with the cold weather, as a member I can easily retreat inside!!
I bet Derby is a real treat this time of year..
No issues with the cold weather, as a member I can easily retreat inside!!
I bet Derby is a real treat this time of year..
Quote:old boy!Quote:Naxxar
The forecast is for dry weather.
Not the forecast I've seen, but lets hope you are right!
Your optimism is laudable!
Drizzle before 10am...cloudy the rest of the day..nice day for bowling!
Sunny spells Friday
still no official team news, but a couple of hours ago Joe Denly tweeted he was on the way to Somerset and snowing.
He made 23 yesterday v Northants. Doesn't guarantee he starts, but by the looks of things he is in Middle squad.
He made 23 yesterday v Northants. Doesn't guarantee he starts, but by the looks of things he is in Middle squad.
Sunny here. Forecast for the next four days?
Sunny with scattered sunny spells and sun later. Low of 28 high of 37 ish. Might hit 40 by Tuesday.
Guess where I'd rather be tomorrow?
Sunny with scattered sunny spells and sun later. Low of 28 high of 37 ish. Might hit 40 by Tuesday.
Guess where I'd rather be tomorrow?
Quote:chunkyinargyll
still no official team news, but a couple of hours ago Joe Denly tweeted he was on the way to Somerset and snowing.
He made 23 yesterday v Northants. Doesn't guarantee he starts, but by the looks of things he is in Middle squad.
I know that Denly is, or at least was once regarded as, a promising young player. However, I did not realise that he was so omnipotent as to be a snow-maker.
Middlesex squad announced.
Dexter (capt) DENLY, Robson, Rogers, Malan, London, Simpson, Berg, Rayner, Crook, Roland-Jones, Murtagh, Collymore.
Dexter (capt) DENLY, Robson, Rogers, Malan, London, Simpson, Berg, Rayner, Crook, Roland-Jones, Murtagh, Collymore.
It looks like most if not all the Middlesex players have arrived at Taunton, I have just missed the Somerset players having a session in the indoor school.
I understand it is almost certain that Jos will be playing tomorrow if true that is good news.
It is brighter and dry but still with that cold wind.
I understand it is almost certain that Jos will be playing tomorrow if true that is good news.
It is brighter and dry but still with that cold wind.
Rogers the key wicket; a decent crop of seamers there to exploit the Taunton green-top 
Kirby, Philander, Trego plus an other and George? Middlesex don't personally scare me if Somerset turn up for this game.
Thought you'd be pleased to hear that there is 2 inches of snow at Richmond,North Yorkshire,where I live and 6-7 inches on parts of the Pennines. The ground camera at Headingley shows there is a covering and the last 2 days have been bitterly cold here. Last week was glorious.What a change in 4-5 days.
Good luck to you all down there;hope we can redeem our dreadful season of 2011 and renew hostilities with you next season. TykesRUs
Good luck to you all down there;hope we can redeem our dreadful season of 2011 and renew hostilities with you next season. TykesRUs
1. Trescothick
2. Suppiah
3. Compton
4. Hildreth
5. Kieswetter
6. Buttler
7. Trego
8. Meschede
9. Philander
10. Kirby
11. Dockrell
12. Gregory
2. Suppiah
3. Compton
4. Hildreth
5. Kieswetter
6. Buttler
7. Trego
8. Meschede
9. Philander
10. Kirby
11. Dockrell
12. Gregory
Hussain seems to be continually injured. Was really hoping he'd hit the ground running this season. Sigh.
plenty of batting in that line up.
Not so sure a about the bowling and a lot depending on VP/SK up front.
Not so sure a about the bowling and a lot depending on VP/SK up front.
Top quality new ball pair: one proven and one highly promising change seamer: front line spinner with wickets at international level and highly competent back-up.
Not sure how much more bowling you could reasonably hope for!?!?
Not sure how much more bowling you could reasonably hope for!?!?
Most of us at the Vale ground thought Craig Meschede would play.
I posted earlies that Jos will be playing
I posted earlies that Jos will be playing
Quote:Naxxar
Told you Meschede would play!
Fair enough! I don't mind know alls who also own up when they get it wrong! I'm sure you will tell us when you get it wrong!
Promise??
Of course! I get more wrong than right!! But Craig was a shoo-in based on his good pre-season form, the way he ended last season and the fact that Lewis was playing away.
On paper tomorrow's line up looks fine except for a concern over who will be first change bowler..
On paper tomorrow's line up looks fine except for a concern over who will be first change bowler..
Quote:Grockle
Kirby, Philander, Trego plus an other and George? Middlesex don't personally scare me if Somerset turn up for this game.
I am certainly not scared of Middx. I've always believed though that the team that believes it has the better bowling resources ( which with Philander and Kirby should be us) then you are better, if possible, NOT producing a track heavily favouring the bowlers. On a flatter track differences in quality of attack are accentuated, IMO.
Sky Sports reporting that Morgan is available for the sex
Do they know something we don't? More likely we know stuff they don't, like IPL starting!
Do they know something we don't? More likely we know stuff they don't, like IPL starting!
Toss could be a decent one to win..cloudy all day tomorrow, sunny spells Friday..
mind you, we won the toss first match last season and....
mind you, we won the toss first match last season and....
Quote:Naxxar
Should be fine because of the nature of the injury
If I had a pec injury I think I should prefer to keep wicket rather than, say, field on the boundary (more stress on the pec throwing the ball a long way.)
Is there any chance that Jos might keep?
Quote:Naxxar
Of course! I get more wrong than right!! But Craig was a shoo-in based on his good pre-season form, the way he ended last season and the fact that Lewis was playing away.
On paper tomorrow's line up looks fine except for a concern over who will be first change bowler..
Is Lewis having been in the middle east really a factor in his putative omission?
If so, seems a little harsh? And makes me wonder whether Lewis might flatly refuse any MCC invitation in future?
Quote:Frome Exile
Top quality new ball pair: one proven and one highly promising change seamer: front line spinner with wickets at international level and highly competent back-up.
Not sure how much more bowling you could reasonably hope for!?!?
Thats fine FE. Two batting all rounders as back up and a spinner with very little first class exeprience is another way of looking at it.
However, there is only one way to obtain that experience!!!
Is Hussain definitively unfit i.e. still injured, is he not injured but not match fit, or is he simply not selected?
I assume Dibble is definitively injured?
If the 11 that NW5 mentioned is the actual team then I'm pleased to note the distinct absence of the type of unwieldy tail with which we began last season.
I assume Dibble is definitively injured?
If the 11 that NW5 mentioned is the actual team then I'm pleased to note the distinct absence of the type of unwieldy tail with which we began last season.
Quote:AGodQuote:Naxxar
Of course! I get more wrong than right!! But Craig was a shoo-in based on his good pre-season form, the way he ended last season and the fact that Lewis was playing away.
On paper tomorrow's line up looks fine except for a concern over who will be first change bowler..
Is Lewis having been in the middle east really a factor in his putative omission?
If so, seems a little harsh? And makes me wonder whether Lewis might flatly refuse any MCC invitation in future?
No no..I don't pick the side, obviously..I don't know the criteria the selectors used..but I was just saying Craig had plenty of game time pre-season in English conditions and therefore, using that criteria, would be ahead of LG.
Think Dibble has knee trouble. It seized up in the Surrey game (having done it v Glamorgan) and was having an injection to try and sort it. Obviously that hasn't worked. Hopefully, its not too bad and in tyhe long run he and Hussain will have big parts to play cos we will need them at some stage.
Pity..Dibble looked decent pre-season..gained some pace and filled out a bit too
Looking at our side tomorrow re-inforces my view that VP is so crucial to us..if he gets off to a good start and we can get an opponent 50-3 or whatever..and on the front foot in a match from the word go..it reduces the pressure on the rest of the attack, bearing in mind CM and GD are inexperienced and PT isn't really a first change bowler these days...
Looking at our side tomorrow re-inforces my view that VP is so crucial to us..if he gets off to a good start and we can get an opponent 50-3 or whatever..and on the front foot in a match from the word go..it reduces the pressure on the rest of the attack, bearing in mind CM and GD are inexperienced and PT isn't really a first change bowler these days...
Yeah, Ronnie, I think adding pace was a BR instruction to Dibble for the winter. Think I read that somewhere.
I hope the pitch contains less moisture than appearances might imply; and that George D will therefore have a big role to play. If George does a lot of bowling and bottles up one end, then we could employ VP in short, sharp bursts.
If not? VP may find himself being asked to be both stock and shock bowler. I think those are a couple of stools that Flintoff sometimes slipped between whilst playing for England.
I hope the pitch contains less moisture than appearances might imply; and that George D will therefore have a big role to play. If George does a lot of bowling and bottles up one end, then we could employ VP in short, sharp bursts.
If not? VP may find himself being asked to be both stock and shock bowler. I think those are a couple of stools that Flintoff sometimes slipped between whilst playing for England.
With the cold weather like it is LG might just get the nod over GD.That would mean VP batting at 10. Thinks Kirbs wouldn't be too hapy with a no. 11 slot though, and might throw an early season wobbly!!
He'd have to be utterly delusional to seriously believe that he should bat ahead of Vernon.
Doesn't Vernon have a career highest score of 160 odd!?
Doesn't Vernon have a career highest score of 160 odd!?
I think that Peter Trego is only really a third - change bowler in the CC these days.
All the pre - season hype and ballyhoo will be over tomorrow when the first ball of the season is sent down.
I just hope that our batsmen (from Marcus Trescothick downwards) learn the merits and advantages of occupation of the crease. Too often in the past, our batting downfall has been on account of those at the top of the order wafting their bats as if playing in some Twenty20 game, and leaving the rest of the team with an unnecessary uphill task in trying to rebuild the innings.
How I have often wished that we had a grafter like Peter Roebuck, for example, to rely on.
If the players are conditioned to believe that they are the greatest team in the First Division, without having proved it, then they will fail abjectly.
If any side, in any sport, fail to recognise their shortcomings, then they will never improve. You can only do that by acknowledging that you are not as good as you believed yourself to be.
Let the season commence.
All the pre - season hype and ballyhoo will be over tomorrow when the first ball of the season is sent down.
I just hope that our batsmen (from Marcus Trescothick downwards) learn the merits and advantages of occupation of the crease. Too often in the past, our batting downfall has been on account of those at the top of the order wafting their bats as if playing in some Twenty20 game, and leaving the rest of the team with an unnecessary uphill task in trying to rebuild the innings.
How I have often wished that we had a grafter like Peter Roebuck, for example, to rely on.
If the players are conditioned to believe that they are the greatest team in the First Division, without having proved it, then they will fail abjectly.
If any side, in any sport, fail to recognise their shortcomings, then they will never improve. You can only do that by acknowledging that you are not as good as you believed yourself to be.
Let the season commence.
Hopefully Lewis Gregory will play he will provide a good 1st change bowling option which will be stronger than if he does`nt play
Quote:AGod
He'd have to be utterly delusional to seriously believe that he should bat ahead of Vernon.
Doesn't Vernon have a career highest score of 160 odd!?
Sounds like the ideal number 3!!
Play the game, not the season.
That's where it all went wrong v Warks last year...
That's where it all went wrong v Warks last year...
From what I heard things went wrong vs Warks mainly because of a calypso cavalier type approach to the batting on that occasion.
I would therefore echo Clarence's call and suggest that it would be a good thing if our batsmen were to bear in mind that there are a minimum of 288 overs available over the first 3 days of the game and a good number available on day 4 also.
I would therefore echo Clarence's call and suggest that it would be a good thing if our batsmen were to bear in mind that there are a minimum of 288 overs available over the first 3 days of the game and a good number available on day 4 also.
Yes but the game was over as a contest when they batted first and made 600+, never mind our cavalier batting that followed.
The first match of any season is bound to come under extra scrutiny just because it is the first match. But a good performance against Middlesex won't mean we will be champions and a bad performance won't mean it's going to be a terrible season.
It's important to just play the match..the rest of the season will look after itself.
The first match of any season is bound to come under extra scrutiny just because it is the first match. But a good performance against Middlesex won't mean we will be champions and a bad performance won't mean it's going to be a terrible season.
It's important to just play the match..the rest of the season will look after itself.
So..things we already know/suspect the night before the season starts...
George is getting the nod ahead of Max as Kartik's 'replacement'.
Craig M looks to have the early season advantage over Lewis.
Dibble looked to have the nod over Hussain until he got injured.
Youth is still being given a chance this season. So is homegrown talent (7 of tom's side are locally produced)
Our tail looks way stronger than it did exactly one year ago!
Tomorrow will be the first time in 5 CC matches that we are able to put out what most believe to be our strongest top 6.
George is getting the nod ahead of Max as Kartik's 'replacement'.
Craig M looks to have the early season advantage over Lewis.
Dibble looked to have the nod over Hussain until he got injured.
Youth is still being given a chance this season. So is homegrown talent (7 of tom's side are locally produced)
Our tail looks way stronger than it did exactly one year ago!
Tomorrow will be the first time in 5 CC matches that we are able to put out what most believe to be our strongest top 6.
I still hope to see GEORGE AND MAX bowling in tandem in the CC this season. As far as the 4 day game is concerned if either does not get a reasonable 'crack of the whip' I believe the loser will not be playing for us next season, but may come back to haunt us in future years.
Don't hold your breath! It could happen if we get a very dry hot summer but to play them BOTH together could be hard to engineer considering the balance of the side.
It would also depend on what Brian decides about an overseas player for part two of our season.
There is no way that Somerset will go into their first championship match of the season without a front line spinner...Dockrell will definitely play...his six wickets v Surrey ensure that. Meschede is ahead of Lewis with his recent five wicket haul plus a few runs...Lewis will be 12thers IMO.
Quote:Clarence Parker
I think that Peter Trego is only really a third - change bowler in the CC these days.
With respect, CP, unless you are using the term differently from the way in which I understand it (i.e. first change = third seamer, second change = fourth etc), then I think that is exceptionally harsh.
And more to the point, if we need another four seamers before him, then he would need to bat in the top five to justify his selection, and we'd have no chance of including him and a spinner in a balanced side!
Or have I misinterpreted you?
Arul's spin certainly not discounted G and I believe he is a highly effective member of the spin department but I would suggest he not seen as front line..he is there to bat primarily, George is there to spin.
Very overcast but the early rain has stopped.
Very cold too. 6C at the ground right now. Hope our armchair supporters in Oman and at work in the UK are feeling warmer than here.
Forecast for cloud but dry. Brighter tomorrow.
Definitely an insert sort of morning.
Although we said that 12 months ago too!
Very cold too. 6C at the ground right now. Hope our armchair supporters in Oman and at work in the UK are feeling warmer than here.
Forecast for cloud but dry. Brighter tomorrow.
Definitely an insert sort of morning.
Although we said that 12 months ago too!
You say that, Naxxar, but what about that old chestnut of 'too cold to swing'???
Admittedly we no longer have Charl anyway. But PT who will presumably be first change does rely mainly on swing.
Also - a horrid day on which to field? Much potential for damaged fingers in the slips.
Still, if the pitch remains very green, then I'd guess both sides may bat today...
Admittedly we no longer have Charl anyway. But PT who will presumably be first change does rely mainly on swing.
Also - a horrid day on which to field? Much potential for damaged fingers in the slips.
Still, if the pitch remains very green, then I'd guess both sides may bat today...
It's raining again right now out there and I can barely see the hills anymore.
Not confident of an 11am start, but... there's time yet.
Not confident of an 11am start, but... there's time yet.
Quote:Naxxar
Very overcast but the early rain has stopped.
Very cold too. 6C at the ground right now. Hope our armchair supporters in Oman and at work in the UK are feeling warmer than here.
Forecast for cloud but dry. Brighter tomorrow.
Definitely an insert sort of morning.
Although we said that 12 months ago too!
What was it you said about my response to your original weather forecast?? It isn't dry at the moment in my part of TA1.
Quote:Frome ExileQuote:Clarence Parker
I think that Peter Trego is only really a third - change bowler in the CC these days.
With respect, CP, unless you are using the term differently from the way in which I understand it (i.e. first change = third seamer, second change = fourth etc), then I think that is exceptionally harsh.
And more to the point, if we need another four seamers before him, then he would need to bat in the top five to justify his selection, and we'd have no chance of including him and a spinner in a balanced side!
Or have I misinterpreted you?
Partially, yes, Frome Exile.
With respect, I did say “third – change bowler”, not “third – change seamer.”
I am no analyst (we are well - served in that respect on this site) but I suspect that an examination of last season's scorecards would reveal that Peter was fairly often the fifth bowler to be used - especially after the return of Murali Kartik from the IPL.
Of course, the use of an attack is not set in stone, and there may be an occasion when it is right and proper for him to be given the new ball at the start of an innings, or alternatively not to use him at all.
With Hussain, Dibble, Gregory and Meschede vying for places, there is much of a much ness about our attack now that the left - arm variation of Charl Willoughby is no longer an option.
Whether any of the four afore - mentioned players will take their wickets at a better strike rate, economy rate or average in comparison to Peter Trego, remains to be seen.
I don't think any of them will achieve a better strike-rate than Pete. However, strike rate has never been much of a problem for Mr Trego anyway. His career strike-rate is enormously presentable for someone who is often second change.
If there is an issue with Pete that limits the amount that Marcus uses him, I think it's economy rate.
When I saw him, briefly, at Hove last season, I thought Meschede looked a good 'line,' bowler. And he seems to have gone well in pre-season. It might be that he will prove more economical than PT, IMO.
If there is an issue with Pete that limits the amount that Marcus uses him, I think it's economy rate.
When I saw him, briefly, at Hove last season, I thought Meschede looked a good 'line,' bowler. And he seems to have gone well in pre-season. It might be that he will prove more economical than PT, IMO.
It's nice and warm in my office, but pretty dam cold and miserable outside, so my inability to get to Taunton today, is not so bad. Just last week it was wonderfully warm, so hopefully Spring will soon return.
Mike, I think single men can say it but not do it, in Oman.
A few years ago it would have been a 'frosty' welcome to Barmy Kev and f(r)iends, but now it's a cold, wet one.
Mike, I think single men can say it but not do it, in Oman.
A few years ago it would have been a 'frosty' welcome to Barmy Kev and f(r)iends, but now it's a cold, wet one.
Very depressing the cover are on just before the start of the match.
Is this a good sign for the season a BBC Somerset van at a county match, or is it because it is the start of a new season?
We will see.
Ironically, after a sharp overnight frost it is dry and sunny in Newcastle after the snow of earlier in the week. As long as it's fine for my trip to Birmingham next week.
Playing everywhere else in all scheduled CC games.
Is it still actually raining down there?
Is it still actually raining down there?
Please, a weather update anyone? Proposed start? No updates anywhere on the web for about 50 minutes now.
\yes - there is still rain in the air and cloud cover.
Can't see any play this side of lunch.
Can't see any play this side of lunch.
FWIW, this is Peter Trego's FC bowling career stratified according to when he bowled:
Doesn't directly answer the question being debated above, but interesting enough to note that there's very little shape to it.
_BowlNo I O M R W balls Ave SR Econ 5WI BBI
====================================================================================
1 3 21.3 5 102 0 129 - - 4.7 0 0-22
2 14 151.3 26 627 16 909 39.19 56.81 4.1 0 4-72
3 46 505.3 95 1995 56 3033 35.63 54.16 3.9 1 6-59
4 62 761.0 132 2796 76 4566 36.79 60.08 3.7 0 4-22
5 40 377.5 71 1398 34 2267 41.12 66.68 3.7 0 3-46
6 12 102.1 18 376 12 613 31.33 51.08 3.7 0 4-26
7 3 11.0 2 40 0 66 - - 3.6 0 0-5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall 180 1930.3 349 7334 194 11583 37.80 59.71 3.8 1 6-59
Doesn't directly answer the question being debated above, but interesting enough to note that there's very little shape to it.
Good stuff!!!
I think we should start the season in March, have a break April to August and then finish it all off in Sept, Oct and early Nov.
We would avoid the IPL that way too!!
I think we should start the season in March, have a break April to August and then finish it all off in Sept, Oct and early Nov.
We would avoid the IPL that way too!!
I would guess a start at about 4pm, (subject to no more rain) if our weather in southside of TA1 is anything to go on.
And, while we're waiting, here's a tenuously related PQQ:
Amongst seam bowlers, who has the best test bowling average at first-change?
(minimum of 50 test wickets at BowlNo 3)
Amongst seam bowlers, who has the best test bowling average at first-change?
(minimum of 50 test wickets at BowlNo 3)
correct SJB.avoid the weather.
Forecast I saw OB was that the weather was moving away south so maybe a tad earlier than 4?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:12:47:31 by Ronniesabre.
Forecast I saw OB was that the weather was moving away south so maybe a tad earlier than 4?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:12:47:31 by Ronniesabre.
Mopping up going on further inspection at 13.45 - hopefully 2 o'clock start.
BBC London's Kevin Hand has tweeted 'Hopefully 2.00 start'
Edit NW5 beat me to it!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:13:29:57 by chunkyinargyll.
Edit NW5 beat me to it!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:13:29:57 by chunkyinargyll.
Mopping up at Taunton and a further inspection at 13.45 - hopefully 2 o'clock start.
Quote:Keith's Sweater
And, while we're waiting, here's a tenuously related PQQ:
Amongst seam bowlers, who has the best test bowling average at first-change?
(minimum of 50 test wickets at BowlNo 3)
Joel Garner?
Official announcement has just been made over the tannoy at the County Ground that a further inspection will be made at 1.45pm with the wicket and square needing running repairs. Half the covers around the square are off with the other half about to be removed. The pitch remains covered and there's still some work to be done before we get any play here between Somerset and Middlesex.
Quote:AGodQuote:Keith's Sweater
And, while we're waiting, here's a tenuously related PQQ:
Amongst seam bowlers, who has the best test bowling average at first-change?
(minimum of 50 test wickets at BowlNo 3)
Joel Garner?
Nice thinking, but he comes third.
Quote:Nope (almost all his test wickets came in innings in which he took the new ball).NW5Somerset
Caddick?
And, in case I've led folk astray by calling it a PQQ, there's no Somerset connection. It's just a surprising bit of trivia.
Quote:Another plausible shout. He's fourth on the list.NW5Somerset
Botham?
Quote:SillyMidOn
Jason Gillespie
Surprisingly only took 33 test wickets as first-change (and not at an average that would challenge our man, in any case).
Keith mentioned the word 'surprising.'
But I cannot think of a surprise candidate (perhaps not surprisingly) so I'll stick with my previous theme and guess Andy Roberts?
But I cannot think of a surprise candidate (perhaps not surprisingly) so I'll stick with my previous theme and guess Andy Roberts?
Minimum of 55 overs today
Tea is 4.25 to 4.45
Close 6.30 or when 55 overs are bowled
Tea is 4.25 to 4.45
Close 6.30 or when 55 overs are bowled
Quote:AGod
... Andy Roberts?
Here's another surprise: he took the new ball in every test match he bowled in.
Quote:Sixth and tenth, respectively. Marshall's average went up quite a bit when he didn't get the new ball (one of the facts I tend to point out when arguing that Garner was better) (I also tend to mention my memory of Jimmy Cook spanking Marshall around Taunton like a net bowler).Frome Exile
Courtney Walsh or Malcolm Marshall?
Quote:AGod
I think I have guessed it; Murali?
I did specify seam bowlers. Nevertheless, our man has a better average even than Murali at first-change (though not as good as Briggs, Laker, or Verity).
We won the toss and will field first.
Somerset team
ME Trescothick*, AV Suppiah, NRD Compton, JC Hildreth, C Kieswetter†, JC Buttler, PD Trego, CAJ Meschede, VD Philander, GH Dockrell, SP Kirby
Middlesex team
SD Robson, JL Denly, CJL Rogers, DJ Malan, NJ Dexter*, JA Simpson†, GK Berg, OP Rayner, TJ Murtagh, TS Roland-Jones, CD Collymore
Somerset team
ME Trescothick*, AV Suppiah, NRD Compton, JC Hildreth, C Kieswetter†, JC Buttler, PD Trego, CAJ Meschede, VD Philander, GH Dockrell, SP Kirby
Middlesex team
SD Robson, JL Denly, CJL Rogers, DJ Malan, NJ Dexter*, JA Simpson†, GK Berg, OP Rayner, TJ Murtagh, TS Roland-Jones, CD Collymore
I'll stop clogging the thread up, now there's something worthwhile to discuss.
Told you the answer was unexpected, though.
Told you the answer was unexpected, though.
I did consider that name. Wasn't sure he'd have bowled that much with the new ball.
The most striking thing about that list is how quickly the records become really ordinary as you work down the list.
Anyway, we're off.
The most striking thing about that list is how quickly the records become really ordinary as you work down the list.
Anyway, we're off.
Philander strikes with just his 3rd ball.
Robson caught behind.
Middlesex 0/1
Robson caught behind.
Middlesex 0/1
Sounds like he is right on the money, accuracy wise.
This is probably what we expected. I think most are far less certain of what will happen when the change pacemen come on.
This is probably what we expected. I think most are far less certain of what will happen when the change pacemen come on.
Can I check if my experience of commentary is the same as others?
Using the web page player it is almost impossible to listen to because the volume is very low
Using the external player there is mre control over volume but the starting level makes it very difficult to hear from any kind of distance?
I'm listening on a laptop linked through powered speakers and even then I have the volume at a particularly high level.
Also one mike (Paul Hart's) is at a level distinctly below the other one.
I'm feeding back to the club to try and improve the service so any other comments would be welcomed.
But at least I heard the first wicket at Somewrset from VP!!
Using the web page player it is almost impossible to listen to because the volume is very low
Using the external player there is mre control over volume but the starting level makes it very difficult to hear from any kind of distance?
I'm listening on a laptop linked through powered speakers and even then I have the volume at a particularly high level.
Also one mike (Paul Hart's) is at a level distinctly below the other one.
I'm feeding back to the club to try and improve the service so any other comments would be welcomed.
But at least I heard the first wicket at Somewrset from VP!!
What will happen when the change pacemen come on is that the batsmen will be so releived to see the back of VP and SK that they will relax and be out!!
And rather than speculating on how bad they will be ... we can wait and see because they will come on in the next 3 or 4 hours.
Have you been on to the ground AG warning them that Gary might be ringing?
The commentators have suggested that he might need a longish spell to get used to the environment. Brian must be very nervous.
Have you been on to the ground AG warning them that Gary might be ringing?
The commentators have suggested that he might need a longish spell to get used to the environment. Brian must be very nervous.
At 70% volume on my laptop I can hear main commentator very well. The second mic is a little below par.
The quality over the net is very good.
The quality over the net is very good.
Yes, well done, GM, you were right. Sucker trap for Rogers! Huge scalp for Meschede.
I have been searching the icons for the radio link, but can't find it, so what hope has a newcomer? Do you all have pictures at the top of the screen or do you have sub-titles as well? I thought Grockle said click on the Fonz, but that seems to be a broken link. Someone on FB is enquiring about live streaming, so I thought I'd point him / her this way.
It used to be Kartik I think. Don't know if he's even still there, though.
I'm on Beeb London over the net, myself.
I'm on Beeb London over the net, myself.
Kartik is working for me, despite his defection. I tried BBC London, but they told me I had to upgrade something, my washing machine, I think. Not worth the bother.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Yes - It's the Kartik link Both. Or you could just point your FB contact to http://www.cricketcommentary.co.uk/somerset/
KB
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:16:13:25 by Kingston Black.
KB
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:16:13:25 by Kingston Black.
Sorry Botham I've only mentioned it twice on the forum this season and identified it on the frontpage story that this is linked to.
I can see why you would find it so hard to find.
I can see why you would find it so hard to find.
Grockle, I assume you mean you can't see?
What happens if newcomers visit the site and they haven't been following your clues?
Thanks to everyone else for their assistance.
What happens if newcomers visit the site and they haven't been following your clues?
Thanks to everyone else for their assistance.
I can't see an image of Kartik. All the other links seem to go to an ESPN site.
Some of your guys clearly prefer the BBC London commentary.
Two of them have had emails read out already! (I won't say who incase they get blackballed!)
Two of them have had emails read out already! (I won't say who incase they get blackballed!)
For the past 3 years ALL stories where there is commentary are identified under the title of the game with a link where there is one or instructions where to find it.
These fronpage stories are linked to threads for the game. It isn't my fault you don't bother to read the reports on your county's games.
At least Grockles actually have a link!!
I don't know why you think newbies are the only ones with a problem I told you all this last season when you didn't bother to look for it at all then. New people to the site can ask and people will happily explain it to them - they'l only really need telling once won't they?
Sorry you can't recognise Murali Kartik after 2 years. He will change when I get some software to alter the picture. I'll choose someone else you don't know so we can educate you to other new players at the county.
Reverse Swing - please don't be offended by the fact I have removed your link to BBC London. We have had a policy for many years that we don't link to sites that provide nothing to us in return. When volunteers provide their time to commentate on the county its only right that it is the commentary we should promote and if people want to find other sources that give us nothing in return they should find them for themselves by going to BBC Sport or whereever rather than supporters here providing that service for them.
If there is no commentary of course or there are technical difficulties then that is a different issue.
Because Botham can't find things despite being told about them on more than one occasion seems no reason to change that policy. But thanks for thinking about him nevertheless.
These fronpage stories are linked to threads for the game. It isn't my fault you don't bother to read the reports on your county's games.
At least Grockles actually have a link!!
I don't know why you think newbies are the only ones with a problem I told you all this last season when you didn't bother to look for it at all then. New people to the site can ask and people will happily explain it to them - they'l only really need telling once won't they?
Sorry you can't recognise Murali Kartik after 2 years. He will change when I get some software to alter the picture. I'll choose someone else you don't know so we can educate you to other new players at the county.
Reverse Swing - please don't be offended by the fact I have removed your link to BBC London. We have had a policy for many years that we don't link to sites that provide nothing to us in return. When volunteers provide their time to commentate on the county its only right that it is the commentary we should promote and if people want to find other sources that give us nothing in return they should find them for themselves by going to BBC Sport or whereever rather than supporters here providing that service for them.
If there is no commentary of course or there are technical difficulties then that is a different issue.
Because Botham can't find things despite being told about them on more than one occasion seems no reason to change that policy. But thanks for thinking about him nevertheless.
chunkyinargyll
The comment about Radio London is a good one Chunky.
The absence of an e-mail access point on Somerset's commentary is something that they ought to work on, though having said that, when I've been in the box and offered replies to e-mail comments there hasn't been a huge take-up from listeners.
I suppose it is something you have to cultivate over a consistent period of time. Presently the commentators do not have access to IT in the box unless they provide their own.
It's not a question of being 'blackballed' by the way, how people choose to watch/listen to their cricket is entirely up to them.
It's just as a supporters site we support people who give up their time to provide a service and let the commercial operations market their products through their own commercial access points.
Now if they want to pay us to promote them... now that is an entirely different matter.
According to Eric Cole on the radoi at the moment they are using Grockles and reading comments so if you want to make them then direct them to the commentators.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:17:30:08 by Grockle.
Quote:Some of your guys clearly prefer the BBC London commentary.
Two of them have had emails read out already! (I won't say who incase they get blackballed!)
The comment about Radio London is a good one Chunky.
The absence of an e-mail access point on Somerset's commentary is something that they ought to work on, though having said that, when I've been in the box and offered replies to e-mail comments there hasn't been a huge take-up from listeners.
I suppose it is something you have to cultivate over a consistent period of time. Presently the commentators do not have access to IT in the box unless they provide their own.
It's not a question of being 'blackballed' by the way, how people choose to watch/listen to their cricket is entirely up to them.
It's just as a supporters site we support people who give up their time to provide a service and let the commercial operations market their products through their own commercial access points.
Now if they want to pay us to promote them... now that is an entirely different matter.
According to Eric Cole on the radoi at the moment they are using Grockles and reading comments so if you want to make them then direct them to the commentators.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:05:17:30:08 by Grockle.
Cheers Eric and Tom (and hello Paul and Chris).
It's 31 degrees here - but it is 8:20 at night. The commentary is coming is loud and clear after Tea, a few issues before the break.
Rather be there to be honest.
Was gong to mail good wishes to you and the boys but I haven't got a record of your e-mail address here.
Will bring some sun with me in June when I'm back home
It's 31 degrees here - but it is 8:20 at night. The commentary is coming is loud and clear after Tea, a few issues before the break.
Rather be there to be honest.
Was gong to mail good wishes to you and the boys but I haven't got a record of your e-mail address here.
Will bring some sun with me in June when I'm back home
Sounds like a good performance by SCCC on a day when conditions for bowling and fielding must have been much worse than for batting.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Can anyone please tell me the name of the person who was in the commentary box talking to Julian Cattenach (apologies if it was not him, and furthermore if I have spelt his name incorrectly) this morning before play started?
Despite the fact that there was at the time no play on which to commentate, he sounded very knowledgeable on the subject of Somerset cricket and also had a good vocal delivery.
I seem to recall him being referred to as Ben, but as I was flitting in and out of the room at the time, I may be mistaken.
If he is to be a part of the commentary team this season, I look forward to hearing more of him – as of course I do to all the others who volunteer to provide the service.
Despite the fact that there was at the time no play on which to commentate, he sounded very knowledgeable on the subject of Somerset cricket and also had a good vocal delivery.
I seem to recall him being referred to as Ben, but as I was flitting in and out of the room at the time, I may be mistaken.
If he is to be a part of the commentary team this season, I look forward to hearing more of him – as of course I do to all the others who volunteer to provide the service.
Ben Manning.
A decent mini shift by our bowlers today. VP was every inch the star we hoped he would be and could have had a 5-for already with better luck. Kirbs bowled well without much luck, Pete found some swing, George looked tidy and Craig recovered from a shaky start to get his wicket.
A decent mini shift by our bowlers today. VP was every inch the star we hoped he would be and could have had a 5-for already with better luck. Kirbs bowled well without much luck, Pete found some swing, George looked tidy and Craig recovered from a shaky start to get his wicket.
Philander looked every bit as good as we've been led to believe. I think that as long as he stays fit he WILL SURELY win the Test series against England for SA. I am checking what odds I can get on that.
Shame about the weather, but I would think we're pretty happy having them 4 down for just 118.
Now, clear then up tomorrow for 150 total please !
Grizzzly
Now, clear then up tomorrow for 150 total please !
Grizzzly
I've done shifts with him and he knows his stuff CP. Most of the main guys do, they';ve been watching at Taunton for a considerable number of years.
It looks like they have the initial technology issues sorted - no-one did a technical run through this year beforehand but the problems seem to have been ironed out by the after Tea session.
It looks like they have the initial technology issues sorted - no-one did a technical run through this year beforehand but the problems seem to have been ironed out by the after Tea session.
First day photos of the Middlesex match, with the day shorten and bad light at the end I had not much to choose from.
Vernon Philander in bowling action.
Vernon Philander getting the wicket of Sam Robson ct Craig Kieswetter with his second ball of the day.
Vernon Philander beat the bat lots of times Chris Rogers found that he was hard to play.
This shot by Chris Rogers could only result in one or two things happening, either a six or caught on the boundary with two fielders out there. He was caught by George Dockrell off the bowling of Craig Meschede.
This lbw shout by Vernon Philander against Chris Rogers was turned down by the umpires who must have thought it was going over the stumps.
Vernon Philander in bowling action.
Vernon Philander getting the wicket of Sam Robson ct Craig Kieswetter with his second ball of the day.
Vernon Philander beat the bat lots of times Chris Rogers found that he was hard to play.
This shot by Chris Rogers could only result in one or two things happening, either a six or caught on the boundary with two fielders out there. He was caught by George Dockrell off the bowling of Craig Meschede.
This lbw shout by Vernon Philander against Chris Rogers was turned down by the umpires who must have thought it was going over the stumps.
Quote:old boy!
Philander looked every bit as good as we've been led to believe. I think that as long as he stays fit he WILL SURELY win the Test series against England for SA. I am checking what odds I can get on that.
Well, he's the first guy for 117 years or whatever it is to get to 50 wkts that quickly. And then, at the other end, they have the guy with the best strike rate in the modern history of the game, in Dale Steyn.
So, yes, the England batsmen had best cash in during the series with the Windies.
A few more images, along with some brief commentary on my flickr account:
Somerset v Middlesex, Taunton, 5-8 April 2012
Like Mike, not a great number of images due to the short day, and the fact I was just enjoying watching some cricket!
Somerset v Middlesex, Taunton, 5-8 April 2012
Like Mike, not a great number of images due to the short day, and the fact I was just enjoying watching some cricket!
great pics thanks.
Just listened to VP's interview on ecbtv. Apparently according to that he is only here for 6 weeks, which by my reckoning mewans he is only here till mid May. Is this what has been agreed. It also leaves us short for about 3/4 CC games.
Just listened to VP's interview on ecbtv. Apparently according to that he is only here for 6 weeks, which by my reckoning mewans he is only here till mid May. Is this what has been agreed. It also leaves us short for about 3/4 CC games.
Not been told Ron. Maybe this interview will prompt some information to be forthcoming. When do the Saffers start?
They don't start until one month aftrr his tenure was supposed to end (which was after nine games, I think.)
ECBtv might be wrong. Or perhaps you were right all along Ron and they have lopped a few games off the end of his stint.
Still, 5 or 6 games of VP would be a lot better than 9 games of the vast majority of other overseas players.
If he is limited to the first 5 or 6 games, then you wonder what Brian will do next? Try to get through to the T20 window without an overseas and then sign one for the post T20 phase? Try to find somebody available both pre T20 and post T20, or be left with the even more arduous task of finding two different overseas players (in addition to VP) to get us through the season.
ECBtv might be wrong. Or perhaps you were right all along Ron and they have lopped a few games off the end of his stint.
Still, 5 or 6 games of VP would be a lot better than 9 games of the vast majority of other overseas players.
If he is limited to the first 5 or 6 games, then you wonder what Brian will do next? Try to get through to the T20 window without an overseas and then sign one for the post T20 phase? Try to find somebody available both pre T20 and post T20, or be left with the even more arduous task of finding two different overseas players (in addition to VP) to get us through the season.
Weatherwise much better today so far. Should be warmer as well. There are some darkish clouds in North West but heres hoping anyway. Guinea pig back on the lawn this morning is proof that things are improving!!
Many thanks to both for the photographs. I particularly liked the one of Kirby and Philander scrutinising the ball.
Quote:Grockle
If this is earlier then he should be fully used while he is here.
Absolutely.
Well bowled Kirbs!! Denly 73 ct and Bowled. 130-5
Thanks for the commentary Bill and colleague - keep up the good work.
BTW Peter Trego is called Tree go not Tray go!
Thanks for the commentary Bill and colleague - keep up the good work.
BTW Peter Trego is called Tree go not Tray go!
And another BTW:
Kirby comes from Lancashire, not Yorkshire. I can tell that from my armchair (or can I?).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Kirby comes from Lancashire, not Yorkshire. I can tell that from my armchair (or can I?).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The other scores seem to be moving on and I wonder whether the problem relating to our match has something to do with the current inadequacy of the scoreboard.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
How does that work? I presume the pa feed is connected to the official match scorers equipment at each ground and there is some feed device linked to the scoreboard and to the remote sites that consume it, or maybe it's a web service and anyone can request from it....
The geek in me would really love to know.
The geek in me would really love to know.
Dockrell far too good for Roland-Jones, by the sound of it.
Middx commentators reckon we've done enough already to have taken more than ten wickets and have been very unlucky.
Middx commentators reckon we've done enough already to have taken more than ten wickets and have been very unlucky.
Nice to see GD get a couple, did he bowl well?
Anyone know how many FC wickets Mendis got for us? Big Vern has got to be close.
Anyone know how many FC wickets Mendis got for us? Big Vern has got to be close.
5000 first class runs for Compton. And while we are waiting for Trescothick's fiftieth century we must also prepare ourselves for his 20,000th run.
What a hero!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
What a hero!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
For the commentators' benefit, I do indeed live in London, but spent three years in Lhasa, in the first of which I first became acquainted with the Grockles website.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
We all know he was there on Her Majesty's business although he denies it vehmently.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
5000 first class runs for Compton. And while we are waiting for Trescothick's fiftieth century we must also prepare ourselves for his 20,000th run.
What a hero!
Keith's Sweater sent in a stat to the radio team yesterday.
Stat was that, given a qualifying number of innings the exact number of which I forget, Nick Compton actually has the best average of any English player for SCCC in our history.
I think it may have been 20 matches, the minimum number applicable to the stat.
And the stat did not include the massive knock vs Cardiff.
Marcus's runs from 1993 to 2011
Somerset 13135
England A 199
England 5825
England XI 556
Overall
284 matches
489 innings
29 not outs
19715 runs
284 highest score
42.85 average
49 Centuries
97 50's
369 catches
Hope thisis useful to the commentary team
Somerset 13135
England A 199
England 5825
England XI 556
Overall
284 matches
489 innings
29 not outs
19715 runs
284 highest score
42.85 average
49 Centuries
97 50's
369 catches
Hope thisis useful to the commentary team
If I hear Stuart Lancaster bumping on about honour and privilege one more time when I'm trying to listen to the game I game going to do something I regret.....and no LoL, that doesn't mean buy a round of drinks.
My lips are sealed.
I did indeed meet you in the commentary box last year and hope to be at Taunton again later in the season.
I did indeed meet you in the commentary box last year and hope to be at Taunton again later in the season.
And again.
Going to have to be on our mettle now to avoid a collapse either side of tea.
Going to have to be on our mettle now to avoid a collapse either side of tea.
Time to show some balls......as I'd frequently say during my nursing career.
Surprised by MT's bowling record! Did not realise how many wickets he had professionally
Somerset 31 first class and 48 one day
England 1 first class (who was it?) and 4 one day
If you add to that 4 England A and 1 England XI plus 4 Youth Test and 5 one day victims it gives him
99 career wickets!! Needs to turn his arm over this year!
ERIC post me your e-mail via paul.birdy@sky.com
Somerset 31 first class and 48 one day
England 1 first class (who was it?) and 4 one day
If you add to that 4 England A and 1 England XI plus 4 Youth Test and 5 one day victims it gives him
99 career wickets!! Needs to turn his arm over this year!
ERIC post me your e-mail via paul.birdy@sky.com
Sounds like an incredibly inept piece of cricket all round with both of our guys at one end and Middx still not able to run them out (thankfully.)
Can someone please tell Roy Kerslake to turn his microphone on? He is the only commentator really worth listening to and we can hardly hear him.
Quote:Grockle
99 career wickets!! Needs to turn his arm over this year!
PLEASE NO! Remember that ankle support! We'll manage without his bowling!
Middx commentators coming through loud and clear.. and sounding rather depressed!
Well, Tractor, I think that's the first time I have been to a match at Taunton, without you presents!
Lovely day and a nice ride along the canal, but a tad chilly later on.
Tomorrow I am risking the slow train via Castle Cary, so cider should warm BarmyKev and me up!
Lovely day and a nice ride along the canal, but a tad chilly later on.
Tomorrow I am risking the slow train via Castle Cary, so cider should warm BarmyKev and me up!
I did tell them Tractor and they sorted it out but it seems to have taken a while.
It's a shame because Roy does speak about the game with such clarity.
It's a shame because Roy does speak about the game with such clarity.
Every CC day this season so far has been better for SCCC than the previous one. Let's keep that up...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
No collapse either side of Tea. Just thought I'd mention that for those worried about it.
No collapse at all in fact - thought I'd mention that as well
No collapse at all in fact - thought I'd mention that as well
Terribly disappointing that we're still in arrears after day two.
If we see much more of this in the coming weeks then I fully expect Brian Rose to do the honourable thing and resign.
Shameful.
If we see much more of this in the coming weeks then I fully expect Brian Rose to do the honourable thing and resign.
Shameful.
BJ is right as always. Surely we should have won this match, if not the CC, by now.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
BJ is right as always. Surely we should have won this match, if not the CC, by now.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
MET's one test wicket -- bowling first change on the first morning of a test match! -- was Imran Nazir. [That match otherwise best remembered for finishing in the dark.]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:06:20:38:47 by Keith's Sweater.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:06:20:38:47 by Keith's Sweater.
You're so right, LoL....I am always right.
In fairness I do expect us to win this by an innings just before close of play tomorrow.
It's apparent to a seasoned observer such as myself that this rag-tag mob from London aren't up for the fight....which is a shame, some of their fans seem like a nice bunch, they deserve better.
As for the CC?
We'll win it of that I have no doubt, after testing the water over the past few seasons I think this is our treble year after, anything else would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Upwards and onwards, the boys are once again in the process of showing why we are the best cricket side in the world.
It has been a long and dreadful winter.
Let's hope for lots of smiles now the sun is shining again.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:06:20:46:25 by Big Jim.
In fairness I do expect us to win this by an innings just before close of play tomorrow.
It's apparent to a seasoned observer such as myself that this rag-tag mob from London aren't up for the fight....which is a shame, some of their fans seem like a nice bunch, they deserve better.
As for the CC?
We'll win it of that I have no doubt, after testing the water over the past few seasons I think this is our treble year after, anything else would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Upwards and onwards, the boys are once again in the process of showing why we are the best cricket side in the world.
It has been a long and dreadful winter.
Let's hope for lots of smiles now the sun is shining again.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:06:20:46:25 by Big Jim.
BJ
Shouldn't we win the 2nd XI championship as well?? AND the tiddely winks trophy also?
Shouldn't we win the 2nd XI championship as well?? AND the tiddely winks trophy also?
Day two photos, warmer today until it got cloudy and then it was like yesterday.
George Dockrell gave Toby Roland-Jones a hard time, this ball made it hard for Craig Kieswetter to take cleanly.
George Dockrell almost had Toby Roland-Jones caught by the close fielder the ball not quite within reach.
George Dockrell managed to trap Ollie Raynor lbw.
Vernon Philander had another good day often beating the bat, John Simpson found out how hard it was to bat against his bowling.
It wasn’t all Somerset today Middlesex had their moments as well, James Hildreth only scored one before being bowled by Gareth Berg.
George Dockrell managed to get two wickets, this was Corey Collymore trapped lbw by George Dockrell.
George Dockrell gave Toby Roland-Jones a hard time, this ball made it hard for Craig Kieswetter to take cleanly.
George Dockrell almost had Toby Roland-Jones caught by the close fielder the ball not quite within reach.
George Dockrell managed to trap Ollie Raynor lbw.
Vernon Philander had another good day often beating the bat, John Simpson found out how hard it was to bat against his bowling.
It wasn’t all Somerset today Middlesex had their moments as well, James Hildreth only scored one before being bowled by Gareth Berg.
George Dockrell managed to get two wickets, this was Corey Collymore trapped lbw by George Dockrell.
As I now have access to the SportNetwork editing facility, I wonder what I can do!
Quote:Botham
As I now have access to the SportNetwork editing facility, I wonder what I can do!
Not on this site yoiu don't
Quote:GrockleQuote:Botham
As I now have access to the SportNetwork editing facility, I wonder what I can do!
Not on this site yoiu don't
I have no idea what I have access to, but since I don't understand the code, it's not of much use.
You have to have access passwords approved by the editor of the site and you don't have them so I'm really not particularly interested in what you have.
Do SN know you have access? Broadcasting it on one of their sites if they don't seems a little daft doesn't it?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:06:21:59:37 by Grockle.
Do SN know you have access? Broadcasting it on one of their sites if they don't seems a little daft doesn't it?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:06:21:59:37 by Grockle.
Grockle - Kev gave Botham the code for MTWD site, so he could change the picture on our front page, so all legit.
(pity all our posts are now in italics though)
(pity all our posts are now in italics though)
How good to have a determined batting performance when it was needed. My new laptop enabled me to listen to the commentary for the first time-I remembered to click on MK- and was delighted with it. Mrs GM says that is the height of luxury, watching the test match with the sound off so we could listen to the commentary from Taunton at the same time.
By the way BJ, I'm not sure how I~ get Stuart Lancaster but I could well do without him
By the way BJ, I'm not sure how I~ get Stuart Lancaster but I could well do without him
Busy working all day, so missed our progress today.
All looking rather encouraging, he said with fingers firmly crossed !
ECB highlights provide a nice tase of the action. James got a snorter & how CK survived the run out comedy I don't know.
Make it count tomorrow lads..
Grizzzly
All looking rather encouraging, he said with fingers firmly crossed !
ECB highlights provide a nice tase of the action. James got a snorter & how CK survived the run out comedy I don't know.
Make it count tomorrow lads..
Grizzzly
Quote:chunkyinargyll
Grockle - Kev gave Botham the code for MTWD site, so he could change the picture on our front page, so all legit.
(pity all our posts are now in italics though)
Thanks for the clarification Chunky. Why a poster should feel the need to share this kind of info on a public forum is beyond me. But that isn't particularly unusual....
I thought it would be quite a lot of nothing but that being confirmed is much appreciated.
Quote:chunkyinargyll
Grockle - Kev gave Botham the code for MTWD site, so he could change the picture on our front page, so all legit.
(pity all our posts are now in italics though)
I checked the italics thing with Luke, last night and he says he didn't go into that area, so I can't help.
As for having access to the site, it was a wind up, which worked magnificently.
Weather is ok today (overcast and muggy) and better tomorrow. Monday is utterly shocking so we have dodged a bullet there!
Cricket fans up and down the country have waited over six long, dark, miserable months. Some will have turned to football or rugby as a distraction; others, like me, for whom cricket is the only fix, will have spent the wee small hours under the duvet tuning in to Aggers and co or the Sky team. When time and finances allow we may even fly to sunnier climates for our fix. (Warning – following the England team abroad in the winter can be as addictive as class A drugs. It can also be as mentally draining and certainly proved as expensive thanks to the Sri Lankan cricket board)
The clocks have gone forward, spring has sprung (and pressed the snooze button and gone back to sleep). The day has arrived. Armed with blankets, Thermos flasks and a not inconsiderable amount of thermal underwear cricket fans are out in force for the first day of the County Championship.
SOMERSET v MIDDLESEX 5-8 APRIL 2012 COUNTY GROUND, TAUNTON
Day 1
Somerset and Middlesex supporters were forced to wait an extra three-and-a-quarter hours as rain and gloom descended on Taunton on Thursday morning. My early morning drive from Liverpool had started in bright 7am sunshine. Hopes were high as they always are before a ball has been bowled, no matter who you support. I had TMS on the radio, England's batsmen were in the ascendancy for probably the first time this winter, Pietersen was showing the world he still has it, whatever it is, flaying the Sri Lankans to all corners of the P Sara Stadium in Colombo, watched by many friends old and new I had left behind in Sri Lanka. Then as I passed the Weston turn off the M5, the rain started, and was still falling as I reached Taunton. This hadn't been in the script – I questioned my motives in leaving Sri Lanka for both cricketing and climatic reasons.
An early lunch was taken and after inspections play was scheduled to start at 2.45. Trescothick won the toss and did the same as the rest of the day's lucky @#$%& – put the opposition in to bat. The team is confirmed; as suspected Lewis Gregory misses out. The supporters who have sat out the morning rain will get a chance to see Vernon Philander bowling. Joe Denly is fit and takes his place at the top of the order on debut for Middlesex.
It is still overcast and cold when play gets under way. We do not have to wait long as the second-fastest-bowler-to-50-Test-wickets is unleashed from the River End for the first over. Neither do we have long to wait for his first wicket as he gets Robson edging behind third ball of the over. Welcome to Taunton Mr Philander. You can stay as long as you want. And welcome to Division 1 Middlesex. There is a good lbw shout off the last ball of this opening over too, but the umpire is unmoved and Kirby starts the second over of the match from the Old Pavilion end.
The opening spell of 13 overs by Philander and Kirby is probably better/more hostile than any new-ball bowling I saw last season. Denly and Chris Rogers do well just to survive, although Denly does show signs of the talent that had him on the fringes of international recognition a few seasons ago, with three boundaries when Kirby and later Philander stray from their lines. Philander is bowling at least one unplayable ball every over and is unlucky to finish his spell with just the single wicket having had two or three very strong lbw shouts. After 13 overs Middlesex are just 25-1.
Unfortunately the double change, with Meschede coming on for Kirby at the Old Pavilion end and Trego replacing Philander from the River End releases all this pressure. Meschede is bowling too full and goes for 13 runs, including three Denly boundaries, in his first over and follows up with two boundaries from Rogers in his second. Trego is not treated as harshly from the River End but has the opposite problem, generally dropping it a bit short. But in their first four overs Middlesex double their score to pass 50. However such feast after a period of famine can make the batsman greedy and in Meschede's next over Rogers picks up on a ball that only a mother would love and sticks it straight down the throat of Dockrell at deep backward square. Middlesex 51-2.
The loss of Rogers puts the Middlesex brakes on and after 23 overs they have moved along to just 69-2. Meschede and Trego have got their line and length a bit more sorted but neither look particularly threatening. Dockrell replaces Meschede at the old pavilion end for a couple of overs before tea, which is taken after 26 overs. Middlesex go to tea 71-2 with Denly looking set on 37 and Malan 11.
After the interval Trescothick returns to his opening bowlers. Philander is on the money straight away and removes Malan lbw with the first ball of his third over after tea.
Incoming batsman Dexter is lucky not to be lbw first ball, and takes a single off a no-ball later in the over to get away from Philander. Kirby is more to his liking as he hasn't found the control of his opening spell but its only a matter of time before Philander gets his man as he bowls him in the 35th . The Middlesex captain may consider himself unlucky as just ten more balls are bowled before the umpires decide the light is too bad and play is suspended for the day. Somerset will feel it is a job well done after choosing to field first, Middlesex 118-4 off 36.1 overs, Simpson 2* and the impressive Denly 64* Philander has announced his arrival at Taunton with 3-21 off 12.1 overs. Despite having lost feeling in various extremities somewhere around the tea interval I'm no longer hankering for the Sri Lankan sun.
Day 2
Now this is more like it. Clear blue skies and a warming sun to temper the early April chill, there is a good turnout for the second day of this match with plenty of supporters in the Trescothick and Botham stands, the Old Pavilion and along the benches of Gimbletts Hill. It is not long before the Somerset-supporting majority to have something to cheer as Kirby puts the fielding training from Chris Taylor to good use to take a return catch from Denly. His 73 off 120 balls with 12 boundaries augurs well for Middlesex this season. Meanwhile Philander is continuing to cause problems from the River end and his fourth wicket of the innings – Berg lbw – is inevitably followed by his fifth as Dockrell takes a sharp catch off Simpson. Philander's work is done – his 8th of the morning lacks the threat of the previous seven (strictly speaking 6.5 as the first was completing the over started last evening) and he is replaced by Dockrell.
Just as Middlesex are anticipating reaching a first batting point Rayner goes lbw to Dockrell. But Murtagh is still there and along with Roland-Jones takes Middlesex past 200. These two are proving to be an irritant and the 9th wicket partnership reaches 35 before Nick Compton is on the right end of a run out for a change, his direct hit sending Murtagh back to the Caddyshack for 45. Middlesex are nine down for 228 but Somerset fail to wrap up the innings before lunch – or at least they would have done had the new regulations which mean lunch is no longer an immovable feast meant they stayed out on the park beyond 1pm until Dockrell ended Middlesex's tail-end resistance four short of a second batting point. Marcus has 354 reasons to be happy over the slightly delayed lunch – the last time he won the toss on the opening day of the season and invited the visitors to bat they made 600.
Marcus and Arul come out to open the batting after lunch in what is admittedly better conditions than those facing Middlesex on the first day. They cruise to 50 with no real concerns; Arul in particular looking comfortable, so it is something of a surprise when he edges Berg, who replaced Collymore at the River end after a spell of just 4 overs, to the keeper.
Some unwelcome boos from a few Middlesex supporters greet Compton as he joins Trescothick who starts to unleash some sweetly timed shots. He moves on to 46 with a beautifully stroked drive. It never ceases to amaze me just how easy he can make batting look. Compton meanwhile scores his 5000th run in first class cricket. But Compton is taking a lot of time and care getting himself in – not something I would normally complain about, but he is also hogging much of the strike. Trescothick has become bogged down in the high 40s and maybe it is a bit of anxiety or impatience, but when Ollie Rayner comes on from the River end in the 27th over he edges the fifth ball of the over and dexter takes the catch. Trescothick out for 47 and Somerset 102-2. This becomes 103-3 as Hildreth is surprised by a yorker from Berg and is gone for just the single. Tea intervenes in the nick of time; Compton 9* and Kieswetter yet to score.
The final session is a lesson from Compton and a new grown-up sensible-batting version of Kieswetter. There is a period of consolidation after tea, they play each ball on its merit and the bad balls are treated as they deserve. There is of course a run-out chance – would we expect anything else with Compton at the crease – but somehow, with both batsmen stranded at the same end, Kieswetter gets back to the other end before Middlesex can get the ball there.
By stumps both batters have their half centuries and Somerset their first batting point of the summer. With time lost on the first day Somerset will hope they can transform the 44 run deficit with seven wickets in hand to a sizeable lead on day 3.
The clocks have gone forward, spring has sprung (and pressed the snooze button and gone back to sleep). The day has arrived. Armed with blankets, Thermos flasks and a not inconsiderable amount of thermal underwear cricket fans are out in force for the first day of the County Championship.
SOMERSET v MIDDLESEX 5-8 APRIL 2012 COUNTY GROUND, TAUNTON
Day 1
Somerset and Middlesex supporters were forced to wait an extra three-and-a-quarter hours as rain and gloom descended on Taunton on Thursday morning. My early morning drive from Liverpool had started in bright 7am sunshine. Hopes were high as they always are before a ball has been bowled, no matter who you support. I had TMS on the radio, England's batsmen were in the ascendancy for probably the first time this winter, Pietersen was showing the world he still has it, whatever it is, flaying the Sri Lankans to all corners of the P Sara Stadium in Colombo, watched by many friends old and new I had left behind in Sri Lanka. Then as I passed the Weston turn off the M5, the rain started, and was still falling as I reached Taunton. This hadn't been in the script – I questioned my motives in leaving Sri Lanka for both cricketing and climatic reasons.
An early lunch was taken and after inspections play was scheduled to start at 2.45. Trescothick won the toss and did the same as the rest of the day's lucky @#$%& – put the opposition in to bat. The team is confirmed; as suspected Lewis Gregory misses out. The supporters who have sat out the morning rain will get a chance to see Vernon Philander bowling. Joe Denly is fit and takes his place at the top of the order on debut for Middlesex.
It is still overcast and cold when play gets under way. We do not have to wait long as the second-fastest-bowler-to-50-Test-wickets is unleashed from the River End for the first over. Neither do we have long to wait for his first wicket as he gets Robson edging behind third ball of the over. Welcome to Taunton Mr Philander. You can stay as long as you want. And welcome to Division 1 Middlesex. There is a good lbw shout off the last ball of this opening over too, but the umpire is unmoved and Kirby starts the second over of the match from the Old Pavilion end.
The opening spell of 13 overs by Philander and Kirby is probably better/more hostile than any new-ball bowling I saw last season. Denly and Chris Rogers do well just to survive, although Denly does show signs of the talent that had him on the fringes of international recognition a few seasons ago, with three boundaries when Kirby and later Philander stray from their lines. Philander is bowling at least one unplayable ball every over and is unlucky to finish his spell with just the single wicket having had two or three very strong lbw shouts. After 13 overs Middlesex are just 25-1.
Unfortunately the double change, with Meschede coming on for Kirby at the Old Pavilion end and Trego replacing Philander from the River End releases all this pressure. Meschede is bowling too full and goes for 13 runs, including three Denly boundaries, in his first over and follows up with two boundaries from Rogers in his second. Trego is not treated as harshly from the River End but has the opposite problem, generally dropping it a bit short. But in their first four overs Middlesex double their score to pass 50. However such feast after a period of famine can make the batsman greedy and in Meschede's next over Rogers picks up on a ball that only a mother would love and sticks it straight down the throat of Dockrell at deep backward square. Middlesex 51-2.
The loss of Rogers puts the Middlesex brakes on and after 23 overs they have moved along to just 69-2. Meschede and Trego have got their line and length a bit more sorted but neither look particularly threatening. Dockrell replaces Meschede at the old pavilion end for a couple of overs before tea, which is taken after 26 overs. Middlesex go to tea 71-2 with Denly looking set on 37 and Malan 11.
After the interval Trescothick returns to his opening bowlers. Philander is on the money straight away and removes Malan lbw with the first ball of his third over after tea.
Incoming batsman Dexter is lucky not to be lbw first ball, and takes a single off a no-ball later in the over to get away from Philander. Kirby is more to his liking as he hasn't found the control of his opening spell but its only a matter of time before Philander gets his man as he bowls him in the 35th . The Middlesex captain may consider himself unlucky as just ten more balls are bowled before the umpires decide the light is too bad and play is suspended for the day. Somerset will feel it is a job well done after choosing to field first, Middlesex 118-4 off 36.1 overs, Simpson 2* and the impressive Denly 64* Philander has announced his arrival at Taunton with 3-21 off 12.1 overs. Despite having lost feeling in various extremities somewhere around the tea interval I'm no longer hankering for the Sri Lankan sun.
Day 2
Now this is more like it. Clear blue skies and a warming sun to temper the early April chill, there is a good turnout for the second day of this match with plenty of supporters in the Trescothick and Botham stands, the Old Pavilion and along the benches of Gimbletts Hill. It is not long before the Somerset-supporting majority to have something to cheer as Kirby puts the fielding training from Chris Taylor to good use to take a return catch from Denly. His 73 off 120 balls with 12 boundaries augurs well for Middlesex this season. Meanwhile Philander is continuing to cause problems from the River end and his fourth wicket of the innings – Berg lbw – is inevitably followed by his fifth as Dockrell takes a sharp catch off Simpson. Philander's work is done – his 8th of the morning lacks the threat of the previous seven (strictly speaking 6.5 as the first was completing the over started last evening) and he is replaced by Dockrell.
Just as Middlesex are anticipating reaching a first batting point Rayner goes lbw to Dockrell. But Murtagh is still there and along with Roland-Jones takes Middlesex past 200. These two are proving to be an irritant and the 9th wicket partnership reaches 35 before Nick Compton is on the right end of a run out for a change, his direct hit sending Murtagh back to the Caddyshack for 45. Middlesex are nine down for 228 but Somerset fail to wrap up the innings before lunch – or at least they would have done had the new regulations which mean lunch is no longer an immovable feast meant they stayed out on the park beyond 1pm until Dockrell ended Middlesex's tail-end resistance four short of a second batting point. Marcus has 354 reasons to be happy over the slightly delayed lunch – the last time he won the toss on the opening day of the season and invited the visitors to bat they made 600.
Marcus and Arul come out to open the batting after lunch in what is admittedly better conditions than those facing Middlesex on the first day. They cruise to 50 with no real concerns; Arul in particular looking comfortable, so it is something of a surprise when he edges Berg, who replaced Collymore at the River end after a spell of just 4 overs, to the keeper.
Some unwelcome boos from a few Middlesex supporters greet Compton as he joins Trescothick who starts to unleash some sweetly timed shots. He moves on to 46 with a beautifully stroked drive. It never ceases to amaze me just how easy he can make batting look. Compton meanwhile scores his 5000th run in first class cricket. But Compton is taking a lot of time and care getting himself in – not something I would normally complain about, but he is also hogging much of the strike. Trescothick has become bogged down in the high 40s and maybe it is a bit of anxiety or impatience, but when Ollie Rayner comes on from the River end in the 27th over he edges the fifth ball of the over and dexter takes the catch. Trescothick out for 47 and Somerset 102-2. This becomes 103-3 as Hildreth is surprised by a yorker from Berg and is gone for just the single. Tea intervenes in the nick of time; Compton 9* and Kieswetter yet to score.
The final session is a lesson from Compton and a new grown-up sensible-batting version of Kieswetter. There is a period of consolidation after tea, they play each ball on its merit and the bad balls are treated as they deserve. There is of course a run-out chance – would we expect anything else with Compton at the crease – but somehow, with both batsmen stranded at the same end, Kieswetter gets back to the other end before Middlesex can get the ball there.
By stumps both batters have their half centuries and Somerset their first batting point of the summer. With time lost on the first day Somerset will hope they can transform the 44 run deficit with seven wickets in hand to a sizeable lead on day 3.
If today is going to be muggy and humid then it sounds like batting may be tricky.
If tomorrow's forecast is for better batting conditions then it may not be disastrous if we actually end up with a scant lead and then start bowling in favourable conditions, after lunch today.
If tomorrow's forecast is for better batting conditions then it may not be disastrous if we actually end up with a scant lead and then start bowling in favourable conditions, after lunch today.
Don't think it is muggy and humid. More cool and overcast.
A two sweaters day for fielders and overcoat for fans!!
Super report Baggy - just loved the comment about Compo being on the right end of a run-out.
A two sweaters day for fielders and overcoat for fans!!
Super report Baggy - just loved the comment about Compo being on the right end of a run-out.
The Crucifixion scene in "The Life of Brian" was sadly wasted on poor AGod. The word was "bright" not "dire".
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Thank you Bagpuss for another splendid report on the first two days' play.
Having been there myself, I consider it to be a very accurate account of the events that took place.
Having been there myself, I consider it to be a very accurate account of the events that took place.
Quote:Botham
....As for having access to the site, it was a wind up, which worked magnificently.
Well you're an idiot then sir IMHO because had I been at all bothered you'd be explaining the comments to SN. Had it 'worked magnificently', you would be explaining your incredible jape via the PM system trying to deal with a site ban
I know this site is not accessible by you having the codes and simply clarified that and what you actually meant. thanks to Chunky that was done this morning.
What a childish and silly thing to do.... have you nothing better to occupy your time with? Once again, what you seem to think is a sense of humour turns out to be a sad sense of the absurd.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:07:11:30:14 by Grockle.
Lovely report, as ever, Baggers.
It sounds as if Compton and Kieswetter batted very sensibly to consolidate Somerset's positon after tea yesterday. It was good to see that four of the top five batsmen have made runs. With three good batsmen to follow, we can hope for a substantial first innings lead.
It sounds as if Compton and Kieswetter batted very sensibly to consolidate Somerset's positon after tea yesterday. It was good to see that four of the top five batsmen have made runs. With three good batsmen to follow, we can hope for a substantial first innings lead.
Sadly, Kartik is not working for me today, having been perfect yesterday.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Thanks Bag... If it is OK I'll supplement the frontpage with it later today. This is what is really good this year as there will not be a semi permanent presence at home games for the first part of the season.
Thanks very much to anyone who can do this. It provides that live aspect to the reports.
Thanks very much to anyone who can do this. It provides that live aspect to the reports.
There was some criticism of Compton in certain quarters yesterday, not here I hasten to add, for his "dropping anchor" approach.
For me however this is what we so desperately need, the steady ship, the man making the bowlers tired and frustrated whilst the pretty boys apply the warpaint.
Superb stuff from these two, from the whole team.
We've hit the ground running this year, make no mistake about that.
For me however this is what we so desperately need, the steady ship, the man making the bowlers tired and frustrated whilst the pretty boys apply the warpaint.
Superb stuff from these two, from the whole team.
We've hit the ground running this year, make no mistake about that.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
Sadly, Kartik is not working for me today, having been perfect yesterday.
Nor me, but I was at the game for the first two days.
You could try this link if it works:-
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Think the broadcast is not working. Have tried on Direct Link and Windows Media Player - no success.
The link to the 'Sex commentary is working Fine.
The link to the 'Sex commentary is working Fine.
Yes - There was apparently a little 'atmosphere' between Compo and the Sex according to the commentators and Baggy mentions him being greeted with some booing. I'm with Jim on this - his gritty approach in this game may not be fantastic to watch but it is precisely what's needed in this match IMHO. I suspect he is very determined to grind out a decent score against his former employers if he possibly can. More power to his elbow says I.
Quote:Big Jim
There was some criticism of Compton in certain quarters yesterday, not here I hasten to add, for his "dropping anchor" approach.
For me however this is what we so desperately need, the steady ship, the man making the bowlers tired and frustrated whilst the pretty boys apply the warpaint.
Superb stuff from these two, from the whole team.
We've hit the ground running this year, make no mistake about that.
Tavare opposite Botham at Old Trafford in '81, even if our man at the other end yesterday was not in Botham mode.
Thanks CP. I couldn't make that one work yesterday, but it's all right today.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I could make neither work today, but then realised that one of the cats had hit the master mute button.
This realisation co-incided with Mr Malan shelling Nick Compton.
This realisation co-incided with Mr Malan shelling Nick Compton.
I've done my bit and sent the info to the club - can't do much else from here.
It is a shame. I've enjoyed the commentary when it has been consistent but I can understand now how changes in volume levels, lack of balance and simply being off can enfuriate (?) you when it is your only access.
It does seem to be some kind of network error that is stopping the feed entirely.
It is a shame. I've enjoyed the commentary when it has been consistent but I can understand now how changes in volume levels, lack of balance and simply being off can enfuriate (?) you when it is your only access.
It does seem to be some kind of network error that is stopping the feed entirely.
I don't know whether the volunteer service would ever have come into being if Beeb Somerset had fulfilled their responsibilities, but it remains deplorable that the latter do not do so.
I wonder whether Craig K has a chance of following the 'Morgan,' route into the Test squad i.e. Having come through the one day set up?
Batting certainly sounds tricky at the moment and one imagines that Philander would be causing havoc, if he were bowling at the moment.
I wonder whether Craig K has a chance of following the 'Morgan,' route into the Test squad i.e. Having come through the one day set up?
Batting certainly sounds tricky at the moment and one imagines that Philander would be causing havoc, if he were bowling at the moment.
Well they weren't too generous to the Lions possibilities today on SKY so he has as good a chance as anyone else.
But Prior has built a pretty fair foundation to stay as long as he wants to and Craig will have to produce with the bat to get anywhere knocking him out of the position any time soon.
But Prior has built a pretty fair foundation to stay as long as he wants to and Craig will have to produce with the bat to get anywhere knocking him out of the position any time soon.
Yes, Grockle. At the moment I'd think Craig K has a better chance of getting in at some point in the summer instead of a Bopara or a Patel. At the moment, Prior does not look vulnerable.
And I've just hexed Craig K out, I'm afraid, so apologies to all.
And I've just hexed Craig K out, I'm afraid, so apologies to all.
AGod- Aussie selctor Andrew Hilditch (I expect you knew that anyway)
I haven't waded through the whole of this thread so I don't know if anyone else has commented, but Having been present yesterday one thing which seemed to be missing were the raucous tones of Tractor. Anyone know where he is, in Sri Lanka, ill, making a low profile or what.
He posted in Sid so he is alive - no idea where though. At Her Majesty's Pleasure perhaps?
Grockle
That sounds like a distinct possibility. Hope they've got a cider press there.
That sounds like a distinct possibility. Hope they've got a cider press there.
I've been in touch with him over the last couple of days. Don't worry about him - he hopes to put in an appearance at the current match.
Years ago, when living in Uganda and only ever hearing tiny snatches of cricket commentary on the BBC World Service, I thought of writing a poem but never got beyond its brilliant title of "On hearing one's first John Arlott in Spring". Taunton is not the same without our cheer-leading supporter and so the new title of the poem, which still awaits any actual words, replaces "John Arlott" with "My babbies".
I heard a rumour that he spent his winter at a self-assertiveness course.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Years ago, when living in Uganda and only ever hearing tiny snatches of cricket commentary on the BBC World Service, I thought of writing a poem but never got beyond its brilliant title of "On hearing one's first John Arlott in Spring". Taunton is not the same without our cheer-leading supporter and so the new title of the poem, which still awaits any actual words, replaces "John Arlott" with "My babbies".
I heard a rumour that he spent his winter at a self-assertiveness course.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:chunkyinargyll
AGod- Aussie selctor Andrew Hilditch (I expect you knew that anyway)
Indeed!
I'm sure Tractor was sitting underneath the main scoreboard this lunchtime! or does he have a twin??
Can anyone on the ground comment on what happened with the Philander 'dismissal'?
Not much seems to be happening at the moment.
I wonder if it might not soon be time either to press the accelerator or simply to start bowling?
I wonder if it might not soon be time either to press the accelerator or simply to start bowling?
Quote:Sorry - my lunchtime! about 12.30!Grockle
He's usually at the Princess Royal at lunchtime OB
So, what's the verdict on 350 then chaps ?
Good effort, (well done Craig for guiding us to another batting point) or just a tad dissappointing from 202-3 ?
Whatever, we have a lead of 100+, so let's rip into them & get this wrapped up p.d.q..
Grizzzly
Good effort, (well done Craig for guiding us to another batting point) or just a tad dissappointing from 202-3 ?
Whatever, we have a lead of 100+, so let's rip into them & get this wrapped up p.d.q..
Grizzzly
About to rain heavily, apparently. Which would surely make the draw a big favourite.
Tractor was at the game today but not yesterday.
We bowled really well this session with very little reward. The bat was beaten at least 15 times and there were some confident LBW shouts. Marcus didn't help though but putting down a catch at 2nd slip. (Robson on 16)
We bowled really well this session with very little reward. The bat was beaten at least 15 times and there were some confident LBW shouts. Marcus didn't help though but putting down a catch at 2nd slip. (Robson on 16)
Yes, unless we can knock them over quickly tomorrow morning it could be a case of us dallying too long. Nick Compton's knock was, in the kindest way possible gutsy, but IMO rather self-indulgent. A batting rate of 32/100 in the context of the game put lots of pressure on the other batters to risk all. Undoubtably the best knocks were by Suppiah and Kieswetter.
At least a much better start than the last two years.
At least a much better start than the last two years.
I strongly disagree with you on the Compo point.
To criticise him demonstrates a lack of knowledge about the wicket, the conditions and the accuracy of the Middlesex attack.
They themselves are only scoring at 2 an over in their reply. On that pitch, it's crazy to think we'd go hell for leather and hit 400 in 100 overs. Few batsmen have found scoring runs quickly easy.
Compo's knock held the innings together and has given us a lead of 100 + on first innings.
To criticise him demonstrates a lack of knowledge about the wicket, the conditions and the accuracy of the Middlesex attack.
They themselves are only scoring at 2 an over in their reply. On that pitch, it's crazy to think we'd go hell for leather and hit 400 in 100 overs. Few batsmen have found scoring runs quickly easy.
Compo's knock held the innings together and has given us a lead of 100 + on first innings.
There seems to still be a section of our crowd that hasn't taken to Compton. Maybe because he came from another county or is perceived as a bit aloof or maybe because in fairness he didn't have a great first season or indeed has made more of his runs in away games than home ones.
They conveniently overlook the fact that he regularly scores more runs than Jos or Arul etc.
When he top scores in a match like he did today, they moan he has scored the runs too slowly.
They conveniently overlook the fact that he regularly scores more runs than Jos or Arul etc.
When he top scores in a match like he did today, they moan he has scored the runs too slowly.
Compo's knock is surely what has given us the lead of 100+. Without his effort there would have been no lead. All respect to him for hanging in there and anchoring the innings - that is his assigned role in the team, isn't it?
I agree about compo, i think the main reason that IMO the best batting line up on paper in country collapse is that we have alot of flair batsmen and not enough gritty batsmen, although I am pleased that keiswetter looks to have added that aspect to his game.
I don't like to criticise buttler too much as he is young and my favourite player to watch. But I would say he is fortunate to be a nailed down certainty in our 4 day line up, he gets much more of a free ride than compo.
I don't like to criticise buttler too much as he is young and my favourite player to watch. But I would say he is fortunate to be a nailed down certainty in our 4 day line up, he gets much more of a free ride than compo.
So does James Hildreth who I am starting to have real concerns about.
He is such a confidence player and seems to have none.
Compo in four dayers is a must have. Not so sure about his manner of batting in one day or T20 games.
Nick simply has one speed. He doesn't have the gears that other players have but he is becoming solid in that role, the thing we all praised ZdB for (though he could step it up).
He is such a confidence player and seems to have none.
Compo in four dayers is a must have. Not so sure about his manner of batting in one day or T20 games.
Nick simply has one speed. He doesn't have the gears that other players have but he is becoming solid in that role, the thing we all praised ZdB for (though he could step it up).
Read my comments from this morning regarding Compton's knock.
To criticise him is as wrong as it gets.
To criticise him is as wrong as it gets.
Quote:Grockle
So does James Hildreth who I am starting to have real concerns about.
He is such a confidence player and seems to have none.
Compo in four dayers is a must have. Not so sure about his manner of batting in one day or T20 games.
Nick simply has one speed. He doesn't have the gears that other players have but he is becoming solid in that role, the thing we all praised ZdB for (though he could step it up).
Is that the James Hildreth who scored 250 last week?
He got a decent delivery in this match.
Yes that's James Hildreth who got 300 one season and then no other really significant score until almost the end of it.
James Hildreth who has had two significantly consistent seasons in my knowledge of his time at Somerset and I've seen every season of the the man's career at the ground.
The man who got his fair share of unlucky deliveries and balls last season. The man who was the Lions captain not long ago and is now so far from the selectors minds that he has become almost invisible in their deliberations.
I'd love to see him have a great season, I think, at his top end he is an England batsman but don't make too much of a double century in a friendly game against weak opposition. It isn't the same as making significant scores in more than three CC games a season.
He is presently almost as invisible as our CC1 number 4 batsman and two seasons ago he scared the living daylights out of opposition by simply walking to the middle. That James Hildreth.
James Hildreth who has had two significantly consistent seasons in my knowledge of his time at Somerset and I've seen every season of the the man's career at the ground.
The man who got his fair share of unlucky deliveries and balls last season. The man who was the Lions captain not long ago and is now so far from the selectors minds that he has become almost invisible in their deliberations.
I'd love to see him have a great season, I think, at his top end he is an England batsman but don't make too much of a double century in a friendly game against weak opposition. It isn't the same as making significant scores in more than three CC games a season.
He is presently almost as invisible as our CC1 number 4 batsman and two seasons ago he scared the living daylights out of opposition by simply walking to the middle. That James Hildreth.
Naxxar the games that mean something are the ones that matter, last week meant very little. Hildreth does have nearly a whole season to improve on this score, but the only innings that has mattered so far this season is this one.
And Grockle i don't think even Zander was given the credit he deserved, it was only until he left that I realised how important he was.
If compo had done this in a T20 match we could all critisise him, but it was in a relatively low scoring match in tricky conditions.
Also good work from Mechede, from what I've seen him, Dockrell and gregory could be the stars from a good batch of youngsters that have come through.
And Grockle i don't think even Zander was given the credit he deserved, it was only until he left that I realised how important he was.
If compo had done this in a T20 match we could all critisise him, but it was in a relatively low scoring match in tricky conditions.
Also good work from Mechede, from what I've seen him, Dockrell and gregory could be the stars from a good batch of youngsters that have come through.
I totally agree with you MB. Pre-season has no relevance when the actual season starts. Hence me not worrying too much about Arul's lack of runs in the friendlies either. But surely it's a bit early to start worrying about Hildy on the basis of one CC innings in which he got a very decent delivery anyway in a match where nobody's yet posted a ton.
Meschede batted beautifully and for me is the best of the current crop of youngsters.
Meschede batted beautifully and for me is the best of the current crop of youngsters.
Agreed about Hildreth.
He has to prove his worth consistently otherwise he becomes a liability.
I hope he can regain the form of two years ago.
If not, then we'll struggle.
He has to prove his worth consistently otherwise he becomes a liability.
I hope he can regain the form of two years ago.
If not, then we'll struggle.
Batting rates in this innings:
TRES 63/100
ARUL 71/100
NICK 32/100 faced 52 (312 balls) of the 115 (690) overs.
CRAIG K 52/100
JOS 116/100
PETE 66/100
CRAIG M 74/100
Surely Nick with his undoubted skill could try to put some pressure on the bowlers, because the alternative is that it has to be the guy at the other end having to do it. Anyone WATCHING his gutsy performance in this match would surely agree that his default position was totally defensive, and could have benefitted from a move from first to, at least second gear.
I actually, have come appreciate his contribution to the side, in all forms of cricket. He has shown on occasions that he has got the talent to move things along. However, in this match I believe the way he has batted may not be to our benefit. Tomorrow morning will be critical and I hope that we can get the win the team performance deserves.
It is unfortunate that this posting will be followed by vitriol about my opinion because I have tried to express a view which is not ABSOLUTELY CLEAR CUT total support of his contribution in this match! For some Grocklees NICK is the one batsman who can never do wrong.
TRES 63/100
ARUL 71/100
NICK 32/100 faced 52 (312 balls) of the 115 (690) overs.
CRAIG K 52/100
JOS 116/100
PETE 66/100
CRAIG M 74/100
Surely Nick with his undoubted skill could try to put some pressure on the bowlers, because the alternative is that it has to be the guy at the other end having to do it. Anyone WATCHING his gutsy performance in this match would surely agree that his default position was totally defensive, and could have benefitted from a move from first to, at least second gear.
I actually, have come appreciate his contribution to the side, in all forms of cricket. He has shown on occasions that he has got the talent to move things along. However, in this match I believe the way he has batted may not be to our benefit. Tomorrow morning will be critical and I hope that we can get the win the team performance deserves.
It is unfortunate that this posting will be followed by vitriol about my opinion because I have tried to express a view which is not ABSOLUTELY CLEAR CUT total support of his contribution in this match! For some Grocklees NICK is the one batsman who can never do wrong.
Are we discussing the James Hildreth who has a first class average of 44, higher even than Marcus (42), and much higher than Arul, Jos, Compo and Craig (all in the 30s)? I agree with Naxxar - it's not sensible to write off his season on the basis of one innings.
It isn't on the basis of one CC1 match Naxxar. It's on the basis of a poor year which started so promisingly about this time last year. I know it is early in 2012 but he needs a good start,
Because as I say he is a confidence player and he worries me if he gets some good balls at the start of this season because it did for him last season when his luck did not go the way we all wanted it to in the early part of 2011.
We all hope this is the year but if it goes the way it has when we've hoped before we may have to look at others for the consistency at Number 4. Alex Barrow comes to mind when he gets back to full fitness. James needs some scores.
Because as I say he is a confidence player and he worries me if he gets some good balls at the start of this season because it did for him last season when his luck did not go the way we all wanted it to in the early part of 2011.
We all hope this is the year but if it goes the way it has when we've hoped before we may have to look at others for the consistency at Number 4. Alex Barrow comes to mind when he gets back to full fitness. James needs some scores.
Hildy's only really had one prolific season in his time with us.
Not ideal, but that's Hildy, that's what you get..sometimes brilliant, sometimes frustrating. Jos is shaping up a bit the same too.
I posted about our batting line-up pre-season..it rarely functions as a unit and can often be more underwhelming than the sum of it's parts suggest it should be.
That's why I got annoyed at people today (at the ground, not here) criticising Compton for scoring 99 and occupying the crease as he did.
In fact, I think criticising any of our players after only 1 full day of the season is crazy. So what if somebody failed last year or indeed succeeded two years ago?? This is 2012, the season's only just started and it's impossible to read much into events so far.
An idiot near me on Thursday was even criticising our bowling. Er, we bowled Middlesex out for 246 and with more luck, it would have been less.
Not ideal, but that's Hildy, that's what you get..sometimes brilliant, sometimes frustrating. Jos is shaping up a bit the same too.
I posted about our batting line-up pre-season..it rarely functions as a unit and can often be more underwhelming than the sum of it's parts suggest it should be.
That's why I got annoyed at people today (at the ground, not here) criticising Compton for scoring 99 and occupying the crease as he did.
In fact, I think criticising any of our players after only 1 full day of the season is crazy. So what if somebody failed last year or indeed succeeded two years ago?? This is 2012, the season's only just started and it's impossible to read much into events so far.
An idiot near me on Thursday was even criticising our bowling. Er, we bowled Middlesex out for 246 and with more luck, it would have been less.
Old Boy you may be right..we won't know until the match is over and we can look back at the context of his innings. Chances are, the weather will force the match to be drawn anyway.
I'm not blinkered with Compton. He did bat slowly today and his running is terrible..he nearly ran CK out yday and there were a few near misses today.
But I just don't how a player who holds an innings together and scores just one short of a maiden Taunton ton can be accused of possibly denying us victory in a match where few batsmen have found free scoring easy.
I'm not blinkered with Compton. He did bat slowly today and his running is terrible..he nearly ran CK out yday and there were a few near misses today.
But I just don't how a player who holds an innings together and scores just one short of a maiden Taunton ton can be accused of possibly denying us victory in a match where few batsmen have found free scoring easy.
James has to perform consistently, as does everyone.
If he, or anybody else fails to cut it, then somebody else has to be given a chance.
We need early victories this season, not only to take a bit of pressure off ourselves but to put the foot on the throat of the opposition right from the off.
To do that we need to be performing at full capacity.
I'm sure James is more than capable of delivering.
If he, or anybody else fails to cut it, then somebody else has to be given a chance.
We need early victories this season, not only to take a bit of pressure off ourselves but to put the foot on the throat of the opposition right from the off.
To do that we need to be performing at full capacity.
I'm sure James is more than capable of delivering.
Quote:Grockle
It isn't on the basis of one CC1 match Naxxar. It's on the basis of a poor year which started so promisingly about this time last year. I know it is early in 2012 but he needs a good start,
Because as I say he is a confidence player and he worries me if he gets some good balls at the start of this season because it did for him last season when his luck did not go the way we all wanted it to in the early part of 2011.
We all hope this is the year but if it goes the way it has when we've hoped before we may have to look at others for the consistency at Number 4. Alex Barrow comes to mind when he gets back to full fitness. James needs some scores.
2 weeks ago you were here defending our batting line up and you shot me down for raising concerns about it.
We've not even had one match of the season yet.
I don't know where the 'vitriol' will come from OB but I think you have supporters here.
We asked NIck to become what he is in his first season. what he does now is waht he was brought here to do. I think you were right earlier Naxxar when you talked about his first year.
I personally hoped (and think that is why he was chosen) that the vidcasts would have got people over that.
Hilda had a great first season and a superb 2010. His average is good - but it is based on BIG scores spread among small ones
He is a superb batsman. So was Lathwell. On his day so are Neil Edwards, Wes Durston and Matt Wood.
He is better than them all and a possible future captain but ONLY with consistent performances and we've been waiting a long time for that to happen.
I've seen it once and I want that every year even if it means we lose him to the next level. That kind of talent doesn't come often. That is why he worries me.
We asked NIck to become what he is in his first season. what he does now is waht he was brought here to do. I think you were right earlier Naxxar when you talked about his first year.
I personally hoped (and think that is why he was chosen) that the vidcasts would have got people over that.
Hilda had a great first season and a superb 2010. His average is good - but it is based on BIG scores spread among small ones
He is a superb batsman. So was Lathwell. On his day so are Neil Edwards, Wes Durston and Matt Wood.
He is better than them all and a possible future captain but ONLY with consistent performances and we've been waiting a long time for that to happen.
I've seen it once and I want that every year even if it means we lose him to the next level. That kind of talent doesn't come often. That is why he worries me.
I don't know where the 'vitriol' will come from OB but I think you have supporters here.
We asked NIck to become what he is in his first season. what he does now is waht he was brought here to do. I think you were right earlier Naxxar when you talked about his first year.
I personally hoped (and think that is why he was chosen) that the vidcasts would have got people over that.
Hilda had a great first season and a superb 2010. His average is good - but it is based on BIG scores spread among small ones
He is a superb batsman. So was Lathwell. On his day so are Neil Edwards, Wes Durston and Matt Wood.
He is better than them all and a possible future captain but ONLY with consistent performances and we've been waiting a long time for that to happen.
I've seen it once and I want that every year even if it means we lose him to the next level. That kind of talent doesn't come often. That is why he worries me.
We asked NIck to become what he is in his first season. what he does now is waht he was brought here to do. I think you were right earlier Naxxar when you talked about his first year.
I personally hoped (and think that is why he was chosen) that the vidcasts would have got people over that.
Hilda had a great first season and a superb 2010. His average is good - but it is based on BIG scores spread among small ones
He is a superb batsman. So was Lathwell. On his day so are Neil Edwards, Wes Durston and Matt Wood.
He is better than them all and a possible future captain but ONLY with consistent performances and we've been waiting a long time for that to happen.
I've seen it once and I want that every year even if it means we lose him to the next level. That kind of talent doesn't come often. That is why he worries me.
Having watched the first two days play, I am not convinced that the side is as well - balanced as it should be in order for it to challenge strongly for the CC. Should we play another specialist bowler instead of the extra batter?
It's early days yet of course, but I do not consider that either Hildreth or Buttler should be an automatic shoe - in for the longer version of the game, if they fail to show some modicum of consistency. James in particular has in the past been retained in the side when he was going through a prolonged unproductive patch.
I am glad that you consider Meschede to be "the best of the current crop of youngsters," Naxxar. I need to see a lot more of him before coming to an opinion of any merit.
The bowling is still a matter of concern for me. In Middlesex's first innings, I considered that only Philander and Dockrell shone. Suppiah wasn't used, and the other three did not look to be very penetrative.
Just my opinion of course.
It is a long season, so there is plenty to play for and many chances to be taken.
Gregory, Dibble and Hussain (fitness provided) must be given the chance to step up - otherwise what is the point of retaining them on the staff?
It's early days yet of course, but I do not consider that either Hildreth or Buttler should be an automatic shoe - in for the longer version of the game, if they fail to show some modicum of consistency. James in particular has in the past been retained in the side when he was going through a prolonged unproductive patch.
I am glad that you consider Meschede to be "the best of the current crop of youngsters," Naxxar. I need to see a lot more of him before coming to an opinion of any merit.
The bowling is still a matter of concern for me. In Middlesex's first innings, I considered that only Philander and Dockrell shone. Suppiah wasn't used, and the other three did not look to be very penetrative.
Just my opinion of course.
It is a long season, so there is plenty to play for and many chances to be taken.
Gregory, Dibble and Hussain (fitness provided) must be given the chance to step up - otherwise what is the point of retaining them on the staff?
From what I heard and only that CP you may be a little hard on Steve Kirby who it seems was unlucky on the first morning but you may be right.
I think Alex Barrow has 'salt' as a batsman and also may have a role this year if his injury allows.
I think Alex Barrow has 'salt' as a batsman and also may have a role this year if his injury allows.
Kirby was very unlucky today. Beat the bat several times and had a catch put down at 2nd slip.
Quote:Clarence Parker
Having watched the first two days play, I am not convinced that the side is as well - balanced as it should be in order for it to challenge strongly for the CC. Should we play another specialist bowler instead of the extra batter?
It's early days yet of course, but I do not consider that either Hildreth or Buttler should be an automatic shoe - in for the longer version of the game, if they fail to show some modicum of consistency. James in particular has in the past been retained in the side when he was going through a prolonged unproductive patch.
I am glad that you consider Meschede to be "the best of the current crop of youngsters," Naxxar. I need to see a lot more of him before coming to an opinion of any merit.
The bowling is still a matter of concern for me. In Middlesex's first innings, I considered that only Philander and Dockrell shone. Suppiah wasn't used, and the other three did not look to be very penetrative.
Just my opinion of course.
It is a long season, so there is plenty to play for and many chances to be taken.
Gregory, Dibble and Hussain (fitness provided) must be given the chance to step up - otherwise what is the point of retaining them on the staff?
Some nice observations CP. I enjoyed reading the views of somebody else who has been at all 3 days of the match and not basing their opinions purely on reading the scorecard.
Very narrow line to walk.
This site welcomes all opinions and you yourself have made a big thing about the equality of such opinions.
People posting here must accept that their opinions might be questioned and may need defending.
I'd therefore personally caution against offering contradicting opinions on opinions as you seem to be doing here.
People have little control on where they see matches, especially if they work and it isn't on a cricket ground.
Please don't denegrate those who are not as lucky as you have been this week or they will remember.
This site welcomes all opinions and you yourself have made a big thing about the equality of such opinions.
People posting here must accept that their opinions might be questioned and may need defending.
I'd therefore personally caution against offering contradicting opinions on opinions as you seem to be doing here.
People have little control on where they see matches, especially if they work and it isn't on a cricket ground.
Please don't denegrate those who are not as lucky as you have been this week or they will remember.
Naxxar,
Can you refrain from inflaming the forum with your silly comments.
Every opinion is valid on here, not everyone has the luxury of spending everyday watching the team.
Out of interest, are you a journalist, unemployed, retired or a self made millionnaire tax exile spending his UK days at the CG?
Can you refrain from inflaming the forum with your silly comments.
Every opinion is valid on here, not everyone has the luxury of spending everyday watching the team.
Out of interest, are you a journalist, unemployed, retired or a self made millionnaire tax exile spending his UK days at the CG?
Day three photos, I think it was a mixed day for Somerset some bad shot selection resulted in wickets.
C Rogers survived a good appeal for lbw from Craig Meschede.
C Rogers did look a bit Concerned while waiting for the umpire’s decision.
What can you say about this shot from Peter Trego that cleaned bowled him from T Murtagh.
I don’t think Nick Compton liked the look of this ball from G Berg.
Jos Buttler was a touch unlucky being bowled off his elbow trying to leave the ball alone.
Does George Dockrell know which side of the bat to use? (Joke) how it ended up looking like that I do not know.
Craig Meschede played some nice shots; he played this short ball very well and got four runs for his trouble.
Edit - Spelling error.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:08:58:26 by Mike TA1.
C Rogers survived a good appeal for lbw from Craig Meschede.
C Rogers did look a bit Concerned while waiting for the umpire’s decision.
What can you say about this shot from Peter Trego that cleaned bowled him from T Murtagh.
I don’t think Nick Compton liked the look of this ball from G Berg.
Jos Buttler was a touch unlucky being bowled off his elbow trying to leave the ball alone.
Does George Dockrell know which side of the bat to use? (Joke) how it ended up looking like that I do not know.
Craig Meschede played some nice shots; he played this short ball very well and got four runs for his trouble.
Edit - Spelling error.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:08:58:26 by Mike TA1.
Good to see that Jos Buttler, not everyone`s choice it seems for a `shoo-in` four-day place in the Somerset side, has kept the faith of the England selectors.
He is one of five newcomers in the 26-strong England Performance squad for 2012. The others are Jonny Bairstow, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes and Stuart Meaker.
Eoin Morgan retains his place among the Central Contract players, as does Craig Kieswetter in the Increment Contract numbers.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:07:19:49:25 by cricketjerry-mouse.
He is one of five newcomers in the 26-strong England Performance squad for 2012. The others are Jonny Bairstow, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes and Stuart Meaker.
Eoin Morgan retains his place among the Central Contract players, as does Craig Kieswetter in the Increment Contract numbers.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:07:19:49:25 by cricketjerry-mouse.
Persnally I've always thought that those at the ground can add background to the perceptions of those trying to put a game together from a scorecard +/or snippetts of commentary etc.
Qualitative analysis to add to the quantative stuff.
The only time there might be a dispute is when a person at the ground explains the nature of a section of play and is effectively told that they didn't see the period properly by someone reading from Cricinfo.
Other than that, in my experience most people are very grateful for the 'light and shade' that an eye witness can offer to thirsty "live cricket starved" supporters
Qualitative analysis to add to the quantative stuff.
The only time there might be a dispute is when a person at the ground explains the nature of a section of play and is effectively told that they didn't see the period properly by someone reading from Cricinfo.
Other than that, in my experience most people are very grateful for the 'light and shade' that an eye witness can offer to thirsty "live cricket starved" supporters
Quote:Grockle
Yes that's James Hildreth who got 300 one season and then no other really significant score until almost the end of it.
James Hildreth who has had two significantly consistent seasons in my knowledge of his time at Somerset and I've seen every season of the the man's career at the ground.
The man who got his fair share of unlucky deliveries and balls last season. The man who was the Lions captain not long ago and is now so far from the selectors minds that he has become almost invisible in their deliberations.
I'd love to see him have a great season, I think, at his top end he is an England batsman but don't make too much of a double century in a friendly game against weak opposition. It isn't the same as making significant scores in more than three CC games a season.
He is presently almost as invisible as our CC1 number 4 batsman and two seasons ago he scared the living daylights out of opposition by simply walking to the middle. That James Hildreth.
But 2 weeks ago, when other posters started worrying about Arul, you re-assured them by reminding them he has got it in him to have a good season and you used his 1200 runs 2 years ago to back up your point.
Now you seem to be doubting JH, who made 1500 runs 2 seasons ago! And although the opposition at Vale left much to be desired, you still have to make the euns and he hit 250 odd.
Yes he failed yesterday but it's only one innings into the season and he did get a decent delivery. He wasn't the only batsman to struggle in this match so far.
Quote:Right Arm Over
Naxxar,
Can you refrain from inflaming the forum with your silly comments.
Every opinion is valid on here, not everyone has the luxury of spending everyday watching the team.
Out of interest, are you a journalist, unemployed, retired or a self made millionnaire tax exile spending his UK days at the CG?
If every opinion is valid on here, then you don't need to call mine silly!
Happy Easter to you...and to all the other posters on the forum..enjoy the season.
This thread seems to have got a bit cranky over recent pages, with the season at the three day stage !!
From afar, I think I'll settle for where we are at the moment, especially in comparison to our early season 'efforts' in the last couple of years.
I agree JH needs to show his mettle this year, but it seems a bit harsh to have a downer on him after just one innings, especially as it looked (from the ECB highlights)like a corker of a yorker that got him.
"Settle down now" grocklees...........(as I seem to recall was the catch line of a 1970's comedian, whose name presently escapes me !).
Grizzzly
From afar, I think I'll settle for where we are at the moment, especially in comparison to our early season 'efforts' in the last couple of years.
I agree JH needs to show his mettle this year, but it seems a bit harsh to have a downer on him after just one innings, especially as it looked (from the ECB highlights)like a corker of a yorker that got him.
"Settle down now" grocklees...........(as I seem to recall was the catch line of a 1970's comedian, whose name presently escapes me !).
Grizzzly
Quote:Naxxar
Some nice observations CP. I enjoyed reading the views of somebody else who has been at all 3 days of the match and not basing their opinions purely on reading the scorecard.
For the second time in a few days, Naxxar, I find myself taking exception to your unsubtle remarks. You mentioned something recently about those who comment from armchairs and now you seem to be suggesting that one's opinions arise only from watching a game in person or from reading a scorecard. What about those of us who have watched cricket over many years, read a huge amount about the game and, in recent years, listened to commentary on most days when not able to attend the ground?
Incidentally I can't remember when I last sat in an armchair.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Well I've no idea why you are going back to a piece to justify something about James.
I've made my point. I've explained my worry. Personally don't have anything else to say at the moment.
I've already suggested that going back to previous posts to highlight perceived inconsistencies can come back to haunt you.
Your own comments about equality within this particular thread could come under the same scrutiny.
I'd personally take it that we don't see it the same and leave it at that. But be my guest. I've personally got little more to say to you tonight I have to admit.
I've made my point. I've explained my worry. Personally don't have anything else to say at the moment.
I've already suggested that going back to previous posts to highlight perceived inconsistencies can come back to haunt you.
Your own comments about equality within this particular thread could come under the same scrutiny.
I'd personally take it that we don't see it the same and leave it at that. But be my guest. I've personally got little more to say to you tonight I have to admit.
Here is a management opinion, which I agree with, but no name dropping.
Middx bowled really well making it difficult for us to accelerate our scoring rate. Compo and Kieso batted extremely well, given such good bowling.
I thought Tango was very loose yesterday, but today he bowled a fairly decent line, but too many balls that the batsmen could leave. He and Verne were very unlucky, beating the bat many times, but I'm sure over the course of the season, the luck will even out.
Quite why the umpires couldn't call the day closed at 5pm is beyond me. It was clear to all but a handful of spectators that the light wasn't going to improve. Perhaps they too had to wait for the 18.32 train, as did the Somerset scorer.
Thanks to BarmyKev, DROK, Lower Pav, Beefy Roberts et al for a very enjoyable day and for bringing some life to the proceedings. Tractor was unusually quiet.
Middx bowled really well making it difficult for us to accelerate our scoring rate. Compo and Kieso batted extremely well, given such good bowling.
I thought Tango was very loose yesterday, but today he bowled a fairly decent line, but too many balls that the batsmen could leave. He and Verne were very unlucky, beating the bat many times, but I'm sure over the course of the season, the luck will even out.
Quite why the umpires couldn't call the day closed at 5pm is beyond me. It was clear to all but a handful of spectators that the light wasn't going to improve. Perhaps they too had to wait for the 18.32 train, as did the Somerset scorer.
Thanks to BarmyKev, DROK, Lower Pav, Beefy Roberts et al for a very enjoyable day and for bringing some life to the proceedings. Tractor was unusually quiet.
I have nothing more to say to you either.
I shan't be posting again on the forum. So I'd just to like to wish everybody a Happy Easter and a really enjoyable season, be it at the ground, following the play through Grockles or listening on the radio. Let's hope the team we ALL support here will do us proud.
Keep up the good work here.
N
I shan't be posting again on the forum. So I'd just to like to wish everybody a Happy Easter and a really enjoyable season, be it at the ground, following the play through Grockles or listening on the radio. Let's hope the team we ALL support here will do us proud.
Keep up the good work here.
N
Will everyone please 'chill' a little.
Naxxar,as someone living afar, I would be very sorry indeed to see you disappear from the forum. Your postings are insightful & clearly up to date with the goings on at HQ.
Perhaps everyone can have a good nights sleep & come back a little calmer in the morning.
Yikes - at this rate, what the heck is it going to be like on here by the time we reach August ?!
Grizzzly
Naxxar,as someone living afar, I would be very sorry indeed to see you disappear from the forum. Your postings are insightful & clearly up to date with the goings on at HQ.
Perhaps everyone can have a good nights sleep & come back a little calmer in the morning.
Yikes - at this rate, what the heck is it going to be like on here by the time we reach August ?!
Grizzzly
Are you having a go at me for living in Wales, Grizzz?
It's pistols at dawn again for us I'm afraid.......water ones....as usual.
It's pistols at dawn again for us I'm afraid.......water ones....as usual.
You're lucky to HAVE water!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Well this is a place for some Grizz and not for others.
Everyone has an opinion and everyone is welcome to put it here. If the reaction to that opinion is not what they wanted or their manner of poster interaction is not to some poster's liking then there is a time of 'bedding in' or a time to leave.
Some are happy to do one and some take the second option.
ie. Some stay some go.
I've always thought that whatever a person decides to do is up to them. It is NOT the fault of the site or the nature of the subject matter or the population it is simply that some find this an environment they want to be part of and some find it isn't.
No-one has to post, there is no compulsion and just because someone leaves does not restrict them from ever returning to the place.
Everyone has an opinion and everyone is welcome to put it here. If the reaction to that opinion is not what they wanted or their manner of poster interaction is not to some poster's liking then there is a time of 'bedding in' or a time to leave.
Some are happy to do one and some take the second option.
ie. Some stay some go.
I've always thought that whatever a person decides to do is up to them. It is NOT the fault of the site or the nature of the subject matter or the population it is simply that some find this an environment they want to be part of and some find it isn't.
No-one has to post, there is no compulsion and just because someone leaves does not restrict them from ever returning to the place.
Re:Compton.
Big Jim rightly made the point that that gritty innings was needed. Without it, we may have finished behind on first innings.
However, I think Old Boy also has a point. By the time Compton was in the nineties any danger of a first innings deficit had passed... And we probably did need to try to move on the game by that juncture.
Big Jim rightly made the point that that gritty innings was needed. Without it, we may have finished behind on first innings.
However, I think Old Boy also has a point. By the time Compton was in the nineties any danger of a first innings deficit had passed... And we probably did need to try to move on the game by that juncture.
Naxxar, I too shall be very sorry not to read your erudite postings on here.
I personally very much appreciate your banter, and your sense of humour (and I say this genuinely - not sarcastically) cracks me up at times. You see, I am able to recognise it as being such, whereas many others are not.
I imagine that Somerset CCC is very close to your heart, and that you have had an involvement with the club in some guise for many years. Also, I recognise your very sound knowledge on the past, present and future goings – on at the County Ground.
I will greatly miss your postings.
Please do not stay away for long, because the site will be all the poorer for it.
IMHO, of course.
And, a very Happy Easter to everyone.
I personally very much appreciate your banter, and your sense of humour (and I say this genuinely - not sarcastically) cracks me up at times. You see, I am able to recognise it as being such, whereas many others are not.
I imagine that Somerset CCC is very close to your heart, and that you have had an involvement with the club in some guise for many years. Also, I recognise your very sound knowledge on the past, present and future goings – on at the County Ground.
I will greatly miss your postings.
Please do not stay away for long, because the site will be all the poorer for it.
IMHO, of course.
And, a very Happy Easter to everyone.
Mike. Thanks, as ever, for the excellent photos. It sounded as though Craig M had a good run of it, in this second dig, especially bowling to Chris Rogers.
His performance, and that of George D's seem to have been the most enouraging, IMO. Compton and Kieswetter are established players and Philander, clearly, merely on loan.
His performance, and that of George D's seem to have been the most enouraging, IMO. Compton and Kieswetter are established players and Philander, clearly, merely on loan.
Having watched a few innings of Compton-including his knock at Durham last year ( and Edgbaston) I classify him as a very correct batsman who scores slowly because he is correct. Many shots go straight to a fielder who is often placed for a correct shot. I hate to think what would have happened in this game if he had gone for a quick 30 instead of a slow 99. We could well be staring at defeat rather than hoping that we might win. We have been unlucky in losing the best part of a day, but the beginning of Middlesex 2nd innings told me -even via Cricinfo- a lot about the batting conditions and put the game in its proper context.I wasn't enamoured at the beginning of his time with us but he is a vital 4 day number 3.
Spot on Geordie, I think fans and players alike sometimes forget that it's a four day game where occupying the crease and not giving your wicket away cheaply can make the difference between failure and success.
I'm chuffed to bits that Nick is able to slow it all down and keep a lid on things, I can't be doing with all the stress and angst our batting collapses cause.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:01:27:32 by Big Jim.
I'm chuffed to bits that Nick is able to slow it all down and keep a lid on things, I can't be doing with all the stress and angst our batting collapses cause.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:01:27:32 by Big Jim.
"I personally very much appreciate your banter, and your sense of humour (and I say this genuinely - not sarcastically) cracks me up at times. You see, I am able to recognise it as being such, whereas many others are not."
A good point CP and as some of the posting population are not as adept as you at identifiying it in all cases (even posters such as yourself have been known to misconstrue on here in the past) - we had more than one party involved in 'misinterpretations' yesterday - perhaps posters should be aware that it might help if they make it clearer when a post is intended to be humourous or only semi-serious. Smileys and (tic) sometimes helps though it is not always identified in time.
The other point is probably that if two people think that an argument is getting away from them through such a misunderstanding, rather than continuing to try and prove their own lack of guilt in the process with more and more posts perhaps they ought to simply say "Whoops' and stop.
Apologising might also be something we practice a little more often on Grockles though I appreciate it is harder to do. After all we are all adults aren't we? Well Most of the time.... (tic)
A good point CP and as some of the posting population are not as adept as you at identifiying it in all cases (even posters such as yourself have been known to misconstrue on here in the past) - we had more than one party involved in 'misinterpretations' yesterday - perhaps posters should be aware that it might help if they make it clearer when a post is intended to be humourous or only semi-serious. Smileys and (tic) sometimes helps though it is not always identified in time.
The other point is probably that if two people think that an argument is getting away from them through such a misunderstanding, rather than continuing to try and prove their own lack of guilt in the process with more and more posts perhaps they ought to simply say "Whoops' and stop.
Apologising might also be something we practice a little more often on Grockles though I appreciate it is harder to do. After all we are all adults aren't we? Well Most of the time....
(tic)
Agree with Geordie - it takes all sorts to make a team.
This is not a joke.
This is not a joke.
Quote:SheptonPaul
Agree with Geordie - it takes all sorts to make a team.
This is not a joke.
Liquorice
DAY 3
After yesterday's hints of spring sunshine its back to overcast skies and a chill which, although not as cold as the first day, will seep its way through to the marrow before the day's play is done. I retreat to a spot in the Old Pavilion bar in the hope of delaying the inevitable numbing of extremities,
In such conditions watchful batting is needed; Compton and Kieswetter may have batted Somerset from potential collapse to a position of relative strength through the final session of day 2 but they are still behind Middlesex's first innings total and the hard work will count for nowt if Middlesex get quick wickets this morning. The importance of the morning session to both sides is emphasised in the first three overs of the day; the bowlers are on the money, the batters are patient and will wait for the bad ball. Three maidens.
It is slow progress for Somerset as Berg, Roland-Jones and Rayner are giving little away. Just 34 runs are added in the first hour, but no wickets have been lost and the partnership between Compton and Kieswetter passes 100. Middlesex save Murtagh and Collymore for the new ball, which is taken as soon as its available after 80 overs. Batting is trickier still. Compton gets a life when on 76; he is dropped at slip by Malan off Murtagh. He will get another reprieve later in his innings
this time-you guessed it-a run out chance, Dexter missing the stumps with his throw. But the pair survive to take a first innings lead and gain a second batting point, then reaching a 150 partnership,
With the 250 up in the 85th over it left Somerset just 25 more overs to achieve more batting points. One more (wickets permitting) would be easy, getting to the maximum out of the question. But could they push on at the four runs an over needed to get to 350? It was a question to ponder but not for long as the new ball finally broke the partnership when Kieswetter was caught at slip by Malan off Collymore for 83. I'm not sure if there was a question of whether the ball carried but Kieswetter waited for the umpire to give it. His 83 came off 152 balls, the conservative strike rate reflecting his more circumspect batting as well as the control of the Middlesex bowlers. 255-4
Buttler comes in and Somerset must decide whether to stick or twist as far as chasing batting points is concerned. Compton may be sticking but its clear from the off that Buttler has chosen to twist, although probably not more so than his usual batting tempo. Unfortunately twist becomes bust as he is bowled by Murtagh – I admit now I looked away and missed it, someone told me he was trying to leave a ball that bounced more than suspected and it hit off stump via his elbow. Buttler may have scored at more than a run a ball but a quick 14 wasn't really the innings Somerset needed.
Trego doesn't look inclined to hang around waiting to see what will happen either and its a bit of a relief when he gets off the mark with a streaky four over the top of slips that its the last over before lunch. Somerset are 281-5 off 94 at lunch, with Compton 81* and Trego 4*
The blue skies that had tempted us during the lunch interval had retreated behind cloud cover by the time play resumed. Trego still seems to think the 350 is within reach, but he plays across the line once too often and is cleaned up by Murtagh before even the third batting point is secured. With Meschede the last recognised batsman (with all respect to Vernon's batting ability) the sensible thing seems to be to just build a decent lead – at this stage just 52 runs – rather than chasing the points. Compton seems relieved to have a less frenetic batting partner, although having said that Meschede is timing the ball well and scoring at a decent rate. Compton edges towards a century in the opening match of the season then, on 99, Roland-Jones bowls something tasty on middle and leg. Had I been sitting at the river End I'm sure I cold have seen his eyes light up, the pull shot is executed, and it goes straight to the hands of Rogers at midwicket. A crestfallen Compton has to go, but his 99 may prove to be the innings that puts Somerset in reach of their first opening-match victory of the County Championship for several seasons.
It takes Middlesex less than five overs to wrap up the innings as
Collymore bowls Philander for 2, then gives Dockrell an application form for the Primary Club as he is caught first ball by Rayner. Somerset reach 350 5 overs too late for the extra point, but the innings is over as Meschede, who if truth be known has looked the most comfortable batsman of the innings since Arul was first out, falls on his sword caught in the deep by Malan off Rayner. Still, the lead of 104 is more than decent and with 44 scheduled overs left to play in what will be a long long post-early-tea session Somerset were hoping to bowl themselves into a commanding position.
It was the weather that would have the final say of the day though. Just 18.1 of those 44 overs had been bowled by the time the gloom became gloomier and then the rain started. In that time Philander and Kirby had again bowled hostile opening spells. Kirby had had Robson dropped by Trescothick at his new home at second slip (Hildreth now occupies the first slip spot), but his humour was tempered when he trapped the first innings top scorer Denly in his next over. It was to be Somerset's only success before the weather brought the day to an early close with Middlesex 38-1 off 18.1 overs, Robson 24* and Rogers 5*. With just about a whole day's play lost so far in this match and no guarantees a full day will be possible on day 4, Somerset need early wickets and lots of them in the morning.
After yesterday's hints of spring sunshine its back to overcast skies and a chill which, although not as cold as the first day, will seep its way through to the marrow before the day's play is done. I retreat to a spot in the Old Pavilion bar in the hope of delaying the inevitable numbing of extremities,
In such conditions watchful batting is needed; Compton and Kieswetter may have batted Somerset from potential collapse to a position of relative strength through the final session of day 2 but they are still behind Middlesex's first innings total and the hard work will count for nowt if Middlesex get quick wickets this morning. The importance of the morning session to both sides is emphasised in the first three overs of the day; the bowlers are on the money, the batters are patient and will wait for the bad ball. Three maidens.
It is slow progress for Somerset as Berg, Roland-Jones and Rayner are giving little away. Just 34 runs are added in the first hour, but no wickets have been lost and the partnership between Compton and Kieswetter passes 100. Middlesex save Murtagh and Collymore for the new ball, which is taken as soon as its available after 80 overs. Batting is trickier still. Compton gets a life when on 76; he is dropped at slip by Malan off Murtagh. He will get another reprieve later in his innings
this time-you guessed it-a run out chance, Dexter missing the stumps with his throw. But the pair survive to take a first innings lead and gain a second batting point, then reaching a 150 partnership,
With the 250 up in the 85th over it left Somerset just 25 more overs to achieve more batting points. One more (wickets permitting) would be easy, getting to the maximum out of the question. But could they push on at the four runs an over needed to get to 350? It was a question to ponder but not for long as the new ball finally broke the partnership when Kieswetter was caught at slip by Malan off Collymore for 83. I'm not sure if there was a question of whether the ball carried but Kieswetter waited for the umpire to give it. His 83 came off 152 balls, the conservative strike rate reflecting his more circumspect batting as well as the control of the Middlesex bowlers. 255-4
Buttler comes in and Somerset must decide whether to stick or twist as far as chasing batting points is concerned. Compton may be sticking but its clear from the off that Buttler has chosen to twist, although probably not more so than his usual batting tempo. Unfortunately twist becomes bust as he is bowled by Murtagh – I admit now I looked away and missed it, someone told me he was trying to leave a ball that bounced more than suspected and it hit off stump via his elbow. Buttler may have scored at more than a run a ball but a quick 14 wasn't really the innings Somerset needed.
Trego doesn't look inclined to hang around waiting to see what will happen either and its a bit of a relief when he gets off the mark with a streaky four over the top of slips that its the last over before lunch. Somerset are 281-5 off 94 at lunch, with Compton 81* and Trego 4*
The blue skies that had tempted us during the lunch interval had retreated behind cloud cover by the time play resumed. Trego still seems to think the 350 is within reach, but he plays across the line once too often and is cleaned up by Murtagh before even the third batting point is secured. With Meschede the last recognised batsman (with all respect to Vernon's batting ability) the sensible thing seems to be to just build a decent lead – at this stage just 52 runs – rather than chasing the points. Compton seems relieved to have a less frenetic batting partner, although having said that Meschede is timing the ball well and scoring at a decent rate. Compton edges towards a century in the opening match of the season then, on 99, Roland-Jones bowls something tasty on middle and leg. Had I been sitting at the river End I'm sure I cold have seen his eyes light up, the pull shot is executed, and it goes straight to the hands of Rogers at midwicket. A crestfallen Compton has to go, but his 99 may prove to be the innings that puts Somerset in reach of their first opening-match victory of the County Championship for several seasons.
It takes Middlesex less than five overs to wrap up the innings as
Collymore bowls Philander for 2, then gives Dockrell an application form for the Primary Club as he is caught first ball by Rayner. Somerset reach 350 5 overs too late for the extra point, but the innings is over as Meschede, who if truth be known has looked the most comfortable batsman of the innings since Arul was first out, falls on his sword caught in the deep by Malan off Rayner. Still, the lead of 104 is more than decent and with 44 scheduled overs left to play in what will be a long long post-early-tea session Somerset were hoping to bowl themselves into a commanding position.
It was the weather that would have the final say of the day though. Just 18.1 of those 44 overs had been bowled by the time the gloom became gloomier and then the rain started. In that time Philander and Kirby had again bowled hostile opening spells. Kirby had had Robson dropped by Trescothick at his new home at second slip (Hildreth now occupies the first slip spot), but his humour was tempered when he trapped the first innings top scorer Denly in his next over. It was to be Somerset's only success before the weather brought the day to an early close with Middlesex 38-1 off 18.1 overs, Robson 24* and Rogers 5*. With just about a whole day's play lost so far in this match and no guarantees a full day will be possible on day 4, Somerset need early wickets and lots of them in the morning.
Quote:Grockle
The other point is probably that if two people think that an argument is getting away from them through such a misunderstanding, rather than continuing to try and prove their own lack of guilt in the process with more and more posts perhaps they ought to simply say "Whoops' and stop.
Some sound advice, Grockle.
I hope that some people take heed of it.
Whoops.
I also want to say that I appreciate Naxxar's postings very much, and would be sorry to see him (?) go. Accurate inside information (as opposed to speculation) is hard to come by, and Naxxar has kindly been providing some genuine insights into the thinking going on within the club. Long may it continue (if possible).
I have to say, it's brilliant to have the season back up and running after the dark, hum-drum winter months.
We've already had hissy fits, temper tantrums and toys being chucked out of the pram.....and the first match isn't over.
Here's to a great season.
We've already had hissy fits, temper tantrums and toys being chucked out of the pram.....and the first match isn't over.
Here's to a great season.
The point about this Grockle site surely must be - because of the range of opinions expressed (as the 'referee' says all welcome), it is never going to be a 'mutual admiration site'.
As long as the standard of debate is sensible, and does not descend to personal abuse because somebody disagrees with your view, long live the site!
We can, naturally put up with one or two 'disagreeable' Welshmen!!
![[:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif "[:wor kid:]")
As long as the standard of debate is sensible, and does not descend to personal abuse because somebody disagrees with your view, long live the site!
We can, naturally put up with one or two 'disagreeable' Welshmen!!
"We can, naturally put up with one or two 'disagreeable' Welshmen!!"
Can we, old boy?
Can we, old boy?
Like my posts, some things on here will never change, but don't give in Naxar.
Does anyone know if it is thought at all likely that Dibble and/or Hussain will be considered to be fit enough to contend for a place at Edgbaston?
One more before lunch would get the jitters going in the visitors dressing room.
Is the Somerset commentary running today? This is the first day I've been able to log on the the old pavilion wifi.
It's not working me, Baggers.
I'm having to make do with the giggling fool on BBC London.
Mind you, Stuart Lancaster is working............driving me mad.
I'm having to make do with the giggling fool on BBC London.
Mind you, Stuart Lancaster is working............driving me mad.
BJ: Kartik is working well for me so far today. Don't be bamboozled by any scores given on BBC London. The actual score at lunch is Middlesex 142/9.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
So are you trying to tell me we haven't won yet?
Rose out....the shame of it all.
Rose out....the shame of it all.
It sounds as though George is bowling absolutely beautifully. Apparently he is also bowling from Philander's end. So it may be necessary for one of the two to switch ends as it seems likely that that combination may be our best bet for the early wickets that we need in the next session.
Quick burst of VP and then, very possibly, spin from both ends, I shouldn't wonder.
Quick burst of VP and then, very possibly, spin from both ends, I shouldn't wonder.
It sounds like we've got them where we want them.
Big effort now one and all, put those choclates down and concentrate......according to their commentators they've matched and beaten us in many areas of this game.....let's show them how silly they are.
Big effort now one and all, put those choclates down and concentrate......according to their commentators they've matched and beaten us in many areas of this game.....let's show them how silly they are.
Sorry, BJ: I got just a bit ahead of events with my lunchtime score, but only just...
Time to start the tractor.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Time to start the tractor.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Yes, it was an impressive prediction, grumpy one.
Isn't it great to see Dockrell bowl so well, he sounds like the real deal.
Bad news for Max fans, but hey-ho, brilliant for the county.
Isn't it great to see Dockrell bowl so well, he sounds like the real deal.
Bad news for Max fans, but hey-ho, brilliant for the county.
BJ it looks fantastic for somerset as we won't need to bring in an overseas spinner and can improve the team with someone else.
Improve the team?
Now now, we want to give the other counties at least a little hope....don't we?
Now now, we want to give the other counties at least a little hope....don't we?
I think we've changed our policy there BJ, hence abandoning the 2 game handicap policy we employed over the last few years.
5 for Philander and 6 for George.... Got some umph this season. Slow start? No indication of that so far.
Middlesex all out for 175 we need 70 odd - well well well!
Middlesex all out for 175 we need 70 odd - well well well!
It's April 8 and our spinner takes 6 cheap second innings wickets on the final day. Wonderful, wonderful and lets put Compton's innings in the mix as a platform for this. I AM lookign forward to my trip to Birmingham.
Commentators on presently are Simon White and Paul Hart.
Good volume and clear as a bell if you're bored wiht the manic gigling of Radio London.
Good volume and clear as a bell if you're bored wiht the manic gigling of Radio London.
Hands up all those people who are quite hapy we have now given George 'Murali' Dockrell a go in the four day game.
Don't you just love it when a spinner gets his eye in.. 5 for 27... Holy Cow!
But Marcus had just gone caught by Olly Rayner off Gareth Berg for 0 with 3 balls gone.
Don't you just love it when a spinner gets his eye in.. 5 for 27... Holy Cow!
But Marcus had just gone caught by Olly Rayner off Gareth Berg for 0 with 3 balls gone.
I've just heard it's raining in Wellington...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
... they always get a lot of April rain in North Island.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:15:36:48 by Loyal of Lhasa..
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:15:36:48 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Quote:Monkey Butler
BJ it looks fantastic for somerset as we won't need to bring in an overseas spinner and can improve the team with someone else.
Yes, although it does depend on Ireland games.
Having said that, I'd think an England scout will be at Edgbaston next week and I expect they will try to get him to qualify for England.. Which would then mean, if George goes for it, that we'd have him to ourselves for a few years whilst he serves the qualification period.
I think cjm said George has few Ireland games scheduled this season (as of yet) but would miss the final game.
As far as second half overseas player is concerned, might be a case of waiting to see which of the batting or change seam bowling is more in need of re-inforcement.
All Ireland`s home fixtures this summer coincide with non championship dates for Somerset - the South Africa match and a CB40 against Glamorgan, for example - apart from the final home game against Worcestershire, when the T20 World Cup will have started.
However, there are two Ireland away matches still to be scheduled.
However, there are two Ireland away matches still to be scheduled.
There's always a guy called Max Waller who can help us out some would suggest
I'm still looking forward to a championship game with both Waller and Dockrell-and if the rain stays away (we've just had a torrential downpour in Newcastle) I'm looking forward to JH seeing us home while NC holds up an end
Quote:Grockle
There's always a guy called Max Waller who can help us out some would suggest
So far as CC cricket is concerned, I'm not sure that Mr Brian Rose would concur.
A lovely gesture to let them have a few wickets to celebrate and remember from their trip to Taunton.
A brilliant, simply brilliant win.
A brilliant, simply brilliant win.
Quote:cricketjerry-mouse
All Ireland`s home fixtures this summer coincide with non championship dates for Somerset - the South Africa match and a CB40 against Glamorgan, for example - apart from the final home game against Worcestershire, when the T20 World Cup will have started.
However, there are two Ireland away matches still to be scheduled.
So, possibility of being one or two keepers down as well as probability of no George.
Still, we can worry about that later - we've just won, woo hoo!!!!
But he doesn't have to be there as a front line man as Arul is also available. It does mean we may have the choice of picking up another player rather than having to look for a slow man.
What a great start. In effect we won in just over three days. Man of the Match is Brian Rose for his brilliant recruitment policy (Philander, Dockrell AND Compton).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Well done, Somerset.
I hope Morgan Dockrell is suitably proud of his nephew. I'm sure he is.
I hope Morgan Dockrell is suitably proud of his nephew. I'm sure he is.
In the end, despite some suggestions to the contrary, it was a good job that James and Jos were shoo-ins (or is it shoos-in?) for the championship side.
Eating humble pie?
What on earth are you on about?
We've just won a game.....can I swear?
What on earth are you on about?
We've just won a game.....can I swear?
Great win today. Absolutely marvellous. I have got totally confused with which players are with us this year and for how long. Can anyone tell me if Philander is with us for the whole season?
It sounds as if Hildreth batted with real authority today. He must set himself as a minimum target another 1042 first-class runs this season, which will take him to 10,000.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Grockle
But he doesn't have to be there as a front line man as Arul is also available. It does mean we may have the choice of picking up another player rather than having to look for a slow man.
Absolutely, Brian can examine pace or batting options.
One day form of Craig K/Jos in season's first half (potential England ODI calls) combined with what we do or don't get out of Hussain/Dibble with ball in CC may be decisive as to what Brian ultimately decides.
To be honest if his fitness is up to it, I might not be shocked if Albie Morkel gets an offer to stay after T20.
Quote:Botham
Brilliant performance and Hildreth will have Grockle eating humble pie.
I do hope so.. Botham. I think it is what we all want.
Congratulations.
Click here to read why I sensationally sacrificed the big bucks of Chelsea for the adventure of Watford
------------------ -
(image on left not representative of how relative my support of Watford is to my support of Middlesex)
Click here to read why I sensationally sacrificed the big bucks of Chelsea for the adventure of Watford
(image on left not representative of how relative my support of Watford is to my support of Middlesex)
Some rather silly comments on the Middx radio today, chief of which was a claim by one commentator that the Middx dressing room told him that they don't think Marcus 'has a clue how to play Ollie Rayner.'
Given that Marcus has taken a ton off Murali in the past, scoring more runs on his own than the rest of the England team combined, I think we can treat this comment to the contemptuous laugh that it deserves.
That commentator should be in the Taunton pillories tonight.
Given that Marcus has taken a ton off Murali in the past, scoring more runs on his own than the rest of the England team combined, I think we can treat this comment to the contemptuous laugh that it deserves.
That commentator should be in the Taunton pillories tonight.
Many thanks Jonathan.
Good game for the start of the season. Hope you get some of your stars back for at least part of the campaign and have a successful year.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:16:51:28 by Grockle.
Good game for the start of the season. Hope you get some of your stars back for at least part of the campaign and have a successful year.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:16:51:28 by Grockle.
Quote:Big Jim
Eating humble pie?
What on earth are you on about?
We've just won a game.....can I swear?
No and do keep up at the back.
Quote:AGod
That commentator should be in the Taunton pillories tonight.
Where is Judge Jeffries when we need him?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I think Mr Botham wants to "dance" BJ.
Well he's welcome to try but I'd like to point out at this moment in time that I have not initiated this in any way shape or form.
Well he's welcome to try but I'd like to point out at this moment in time that I have not initiated this in any way shape or form.
Great win to start the season. We've hit the ground running this time. Very encouraging. And looks like good work was done in the off-season to make the square produce more competitive wickets.
Needed a result and produced a result.
I think that puts us in the frame for this year.
I think that puts us in the frame for this year.
I was thinking more rotten tomatoes than bloody assizes, LoL.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:17:06:03 by AGod.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:17:06:03 by AGod.
Not being able to get the home commentary was particularly painful today I have to admit.
Does anyone remember the episode of Alan Partridge, the one where our hero bumps into the kitchen salesman who giggles after every sentence?
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Kevin Hand.
I am a gentle man, a pacifist, a Buddhist.
But today I was turned into something resembling a mass murderer, the trail of destruction left in my wake is going to cost many thousands of pounds to put right.......if anyone else had to suffer, you have my every sympathy.
Does anyone remember the episode of Alan Partridge, the one where our hero bumps into the kitchen salesman who giggles after every sentence?
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Kevin Hand.
I am a gentle man, a pacifist, a Buddhist.
But today I was turned into something resembling a mass murderer, the trail of destruction left in my wake is going to cost many thousands of pounds to put right.......if anyone else had to suffer, you have my every sympathy.
Thanks, Jonathan. Appreciated.
It will be really interesting to see how Middlesex get on this season relative to Surrey.
It will be really interesting to see how Middlesex get on this season relative to Surrey.
Can't understand why you had a problem. I'm in another part of the world and it logged on and started up first time.
It was a very good episode of Alan Partridge.
I think, perhaps, Mr Hand was aiming for his Brian Johnston moment..
I think, perhaps, Mr Hand was aiming for his Brian Johnston moment..
It may have been because I have been watching rugby and cycling on the laptop at the same time, the bandwidth may have been squeezed a tad.
Quote:Grockle
Many thanks Jonathan.
Good game for the start of the season. Hope you get some of your stars back for at least part of the campaign and have a successful year.
A great start for us, a real TEAM effort. But don't lets get ahead of ourselves. Apart from Hildreth today the other five who batted did not cover themselves in glory. We were always going to win but the only batter this time was James. Amazingly, for those who were watching, JOS was totally bamboozled by Denly's legbreaks, until he finished the game off with two switch hits.
Also credit to Middlesex - overall I thought their bowling was pretty good, particularly Berg and Rayner who should both have some success this season.
I too was able to receive the commentary on 87.7 and especially enjoyed the afternoon session when Paul and Steven were commentating on so many wickets. Great stuff guys.
A terrific win for Somerset, though as the above poster says, it's early days. But it was a great team performance with two of our bowlers taking 5 for's and the others all chipping away too. 2 of our batsmen got close to 100s, Craig kept very well and Meschede had a decent game. Even Hildy, who had missed out first innings, played a part today in seeing us across the line.
I hope today has shown our detractors that we are not a one-man bowling line up and I hope it also shows the real value of Compton's slow but patient knock yesterday. Some sitting near me saw fit to boo him when he was getting a bit bogged down.
The Championship is usually won by the team who wins the most matches. High scoring bonus point draws are fine but it's the 16 points for victory that really makes the difference. We've won one already..a great start and I'm sure it will fill the team with confidence. This season we no longer have to play catch up at the start. We are top instead and the sides who missed this round of matches (Durham, Lancs, Warks etc) are the ones who have to catch us.
Roll on Thursday.
A terrific win for Somerset, though as the above poster says, it's early days. But it was a great team performance with two of our bowlers taking 5 for's and the others all chipping away too. 2 of our batsmen got close to 100s, Craig kept very well and Meschede had a decent game. Even Hildy, who had missed out first innings, played a part today in seeing us across the line.
I hope today has shown our detractors that we are not a one-man bowling line up and I hope it also shows the real value of Compton's slow but patient knock yesterday. Some sitting near me saw fit to boo him when he was getting a bit bogged down.
The Championship is usually won by the team who wins the most matches. High scoring bonus point draws are fine but it's the 16 points for victory that really makes the difference. We've won one already..a great start and I'm sure it will fill the team with confidence. This season we no longer have to play catch up at the start. We are top instead and the sides who missed this round of matches (Durham, Lancs, Warks etc) are the ones who have to catch us.
Roll on Thursday.
Great win and very enjoyable couple of days in TA1. George's spell just before and after lunch was absolutely pivotal. At 19 he'll have some future if he carries on like that.
At Tea the Middlesex lot were chirping away in the members bar that Compton had almost cost us the game with his tired knock of 99. Personally thought it was just as important as George's efforts today myself. Without it we could have been chasing 150+
Few players didn't cover themselves in glory chasing the 72 but with the rain and light looming you can excuse them - we did what we had to do very quickly after tea.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:17:44:21 by Tumbles.
At Tea the Middlesex lot were chirping away in the members bar that Compton had almost cost us the game with his tired knock of 99. Personally thought it was just as important as George's efforts today myself. Without it we could have been chasing 150+
Few players didn't cover themselves in glory chasing the 72 but with the rain and light looming you can excuse them - we did what we had to do very quickly after tea.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:17:44:21 by Tumbles.
A thoroughly competent performance.
The two key bowlers took plenty, every batter contributed in one or other knock, and the support bowling.........supported.
Brilliant!
The two key bowlers took plenty, every batter contributed in one or other knock, and the support bowling.........supported.
Brilliant!
A great start to the season - all hail to George for a match winning spell and events have indeed proved how valuable Nick's efforts were yesterday.
It sounds an excellent performance. I am particularly pleased that Dockrell's bowling proved so incisive. It was clear, from his one-day bowling, that he was a good containing bowler, but I had wondered whether he would be able to take wickets in four-day matches: it seems that I needn't have worried.
It is encouraging,too, that nearly all the batsmen had one decent innings. I agree with all the comments which others have made about the importance of Compton's innings.
I am looking forward to Bagpuss' report
It is encouraging,too, that nearly all the batsmen had one decent innings. I agree with all the comments which others have made about the importance of Compton's innings.
I am looking forward to Bagpuss' report
We usually have lots of pre season promise and then start slowly. This year we have started with a bang, so hopefully this will give confidence to some of our youngsters and Tango.
That's so typical, Preb...waiting to hear the report from the ground....it's almost as if our word isn't good enough....you elitist old vicar you.
One advantage of using a spinner as much as possible this season will be to avoid penalty points for slow over rates, which could prove key in a tight championship finish.
Umpires have been told by the ECB to be much stricter this summer on the rule for 16 overs an hour over the duration of the match, and Leicestershire have already been docked 25% of their winnings - five points - for defeating Glamorgan this weekend.
Skipper Matthew Hoggard used his seamers throughout, but I note that Glamorgan also lost one point even though they bowled both Croft and Cosker in the two Leicestershire knocks.
This, of course, is why Middlesex bowled occasional spinner Joe Denly in our second dig at Taunton this afternoon - to drag their over rate up to zero.
Umpires have been told by the ECB to be much stricter this summer on the rule for 16 overs an hour over the duration of the match, and Leicestershire have already been docked 25% of their winnings - five points - for defeating Glamorgan this weekend.
Skipper Matthew Hoggard used his seamers throughout, but I note that Glamorgan also lost one point even though they bowled both Croft and Cosker in the two Leicestershire knocks.
This, of course, is why Middlesex bowled occasional spinner Joe Denly in our second dig at Taunton this afternoon - to drag their over rate up to zero.
Wow, been out all day and just got home and seen the result...... happy days.
I am concerned about her extremities, BJ: they seem to have suffered over the past few days.
A year ago I had a sleepless night.
Following a winter of hope and expectation, Somerset were bowled out for 52, Bagpuss and Craig K went to blows on twitter, Naxxar hadn't discovered the internet, Botham was still reeling from not being part of the executive business club and the police had to confiscate all sharp objects from Clarence's home.
It's always disappointing to lose but the first game but like cutting yourself during the morning shave, it can ruin the mood and bring up those doubts that you had hoped, found a new home and the back of your head. Losing to Warwickshire had reminded everyone that a good start sends out a message of intent and a defeat opens a physcological opportunity for future opponents.
Fast forward a year and Somerset win a very rare opening CC game and there is no twitter fight, a reminder from little birds that there was no need for any to doubt anything and of course Clarence is free to butter his bread, cut his steak and allowed to collect his Tesco knife coupon without any concern being raised.
One win doesn't make a season but it does make for a good start. The players will remember that start from last year and this year's opener will tell them that so far, so good and that we are a good team capable of winning games from any position. Arrogance it is not but, reassurance with a generous helping of belief, it most certainly is.
Things to be happy (apart from the points): George likes to take wickets even when it's freezing. Vern is as good as they say he is and Compo may only have one gear, but like my wife's old Ford Fiesta is dependable for when you need to get to your destination safely.
Well done Somerset and if I have mentioned your name, please take it as friendly banter.
Following a winter of hope and expectation, Somerset were bowled out for 52, Bagpuss and Craig K went to blows on twitter, Naxxar hadn't discovered the internet, Botham was still reeling from not being part of the executive business club and the police had to confiscate all sharp objects from Clarence's home.
It's always disappointing to lose but the first game but like cutting yourself during the morning shave, it can ruin the mood and bring up those doubts that you had hoped, found a new home and the back of your head. Losing to Warwickshire had reminded everyone that a good start sends out a message of intent and a defeat opens a physcological opportunity for future opponents.
Fast forward a year and Somerset win a very rare opening CC game and there is no twitter fight, a reminder from little birds that there was no need for any to doubt anything and of course Clarence is free to butter his bread, cut his steak and allowed to collect his Tesco knife coupon without any concern being raised.
One win doesn't make a season but it does make for a good start. The players will remember that start from last year and this year's opener will tell them that so far, so good and that we are a good team capable of winning games from any position. Arrogance it is not but, reassurance with a generous helping of belief, it most certainly is.
Things to be happy (apart from the points): George likes to take wickets even when it's freezing. Vern is as good as they say he is and Compo may only have one gear, but like my wife's old Ford Fiesta is dependable for when you need to get to your destination safely.
Well done Somerset and if I have mentioned your name, please take it as friendly banter.
Fourth and final day photos and a win for Somerset.
Middlesex gave us a very good game and they didn’t make it easy for us and I thought Middlesex fielding was very good. Their captain’s form must give them something to worry about.
This was off Steve Kirby first over of the day against S Robson, there was a shout for lbw that was not given and more cries when the ball clipped the stump but not hard enough.
George Dockrell beat O Rayner bat he was then looking at Craig Kieswetter while he juggled with the ball and Craig still managed to stump him.
Arul Suppiah had one over before lunch (I think he should have had more) and he managed to make it difficult for N Dexter and Craig Kieswetter.
Not much to say about Marcus’s shot, he was caught by O Rayner bld G Berg.
Craig Kieswetter had a good match behind the stumps, he took this good catch to dismiss D Malan off Vernon Philander
Once again Vernon Philander troubled all the batsmen C Rogers didn’t like facing him.
But it was George Dockrell that got C Rogers wicket caught by Marcus T.
C Rogers did try to score runs this was a six off Peter Trego.
I think Craig Kieswetter would like to forget this shot off G Berg, Berg looked to be a good bowler.
End of match a Somerset win.
Middlesex gave us a very good game and they didn’t make it easy for us and I thought Middlesex fielding was very good. Their captain’s form must give them something to worry about.
This was off Steve Kirby first over of the day against S Robson, there was a shout for lbw that was not given and more cries when the ball clipped the stump but not hard enough.
George Dockrell beat O Rayner bat he was then looking at Craig Kieswetter while he juggled with the ball and Craig still managed to stump him.
Arul Suppiah had one over before lunch (I think he should have had more) and he managed to make it difficult for N Dexter and Craig Kieswetter.
Not much to say about Marcus’s shot, he was caught by O Rayner bld G Berg.
Craig Kieswetter had a good match behind the stumps, he took this good catch to dismiss D Malan off Vernon Philander
Once again Vernon Philander troubled all the batsmen C Rogers didn’t like facing him.
But it was George Dockrell that got C Rogers wicket caught by Marcus T.
C Rogers did try to score runs this was a six off Peter Trego.
I think Craig Kieswetter would like to forget this shot off G Berg, Berg looked to be a good bowler.
End of match a Somerset win.
I'm sure Keith's Sweater will tell us later but my best guess is that - with the possible exception of some Mushtaq figures - George Dockrell has just recorded the best figures by a Somerset spinner for a very long time indeed.
I recall Harvey Trump taking 7 for 52 - possibly - in each innings vs Gloucestershire at Bath, I think it was, some 20 or so years ago.
But I cannot remember a single innings return as good as 6 for 27. Could even be the best single innings figures since Jack White, or something?
I recall Harvey Trump taking 7 for 52 - possibly - in each innings vs Gloucestershire at Bath, I think it was, some 20 or so years ago.
But I cannot remember a single innings return as good as 6 for 27. Could even be the best single innings figures since Jack White, or something?
Just feed upon this: we haven't seen anything like it for a while:
[www.espncricinfo.com]
I've heard that the ECB is planning to cancel the rest of the CC season on the grounds that one side is simply too good for the rest - and that today's table will be the final one.
I've also heard that a Welshman is planning to swim up the Tone, enter the County Ground via the Garner Gate and wipe his filthy wet flippers all over the pitch in protest at Somerset's inclusion in their side of too many former pupils of fee-paying schools.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
[www.espncricinfo.com]
I've heard that the ECB is planning to cancel the rest of the CC season on the grounds that one side is simply too good for the rest - and that today's table will be the final one.
I've also heard that a Welshman is planning to swim up the Tone, enter the County Ground via the Garner Gate and wipe his filthy wet flippers all over the pitch in protest at Somerset's inclusion in their side of too many former pupils of fee-paying schools.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Filthy flippers....filthy?
Are you suggesting us Welshies are dirty?
Racialist.
As for O'Dockrell?
Does he really need to go and play for Ireland?
I mean...they're not up to much are they?
Much better him staying with us.
Are you suggesting us Welshies are dirty?
Racialist.
As for O'Dockrell?
Does he really need to go and play for Ireland?
I mean...they're not up to much are they?
Much better him staying with us.
Simply terrific result.
So so pleased that we have broken our run of bad starts to the season & won in a complrehensive way.
Massively encouraging that George turned in that kind of performance & also that James steered us home, when we could have folded.
Build on this chaps.
Great stuff.
Grizzzly
So so pleased that we have broken our run of bad starts to the season & won in a complrehensive way.
Massively encouraging that George turned in that kind of performance & also that James steered us home, when we could have folded.
Build on this chaps.
Great stuff.
Grizzzly
One could say that Hildreth played a true vice-captain's innings today. When the skipper fails, it is the responsibility of the next man in charge to show how to do it.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Absolutely thoroughly enjoyable 4 days at HQ with an excellent outcome at 4.20pm on the final day.
So many positives, Craig and Nicks batting in the first innings, and Vernon and Georges bowling.
Kirby too was unlucky not to get more than he did.
My only slight concern is our 3rd seamer spot, very hopeful Meschede, Greogory will take it, or Dibble/Hussain.
Just hope that we can back up the opening pair of Kirby and Vernon.
I love Trego but prefer him as our 4th seam option at 7, rather than first change.
Great start though, and team news already looking promising for Thursday (Bell, Trott, Rankin, Woakes), great to be up and running...
So many positives, Craig and Nicks batting in the first innings, and Vernon and Georges bowling.
Kirby too was unlucky not to get more than he did.
My only slight concern is our 3rd seamer spot, very hopeful Meschede, Greogory will take it, or Dibble/Hussain.
Just hope that we can back up the opening pair of Kirby and Vernon.
I love Trego but prefer him as our 4th seam option at 7, rather than first change.
Great start though, and team news already looking promising for Thursday (Bell, Trott, Rankin, Woakes), great to be up and running...
I note that Brian has, apparently, given the team express orders to occupy the crease for longer, especially in the first innings of games.
We've got to press on and beat sub-strength Warks next week. And keep winning all of the games for which Philander is here, as there is no doubt that he is a trump card that others cannot match.
If he does go back early then it will be interesting to see if Brian attempts to secure any short term cover to take us up to the T20 window.
It would be good to get one of Hussain/Dibble fit ASAP and hopefully performing well.
One other bonus from this game was that we won without big runs from Marcus. Not sure when that last happened?
We've got to press on and beat sub-strength Warks next week. And keep winning all of the games for which Philander is here, as there is no doubt that he is a trump card that others cannot match.
If he does go back early then it will be interesting to see if Brian attempts to secure any short term cover to take us up to the T20 window.
It would be good to get one of Hussain/Dibble fit ASAP and hopefully performing well.
One other bonus from this game was that we won without big runs from Marcus. Not sure when that last happened?
[quote Big Jim]
Filthy flippers....filthy?
Are you suggesting us Welshies are dirty?
Racialist.
As for O'Dockrell?
Does he really need to go and play for Ireland?
I mean...they're not up to much are they?
Much better him staying with us.[/quote
I note that Grockle made a reference to the occupation of a certain resident of Lhasa yesterday. The latter is not the only mysterious one. What do people make of BJ's latest cryptic acrostic? I have checked here:
[www.youtube.com]
but am still none the wiser.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Filthy flippers....filthy?
Are you suggesting us Welshies are dirty?
Racialist.
As for O'Dockrell?
Does he really need to go and play for Ireland?
I mean...they're not up to much are they?
Much better him staying with us.[/quote
I note that Grockle made a reference to the occupation of a certain resident of Lhasa yesterday. The latter is not the only mysterious one. What do people make of BJ's latest cryptic acrostic? I have checked here:
[www.youtube.com]
but am still none the wiser.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Rose won't look for 'short term cover' who the hell is he going to find for about 3 weeks?
Is there any factual information that Philander is definitely 'going early' yet?
We have people coming back but the first innings is more important than the second in the winning of a game so Rose is talking sense there.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:20:12:06 by Grockle.
Is there any factual information that Philander is definitely 'going early' yet?
We have people coming back but the first innings is more important than the second in the winning of a game so Rose is talking sense there.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:08:20:12:06 by Grockle.
Apart from the sheer delight of winning, it ends a barren run for us in the CC as we didn't win any of our last 4 matches last season
Apparently part of the 'unofficial understanding' reached with South Africa is that we try not to bowl VP for more than 6-7 over bursts.
I'm told George's figures today are the best by a Somerset slow bowler since Mushtaq took 7 in an innings. Murali took 6 in an innings in 2010 but for slightly more runs.
Apparently part of the 'unofficial understanding' reached with South Africa is that we try not to bowl VP for more than 6-7 over bursts.
I'm told George's figures today are the best by a Somerset slow bowler since Mushtaq took 7 in an innings. Murali took 6 in an innings in 2010 but for slightly more runs.
I'm pretty sure Mushy's 7 came at a higher cost per wicket than George's six though?
Where did you get your snippet of info re:VP?
If George can bowl with such excellent control, we should have zero problem complying with only 6-7 over bursts for VP. Once the ball is 35 overs or so old, can hopefully throw it to George and have him do all the work from one end, allowing a rotation of the quicks.
Where did you get your snippet of info re:VP?
If George can bowl with such excellent control, we should have zero problem complying with only 6-7 over bursts for VP. Once the ball is 35 overs or so old, can hopefully throw it to George and have him do all the work from one end, allowing a rotation of the quicks.
I thought it may have been six overs for VP.
In the match he bowled three spells of six overs.
In the match he bowled three spells of six overs.
The VP stuff is quite easy to work out. Brian will more than likely want to keep the SA agreement confidential. Mike is correct in his post and further clues were that just after we took the first Middlesex wicket yesterday, we didn't ask VP to have a bowl next over at the new batsman.
My guess is that we probably liasing with Cricket SA providing fitness reports and discussing the situation from match to match. Brian is probably keeping it at six overs so that we have some leverage for certain match situations.
The test will be when we get a non responsive pitch, maybe Brian will be allowed some flexibility providing he can show Cricket SA that we aren't overly relying on VP.
My guess is that we probably liasing with Cricket SA providing fitness reports and discussing the situation from match to match. Brian is probably keeping it at six overs so that we have some leverage for certain match situations.
The test will be when we get a non responsive pitch, maybe Brian will be allowed some flexibility providing he can show Cricket SA that we aren't overly relying on VP.
Yes you're right Mike! I was scoring at the match today and having checked back, he did indeed bowl 6 overs first thing this morning and six overs after lunch.
Hope the Warks batters are not reading this or they will be able to work out how long they have to face him
Hope the Warks batters are not reading this or they will be able to work out how long they have to face him
But checking back further, I see he did bowl 7 overs in a row on Thursday afternoon.
Silly me I am sure you are correct, I was only going by the second innings.
Quote:Little Bird
But checking back further, I see he did bowl 7 overs in a row on Thursday afternoon.
Which probably confirms that BC has a confidential and flexible agreement.
In other words, one that we know nothing about!!
Haha ur right!
And if we don't know, it means our opponents won't either
And if we don't know, it means our opponents won't either
George is currently CC Div One's top wicket taker this season...
Not bad for a player who has only played two CC matches!
Not bad for a player who has only played two CC matches!
Quote:AGod
I'm sure Keith's Sweater will tell us later but my best guess is that - with the possible exception of some Mushtaq figures - George Dockrell has just recorded the best figures by a Somerset spinner for a very long time indeed.
I recall Harvey Trump taking 7 for 52 - possibly - in each innings vs Gloucestershire at Bath, I think it was, some 20 or so years ago.
But I cannot remember a single innings return as good as 6 for 27. Could even be the best single innings figures since Jack White, or something?
Munday's eight-for springs to mind. I'll look up the full answer.
A truly splendiferous win!
Had to be away from Taunton today so pleased that you all couod see it through without me.
Onw win out of one and top of the pile. Build on it lads!
Had to be away from Taunton today so pleased that you all couod see it through without me.
Onw win out of one and top of the pile. Build on it lads!
Best bowling for Somerset, spin bowlers, 1992--2012
Name Ovrs Mdns Runs Wkts Match MK Munday 16 1 55 8 -v- Nottinghamshire at County Ground, Taunton, 2007 HRJ Trump 25 6 52 7 -v- Gloucestershire at Wagon Works Ground, Gloucester, 1992 HRJ Trump 33.4 16 52 7 -v- Gloucestershire at Wagon Works Ground, Gloucester, 1992 ID Blackwell 35.5 12 90 7 -v- Glamorgan at County Ground, Taunton, 2004 ID Blackwell 43.3 17 90 7 -v- Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2004 Mushtaq Ahmed 40.5 16 91 7 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Taunton, 1993 Mushtaq Ahmed 31.5 11 94 7 -v- Worcestershire at County Ground, Taunton, 1994 G Dockrell 20.1 8 27 6 -v- Middlesex at County Ground, Taunton, 2012 Mushtaq Ahmed 19 8 38 6 -v- Kent at County Ground, Taunton, 1995 Mushtaq Ahmed 19 6 40 6 -v- Kent at County Ground, Taunton, 1993 M Kartik 18.3 3 42 6 -v- Warwickshire at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 2010 Mushtaq Ahmed 31 13 54 6 -v- Sussex at Recreation Ground, Bath, 1995 Mushtaq Ahmed 40 23 55 6 -v- Warwickshire at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 1993 M Kartik 29 7 61 6 -v- Warwickshire at County Ground, Taunton, 2010 HRJ Trump 32.4 16 68 6 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Hove, 1994 Mushtaq Ahmed 31 12 70 6 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Taunton, 1997 Mushtaq Ahmed 39.3 10 86 6 -v- Yorkshire at County Ground, Taunton, 1993 HRJ Trump 42.3 9 127 6 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Hove, 1994 Mushtaq Ahmed 60 17 156 6 -v- Lancashire at Trafalgar Road Ground, Southport, 1994
A solid win, well done to all concerned.
It's not how you start, it's how you finish.
It's not how you start, it's how you finish.
Quote:Grockle
Rose won't look for 'short term cover' who the hell is he going to find for about 3 weeks?
Is there any factual information that Philander is definitely 'going early' yet?
We have people coming back but the first innings is more important than the second in the winning of a game so Rose is talking sense there.
According to a comment made by the man himself on Twitter he will be back in Cape Town on 21 May, meaning I presume he is flying back after our game at the Oval finishing on 19th. This means he will be available for a total of 6 CC games and 2 40-over games - is this earlier than we were expecting? (I'm not sure I ever saw a set date).
As we seem to be swimming in cliche creek this evening, here's my offering;
You can't win the CC in April, but you can most certainly lose it in April.
There we go.
I'm happy now.
Though of course, those who know me will know that I haven't been happy for a while.
Damaged?
Yes.
But happy?
Never.
You can't win the CC in April, but you can most certainly lose it in April.
There we go.
I'm happy now.
Though of course, those who know me will know that I haven't been happy for a while.
Damaged?
Yes.
But happy?
Never.
Quote:Keith's Sweater
Best bowling for Somerset, spin bowlers, 1992--2012Name Ovrs Mdns Runs Wkts Match MK Munday 16 1 55 8 -v- Nottinghamshire at County Ground, Taunton, 2007 HRJ Trump 25 6 52 7 -v- Gloucestershire at Wagon Works Ground, Gloucester, 1992 HRJ Trump 33.4 16 52 7 -v- Gloucestershire at Wagon Works Ground, Gloucester, 1992 ID Blackwell 35.5 12 90 7 -v- Glamorgan at County Ground, Taunton, 2004 ID Blackwell 43.3 17 90 7 -v- Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2004 Mushtaq Ahmed 40.5 16 91 7 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Taunton, 1993 Mushtaq Ahmed 31.5 11 94 7 -v- Worcestershire at County Ground, Taunton, 1994 G Dockrell 20.1 8 27 6 -v- Middlesex at County Ground, Taunton, 2012 Mushtaq Ahmed 19 8 38 6 -v- Kent at County Ground, Taunton, 1995 Mushtaq Ahmed 19 6 40 6 -v- Kent at County Ground, Taunton, 1993 M Kartik 18.3 3 42 6 -v- Warwickshire at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 2010 Mushtaq Ahmed 31 13 54 6 -v- Sussex at Recreation Ground, Bath, 1995 Mushtaq Ahmed 40 23 55 6 -v- Warwickshire at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 1993 M Kartik 29 7 61 6 -v- Warwickshire at County Ground, Taunton, 2010 HRJ Trump 32.4 16 68 6 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Hove, 1994 Mushtaq Ahmed 31 12 70 6 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Taunton, 1997 Mushtaq Ahmed 39.3 10 86 6 -v- Yorkshire at County Ground, Taunton, 1993 HRJ Trump 42.3 9 127 6 -v- Sussex at County Ground, Hove, 1994 Mushtaq Ahmed 60 17 156 6 -v- Lancashire at Trafalgar Road Ground, Southport, 1994
Thanks, Keith.
So we can say that, for a return of 5 wkts or better in an innings, George had the best wickets-to-runs ratio of any of those analysis. I would think his was also the most econmical of the spells listed.
Harvey Trump's 12 in a match takes the palm, though, irrespective of any old ratios.
Great win, team - perfect start to the season.
I note two of the comments on cricinfo thread - one (clearly a SCCC supporter) can't work out why Alf wasn't picked! And a South African complaining that Tres is already over-bowling Philander - he only bowled 38 overs in four days, that's less than ten per day!
I note two of the comments on cricinfo thread - one (clearly a SCCC supporter) can't work out why Alf wasn't picked! And a South African complaining that Tres is already over-bowling Philander - he only bowled 38 overs in four days, that's less than ten per day!
Two sevens made fourteen when I was at school, Bobs.
Did they change things without telling me?
Did they change things without telling me?
As a Middlesex member.I just wanted to say my 4 day visit to Taunton was by and large a good experience.
From a Middlesex point of view, I thought my team missing their three central contracted players competed very well against a strong Somerset side for three full days and up to lunch on the fourth day.In affect a very poor 80 minutes in four days cost us the game
Unfortunately this is yet another example where winning the toss has a huge outcome on the result and gives one side a very big advantage before a ball is bowled.
When you were 10O approx for three, Middlesex missed a very simple run out opportunity which on reflection was a pivotal moment in the game.
At lunch on the fourth day a number of locals were being somewhat downbeat. However we then had a terrible 80 minutes which cost us the game. All credit to young Dockrell who bowled very well from one end. Unfortunately Middlesex in this period allowed a young spinner to dominate them and that enabled Philander and Kirby to bowl uninterrupted for a period from the other end and the pressure became too much. We really should have been able to bat till tea with seven wickets in hand and then a draw would have been inevitable and then I believe Compton's very slow innings would have come under much more scrutiny.
Somerset are a good side and if they can avoid England call ups which is very crucial indeed should go very close this season. However I have a feeling when you lose Philander you may find you are a bit short on quality fast bowling and may struggle at times to bowl teams out twice.
As for my team there will be games when two of our three central contracted players will be able to play which should hugely benefit us. For instance Finn bowling in this game would have been very interesting indeed and a very stern test for your batsmen. By and large I was very pleased indeed with our effort over the four days and well done to our boys.
One final thought on winning the toss. Why can we not do the following. Each team in a season plays each other twice in the championship. Have a toss of a coin for the first game, but for the return game the team that loss the toss in the first game should then have the choice whether to bat or bowl in the second game. Perhaps on reflection that is far too radical an idea for the ECB to contemplate.
Good luck for the rest of the season and look foreward to our return game.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:10:28:07 by lower pavilion.
From a Middlesex point of view, I thought my team missing their three central contracted players competed very well against a strong Somerset side for three full days and up to lunch on the fourth day.In affect a very poor 80 minutes in four days cost us the game
Unfortunately this is yet another example where winning the toss has a huge outcome on the result and gives one side a very big advantage before a ball is bowled.
When you were 10O approx for three, Middlesex missed a very simple run out opportunity which on reflection was a pivotal moment in the game.
At lunch on the fourth day a number of locals were being somewhat downbeat. However we then had a terrible 80 minutes which cost us the game. All credit to young Dockrell who bowled very well from one end. Unfortunately Middlesex in this period allowed a young spinner to dominate them and that enabled Philander and Kirby to bowl uninterrupted for a period from the other end and the pressure became too much. We really should have been able to bat till tea with seven wickets in hand and then a draw would have been inevitable and then I believe Compton's very slow innings would have come under much more scrutiny.
Somerset are a good side and if they can avoid England call ups which is very crucial indeed should go very close this season. However I have a feeling when you lose Philander you may find you are a bit short on quality fast bowling and may struggle at times to bowl teams out twice.
As for my team there will be games when two of our three central contracted players will be able to play which should hugely benefit us. For instance Finn bowling in this game would have been very interesting indeed and a very stern test for your batsmen. By and large I was very pleased indeed with our effort over the four days and well done to our boys.
One final thought on winning the toss. Why can we not do the following. Each team in a season plays each other twice in the championship. Have a toss of a coin for the first game, but for the return game the team that loss the toss in the first game should then have the choice whether to bat or bowl in the second game. Perhaps on reflection that is far too radical an idea for the ECB to contemplate.
Good luck for the rest of the season and look foreward to our return game.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:10:28:07 by lower pavilion.
Very fair analysis there as usual Lower Pav. We do have two fast bowlers injured but both are relatively untried and we will be welcoming the Mighty Alfonso backl after IPL duty to provide some punch - but we may still be light.
I think you are right, the game swung quite a lot and most of the Somerset faithful were not expecting the win until after lunch on the furth day when Dockrell did what we all hoped he was capable of doing.... can he do it again one wonders? If he can then he may find some pressure being exerted on his Irish nationality.
See you at Lords later in the season.
I think you are right, the game swung quite a lot and most of the Somerset faithful were not expecting the win until after lunch on the furth day when Dockrell did what we all hoped he was capable of doing.... can he do it again one wonders? If he can then he may find some pressure being exerted on his Irish nationality.
See you at Lords later in the season.
Thanks for those very interesting reflections, LP - and good luck for the remainder of the season.
Thanks lower - glad it was (quite) a good week. I agree about the toss - I disagree (as with football) when people say these things even themselves out, and that a system similar to yours should be in place.
just spent last 3 days there myself. Good cricket but not cricket weather. Its 2 weeks too early if you ask me.
Philander is a good bowler and with more luck would have had more thann 7 in the game. Kirby backed him up well but I think he actually tries too hard if thats possible. We were a bowler light in this game and expect Dibble (he bowled yesterday in a 2nd team game without ill effect) to come in for Meschede on Thursday. Thats no slight on young Craig who will be a big player for us this year, and impressed me with the bat and general attitude.
Trego, for me is NOT a first change bowler and he bowled poorly in the game IMO. He also looked as if he could be out at any stage when he batted. However, when he and Tres hit some form then batting we should be okay. Thought Suppiah was unlucky too and actually looked in good nick.
Dockrell yesterday was tremendous. Personally I dont think we will mioss Kartik and would love him and Max to bowl together at some stage.
Overseas for second half of season for me has to be a bowler. If we can get one in and have Thomas and Kirby, backed up by Trego, Hussain and Dibble and the spin twins that should be okay. We have a really difficult run at Warks, Notts, Durham and Surrey in the next few games. If we are genuine contenders then the results of those games will be crucial. A great start yesterday though which must breed confidence and momentum is a great thing. Look at Lancs last year.
Philander is a good bowler and with more luck would have had more thann 7 in the game. Kirby backed him up well but I think he actually tries too hard if thats possible. We were a bowler light in this game and expect Dibble (he bowled yesterday in a 2nd team game without ill effect) to come in for Meschede on Thursday. Thats no slight on young Craig who will be a big player for us this year, and impressed me with the bat and general attitude.
Trego, for me is NOT a first change bowler and he bowled poorly in the game IMO. He also looked as if he could be out at any stage when he batted. However, when he and Tres hit some form then batting we should be okay. Thought Suppiah was unlucky too and actually looked in good nick.
Dockrell yesterday was tremendous. Personally I dont think we will mioss Kartik and would love him and Max to bowl together at some stage.
Overseas for second half of season for me has to be a bowler. If we can get one in and have Thomas and Kirby, backed up by Trego, Hussain and Dibble and the spin twins that should be okay. We have a really difficult run at Warks, Notts, Durham and Surrey in the next few games. If we are genuine contenders then the results of those games will be crucial. A great start yesterday though which must breed confidence and momentum is a great thing. Look at Lancs last year.
Very little to disagree with in your thoughtful analysis, lp.
FE, you are addressing one of the country's leading mathematicians. I worked out the square on the hypotenuse and subtracted the number I first thought of, and it came to 12.
I do seem to remember 2 X 7 = 14, but that's so conventional.
Actually your method strengthens the point I was making - whatever that was.
FE, you are addressing one of the country's leading mathematicians. I worked out the square on the hypotenuse and subtracted the number I first thought of, and it came to 12.
I do seem to remember 2 X 7 = 14, but that's so conventional.
Actually your method strengthens the point I was making - whatever that was.
Quote:lower pavilion
One final thought on winning the toss. Why can we not do the following. Each team in a season plays each other twice in the championship. Have a toss of a coin for the first game, but for the return game the team that loss the toss in the first game should then have the choice whether to bat or bowl in the second game. Perhaps on reflection that is far too radical an idea for the ECB to contemplate.
Problem with that approach is that, if the home team at the first fixture wins the one-off toss, the groundsman at the return fixture can be asked to prepare whatever surface will suit his team (in the knowledge that they'll get the choice of what to do). One solution to that is just to say the visiting team gets to choose, which would have the advantage of keeping groundsmen (or, perhaps more to the point, those who instruct them) relatively honest.
For a slightly more adventurous (and fair) solution, I've always rather fancied the bid.
Day 4
After the disappointment of losing so much time to the weather the previous evening Somerset are hoping to make early inroads into the Middlesex batting line up. The cloud that has been settled over Taunton for all but the morning of the second day is still here, but for the moment it does not look as though the weather will intervene in the final day's play.
Philander continues from the River End, completing his unfinished over, with Kirby from the Old Pavilion end. There is a huge shout for caught behind off Kirby's first ball to Robson but it is not given. The ball had looked perilously close to the top of off stump as it had gone through to Kieswetter and if Mike's photo is anything to go by this was definitely an 'umpire's call' ball. Did it touch the bails it went through, and was this the woody noise heard by the team?
The ball is going past the edge of the bat as it has all through this match but neither Kirby nor Philander can get the breakthrough. Finally Trescothick turns to spin with Dockrell coming on from the River end. Robson and Rogers are watchful as Dockrell is getting turn and with the advantage of his height some bounce too. They edge past a 50 partnership. Trego goes for 12 off his first over from the Old Pavilion end having replaced Kirby but settles after this. It is still slow going for Middlesex but they must have felt better when they had wiped out the deficit with still just one wicket down.
But their lead is just a single run when Robson attempts to sweep Dockrell, misses and goes lbw. Much of Middlesex's hopes now rest on Rogers who makes his half century before getting an inside edge off Dockrell which Kieswetter catches. 118-3. Dockrell is in the groove and Meschede now from the Old Pavilion end is keeping the pressure on with some tight bowling of his own. The spectre of spinners in tandem tempts us as Suppiah gets an over from the Old Pavilion end just before lunch. By lunch Middlesex have moved on to 134-3 off 51 overs, a lead of 30 runs, Malan 14* and Dexter 6*
The general feeling amongst Somerset supporters at lunch was that Somerset had needed more wickets during that morning session. Middlesex would probably bat through until tea and maybe beyond, by which time the lead would probably be 120-150. On a slow scoring pitch with the chance of poor light this would be a total probably out of reach in a quick run chase.
Oh how little faith we have. I was pleased to see Philander take the first over after lunch from the Old Pavilion end. He had been wicketless from the River End this morning – indeed he was yet to bowl from this end in the match. I'm a great believer in trying something different if the original plan isn't working, though would be fairly sure he was only switched to this end so Dockrell could carry on the good work from the River end. Whatever the motive it does the trick as he takes the wicket of Dexter in his first over, edging behind. Dockrell then gets Simpson caught by Trescothick at slip before Philander replies with the wicket of Malan, another edge through to the keeper.. Its like watching a tennis match as wickets fall at alternate ends as Berg is next to go lbw to Dockrell.
It is important for Somerset to deal with the Middlesex tail more promptly than they did in the first innings. Dockrell tempts Rayner down the wicket, fortunately for Kieswetter the tall Middlesex-via-Sussex spinner has a turning circle greater than the Torpoint ferry and the stumping is completed despite a bit of a fumble. Kirby steps in to remove Murtagh before he repeated his first-innings heroics thanks to a high leaping catch by Compton at midwicket. An over later Toby Roland-Jones holes out to Buttler to give Dockrell his sixth wicket of the innings.
Dockrell finishes with figures of 20.1-8-27-6, in an unbroken spell either side of the lunch interval this 19 year old has put Somerset in a position to win their opening match of a County Championship season for the first time in three years (at least-I haven't checked). Middlesex have lost seven wickets and added only 41 runs since lunch. Somerset need just 72 to win.
I try to banish memories of 50 all out from my mind. A ridiculous thought – after all a year ago Somerset were facing a 432 run deficit just to make Warwickshire bat again. But that day the skies were clear and batting conditions far easier. And Trescothick doesn't do my nerves any good by
edging the 3rd ball of the innings from Berg to Rayner at slip. One down before they have a run on the board.
Middlesex open with Berg and Rayner. They were probably the pick of their bowlers in the first innings and Rayner is hoping to get similar bounce and turn from the River end as Dockrell. Middlesex have another issue to consider – a first innings over rate deficit at -3. With such a small target to defend they need to make concerted efforts to improve this in what will be a short innings or they risk losing most of the bonus points they gained. There is a sense of urgency as they scurry from end to end and side to side between overs. I don't think all this rushing about is helping the batsmen settle and a second wicket falls as Suppiah is caught behind edging Berg. Just as things are getting interesting they all troop off for tea. Its 20-2 off 8 overs. Just 52 more needed after tea.
The passing of those twenty minutes brings with it a new problem as the cloud thickens and the light deteriorates. Its not as bad as when they came off for light on the first day, but with forecast reports suggesting it could get worse and even rain, Compton and Hildreth's quest to finish the match at the earliest possible convenience is not helped by Berg's maiden over, but Rayner then goes for 15 off the next as Hildreth gets after him. Its all getting a bit frantic out there – Somerset trying to bash their way to the winning total before the weather intervenes, Middlesex jogging around the field to improve their over rate. I feel like I have the match on x2 fast forward on Sky Plus. Inevitably wickets fall. Rayner is taken off but replaced by part-time spinner Denly who adds to his influence in this match with the wicket of Compton caught going for a big hit. Kieswetter is bowled by Berg without scoring. Somerset look a bit wobbly at 44-4 but they have fallen victim to their own anxiety to score quickly. Meanwhile there is lighter cloud crossing towards the ground from the west. Finally someone counts slowly to ten and sends out the sensible heads.
Sensible-head-in-chief Mr Hildreth sees us home along with not-quite-so-sensible-head Mr Buttler. Well, I wouldn't have expected anything less than the couple of Buttler-esque hits at the end. Somerset win the match by 6 wickets, their three batting points taking them to the top of division 1 above other division 1 victors Surrey and Nottinghamshire.
It may be a bit early to say this, so I shall whisper it quietly. Could this be the year?
After the disappointment of losing so much time to the weather the previous evening Somerset are hoping to make early inroads into the Middlesex batting line up. The cloud that has been settled over Taunton for all but the morning of the second day is still here, but for the moment it does not look as though the weather will intervene in the final day's play.
Philander continues from the River End, completing his unfinished over, with Kirby from the Old Pavilion end. There is a huge shout for caught behind off Kirby's first ball to Robson but it is not given. The ball had looked perilously close to the top of off stump as it had gone through to Kieswetter and if Mike's photo is anything to go by this was definitely an 'umpire's call' ball. Did it touch the bails it went through, and was this the woody noise heard by the team?
The ball is going past the edge of the bat as it has all through this match but neither Kirby nor Philander can get the breakthrough. Finally Trescothick turns to spin with Dockrell coming on from the River end. Robson and Rogers are watchful as Dockrell is getting turn and with the advantage of his height some bounce too. They edge past a 50 partnership. Trego goes for 12 off his first over from the Old Pavilion end having replaced Kirby but settles after this. It is still slow going for Middlesex but they must have felt better when they had wiped out the deficit with still just one wicket down.
But their lead is just a single run when Robson attempts to sweep Dockrell, misses and goes lbw. Much of Middlesex's hopes now rest on Rogers who makes his half century before getting an inside edge off Dockrell which Kieswetter catches. 118-3. Dockrell is in the groove and Meschede now from the Old Pavilion end is keeping the pressure on with some tight bowling of his own. The spectre of spinners in tandem tempts us as Suppiah gets an over from the Old Pavilion end just before lunch. By lunch Middlesex have moved on to 134-3 off 51 overs, a lead of 30 runs, Malan 14* and Dexter 6*
The general feeling amongst Somerset supporters at lunch was that Somerset had needed more wickets during that morning session. Middlesex would probably bat through until tea and maybe beyond, by which time the lead would probably be 120-150. On a slow scoring pitch with the chance of poor light this would be a total probably out of reach in a quick run chase.
Oh how little faith we have. I was pleased to see Philander take the first over after lunch from the Old Pavilion end. He had been wicketless from the River End this morning – indeed he was yet to bowl from this end in the match. I'm a great believer in trying something different if the original plan isn't working, though would be fairly sure he was only switched to this end so Dockrell could carry on the good work from the River end. Whatever the motive it does the trick as he takes the wicket of Dexter in his first over, edging behind. Dockrell then gets Simpson caught by Trescothick at slip before Philander replies with the wicket of Malan, another edge through to the keeper.. Its like watching a tennis match as wickets fall at alternate ends as Berg is next to go lbw to Dockrell.
It is important for Somerset to deal with the Middlesex tail more promptly than they did in the first innings. Dockrell tempts Rayner down the wicket, fortunately for Kieswetter the tall Middlesex-via-Sussex spinner has a turning circle greater than the Torpoint ferry and the stumping is completed despite a bit of a fumble. Kirby steps in to remove Murtagh before he repeated his first-innings heroics thanks to a high leaping catch by Compton at midwicket. An over later Toby Roland-Jones holes out to Buttler to give Dockrell his sixth wicket of the innings.
Dockrell finishes with figures of 20.1-8-27-6, in an unbroken spell either side of the lunch interval this 19 year old has put Somerset in a position to win their opening match of a County Championship season for the first time in three years (at least-I haven't checked). Middlesex have lost seven wickets and added only 41 runs since lunch. Somerset need just 72 to win.
I try to banish memories of 50 all out from my mind. A ridiculous thought – after all a year ago Somerset were facing a 432 run deficit just to make Warwickshire bat again. But that day the skies were clear and batting conditions far easier. And Trescothick doesn't do my nerves any good by
edging the 3rd ball of the innings from Berg to Rayner at slip. One down before they have a run on the board.
Middlesex open with Berg and Rayner. They were probably the pick of their bowlers in the first innings and Rayner is hoping to get similar bounce and turn from the River end as Dockrell. Middlesex have another issue to consider – a first innings over rate deficit at -3. With such a small target to defend they need to make concerted efforts to improve this in what will be a short innings or they risk losing most of the bonus points they gained. There is a sense of urgency as they scurry from end to end and side to side between overs. I don't think all this rushing about is helping the batsmen settle and a second wicket falls as Suppiah is caught behind edging Berg. Just as things are getting interesting they all troop off for tea. Its 20-2 off 8 overs. Just 52 more needed after tea.
The passing of those twenty minutes brings with it a new problem as the cloud thickens and the light deteriorates. Its not as bad as when they came off for light on the first day, but with forecast reports suggesting it could get worse and even rain, Compton and Hildreth's quest to finish the match at the earliest possible convenience is not helped by Berg's maiden over, but Rayner then goes for 15 off the next as Hildreth gets after him. Its all getting a bit frantic out there – Somerset trying to bash their way to the winning total before the weather intervenes, Middlesex jogging around the field to improve their over rate. I feel like I have the match on x2 fast forward on Sky Plus. Inevitably wickets fall. Rayner is taken off but replaced by part-time spinner Denly who adds to his influence in this match with the wicket of Compton caught going for a big hit. Kieswetter is bowled by Berg without scoring. Somerset look a bit wobbly at 44-4 but they have fallen victim to their own anxiety to score quickly. Meanwhile there is lighter cloud crossing towards the ground from the west. Finally someone counts slowly to ten and sends out the sensible heads.
Sensible-head-in-chief Mr Hildreth sees us home along with not-quite-so-sensible-head Mr Buttler. Well, I wouldn't have expected anything less than the couple of Buttler-esque hits at the end. Somerset win the match by 6 wickets, their three batting points taking them to the top of division 1 above other division 1 victors Surrey and Nottinghamshire.
It may be a bit early to say this, so I shall whisper it quietly. Could this be the year?
Seems another pretty fair assessment to me Ron but I wasn't there.
The Dibble/Hussain factor is still fundamental as many identified it would be before the start of the season.
I have to agree about the potential of Meschede - his allround skill are going to ask questions about Pete Trego in the next few years and that is good for him and for the length of Pete's career because he is going to have to answer them!
Also have to agree about the games coming up. if you want to be the best you have to beat the other contenders and we have to put our marker down on the top table chair by removing the claims of others whenever and wherever they face us. We don't do that, we become also rans and deservedly so.
Decrease the pressure on the second half of the season by maximising what can be gained in the first half seems sensible to my feeble mind.
The Dibble/Hussain factor is still fundamental as many identified it would be before the start of the season.
I have to agree about the potential of Meschede - his allround skill are going to ask questions about Pete Trego in the next few years and that is good for him and for the length of Pete's career because he is going to have to answer them!
Also have to agree about the games coming up. if you want to be the best you have to beat the other contenders and we have to put our marker down on the top table chair by removing the claims of others whenever and wherever they face us. We don't do that, we become also rans and deservedly so.
Decrease the pressure on the second half of the season by maximising what can be gained in the first half seems sensible to my feeble mind.
Quote:lower pavilion
As a Middlesex member.I just wanted to say my 4 day visit to Taunton was by and large a good experience.
From a Middlesex point of view, I thought my team missing their three central contracted players competed very well against a strong Somerset side for three full days and up to lunch on the fourth day.In affect a very poor 80 minutes in four days cost us the game
Unfortunately this is yet another example where winning the toss has a huge outcome on the result and gives one side a very big advantage before a ball is bowled.
When you were 10O approx for three, Middlesex missed a very simple run out opportunity which on reflection was a pivotal moment in the game.
At lunch on the fourth day a number of locals were being somewhat downbeat. However we then had a terrible 80 minutes which cost us the game. All credit to young Dockrell who bowled very well from one end. Unfortunately Middlesex in this period allowed a young spinner to dominate them and that enabled Philander and Kirby to bowl uninterrupted for a period from the other end and the pressure became too much. We really should have been able to bat till tea with seven wickets in hand and then a draw would have been inevitable and then I believe Compton's very slow innings would have come under much more scrutiny.
Somerset are a good side and if they can avoid England call ups which is very crucial indeed should go very close this season. However I have a feeling when you lose Philander you may find you are a bit short on quality fast bowling and may struggle at times to bowl teams out twice.
As for my team there will be games when two of our three central contracted players will be able to play which should hugely benefit us. For instance Finn bowling in this game would have been very interesting indeed and a very stern test for your batsmen. By and large I was very pleased indeed with our effort over the four days and well done to our boys.
One final thought on winning the toss. Why can we not do the following. Each team in a season plays each other twice in the championship. Have a toss of a coin for the first game, but for the return game the team that loss the toss in the first game should then have the choice whether to bat or bowl in the second game. Perhaps on reflection that is far too radical an idea for the ECB to contemplate.
Good luck for the rest of the season and look foreward to our return game.
You only sing when you're winning! Hope you had a safe trip back to Derbyshire.
Lower Pavilion re; the toss.
The thing that strikes me is that Middx were bundled out by spin on the final day.
Therefore, it is not at all obvious that Middx would have fared better had they batted last (and, by extension, second.)
The thing that strikes me is that Middx were bundled out by spin on the final day.
Therefore, it is not at all obvious that Middx would have fared better had they batted last (and, by extension, second.)
I also note that Philander claimed that, on day one, not much happened for the bowlers. He said there was a bit of bounce in the track and that was pretty much it.
According to George Dockrell, there was certainly plenty of turn in the track (including off the non-rough areas) by the fourth day.
According to George Dockrell, there was certainly plenty of turn in the track (including off the non-rough areas) by the fourth day.
Some excellent reviews of the match. A good read
The Middlesex fan was right that a pivotal moment was the non-run out of CK. Relatively low score games are usually won by the side who have the biggest partnership of the match and, as against Worcs at Taunton last year, Craig and Nick did the honours in that department. Their stand in both games was crucial.
Also, in Div One you can't usually escape with a bad session. The afternoon one for M'sex yesterday was just that.
But Good Luck to them for the season ahead. I hope they stay up.
We now seem to have a bit depth to our squad and hopefully nobody will keep a place just on reputation if they are not performing. Great servant though he has been, Peter will have to justify his inclusive this season with Craig looking good and Lewis waiting in the wings, if the selectors decide to bring in Dibble or Hussain to bolser the pace attack.
Otherwise, I imagine it will be the same X1 at Warks. I am going to the match and looking forward to another competitive performance
The Middlesex fan was right that a pivotal moment was the non-run out of CK. Relatively low score games are usually won by the side who have the biggest partnership of the match and, as against Worcs at Taunton last year, Craig and Nick did the honours in that department. Their stand in both games was crucial.
Also, in Div One you can't usually escape with a bad session. The afternoon one for M'sex yesterday was just that.
But Good Luck to them for the season ahead. I hope they stay up.
We now seem to have a bit depth to our squad and hopefully nobody will keep a place just on reputation if they are not performing. Great servant though he has been, Peter will have to justify his inclusive this season with Craig looking good and Lewis waiting in the wings, if the selectors decide to bring in Dibble or Hussain to bolser the pace attack.
Otherwise, I imagine it will be the same X1 at Warks. I am going to the match and looking forward to another competitive performance
One other thought re
ur overseas player for the second half of the season;
It's not impossible that Brian might think of adding an overseas spinner to bowl in tandem with George in the second half of the season. We could prepare pitches to suit for home games and look to bundle people out, primarily, with spin twins.
I'd love to win the CC any (fair) way we could achieve it.
But the notion of winning it due to spin twins has, I think, a particular romance.
If Hussain/Dibble do okay and Brian is content with the batting then it must be at least a possibility?
ur overseas player for the second half of the season;
It's not impossible that Brian might think of adding an overseas spinner to bowl in tandem with George in the second half of the season. We could prepare pitches to suit for home games and look to bundle people out, primarily, with spin twins.
I'd love to win the CC any (fair) way we could achieve it.
But the notion of winning it due to spin twins has, I think, a particular romance.
If Hussain/Dibble do okay and Brian is content with the batting then it must be at least a possibility?
There are loads of possibilities. And loads of games before that possibility will become anything more.
At the ground yesterday I heard that a signing was likely within the next 2 weeks.
Quote:AGod
It's not impossible that Brian might think of adding an overseas spinner to bowl in tandem with George in the second half of the season. We could prepare pitches to suit for home games and look to bundle people out, primarily, with spin twins.
But the notion of winning it due to spin twins has, I think, a particular romance.
You clearly don't rate MAX? If BR really doesn't rate him either - although he gave him a good mention at AGM, then his future must be in 'foreign' fields where his potential may be appreciated.
I've never seen Max bowl in a CC game, Old Boy.
Of course, he has not played in many of them.
So all I personally can do is;
a) attempt to extrapolate from what I've seen of Max in one day cricket.
b) Draw certain inferences from the fact that he's been on the staff for a few years, but seldom been picked for CC games.
My impression from one day games is that Max would need to give the ball more flight than he does in one day games to be a success in the CC. I believe that, unless you can land every ball on the same spot and extract a lot of bounce a la Anil Kumble, the key to success lies in getting the ball above the batsman's eye line (and of course getting it to then dip at the right moment.)
Of course it may be the case that Max gives it oodles of flight when he plays in CC games.
I do know that Brian has insisted, in the past, that Max needs to turn his leg break more to gain a CC place. One assumes that Brian has every single second team game watched by people that he trusts and so I would infer from the fact that Max continues to find a CC place hard to come by, that Brian is still not convinced that the stock ball turns sufficiently.
Of course, he has not played in many of them.
So all I personally can do is;
a) attempt to extrapolate from what I've seen of Max in one day cricket.
b) Draw certain inferences from the fact that he's been on the staff for a few years, but seldom been picked for CC games.
My impression from one day games is that Max would need to give the ball more flight than he does in one day games to be a success in the CC. I believe that, unless you can land every ball on the same spot and extract a lot of bounce a la Anil Kumble, the key to success lies in getting the ball above the batsman's eye line (and of course getting it to then dip at the right moment.)
Of course it may be the case that Max gives it oodles of flight when he plays in CC games.
I do know that Brian has insisted, in the past, that Max needs to turn his leg break more to gain a CC place. One assumes that Brian has every single second team game watched by people that he trusts and so I would infer from the fact that Max continues to find a CC place hard to come by, that Brian is still not convinced that the stock ball turns sufficiently.
also in the only cc game of his I can remember seeing, he got absolutely tonked.
you forgot one part of the process AG.
Once you've done the extrapolating you attribute the view extrapolated to Brian Rose
Once you've done the extrapolating you attribute the view extrapolated to Brian Rose
Quote:Slow Left Chinaman
also in the only cc game of his I can remember seeing, he got absolutely tonked.
Assuming you are right, he would not be the first bowler to be 'tonked'! How do you, as a bowler overcome that? I don't believe any spinner needs to spin the ball a huge amount. Enough to deceive the batsman is enough. The main attribute required is to be able to have control. That comes from PLAYING AND BOWLING in the middle. I'm sure Max accepts that he has to wait for his opportunity, but IF AGOD's advice is followed and another spinner signed, then if I had MAX's ear I would advise him to tear up his contract and move to another team straight away! IMO.
Quote:Grockle
you forgot one part of the process AG.
Once you've done the extrapolating you attribute the view extrapolated to Brian Rose
I don't follow?
The bit about turning it more was a direct view expressed by Brian. I'm not attributing my view to Brian. But I am drawing inferences about Max's non-selection.
Got to be encouraging that we won, reasonably comfortably in the end, without anything like hitting our straps to maximum potential.
Strength in depth has its benefits !
Thanks to all for the detailed & atmospheric reports above.
Grizzzly
Strength in depth has its benefits !
Thanks to all for the detailed & atmospheric reports above.
Grizzzly
Just seen the ECB Day 4 highlights, from which two q's arise:
1) What was CK trying to do when he played on from about four feet above the stumps ?
2) Is this the first time the winning runs in a Championship game have been scored using the reverse sweep shot ?
Or maybe this post should be relocated to pqq's !
Grizzzly
1) What was CK trying to do when he played on from about four feet above the stumps ?
2) Is this the first time the winning runs in a Championship game have been scored using the reverse sweep shot ?
Or maybe this post should be relocated to pqq's !
Grizzzly
I see from the club web-site that Max made 93 batting at either 3 or 4 in the Second XI's win, so perhaps his future prospects re. First XI cricket do not entirely depend on the degree to which he may or may not have improved his leg-break.
It' perhaps not inconceiveable that he and Jones might together be capable of putting pressure on Suppiah and one of the lower middle order?
Also whilst on the site I noticed with some sadness that the link to "Tables" still shows us in fourth place in 2011. Shame!
It' perhaps not inconceiveable that he and Jones might together be capable of putting pressure on Suppiah and one of the lower middle order?
Also whilst on the site I noticed with some sadness that the link to "Tables" still shows us in fourth place in 2011. Shame!
Well when I have time FE I'll get to it. Exams start early here. For now you'll just have to follow the links to this year's table and cheer yourself up.
AG you are telling us that Rose will not be picking Max but looking for another spinner. Did he say that as well? If he didn't aren't you attributing your view to him?
He did not say Max didn't spin it enough. He said the coaches would like Max to work at spinning it more - slightly difference in emphasis that changes the inference of what was said and... I humbly suggest, your extrapolation.
He then went to the Windies and proved he could take wickets and significant ones. The statement was a while ago as well - bit out of date really unless he said it again this year at the AGM. Did he?
Have to agree with you FE, I said last year that Max needs a batting card to play as the possible second spinner and a consistent presence on the field but he is our second slow option who was re-contracted a year after the Rose quote so he must have shown something that pleased the management.
AG you are telling us that Rose will not be picking Max but looking for another spinner. Did he say that as well? If he didn't aren't you attributing your view to him?
He did not say Max didn't spin it enough. He said the coaches would like Max to work at spinning it more - slightly difference in emphasis that changes the inference of what was said and... I humbly suggest, your extrapolation.
He then went to the Windies and proved he could take wickets and significant ones. The statement was a while ago as well - bit out of date really unless he said it again this year at the AGM. Did he?
Have to agree with you FE, I said last year that Max needs a batting card to play as the possible second spinner and a consistent presence on the field but he is our second slow option who was re-contracted a year after the Rose quote so he must have shown something that pleased the management.
Frome Exile....I think you might find a former Frome batsman, one Alex Barrow, targetting an opening spot when fully fit.
I thought Frome Exile might be a former Frome batsman. Get him in the side at once.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I wasn't saying "shame" on you or your site, Grockle.
It was the Club's site I felt should have the wherewithal to be up to date with our pleasing position.
It was the Club's site I felt should have the wherewithal to be up to date with our pleasing position.
Sorry, Grockle but I did not say that Brian 'will,' be looking for another spinner, simply that it's not inconceivable that he could. Quite a big difference.
FE - I think Max made a DOUBLE ton at second XI level last season. Therefore, one suspects that if his batting was going to impact on his selection for a CC place, that might already have happened?
FE - I think Max made a DOUBLE ton at second XI level last season. Therefore, one suspects that if his batting was going to impact on his selection for a CC place, that might already have happened?
I'm well aware that he made a double.
I'm also aware that several people thought it something of a fluke!
Today's news may suggest otherwise.
I'm also aware that several people thought it something of a fluke!
Today's news may suggest otherwise.
Bit more emphasis than that I think AG - it was said as more than just one of many ' not inconcievable' things that may or may not happen.
I don't think you rate Max and I think you were inferring that Rose thinks the same way.
Saw it with RvdM - same kind of thing. Becoming a bit of a habit, you suggesting that people in control in SCCC think the same way as you might and therefore will act the same way you would.
Every right to have opinions on the merits and demerits of players but don't be surprised if Rose's actions occasionally don't follow the AG plan :-)
I don't think you rate Max and I think you were inferring that Rose thinks the same way.
Saw it with RvdM - same kind of thing. Becoming a bit of a habit, you suggesting that people in control in SCCC think the same way as you might and therefore will act the same way you would.
Every right to have opinions on the merits and demerits of players but don't be surprised if Rose's actions occasionally don't follow the AG plan :-)
[www.cricketnetwork.co.uk] [www.cricketnetwork.co.uk] [www.cricketnetwork.co.uk] [www.cricketnetwork.co.uk]
Here are 4 views from Middlesex fans who were lucky to make the trip. Despite the result, we left full of optimism.
Here are 4 views from Middlesex fans who were lucky to make the trip. Despite the result, we left full of optimism.
Also note that 75% of voters on the MTWD site think they will win the Championship.
I must say all four reports were well balanced in their views on what they watched.
There has been some heat generated on Grockles in recent days and I think that it was on this thread that Naxxar said s/he would cease making contributions to the site. Some have expressed their regret about this, whether publicly or privately. I would like all to know that Naxxar has said in a private communication with me that s/he apologises for having upset anyone.st
Let's hope that one of our best informed contributors will soon be back.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Let's hope that one of our best informed contributors will soon be back.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Hmm, confused - when I click on the MTWD "See results" link, it shows me 74.29% aganist position number 1, out of 105 votes...?
Quote:Grockle
Bit more emphasis than that I think AG - it was said as more than just one of many ' not inconcievable' things that may or may not happen.
I don't think you rate Max and I think you were inferring that Rose thinks the same way.
Saw it with RvdM - same kind of thing. Becoming a bit of a habit, you suggesting that people in control in SCCC think the same way as you might and therefore will act the same way you would.
Every right to have opinions on the merits and demerits of players but don't be surprised if Rose's actions occasionally don't follow the AG plan :-)
The inference has nothing to do with my personal view of Max's merits. As I say, I have not seen him bowl in a CC game. I have simply drawn the inference from team selection that Brian sees him mainly as a one-day player. I cannot really remember Max ever getting a run of games in the CC team? I think he's played, perhaps, about five games in total and I think they have come via the odd game here, the odd game there?
Obviously, Max WAS given a new one-year deal at the end of last season. So Brian must, logically, feel that he has some role to play. But given previous team selection it seems likely that that role may well be as a one-day player and, possibly, cover if Dockrell goes off to join Ireland for one or more games.
A terrific win for Somerset that unlike last season gets us off to a fine start. Very early I know but I thought it might be interesting to start a thread where we can offer our thoughts about the first game.
1. Philander can put it about a bit. We have probably the hottest pace bowler in the world right now on our team and he's hit the ground running. May well finish top of the averages however long he stays. And it's just as well because....
2. We're short of seamers, in fact we didn't even play a recognised third seamer in this game; that Meschede's wickets in warm up was enough to win him a place shows how up for grabs it is. And frankly it would be even if Dibble and Hussain were fit.
3. Taunton's good to bowl first at. Well we all knew any help for the bowlers is likely to be early on and it was notwithstanding the second inns performance of...
4. George Dockrell, Ok he's Irish but arguably the best ' home grown ish spinner since Harvey Trump at least and left armer since Dennis Breakwell (though to be honest he's far better a bowler than dear old Dennis, Rob Coombs, Steve Booth Tim Scriven, can ANYONE remember a good local left armer..?
5. Middlesex could go back down. They battled but the 'sex just seem to struggle to hold onto experienced players; is this a deliberate policy? It seems odd to lose Scott Newman, Alan Richardson et al when you don't have anyone better. Middlesex used to be the most starry team in the land. Does not owning your ground mean less money?
1. Philander can put it about a bit. We have probably the hottest pace bowler in the world right now on our team and he's hit the ground running. May well finish top of the averages however long he stays. And it's just as well because....
2. We're short of seamers, in fact we didn't even play a recognised third seamer in this game; that Meschede's wickets in warm up was enough to win him a place shows how up for grabs it is. And frankly it would be even if Dibble and Hussain were fit.
3. Taunton's good to bowl first at. Well we all knew any help for the bowlers is likely to be early on and it was notwithstanding the second inns performance of...
4. George Dockrell, Ok he's Irish but arguably the best ' home grown ish spinner since Harvey Trump at least and left armer since Dennis Breakwell (though to be honest he's far better a bowler than dear old Dennis, Rob Coombs, Steve Booth Tim Scriven, can ANYONE remember a good local left armer..?
5. Middlesex could go back down. They battled but the 'sex just seem to struggle to hold onto experienced players; is this a deliberate policy? It seems odd to lose Scott Newman, Alan Richardson et al when you don't have anyone better. Middlesex used to be the most starry team in the land. Does not owning your ground mean less money?
For what it is worth (possibly not much) the BBC London guys seem highly dubious about the Middx batting strength. They repeatedly made the point that 'it was most definitely the bowling that got the team promoted,' and were pretty clear in suggesting that their batting was unreliable even in Division Two.
I don't know how you can know that the first change bowling spot would still have been up for grabs 'even if Hussain/Dibble were fit.'
I don't know how you can know that the first change bowling spot would still have been up for grabs 'even if Hussain/Dibble were fit.'
I'm sure Palairet and Wickham recall that promising local boy, J C White, but I'm not sure we need a new thread to dissect the recent match.
And that chap Hazell wasn't bad either.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:20:37:00 by Loyal of Lhasa..
And that chap Hazell wasn't bad either.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:20:37:00 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Sorry KT but THIS is the thread for this game so I've merged the threads together so that the comments on the game are all in one place.
I think that George got some help from the pitch on the fourth day middle session and if you've read reports on Taunton over the last couple of seasons you would know that the old situation of the pitch dying after a short period each morning as the game days went on has stopped happening.
Please give us the names of the opponents we have in the first division with masses of depth in their seam departments. We had two mainstream bowlers out injured (you have no idea how they will play as both of them are still at the start of their first class careers at Taunton).
Even so we had another seam option on standby should we have needed him as Lewis did not play. Many identified Craig as the man who came out of the pre match preps as the bowler looking for a place. Bit unfair to suggest he was the best of a poor bunch as almost no-one has any idea what we can expect from these youngsters.
I hope you will be back on immediately after their first games if they produce the goods you expect them not to, to congratulate them for being part of the squad and doing their jobs.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:21:00:57 by Grockle.
I think that George got some help from the pitch on the fourth day middle session and if you've read reports on Taunton over the last couple of seasons you would know that the old situation of the pitch dying after a short period each morning as the game days went on has stopped happening.
Please give us the names of the opponents we have in the first division with masses of depth in their seam departments. We had two mainstream bowlers out injured (you have no idea how they will play as both of them are still at the start of their first class careers at Taunton).
Even so we had another seam option on standby should we have needed him as Lewis did not play. Many identified Craig as the man who came out of the pre match preps as the bowler looking for a place. Bit unfair to suggest he was the best of a poor bunch as almost no-one has any idea what we can expect from these youngsters.
I hope you will be back on immediately after their first games if they produce the goods you expect them not to, to congratulate them for being part of the squad and doing their jobs.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:21:00:57 by Grockle.
KE I don't know enough about Somerset cc to comment on 1-4, but as you specifically mention Middlesex in point 5)
Had we not fluffed a run out opportunity on 111-3 in your first innings you would have scored about 100 less, which would have left you needing to make a tricky 170 or so instead of 72- no guarantee you would have made that so I don't see how one fluffed run out makes us relegation candidates.
Scott Newman is on loan to Kent as he is not good enough to get into first team, hence Joe Denly hired as his replacement. We will Have Strauss, Morgan occssionally, and also Stirling waiting his chance if anyone loses form.
Richardson (and Ben Scott for that matter) also couldn't be guaranteed a first team place anymore. Richardson was offered a player/coach role a couple of years ago (he was 35 then-now 37) Not many seamers perform that well in their mid 30's, and he still wanted first team cricket, so went to Worcester. It was still the right thing to do, otherwise it would have blocked Toby Roland-Jones.
SP- I don't know what poll you are looking at. This years poll prediction thread is now about half way down the menu page, so check that. (The person who voted for 9th is a Surrey supporter)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:21:03:04 by chunkyinargyll.
Had we not fluffed a run out opportunity on 111-3 in your first innings you would have scored about 100 less, which would have left you needing to make a tricky 170 or so instead of 72- no guarantee you would have made that so I don't see how one fluffed run out makes us relegation candidates.
Scott Newman is on loan to Kent as he is not good enough to get into first team, hence Joe Denly hired as his replacement. We will Have Strauss, Morgan occssionally, and also Stirling waiting his chance if anyone loses form.
Richardson (and Ben Scott for that matter) also couldn't be guaranteed a first team place anymore. Richardson was offered a player/coach role a couple of years ago (he was 35 then-now 37) Not many seamers perform that well in their mid 30's, and he still wanted first team cricket, so went to Worcester. It was still the right thing to do, otherwise it would have blocked Toby Roland-Jones.
SP- I don't know what poll you are looking at. This years poll prediction thread is now about half way down the menu page, so check that. (The person who voted for 9th is a Surrey supporter)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:04:09:21:03:04 by chunkyinargyll.
I think but don't quote me on this that either Joe Tucker or Matt Bulbeck were lefties weren't they? They were fair bowlers.
Hew the better of the two as well so there you are KT - local grown recent left handed bowler
Some interesting points raised.
However, the simple fact remains.
We are the best side in the world.
Bar none.
However, the simple fact remains.
We are the best side in the world.
Bar none.
I share the view expressed by LoL (and previously by others) that Naxxar will soon resume posting.
I agree with chunkyinargyll that Middlesex should not be written off on the evidence of this single match. It seems to me that they have a good attack - which will become very good when Finn plays for them.
And I fully agree with BJ, of course.
I put on my walking boots tomorrow, so will be following from a distance for the next two weeks. I look forward to catching up with a number of you during the first three days of the Lancashire match.
I agree with chunkyinargyll that Middlesex should not be written off on the evidence of this single match. It seems to me that they have a good attack - which will become very good when Finn plays for them.
And I fully agree with BJ, of course.
I put on my walking boots tomorrow, so will be following from a distance for the next two weeks. I look forward to catching up with a number of you during the first three days of the Lancashire match.
I too naturally agree with BJ, as I always do.
However it does put me in mind of the Stevenage FC supporters who sang "We're the finest football team the world has ever seen."
I did point out that I would have to put them in second place behind the 1970 Brazil side.
However it does put me in mind of the Stevenage FC supporters who sang "We're the finest football team the world has ever seen."
I did point out that I would have to put them in second place behind the 1970 Brazil side.
But Brazil weren't any good at cricket, were they?
So surely we are not taking second place to them?
If we are going to include teams from other sports, BJ might have to put us behind a Gareth Edwards rugger team or some such...
So surely we are not taking second place to them?
If we are going to include teams from other sports, BJ might have to put us behind a Gareth Edwards rugger team or some such...
BJ rules, OK, AG.
Brazil 1970 were better than Yeovil are at football. Slightly.
Brazil 1970 were better than Yeovil are at football. Slightly.
Quote:Right Arm Over
A year ago I had a sleepless night.
Following a winter of hope and expectation, Somerset were bowled out for 52, Bagpuss and Craig K went to blows on twitter, Naxxar hadn't discovered the internet, Botham was still reeling from not being part of the executive business club and the police had to confiscate all sharp objects from Clarence's home.
Fast forward a year and Somerset win a very rare opening CC game and there is no twitter fight, a reminder from little birds that there was no need for any to doubt anything and of course Clarence is free to butter his bread, cut his steak and allowed to collect his Tesco knife coupon without any concern being raised.
Well done Somerset and if I have mentioned your name, please take it as friendly banter.
Hello RAO.
I sincerely hope that you enjoyed a peaceful and sleep - fulfilled night on Sunday.
Of course I personally take your comments as “friendly banter” - how could one possibly interpret them as being anything but? However, I do think that you owe my much – missed friend Naxxar an apology, for he had indeed discovered the internet and wrote to such memorable effect on the Warwickshire match thread (“And so it begins”) at about this time last year.
Well done indeed to Somerset. I saw the first two days play, so it was a pleasant surprise to read of our victory when I returned home late yesterday.
And on a grateful note, RAO, thank you for bringing to my attention the details of the ‘Tesco’ knife coupons. Incidentally, is it permitted to advertise on here?
I may indeed find it prudent to redeem some such coupons before the end of the season.
Strictly for culinary purposes of course, because “every little helps.”
I was delighted to listen to the Day 4 commentary of George Dockerell taking 6 wickets to turn the game firmly in the direction of Somerset. I watched the highlights that night to savour Dockerell’s efforts. What struck me about the 6 wickets was that he got all of his wickets by batsmen playing for turn that was not there. The lefties edged whilst the right hander’s were beaten on the inside. Not classic left arm orthodox spinners’ wickets in the manner of Murali Kartik who would constantly beat the outside of the right handers bat. My suspicion is that teams will work young George out and play him similarly to Anil Kumble in expecting the ball not to turn.
George’s economy rate was exceptional and the pressure he created reaped huge reward. But, based purely on the highlights of the wickets, in my opinion, George does not look like a performer who is capable of taking 40+ wickets in the Championship.
I would be intrigued into the views of others and I would love to hear that he can give it a rip and other deliveries not included in the highlights turned considerably.
George’s economy rate was exceptional and the pressure he created reaped huge reward. But, based purely on the highlights of the wickets, in my opinion, George does not look like a performer who is capable of taking 40+ wickets in the Championship.
I would be intrigued into the views of others and I would love to hear that he can give it a rip and other deliveries not included in the highlights turned considerably.
George himself said that there was plenty of turn on day four.
Therefore, it strikes me as probable that other deliveries did, in fact, turn and that this created doubt in the minds of the batsmen, but I stand to be corrected.
Therefore, it strikes me as probable that other deliveries did, in fact, turn and that this created doubt in the minds of the batsmen, but I stand to be corrected.
My other thought is that I've certainly seen George turn some balls a fair way in one day cricket. Have you not, Deaders?
Given that George bowled 20 overs then I'd say the Middx batsmen would have had to be pretty thick not to have 'worked him out,' there and then if he was barely turning it off the straight?
Given that George bowled 20 overs then I'd say the Middx batsmen would have had to be pretty thick not to have 'worked him out,' there and then if he was barely turning it off the straight?
some turned and some didn't. I would say it was the uncertainty that would cause the doubt. He also got bounce and it was bounce that got Simpson and possibly Rogers too.
I think if he gets a run he will get 40+ wickets.but he wont always have a wicket like he got last Sunday to bowl on.
I think if he gets a run he will get 40+ wickets.but he wont always have a wicket like he got last Sunday to bowl on.
Some comments from the match I don’t think have been mentioned.
It was good to see supporters allowed on the outfield during the breaks.
Marcus was fielding at short leg for a while, some wondered if it was because he was less likely to have to chase after a ball to the boundary if he was fielding in that position.
It was good to see supporters allowed on the outfield during the breaks.
Marcus was fielding at short leg for a while, some wondered if it was because he was less likely to have to chase after a ball to the boundary if he was fielding in that position.
maybe he was fielding there to assist Suppiah's knees Mike? constant bending down may put a strain on them in there?
Yeah, I'd have thought short leg would be an awful position for a man with dodgy knees.
With the boss under the lid, though, good job that George was able to operate with exemplary control!!!
As for George, clearly nobody with a brain would expect him to be taking six for 20 odd every week. But I expect him to be picked for pretty much every CC game for which he is available and I expect him to be consistently effective. When it's turning, I think he'll take wickets. When it's not, I think he'll do a decent job of bottling up an end.
With the boss under the lid, though, good job that George was able to operate with exemplary control!!!
As for George, clearly nobody with a brain would expect him to be taking six for 20 odd every week. But I expect him to be picked for pretty much every CC game for which he is available and I expect him to be consistently effective. When it's turning, I think he'll take wickets. When it's not, I think he'll do a decent job of bottling up an end.
I've watched the highlights and George didn't appear to be getting a huge amount of turn, he just seems to be a very good, canny bowler who can already generate a huge amount of doubt in the batsmen's minds.
I'm not fussed how he gets his wickets, just as long as he stays happy and fit, because the boy most certainly has a huge future in the game.
I'm not fussed how he gets his wickets, just as long as he stays happy and fit, because the boy most certainly has a huge future in the game.
He certainly does, BJ. He seems to have a cricketing intelligence which (some would say) belies his age.
That intelligence is evident in his one day cricket.
I actually saw George's lone previous CC game for SCCC - at home to Notts last season. In that game he got some stick from Samit Patel and I don't think there was much help off the pitch at all. And yet, still, there was a pleasing flight and loop to his bowling and he did not look a novice on (first-class) debut.
I also saw him looking as though he knew what he was doing with bat in hand in that game, too. So I think he could possibly develop there as well.
That intelligence is evident in his one day cricket.
I actually saw George's lone previous CC game for SCCC - at home to Notts last season. In that game he got some stick from Samit Patel and I don't think there was much help off the pitch at all. And yet, still, there was a pleasing flight and loop to his bowling and he did not look a novice on (first-class) debut.
I also saw him looking as though he knew what he was doing with bat in hand in that game, too. So I think he could possibly develop there as well.
Quote:Mike TA1
Some comments from the match I don’t think have been mentioned.
It was good to see supporters allowed on the outfield during the breaks.
They caught me out with that Mike. Having seen spectators on the field at both breaks, I crossed the outfield at what I deemed as close of play and a steward came scurrying across to inform me that the new dispensation was only for meal breaks!
I know at the end of the match they announced we were not able to go on the outfield, I thought it may be to let the ground staff go their work at the end of the match.
I didn’t hear it announced for the previous three days.
I didn’t hear it announced for the previous three days.
I didn't hear it announced, as even on the rare occurrence that I have 3 ciders, I reckon I'm sensible enough not to risk a ban!
I think the match report on Cricinfo summed things up well..it said that Dockrell bowled well but better batting sides than Middlesex will play him better across the season.
That's not meant rudely to M'sex by the way..they bowled very well in the game but obviously were missing a few batters. They paid the penalty for one truely dire session in the match (Sun afternoon) and as our friend from there posted here, through not running out CK when he was in single figures. They seemed a nice bunch of lads and I hope they stay up.
In any sport, it's so hard to predict a season's fate based on one game. In 2010 we didn't win any of our first 5 matches yet were tied on points for the title! It may be a false dawn, who knows. But I'd sure rather start with a win than anything else
What the match proved was we can win a game seemingly heading for a stalemate. We have a strike bowler for the first few weeks. We have a talented emerging slow bowler. We have genuine competition for the seamers' slots. We have a batsman prepared to defend his wicket for his life and talented stroke players at the other end ready to benefit.
Roll on tomorrow. Even a high points draw would be fine with me..seeing as we've already got a victory in the win column
That's not meant rudely to M'sex by the way..they bowled very well in the game but obviously were missing a few batters. They paid the penalty for one truely dire session in the match (Sun afternoon) and as our friend from there posted here, through not running out CK when he was in single figures. They seemed a nice bunch of lads and I hope they stay up.
In any sport, it's so hard to predict a season's fate based on one game. In 2010 we didn't win any of our first 5 matches yet were tied on points for the title! It may be a false dawn, who knows. But I'd sure rather start with a win than anything else
What the match proved was we can win a game seemingly heading for a stalemate. We have a strike bowler for the first few weeks. We have a talented emerging slow bowler. We have genuine competition for the seamers' slots. We have a batsman prepared to defend his wicket for his life and talented stroke players at the other end ready to benefit.
Roll on tomorrow. Even a high points draw would be fine with me..seeing as we've already got a victory in the win column
Unless most of the game is washed out, I think this is a gift horse whose mouth should not be examined.
No Trott, no Bell, no Woakes, no Rankin.
If the game is mainly a dry one, then a failure to win against such a line-up would, in my view, raise some serious questions about our credentials.
No Trott, no Bell, no Woakes, no Rankin.
If the game is mainly a dry one, then a failure to win against such a line-up would, in my view, raise some serious questions about our credentials.
Quote:AGod
Unless most of the game is washed out, I think this is a gift horse whose mouth should not be examined.
No Trott, no Bell, no Woakes, no Rankin.
If the game is mainly a dry one, then a failure to win against such a line-up would, in my view, raise some serious questions about our credentials.
Negative thinking in my opinion!. If OUR PLAYERS PERFORM to their strengths AS A TEAM, our chance should be as good as our opponents whoever is in their team! A view that we can only win if our opponents do not have a full team out, will NOT win us anything IMO.
You've misinterpreted the point entirely.
The point isn't 'we can only win when our opponents are drastically weakened.'
The point is that if you don't win against drastically weakened opponents then that would raise serious questions about ability to beat strong teams at full strength.
In other words, I think a high scoring draw from this game would be an underwhelming result and not something with which we should be content.
The point isn't 'we can only win when our opponents are drastically weakened.'
The point is that if you don't win against drastically weakened opponents then that would raise serious questions about ability to beat strong teams at full strength.
In other words, I think a high scoring draw from this game would be an underwhelming result and not something with which we should be content.
I think, AG, that old boy and myself feel that whatever happens in the match against Warwicks will not alter our view that the current Somerset team is perfectly capable of bowling out any side, even when that side is at full strength.
One match against any team, whatever its strength, depleted or not, is no basis on which to start panicking about our credentials long term.
One match against any team, whatever its strength, depleted or not, is no basis on which to start panicking about our credentials long term.
I read today that Bell has been released to play for Warks so he may be in their team tomorrow.
Yes and we are 12-15 April so works out well!
Also looking ahead, Notts on 19th no Swann or Broad, although Patel is ok
Lancs 26th April - no Jimmy A.
Just these small things seem to be going for us so far.
And injuries permitting we are at full strenth i believe until Vernon goes back on May 20
Also looking ahead, Notts on 19th no Swann or Broad, although Patel is ok
Lancs 26th April - no Jimmy A.
Just these small things seem to be going for us so far.
And injuries permitting we are at full strenth i believe until Vernon goes back on May 20
Quote:Bobstan
I think, AG, that old boy and myself feel that whatever happens in the match against Warwicks will not alter our view that the current Somerset team is perfectly capable of bowling out any side, even when that side is at full strength.
One match against any team, whatever its strength, depleted or not, is no basis on which to start panicking about our credentials long term.
It's not football, though, Bobstan, let alone baseball.
Each 'one match,' represents at least 6 percent of the entire CC season.
In many ways that is the beauty of the CC1 season - each match is extremely important.
Realistically, Somerset have to fully capitalise on Philander's stint too.
All these banana skins that AG sees ahead? Do not other counties have their own potential problems?
And don't forget that a potential banana skin is a banana.
And don't forget that a potential banana skin is a banana.
Quote:old boy!
AGod
IYO (In Your Opinion!)
Sorry Old Boy, but the maths are not a matter of opinion. There are only 16 games. Six 16s are 96. Therefore each game represents about 6.66% (or something like that) percent of the season. To put this another way, by Sunday evening, SCCC will already have completed slightly more than 13% of our CC season.
It's also a logical fact that the shorter the season in any given sport, the greater the chance that the outcome of any one game could, ultimately, be decisive.
And I don't think, Bobstan, that I mentioned anything about banana skins? I do think, though, that we can be certain that neither SCCC nor any other County are about to win all 16 games.
And one does need to make hay whilst the sun is shining.
Maths are sometimes a matter of opinion!
Ask my grandson what is 1 and 1 he will say 2
Ask someone else is what 1 and 1 and they might say 11
Ask an accountant what is 1 and 1 and he will say "What would you like it be??"
Ask my grandson what is 1 and 1 he will say 2
Ask someone else is what 1 and 1 and they might say 11
Ask an accountant what is 1 and 1 and he will say "What would you like it be??"
"It's also a logical fact that the shorter the season in any given sport, the greater the chance that the outcome of any one game could, ultimately, be decisive."
I'm not aure that IS a 'logical fact' AG.
16 games are 16 games however long the season is
I'm not aure that IS a 'logical fact' AG.
16 games are 16 games however long the season is
Put it this way, Grockle, if - as in baseball - there are some 100+ games per season, it would be harder to identify any one game where the outcome was ultimately critical, unless, perhaps, it was right at the end of the season.
Either way, we're certainly not going to be getting a high-scoring draw now, so presumably folks would now agree that this has become 'must win,'?
Either way, we're certainly not going to be getting a high-scoring draw now, so presumably folks would now agree that this has become 'must win,'?
Thanks, AG, for your exceptionally detailed explanation, but I think we did understand the maths.
Despite occasional evidence to the contrary we are not all totally unintelligent.
It is your constant worrying, using maths and statistics to fuel that worry that wears away at one.
Despite occasional evidence to the contrary we are not all totally unintelligent.
It is your constant worrying, using maths and statistics to fuel that worry that wears away at one.
Quote:Bobstan
Thanks, AG,
It is your constant worrying, using maths and statistics to fuel that worry that wears away at one.
Yes Bobstan, I'm almost worn away!!
I'm not worried about you, ob. It's the brick wall I'm concerned for. I trust it has good foundations!
Ahhh I understand. You were simply repeating yourself and explaining something already said in some other way.
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