Somerset
It's friendly time
By Grockle et al
March 20 2014
Cricket is back on the County Ground with just over 20 days to a ball bowled in Championship anger. Some love the friendly games and some worry about what they show but whatever your view this is where the kinks are ironed out before the real stuff - there is little time later to deal with issues as it hardly stops from the end of March to the end of September
What is the function of a friendly?
Today Somerset walk out on the middle day of a 3 day match against Worcestershire. Yesterday would have been classsified as batting mayhem had it been a normal game with Somerset wickets falling thick and fast throughout the day and little to smile about on the batting front. But does it show anything iin relation to match form?
Everyone knows it is a warm up game, a chance for players to get some grasss under their studs before it gets serious, for the bowlers to turn over arms and work out lines and feel the pitch for th first time in match conditions. Fielders get their eye in, new players get to play with new colleagues and new colleagues get to see what the newbis have to offer. Some of the partnerships will not happen again all season but it's a boonding exercise as well. For Johannes Myberg for example, EVERYTHING is new!!
Some are not here, George Dockrell is on World T20 duty with his country and Alviro Petersen may be there as well, he certainly isn't in the UK yet.
Some are checking fixed injuriees for signs, Nick Compton is out there checking his back, Steve Kirby will be checking his late season injury from 2013 while Marcus Trescothick will be giving his ankle a run out just in case. Jamie Overton will be hopiing the injury that kept him out of the U19 competition wil not keep him out of the start and his brother Craig will be looking for 2014 n the pitch rather than in the treatment room. The skipper and his new VC James Hildreth will be working on their on field relationship while some others may be checking.
The club itself will use the time to finish ground work on the pitch and off it. Yet another new scoreboard is being put through its paces, the outfield will be honed to perfection and plans for the match strips will be finalised.
I love it though I'm not there to experience it. The anticipation starts to rise and the weeks start to take on a familiar format after the winter. There are days you are 'at the cricket' and days when you have to plan how to keep up with events. Website debate returns as things happen and supporters analyse them to death. Predictions start to appear and are taken to the heart of the supporting body or argued over by many. Twitter becomes more interesting (really?) and the cricket publications start to appear and disappear from newsagent shelves.
It's cricketing time one and all and if the friendlies do nothing else for you people, at least they get the juices flowing.
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 20/03/2014 12:31
Grockles.com
20/03/2014 12:31
20/03/2014 12:31
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:11:07:20:22 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:11:07:20:22 by Grockle.
The squad for tomorrows three day match against Worcestershire is -
The Somerset squad of 13 is – Alex Barrow, Nick Compton, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth (V/C), Chris Jones, Craig Kieswetter (W/K), Jack Leach, Craig Meschede, Johnann Myburgh, Craig Overton, Callum Stewart, Pete Trego and Marcus Trescothick (Capt).
Play start at 11am, if you are coming bring your membership if you have it, the club want to test the scanners, you do not need it to get in for a friendly.
Chance for a few photos if I remember how to do it.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
The Somerset squad of 13 is – Alex Barrow, Nick Compton, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth (V/C), Chris Jones, Craig Kieswetter (W/K), Jack Leach, Craig Meschede, Johnann Myburgh, Craig Overton, Callum Stewart, Pete Trego and Marcus Trescothick (Capt).
Play start at 11am, if you are coming bring your membership if you have it, the club want to test the scanners, you do not need it to get in for a friendly.
Chance for a few photos if I remember how to do it.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Interesting that it is the young seam bowlers, except the injured Jove, who get the first go. I wonder if either Steve K or Alfonso will be in the first team v Yorks. I shall be particularly interested to see what Craig O is like a year since we have seen him and also if Myburgh looks a good addition.
On the edge I think Grockle, he only went to South Africa because Nick Compton was injured.
you excited for today Mike? First maytch on the hallowed turf this season.
Wish I could be there. Enjoy!!
Wish I could be there. Enjoy!!
I always am this time of the year, I just hope it is not so cold as last season for the friendlies.
I am going to have a look where the pitch is.
I am going to have a look where the pitch is.
I am excited too, but when does young Abell get his chance?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:chunkyinargyll
When he's ready, and willing.
to Cain the opposition's bowlers?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
This is the time I miss each year. Those sparsely populated little games where you get a feel for where individuals are. Is anyone there who can give us an idea about how things are looking?
As an extra of course, it is also where we miss the internal ball by ball commentary as we used to do these games for the supporters in some form or other and now I doubt we'll hear from the BBC unfortunately.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:19:12:20:25 by Grockle.
As an extra of course, it is also where we miss the internal ball by ball commentary as we used to do these games for the supporters in some form or other and now I doubt we'll hear from the BBC unfortunately.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:19:12:20:25 by Grockle.
There are four gaudy signs around the ground proclaiming "we Are Somerset".
We are 44 for 5.
We are 44 for 5.
One imagines that there is likely to be all kinds of residual dampness if not outright wetness underneath these pitches and that, unless we get a hot summer, that will probably be the case all-season.
So it wouldn't be a huge surprise if scores around the country this season tend to be lower than for some time.
In fact, given the relative volume of rain that has fallen in the South compared to the North, we might find that the customary North/South split in terms of scores will not exist this season.
So it wouldn't be a huge surprise if scores around the country this season tend to be lower than for some time.
In fact, given the relative volume of rain that has fallen in the South compared to the North, we might find that the customary North/South split in terms of scores will not exist this season.
My journey to Taunton held up as usual on the M6
Worcestershire won toss and chose to bowl.
13-a-side, 11 to bat/field. 96 overs in the day.
Somerset: Barrow, Compton, Gregory, Hildreth, Jones, Kieswetter (W/K), Leach, Meschede, Myburgh, Overton, Stewart, Trego, Trescothick*
Worcestershire: Mitchell, Pardoe, Kohler-Cadmore, Fell, Kervezee, Whiteley, Cox, Andrew, Choudhry, Russell,Shantry, Harrison
Good news is Tres top sc orer so far in the innings. Bad news is that score was 26 and most recent score I've had 44-5.
Anyone looking for Twitter score updates follow Mark Chapman @SplashGallery
Worcestershire won toss and chose to bowl.
13-a-side, 11 to bat/field. 96 overs in the day.
Somerset: Barrow, Compton, Gregory, Hildreth, Jones, Kieswetter (W/K), Leach, Meschede, Myburgh, Overton, Stewart, Trego, Trescothick*
Worcestershire: Mitchell, Pardoe, Kohler-Cadmore, Fell, Kervezee, Whiteley, Cox, Andrew, Choudhry, Russell,Shantry, Harrison
Good news is Tres top sc orer so far in the innings. Bad news is that score was 26 and most recent score I've had 44-5.
Anyone looking for Twitter score updates follow Mark Chapman @SplashGallery
Unless he is otherwise engaged (University?) then I'm also somewhat surprised that Abell is not in the mix for this one.
Whilst Mike is obviously correct (based on info given on the club website) that Callum Stewart went to SA as a last-ditch replacement for Compton, I hope that his inclusion here is a sign that he is really banging on the door for a full contract.
He did have some excellent figures at times in the seconds last season and seemed an important part of their major turn-around in results.
You can never really have too many pace bowling options, IMO.
Whilst Mike is obviously correct (based on info given on the club website) that Callum Stewart went to SA as a last-ditch replacement for Compton, I hope that his inclusion here is a sign that he is really banging on the door for a full contract.
He did have some excellent figures at times in the seconds last season and seemed an important part of their major turn-around in results.
You can never really have too many pace bowling options, IMO.
And we don't seem to be getting them from anywhere else this season so he's a warm body if nothing else.
Early days. Try not to look at the gaudy signs CH though they are probably sited so you find them hard to avoid.
Do they have a '#' in front of them? If so, many will have no idea what they mean.
Early days. Try not to look at the gaudy signs CH though they are probably sited so you find them hard to avoid.
Do they have a '#' in front of them? If so, many will have no idea what they mean.
Gregory b Leach (theirs, not ours) 6
76-7
Really rather glad I'm not there yet!
76-7
Really rather glad I'm not there yet!
This "3 day match," might leave ample practice time after its scheduled conclusion..
No time to report anything I am cooking my lunch.
Sad to say only the new scoreboard working today.
Sad to say only the new scoreboard working today.
Quote:AGod
Unless he is otherwise engaged (University?) then I'm also somewhat surprised that Abell is not in the mix for this one.
Whilst Mike is obviously correct (based on info given on the club website) that Callum Stewart went to SA as a last-ditch replacement for Compton, I hope that his inclusion here is a sign that he is really banging on the door for a full contract.
He did have some excellent figures at times in the seconds last season and seemed an important part of their major turn-around in results.
You can never really have too many pace bowling options, IMO.
Warning: If you want to read the scoreboard, especially from across the ground, you will need binoculars. All out for 119, by the way.
It doesn't seem as if Worcestershire are being very friendly. I'm sure our bowlers are capable of showing that spirit of comradeship.
I have some good news, and some bad news
First, the good news -
Somerset have a wicket - Mitchell c Trescothick b Meschede 9
Worcestershire 32-1
And now the bad news -
someone tells me that the band new shiny scoreboard keeps stalling.
It seems Mike you spoke too soon.
I hope the thing has a cast-iron warranty!
First, the good news -
Somerset have a wicket - Mitchell c Trescothick b Meschede 9
Worcestershire 32-1
And now the bad news -
someone tells me that the band new shiny scoreboard keeps stalling.
Quote:Mike TA1
Sad to say only the new scoreboard working today.
It seems Mike you spoke too soon.
I hope the thing has a cast-iron warranty!
Oh for goodness sake, just get rid of the wretched things and bring back a manual one!!!!
I wonder if the report on the official site makes a pointed observation when it says that "Myburgh batted sensibly throughout"?
This seems to have been in contrast to the description of a few of the dismissals that occurred.
If Myburgh is one of those more solid and judicious types of batsmen who tries to knuckle down when conditions are tough then maybe it might be useful if he breaks into the first XI..
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:19:16:28:38 by AGod.
This seems to have been in contrast to the description of a few of the dismissals that occurred.
If Myburgh is one of those more solid and judicious types of batsmen who tries to knuckle down when conditions are tough then maybe it might be useful if he breaks into the first XI..
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:19:16:28:38 by AGod.
And amazingly the “batting conditions improved considerably” once Somerset's innings was all over.
And it is a long season ahead.
And it is a long season ahead.
Ho hum.
Let's get our gremlins out of the way before the main season starts.
And that includes the scoreboard(s) by the sound of it !
Grizzzly
Let's get our gremlins out of the way before the main season starts.
And that includes the scoreboard(s) by the sound of it !
Grizzzly
In the afternoon session, only Mechede was regularly beating the bat for us. Top catch from Tres
Rob...were you planning to add something to AG's comment? It doesn't seem to have appeared.
Well good to hear that it sounds as though Meschede has carried on where he left off at the end of last season with (presumably) consistent movement.
Is it too early in the season to say "execrable" - on the assumption we are doomed to relegation.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Relegation in the non season I assume LoL. 24 days till the real thing starts.
"Relegation in the non-season".
Now that really would be an achievement !
Grizzzly
Now that really would be an achievement !
Grizzzly
CAn I assume therefore we are in the midst of a preseason relegation battle? Or is it too soon to say so, with potentially another five days for the preseason season still to run? Are we relying on poor preseason performances by other counties? Are we doomed by the dodgy weather forecast tomorrow when our preseason relegation-battle competitors are likely to be playing in better conditions? Next week's preseason game against Middlesex is likely a six pointer (actually, how are the preseason points allocated?)
Preseason. Or silly season.
Preseason. Or silly season.
Realistic at (or pre) the start of the season, perhaps?
We are surely all doomed!
We are surely all doomed!
Here goes the first photos of the season.
The day could have been better for Somerset, the weather did stay warm until the last hour.
I didn't see Craig Overton beat the bat too many times but he did trouble Matt Pardoe with this one.
Marcus Trescothick did take a good catch (not in shot) to dismiss Daryl Mitchell off Craig Meschede, the ball must have done something by the look of the batsman shot.
Lewis Gregory well and truly bowled by Joe Leach.
Johann Myburgh could have regretted playing at this ball if he had hit it, given as a wide.
I will let this photo speak for it's self, Craig Kieswetter bld by Jack Shantry.
Two photos
This shot by Marcus was described as a loose shot by the clubs web site.
Bowled by Ross Whitely and caught by Daryl Mitchell
Craig Kieswetter and Lewis Gregory are delighted to have dismissed Tom Fell.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:20:20:00:24 by Mike TA1.
The day could have been better for Somerset, the weather did stay warm until the last hour.
I didn't see Craig Overton beat the bat too many times but he did trouble Matt Pardoe with this one.
Marcus Trescothick did take a good catch (not in shot) to dismiss Daryl Mitchell off Craig Meschede, the ball must have done something by the look of the batsman shot.
Lewis Gregory well and truly bowled by Joe Leach.
Johann Myburgh could have regretted playing at this ball if he had hit it, given as a wide.
I will let this photo speak for it's self, Craig Kieswetter bld by Jack Shantry.
Two photos
This shot by Marcus was described as a loose shot by the clubs web site.
Bowled by Ross Whitely and caught by Daryl Mitchell
Craig Kieswetter and Lewis Gregory are delighted to have dismissed Tom Fell.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:20:20:00:24 by Mike TA1.
I'm more worried about the scoreboard than the performance of our players!
A manual one would indeed be a regressive step forward, AG. This one sounds more like a Manuel scoreboard.
A manual one would indeed be a regressive step forward, AG. This one sounds more like a Manuel scoreboard.
Quote:Bagpuss
...Preseason. Or silly season.
We can only hope that everyone gets their sillyness sorted before the start of the real thing! Does that make the season the serious season?
Not at all sure I can work with that given some of the content of 2013.
Thanks for the photo's Mike.
The pitch does indeed look extremely green !
Grizzzly
The pitch does indeed look extremely green !
Grizzzly
I was probably mistaken when I said, before, that we had been the victim of Murphy's Law with the weather in SA.
We actually went to Pretoria, which I believe is at altitude and I looked it up and it gets more than 75 mm of rain per month, on average, in March. So were we really unlucky or just bad planning by DN?
The reason I mention this is that Dave Houghton says on the official site that we're not very worried about yesterday because the difference is that Worcs have already had 2-3 weeks playing outdoors in fine weather.
Mr Houghton may be correct. However, Worcs went to Abu Dhabi, where there is, on average, only about 10mm of rain in an average March.
So perhaps we weren't all that "unfortunate", after all?
Or to put it another way, we could certainly have sourced a venue with a higher probability of dry weather. For example, within the same country, Cape Town would, on average, be a far better bet than Pretoria in March.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:20:13:54:43 by AGod.
We actually went to Pretoria, which I believe is at altitude and I looked it up and it gets more than 75 mm of rain per month, on average, in March. So were we really unlucky or just bad planning by DN?
The reason I mention this is that Dave Houghton says on the official site that we're not very worried about yesterday because the difference is that Worcs have already had 2-3 weeks playing outdoors in fine weather.
Mr Houghton may be correct. However, Worcs went to Abu Dhabi, where there is, on average, only about 10mm of rain in an average March.
So perhaps we weren't all that "unfortunate", after all?
Or to put it another way, we could certainly have sourced a venue with a higher probability of dry weather. For example, within the same country, Cape Town would, on average, be a far better bet than Pretoria in March.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:20:13:54:43 by AGod.
Four for not that many for Meschede so that's a positive to have come out of these first couple of days.
Hope today you can all read the scoreboard.... as yesterday's was the one day scoreboard.....and todays is the county championship scoreboard.
Plesae explain
Plesae explain
I do hope they do sort out the problems with the scoreboards old and new.
The reason given yesterday was they were using the one day scoreboard and today they would use the four day one, because the four day scoreboard takes up the complete screen the numbers are larger so should be easier to see from the other side of the ground.
Ken Palmer came and sat with us for a while and said he still had difficulty seeing it from the other side.
There were other problems, the main problems were after the Worcester innings finished both scoreboards were showing the end of the Worcester innings after Somerset had batted for a while, the announcer had to tell us Somerset's score.
In the first innings the final total scores for both teams appeared in the correct position on the scoreboards, once Worcester second innings started the first innings scores disappeared and Worcester second innings appeared in their first innings position on the scoreboard.
What will happen when we have a one day match will the scoreboard be seen from the other side on the ground?
The reason given yesterday was they were using the one day scoreboard and today they would use the four day one, because the four day scoreboard takes up the complete screen the numbers are larger so should be easier to see from the other side of the ground.
Ken Palmer came and sat with us for a while and said he still had difficulty seeing it from the other side.
There were other problems, the main problems were after the Worcester innings finished both scoreboards were showing the end of the Worcester innings after Somerset had batted for a while, the announcer had to tell us Somerset's score.
In the first innings the final total scores for both teams appeared in the correct position on the scoreboards, once Worcester second innings started the first innings scores disappeared and Worcester second innings appeared in their first innings position on the scoreboard.
What will happen when we have a one day match will the scoreboard be seen from the other side on the ground?
Not much in the way of photos today.
Callum Stewart bowling
Johann Myburgh bowling
Ben Cox caught and bowled by Lewis Gregory, how Lewis managed to react so quickly to catch this low return ball astonished us all.
Alexei Kervezee trapped lbw Craig Overton.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:20:20:01:45 by Mike TA1.
Callum Stewart bowling
Johann Myburgh bowling
Ben Cox caught and bowled by Lewis Gregory, how Lewis managed to react so quickly to catch this low return ball astonished us all.
Alexei Kervezee trapped lbw Craig Overton.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:20:20:01:45 by Mike TA1.
I just cannot really understand how it can be so difficult to get a couple of scoreboards to work?
Does anyone know if other Counties struggle with this?
Does anyone know if other Counties struggle with this?
Thanks for the photo's mike. Is there one of the scoreboard, I need to know if I need to get worked up over it.
Was it really sunny enough for Mr Myburg to wear shades. :-)
Well done to Craig M, hopefully a sign of things to come.
Was it really sunny enough for Mr Myburg to wear shades. :-)
Well done to Craig M, hopefully a sign of things to come.
Even the Lords scoreboard(S) are not infallible. Even on my all too infrequent visits the system seems to lock up for about 10 minutes every other day. And all 3 seem dependant on each other- so most times they all go down together.
No photo of the new scoreboard I have been sat to the side of it on Gimblett's Hill
Thanks again for all your efforts with the photos, Mike.
Was that Ian Blackwell umpiring today?
Was that Ian Blackwell umpiring today?
In reply to your question Mike I assume the scoreboard letter size is fixed so if people can't see it now, they won't be able to see it in future one dayers.
Have we really bought a scoreboard designed for a cricket ground that does not provide its message across the regulation size pitch?
Have we bought the right type of scoreboard or is ours supposed to be a 'repeater' size toprovide information to sections of a bigger ground?
Have we really bought a scoreboard designed for a cricket ground that does not provide its message across the regulation size pitch?
Have we bought the right type of scoreboard or is ours supposed to be a 'repeater' size toprovide information to sections of a bigger ground?
I am told they should be able to enlarge the font!
I also would have thought that the software should come with different templates to use for different situations.
I also would have thought that the software should come with different templates to use for different situations.
Yep. But staff able to do it? And surely if u increase the font on one bit you have to decrease it elsewhere OR decrease the amount of info?
One would hope that any piece of software would come with technical support from the people that wrote/produced the stuff?
In which case, hopefully somebody could increase the font size for us, should SCCC have nobody suitably knowledgeable to do it?
In which case, hopefully somebody could increase the font size for us, should SCCC have nobody suitably knowledgeable to do it?
If the scoreboard is computer controlled I would have thought the the number of options on template, font size is endless!
It would surely be possible to toggle between screens of information, with reduced content on each, so that the people farthest away can still see it clearly.
It would surely be possible to toggle between screens of information, with reduced content on each, so that the people farthest away can still see it clearly.
You would think so Sloop.
I just think back to other software based systems we have had and how difficult it seemed to get someone to operate it properly. One would expect this to be windows based - the last one certainly wasn't.
Hope they also train more than one person to use it - there were times before when the problem came from staff absence rather than software glitches.
Increasing the windows of info to enhance visibility is certainly a sensible option.
It's all going to be fun isn't it?
I just think back to other software based systems we have had and how difficult it seemed to get someone to operate it properly. One would expect this to be windows based - the last one certainly wasn't.
Hope they also train more than one person to use it - there were times before when the problem came from staff absence rather than software glitches.
Increasing the windows of info to enhance visibility is certainly a sensible option.
It's all going to be fun isn't it?
Yes, training more than one person to use a given piece of equipment would seem to be common sense 1-0-1.
Today was a damn sight better than yesterday with 50 plus for the skipper and CK and a ton for England's obvious replacement for Trott.
Keep stacking them up Nick, they'll take notice eventually when they run out of no hopers
Keep stacking them up Nick, they'll take notice eventually when they run out of no hopers
I wonder if it's a good sign that Trescothick walked off, having made 65?
Personally, after last season I'd have thought he'd want to get back into the habit of big scores and batting for a long time even if he (perhaps?) considered batting conditions to be unchallenging.
Perhaps him walking off is a sign that he feels he's in good touch, rather than just being about giving Chris Jones and one or two others a knock?
Personally, after last season I'd have thought he'd want to get back into the habit of big scores and batting for a long time even if he (perhaps?) considered batting conditions to be unchallenging.
Perhaps him walking off is a sign that he feels he's in good touch, rather than just being about giving Chris Jones and one or two others a knock?
What a difference two days make.
With Marcus retired-out feeling he had done enough to let another batsman have a knock.
It was a pity Chris Jones was out cheaply.
I didn't take many photos today having so much rain and being very cold.
Several of us noticed that Marcus was leaving the ball by lifting his bat out of the way rather than playing the ball with a straight bat reaching forwards like last season. We can expect and hope for a good season from Marcus. He looked good in the second innings.
Nick Compton after a steady start he gained in confidence and played some good scoring shots on his way to 111.
The vice captaincy will do James Hildreth a world of good, he is one player I enjoy watching when he is in form.
With Marcus retired-out feeling he had done enough to let another batsman have a knock.
It was a pity Chris Jones was out cheaply.
I didn't take many photos today having so much rain and being very cold.
Several of us noticed that Marcus was leaving the ball by lifting his bat out of the way rather than playing the ball with a straight bat reaching forwards like last season. We can expect and hope for a good season from Marcus. He looked good in the second innings.
Nick Compton after a steady start he gained in confidence and played some good scoring shots on his way to 111.
The vice captaincy will do James Hildreth a world of good, he is one player I enjoy watching when he is in form.
Pushing down the original line of a ball, without following it has been Banger's leave shot for a very long time, so if he has a new method then one wonders what the trigger for it was.
Maybe he's an expert on his own game and using his exprrience is adapting his game to suit his advancing years.
Blimey what a shocker
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:21:23:02:52 by Nailsea_Fizz.
Blimey what a shocker
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:21:23:02:52 by Nailsea_Fizz.
The good thing that has come out of the match is that the four leading batsmen playing have all got runs under their belts. The concerning thing is that like too many matches last year we had a bad first day and were having to play catch up. To me the greatest priority for this season is that we hit the ground running at the start of each match.
On the bowling front the chief imponderable at the start of the match was which four quicker bowlers would start the season. I felt that Craig M appeared consistently the most threatening and has put a very strong claim for one of the places. On the other hand, I was disappointed by Craig O, who appeared to to be very tentative and needs much more bowling to gain the rhythm he needs.
On the bowling front the chief imponderable at the start of the match was which four quicker bowlers would start the season. I felt that Craig M appeared consistently the most threatening and has put a very strong claim for one of the places. On the other hand, I was disappointed by Craig O, who appeared to to be very tentative and needs much more bowling to gain the rhythm he needs.
He's not bowled a ball in anger for a year really Tops. Let's hope they give him as many opportunities before the big stuff to get his rhythm back.
65 - a good sign or a bad sign. Hmmm obviously it shows problems for some of us. I'm glad everyone got runs. Did anyoone mention that it must obviously be that his ankle was giving out so early in the season?
Good to be back aye?
65 - a good sign or a bad sign. Hmmm obviously it shows problems for some of us. I'm glad everyone got runs. Did anyoone mention that it must obviously be that his ankle was giving out so early in the season?
Good to be back aye?
Maybe our new batting coach has been in Tres' ear! Good to see him back in the runs.
Thanks Chunky, We haven't announced our squad yet, we know Kieswetter is missing.
Somerset have named the following squad for the Middlesex match- Marcus Trescothick (Capt), Alex Barrow, Nick Compton, Josh Davey, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth (Vice Capt), Chris Jones, Jack Leach, Craig Meschede, Johann Myburgh, Craig Overton , James Regan, Callum Stewart and Max Waller.
Still no sign of Dibble, injured?
Thomas and Kirby still not featuring.
Jove I believe still on the comeback from his knee issue.
Dockrell and Kiesy on world cup duty and Compo appears to get this one off after his ton and Tregs a week off too.
Be interesting how Davey gets on, not heard we've signed him so assume he is still on trial?
Still no sign of Dibble, injured?
Thomas and Kirby still not featuring.
Jove I believe still on the comeback from his knee issue.
Dockrell and Kiesy on world cup duty and Compo appears to get this one off after his ton and Tregs a week off too.
Be interesting how Davey gets on, not heard we've signed him so assume he is still on trial?
I hope Alex Barrow keeps wicket, he is a good wicketkeeper.
Compo is in your squad.
Compo is in your squad.
The photo on the clubs web site is what we were told was the one day scoreboard [www.somersetcountycc.co.uk]
As James is playing I assume he won't be. A good chance for the young man to get a feel for the place. We forget that the seconds player don't get the chance to play competitive matches on the ground any more and therefore it's good to see some of them getting a chance for that.
I guess most of you are at the match.
For those that aren't live scoreboard here-
[www.totalcricketscorer.com]
Pleased trialist Josh Davey has picked up a wicket.
For those that aren't live scoreboard here-
[www.totalcricketscorer.com]
Pleased trialist Josh Davey has picked up a wicket.
Rain stop play just before 3. and the wind is bitterly cold.
I might even stay at home, the camera hasn't been out of the bag since lunch.
I might even stay at home, the camera hasn't been out of the bag since lunch.
I see Alfonso has not featured in either of the squads for friendly matches to date.
Any nobody any clues.
Any nobody any clues.
I saw alfie and kirbs on the outfield by caddy pavilion during session 3 of last weeks first day v Worcs, both appeared fit and uninjured from afar at least.
Its Mr Dibble who seems to have vanished so far.....?
Its Mr Dibble who seems to have vanished so far.....?
Why do we have to play Middlesex in such cold weather, it's just as cold as last year when we played them.
With only the morning's play to take photos I have only a few to choose from.
Nick Gubbins bowled Lewis Gregory.
Dawid Malan playing a defensive shot.
We are playing on the same pitch as the Worcester match and some of the balls were keeping low, Dawid Malan found this out off Lewis Gregory.
Dawid Malan lbw Craig Overton, it was a bit high but it was on the back leg close to the stumps.
Congratulations to Craig Meschede after bowling Joe Denly
With only the morning's play to take photos I have only a few to choose from.
Nick Gubbins bowled Lewis Gregory.
Dawid Malan playing a defensive shot.
We are playing on the same pitch as the Worcester match and some of the balls were keeping low, Dawid Malan found this out off Lewis Gregory.
Dawid Malan lbw Craig Overton, it was a bit high but it was on the back leg close to the stumps.
Congratulations to Craig Meschede after bowling Joe Denly
Steve Kirby was about today, said he was not yet ready to play, but would be ready for the Yorkshire fixture.
Fingers Crossed.
Fingers Crossed.
JH is in exactly the same pose in the first four photos. Are you sure it's not a subbuteo figure?
With regard to wsm's post of 19.09 it would be good PR if it was explained who was injured and when it is hoped they will be available for selection and, if players are being rested as I imagine Pete T and Alfonso are, that is the case.
Quote:Wickham
JH is in exactly the same pose in the first four photos. Are you sure it's not a subbuteo figure?
I noted that too, as well as the slight smile on his face, as befits an assassin. Batsmen beware - and bowlers too as soon as he has a bat in his hands.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
So, another couple for Craig M and five for Lewis Gregory....
.... Several seasons ago, I recall Brian Rose stating before the start of the season that we'd employ a rotation policy in respect of our bowling. We actually went on to do nothing of the sort, mainly because, depending on your point of view, either those in the first XI were far better than those on the periphery or we simply did not have enough good pace bowlers to put the planned strategy into practice.
One does rather wonder whether a genuine rotation policy will be both a desired goal AND an attainable one this season?
We seem to me to have rather more credible pace bowling options than for some time and, at the same time, there are reasons why we might want to carefully manage the workload of quite a few bowlers i.e. the following for the following reasons.
J Overton (knee tendonitis)
C Overton (recent history of stress fracture of back).
L Gregory (semi-recent history of stress fracture of back).
S Kirby (age)
A Thomas (age)
Add in Craig M and Pete and we may start the season with seven credible pace bowling options ( I think J Overton and Kirby are meant to be fit soon?) plus we may have Callum Stewart and (I assume?) Adam Dibble in reserve.
I'd guess that for as long as everyone is fit, we might see only one of Alf or Kirby line up for any given CC game, such that each man is kept reasonably rested?
Meschede (certainly) and Gregory (probably) have done enough in terms of the end of last season/pre-season thus far for us to expect that both will be first-choice CC bowlers?
And that would leave some interesting choices for management.... as we're not going to start the season with 6 or 7 seamers and may deem 5 to be one too many as well...
.... Several seasons ago, I recall Brian Rose stating before the start of the season that we'd employ a rotation policy in respect of our bowling. We actually went on to do nothing of the sort, mainly because, depending on your point of view, either those in the first XI were far better than those on the periphery or we simply did not have enough good pace bowlers to put the planned strategy into practice.
One does rather wonder whether a genuine rotation policy will be both a desired goal AND an attainable one this season?
We seem to me to have rather more credible pace bowling options than for some time and, at the same time, there are reasons why we might want to carefully manage the workload of quite a few bowlers i.e. the following for the following reasons.
J Overton (knee tendonitis)
C Overton (recent history of stress fracture of back).
L Gregory (semi-recent history of stress fracture of back).
S Kirby (age)
A Thomas (age)
Add in Craig M and Pete and we may start the season with seven credible pace bowling options ( I think J Overton and Kirby are meant to be fit soon?) plus we may have Callum Stewart and (I assume?) Adam Dibble in reserve.
I'd guess that for as long as everyone is fit, we might see only one of Alf or Kirby line up for any given CC game, such that each man is kept reasonably rested?
Meschede (certainly) and Gregory (probably) have done enough in terms of the end of last season/pre-season thus far for us to expect that both will be first-choice CC bowlers?
And that would leave some interesting choices for management.... as we're not going to start the season with 6 or 7 seamers and may deem 5 to be one too many as well...
Josh Davey might be added to that list.
I should like to see Jove (assuming that he is sufficiently fit to last four days) focus on county championship matches - and be encouraged to bowl quickly in short spells - rather than being expected also to learn to bowl tightly in 50 and 20 over matches.
I should like to see Jove (assuming that he is sufficiently fit to last four days) focus on county championship matches - and be encouraged to bowl quickly in short spells - rather than being expected also to learn to bowl tightly in 50 and 20 over matches.
if you get gregory and meschede into the team as bowlers then you automatically strengthen the batting too which is never a bad thing and I think what they will try and do if they can.
Wickham - I'm sure there's likely to be a good case for rationing Jamie Overton's work-load. But as to whether that should apply in terms of the format in which he is deployed?
I'd suggest that that in the one day games that Jamie does play, we might consider asking him to just bowl in full-aggression i.e. wicket-taking mode, rather than asking him to bowl in a containing mode.
In that way, his participation in one-day games need not temper the overall aggression of his bowling, provided that his overall work load for the season is not completely OTT.
I'd suggest that that in the one day games that Jamie does play, we might consider asking him to just bowl in full-aggression i.e. wicket-taking mode, rather than asking him to bowl in a containing mode.
In that way, his participation in one-day games need not temper the overall aggression of his bowling, provided that his overall work load for the season is not completely OTT.
Yep, Ron.
I was thinking that Trego might join the ranks of those that might get rotated for CC games (partly due to very high bowling workload over the past 2 years), but that would almost certainly be contingent on Meschede and/or Gregory starting the season really well with the bat.
Gregory's batting (albeit well down the order) seemed to pick up markedly towards the end of last season once he'd been given a clear role in the team (new-ball bowler). This seemed to be a bit like what happened with Barrow once he was made wicket-keeper for a stretch.
I was thinking that Trego might join the ranks of those that might get rotated for CC games (partly due to very high bowling workload over the past 2 years), but that would almost certainly be contingent on Meschede and/or Gregory starting the season really well with the bat.
Gregory's batting (albeit well down the order) seemed to pick up markedly towards the end of last season once he'd been given a clear role in the team (new-ball bowler). This seemed to be a bit like what happened with Barrow once he was made wicket-keeper for a stretch.
No runs conceded, thus far, by Finn.
I wonder if his radar is working - such that the figures reflect that he's bowling well or if the reverse is true and he's bowling so all over the place that our batsmen are just letting everything go?
I wonder if his radar is working - such that the figures reflect that he's bowling well or if the reverse is true and he's bowling so all over the place that our batsmen are just letting everything go?
No wides or no balls suggests Mr Finn is doing ok.
I assume all bowlers are probably bowling 'within themselves' as it's a friendly- so just gently feeling their way back into it.
I assume all bowlers are probably bowling 'within themselves' as it's a friendly- so just gently feeling their way back into it.
Has anyone else noticed that we again have a full year's contract for Adam Dibble but neither hide nor hair of the player is to be seen near any kind of competitive game.
Hope this isn't going to continue into another season.
Hope this isn't going to continue into another season.
Yes, it's only a friendly match, but rather lovely to see three figures by the name Trescothick.
This is the complete opposite, thus far, of last season's pre-season friendly with these opponents.
I wonder how much of Marcus's batting form is due to having a specialist batting coach.
I haven't been to this match yet, but am hoping to be there tomorrow, but it seemed in the first match that he had changed his technique for leaving the ball. Is that still so and have those present noticed any other differences from last year?
On another theme I agree with AGod that Gregory appears to have clinched the second of four seam bowling places along with Craig M.
I haven't been to this match yet, but am hoping to be there tomorrow, but it seemed in the first match that he had changed his technique for leaving the ball. Is that still so and have those present noticed any other differences from last year?
On another theme I agree with AGod that Gregory appears to have clinched the second of four seam bowling places along with Craig M.
A 5-fer for Lewis a ton for Marcus.... Hmmm things are going in the right direction whether this is a friendly or not.
Ref MT and the batting - one would assume he has worked with the coaches on issues from last year and maybe they have made some progress.
Ref MT and the batting - one would assume he has worked with the coaches on issues from last year and maybe they have made some progress.
Day two photos.
This is more like it from Somerset.
This is what we have been asking for all last season a good opening partnership.
Chris Jones played carefully at the start and later played some good shots.
Steven Finn fell twice on his follow through this time bowling to Chris Jones
What a good day watching Marcus T and Chris Jones score runs, this is the old Marcus leaning back to hit the ball for a four off Steven Finn.
Steven Finn bowling, we had the satellite van at the ground today I shouldn't wonder if it wasn't to see Steven Finn.
Marcus looking more secure leaving the short ball this year, yes he played and missed a few time but all batsmen do that.
I think Steven Finn should ask Marcus when and when not to leave the ball, bowled by Lewis Gregory.
Toby Roland-Jones batting.
James Harris has a close one off Lewis Gregory, looks like between bat and pad.
Andy Caddick and Alfonso Thomas was sat in the dugout today, Andy has been seen at the ground a few time recently.
This is more like it from Somerset.
This is what we have been asking for all last season a good opening partnership.
Chris Jones played carefully at the start and later played some good shots.
Steven Finn fell twice on his follow through this time bowling to Chris Jones
What a good day watching Marcus T and Chris Jones score runs, this is the old Marcus leaning back to hit the ball for a four off Steven Finn.
Steven Finn bowling, we had the satellite van at the ground today I shouldn't wonder if it wasn't to see Steven Finn.
Marcus looking more secure leaving the short ball this year, yes he played and missed a few time but all batsmen do that.
I think Steven Finn should ask Marcus when and when not to leave the ball, bowled by Lewis Gregory.
Toby Roland-Jones batting.
James Harris has a close one off Lewis Gregory, looks like between bat and pad.
Andy Caddick and Alfonso Thomas was sat in the dugout today, Andy has been seen at the ground a few time recently.
Richard Johnson (M.Bowling coach) spent a long time taking Videos from various position in the ground of Steven Finn when bowling.
After tea the Club were testing the four massive advertising screens around the ground perimeter. They seem to be very bright, just hope they don't flip adverts at the wrong time, and put the batsman off.
Still a few issues with the new scoreboard, I.E.
Dexter c Trescothick B
Seems not enough spaces for bowlers name, if the catcher has a long name.
After tea the Club were testing the four massive advertising screens around the ground perimeter. They seem to be very bright, just hope they don't flip adverts at the wrong time, and put the batsman off.
Still a few issues with the new scoreboard, I.E.
Dexter c Trescothick B
Seems not enough spaces for bowlers name, if the catcher has a long name.
Adam Dibble sustained a hamstring injury on the last dayb of the oreseason trip to SA which is why he hasn't been playing in either of these two friendlies. I have een him at the ground and from what I hear the injury is thought to be minor so hopefully won't sideline him for too long.
From what I've heard about the scoreboard there is plenty tinkering to be done to alter the font size an to maybe programme in some player name abbreviations to the system so the c...b... bit can fit the names in .
From what I've heard about the scoreboard there is plenty tinkering to be done to alter the font size an to maybe programme in some player name abbreviations to the system so the c...b... bit can fit the names in .
c Tres b Jove would do the trick.
Very good to read of centuries by Trescothick and Jones and of wickets and runs for Gregory and Meschede.
Very good to read of centuries by Trescothick and Jones and of wickets and runs for Gregory and Meschede.
Clearly we have peaked too early and it can only be downhill from here...
So I suppose we'd better enjoy it while it lasts.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
So I suppose we'd better enjoy it while it lasts.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
It's always minor Bagpuss and it always seems to be going to be OK for the next game- until it isn't.
He's been with us for a while now and I've seen him play in a handful of games - some are just not lucky with the games' stresses and strains I'm afraid.
He's been with us for a while now and I've seen him play in a handful of games - some are just not lucky with the games' stresses and strains I'm afraid.
Day three photos
Interesting cricket today, we were thinking that Somerset would declare at tea they batted on for a few more overs.
Nick Compton hitting a six off Steven Finn.
Steven Finn was bowling both sides of the wicket this morning Nick Compton was unlucky to get out, he had just pulled a short ball to the boundary he tried to repeat it the next ball and played on off a bottom edge.
Josh Davey is certainly looking like somebody Somerset should put under contract, he batted with freedom at over a run a ball.
The new electronic advertising board, when we went off with bad light they were very bright.
Another batsman that looked good today Lewis Gregory hitting four runs.
Johann Myburgh can play all the shots, he must have a contract he is listed as being in the squad.
Johann Myburgh sweeping very fine down the leg side for four runs.
There he is again hitting four runs.
Most of the problem with the scoreboard has been sorted out, the second innings score now appears in the correct position on the scoreboard.
Interesting cricket today, we were thinking that Somerset would declare at tea they batted on for a few more overs.
Nick Compton hitting a six off Steven Finn.
Steven Finn was bowling both sides of the wicket this morning Nick Compton was unlucky to get out, he had just pulled a short ball to the boundary he tried to repeat it the next ball and played on off a bottom edge.
Josh Davey is certainly looking like somebody Somerset should put under contract, he batted with freedom at over a run a ball.
The new electronic advertising board, when we went off with bad light they were very bright.
Another batsman that looked good today Lewis Gregory hitting four runs.
Johann Myburgh can play all the shots, he must have a contract he is listed as being in the squad.
Johann Myburgh sweeping very fine down the leg side for four runs.
There he is again hitting four runs.
Most of the problem with the scoreboard has been sorted out, the second innings score now appears in the correct position on the scoreboard.
Lovely, lovely, lovely, Mike! I'm getting very excited now.
I hope they prioritise the scoreboards over the all-singing, all-dancing advertising boards.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I hope they prioritise the scoreboards over the all-singing, all-dancing advertising boards.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
How much clearer the scoreboard looks in the photo rather than from the Colin Atkinson Pavilion with the naked eye.
P.S. But it will get better, we hope.
P.S. But it will get better, we hope.
Yes I like that one Ronnie, I went over the other side of the ground to sit with my friends (it was warmer) and saw the opportunity for that vertical shot.
I have just been to the cricket ground and it is cold with an bitter easterly wind blowing. 
The new scoreboard definitely isn't working properly, not for me at least. I clicked the Refresh button against Mike's photo and nothing changed! And there was I thinking the camera could never lie...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Let's hope that whatever it is, is of the "it's only pre-season so that we'll take somebody off if they have even the slightest twinge," variety.
Cove had only bowled two overs overnight, so I wouldn't be surprised if he'd started bowling today and only last three balls (based purely on the scorecard)?
Cove had only bowled two overs overnight, so I wouldn't be surprised if he'd started bowling today and only last three balls (based purely on the scorecard)?
Thanks, Mike, at least it does not sound as though it was anything to do with his back.
Hopefully not much more than a minor quad strain.
Hopefully not much more than a minor quad strain.
It is good to see Josh Davey taking his opportunity to press for a contract (33 not out; and 3 - 35 as I write).
So far Josh Davey 3-35 in second innings.
Honestly- he'd be a good signing.
Used to bat about 7 for Middlesex- and you had him bat at 10. On a number of occasions batted at 3 for Scotland in one dayers.
Honestly- he'd be a good signing.
Used to bat about 7 for Middlesex- and you had him bat at 10. On a number of occasions batted at 3 for Scotland in one dayers.
181-4, lets finish them off!
Great to see Davey taking his chance, thought his batting looked very promising yesterday.
Having lost Arul and Jos from last years batting ranks and the youngsters all yet to fully prove themselves batting wise another decent bit of competition is most welcome, especially if Craig starts to go missing too with England stuff.
Great to see Davey taking his chance, thought his batting looked very promising yesterday.
Having lost Arul and Jos from last years batting ranks and the youngsters all yet to fully prove themselves batting wise another decent bit of competition is most welcome, especially if Craig starts to go missing too with England stuff.
So, 5 for Davey. Be interested to hear how his bowling looked and whether anyone that saw it thinks he is liable to now be getting a contract?
As for Davey getting a 5fer, we already have a LOT of bowlers/all rounders on the books. I'm not saying it's not worth looking if we think he can add something, but....
Forth and final days photos.
Three men in a row with Nick Gubbins holding the bat.
Dawid Malan playing a nice looking shot.
Dawid Malan, James Regan kept wicket in the morning.
Andrew Balbirnie thought he would do a bit of sweeping.
John Simpson plays the ball to leg watched by the fielders.
John Simpson hit the ball so hard the fielder didn't see it and nearly ended up wearing it.
Andrew Balbirnie ct Josh Davey bld Johann Myburgh
Gareth Berg about to sweep Jack Leach.
Three men in a row with Nick Gubbins holding the bat.
Dawid Malan playing a nice looking shot.
Dawid Malan, James Regan kept wicket in the morning.
Andrew Balbirnie thought he would do a bit of sweeping.
John Simpson plays the ball to leg watched by the fielders.
John Simpson hit the ball so hard the fielder didn't see it and nearly ended up wearing it.
Andrew Balbirnie ct Josh Davey bld Johann Myburgh
Gareth Berg about to sweep Jack Leach.
But as a run out we seem to have got the better of it in terms of performances.
Oh, by far the better of it.
Chunky implied that bowlers may be going somewhat less than full bore, it being a pre-season game and all. You'd have to ask the Middx camp about that but, on paper, the attack that they fielded in this game is probably as strong as any in the CC.
And yet we made 500 + and a number of guys got decent time in the middle.
Gregory and Mesch seem to have gone well again with the ball. On paper, it's not a great Middx batting line-up but you still have to knock them over.
Do we have another pre-season game upcoming?
If so, I'd guess that DN might hope to encounter a stronger batting line-up as a greater test for our bowlers.. Presumably Alf and Kirby are set to feature in at least some pre-season action.
Chunky implied that bowlers may be going somewhat less than full bore, it being a pre-season game and all. You'd have to ask the Middx camp about that but, on paper, the attack that they fielded in this game is probably as strong as any in the CC.
And yet we made 500 + and a number of guys got decent time in the middle.
Gregory and Mesch seem to have gone well again with the ball. On paper, it's not a great Middx batting line-up but you still have to knock them over.
Do we have another pre-season game upcoming?
If so, I'd guess that DN might hope to encounter a stronger batting line-up as a greater test for our bowlers.. Presumably Alf and Kirby are set to feature in at least some pre-season action.
AGod- Obviously I wasn't there- but Gubbins for instance 'retired out' on 61- (only Balbirnie with 64 made more) whereas Trescothick and Jones both wanted hundreds to their name.
Suggests that Middlesex's idea of a preseason work out wasn't quite as serious as Somerset.
Suggests that Middlesex's idea of a preseason work out wasn't quite as serious as Somerset.
Calling it off at 5.20 seems to suggest neither team were looking for a win!!
Edit - I was thinking of the Worcester match, it was Chris Jones that retired out.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:28:08:41:56 by Mike TA1.
On the other hand, Chunky, you smashed us in the pre-season friendly last year.
So, last year, under the same management as you are under this year, the result would seem to imply that Middx were taking it pretty seriously.
And, as I recall, you guys started the season proper pretty well last season, so I'd guess that ARC Fraser has no reason to think "we took last off-season seriously and then it had no effect when the season started."
Conversely, I seem to recall Somerset not being up to much in pre-season last year and then starting the season in largely unconvincing fashion so I would accept that there is a good reason why SCCC might have stepped up our level of seriousness!
So, last year, under the same management as you are under this year, the result would seem to imply that Middx were taking it pretty seriously.
And, as I recall, you guys started the season proper pretty well last season, so I'd guess that ARC Fraser has no reason to think "we took last off-season seriously and then it had no effect when the season started."
Conversely, I seem to recall Somerset not being up to much in pre-season last year and then starting the season in largely unconvincing fashion so I would accept that there is a good reason why SCCC might have stepped up our level of seriousness!
Sorry Chunky but we're not really bothered about how seriously you took it and you can tell yourself what you want to hear.
We had a good run out, got some wickets and spent some time in the middle. Whether your lot put in the hard yards or not really is immaterial to SCCC. It's about finishing, going into the season feeling good and settled. I think Somerset will be happy and they'll know how hard you tried or didn't.
In the end I think that whether a friendly is useful or not is down to whether someone needs to explain the end result or not. Nothing really needs explaining for us, this seems to have gone the way we wanted it to.
We had a good run out, got some wickets and spent some time in the middle. Whether your lot put in the hard yards or not really is immaterial to SCCC. It's about finishing, going into the season feeling good and settled. I think Somerset will be happy and they'll know how hard you tried or didn't.
In the end I think that whether a friendly is useful or not is down to whether someone needs to explain the end result or not. Nothing really needs explaining for us, this seems to have gone the way we wanted it to.
I always believe that you want to use the pre-season to build confidence and form that rationalisations to the contrary from management figures etc are just that - rationalisations e.g. after we'd been bundled out for not many by Worcs, Dave Houghton rationalised it with "the important thing is that we are where we need to be with the bat for the first CC game with Yorkshire."
Well, yes, but I bet we're a damn site nearer where we need to be with the bat vs Yorkshire after a strong outing vs Middx than we would have been had we had a poor outing... (after all, I don't think it's easy to 'flick the switch.')
Well, yes, but I bet we're a damn site nearer where we need to be with the bat vs Yorkshire after a strong outing vs Middx than we would have been had we had a poor outing... (after all, I don't think it's easy to 'flick the switch.')
For what it's worth I suspect Gubbins was told to retire out on 61 because when Rogers and Robson return he is unlikely to feature. May have been a tad embarrassing if he had gone on to make 100 as Denly and Malan are yet to get a 4O.
I suspect next week is the final 'dress rehearsal' when batsmen will be allowed to make 150 if they can, and bowlers will be told to really get stuck in. No sense getting crocked before the season proper has started.
Presumably we can all agree is what really matters are genuine championship matches- not friendlies in March before the clocks have even gone forward!
I suspect next week is the final 'dress rehearsal' when batsmen will be allowed to make 150 if they can, and bowlers will be told to really get stuck in. No sense getting crocked before the season proper has started.
Presumably we can all agree is what really matters are genuine championship matches- not friendlies in March before the clocks have even gone forward!
Very good news, both the Overton's are in the squad for the friendly against Gloucester.
Squad -
Barrow, Compton, Davey, Dockrell, Hildreth, Jones, Meschede, Myburgh, C Overton, J Overton, Trego, Trescothick (C), Waller.
Squad -
Barrow, Compton, Davey, Dockrell, Hildreth, Jones, Meschede, Myburgh, C Overton, J Overton, Trego, Trescothick (C), Waller.
That is good news, Mike. I assumed from the fact that DN did not list them amongst the ranks of bowlers struggling to be fit for the start of the season that they would both be back very soon.
Interesting that Davey is still involved, given that the suggestion is that he is not (yet?) in our squad.
I think using the word 'Yet' could be the correct word to use.
He is NOT in the squad [www.somersetcountycc.co.uk]
He is NOT in the squad [www.somersetcountycc.co.uk]
The Gloucester squad from the other site.
Cockbain, Howell, Housego, Gidman, Marshall, Gidman, Roderick, Smith, Taylor, Fuller, McCarter, Payne.
Do they have two Gidman's?
Cockbain, Howell, Housego, Gidman, Marshall, Gidman, Roderick, Smith, Taylor, Fuller, McCarter, Payne.
Do they have two Gidman's?
Any news on this morning's proceedings? We do start v Gloucestershire this morning don't we?
Lunch, Gloucester 104 for 6.
Two each for - Trego, C Overton and Meschede.
Two each for - Trego, C Overton and Meschede.
Caught the first hour after lunch before the rain came in Bristol, with Somerset reducing Glo`shire from 104-6 to 137-8 in bowler friendly conditions.
Peter T. bowled for the full hour and already looked in good rhythm, claiming both post-lunch wickets including top-scorer Will Gidman, well caught by Hildreth at slip.
From the other end, Jamie Overton worked up a good head of steam, beating the bat on numerous occasions but also having Barrow jumping about now and then behind the stumps.
Peter T. bowled for the full hour and already looked in good rhythm, claiming both post-lunch wickets including top-scorer Will Gidman, well caught by Hildreth at slip.
From the other end, Jamie Overton worked up a good head of steam, beating the bat on numerous occasions but also having Barrow jumping about now and then behind the stumps.
The re-development of the County Ground at Bristol progressing well. The Mound Stand which had most of the seating and a partial roof has been demolished and a new stand seating 3,700 is being built which is due to be finished early May. However, there will be no roof to provide cover. The new five storey apartment complex (directly opposite the main pavilion) is nearly finished and there will be seating for 2,000 in front of the apartments. The whole development is due to finish mid July.
Watching the current game against Gloucester, Somerset got off to a great start reducing Gloucester to 6-2 with Peter Trego clean bowling Cockbain and Howell. After an hour the score was 42-4 off 14 overs which became 62-6 before Will Gidman and Tom Smith took the score to 104-6 at lunch. On a slow green wicket the bowlers found the edge of the bat on numerous occasions but the edges didn’t carry. Jamie Overton took a wicket with the first ball of his spell with a long hop which was cut to Josh Davey at point. I left when the rain returned at 3.00 with Gloucester 162-8 after Jack Taylor had just hit George Dockrell straight for a 6. The forecast is better for the last day tomorrow.
Watching the current game against Gloucester, Somerset got off to a great start reducing Gloucester to 6-2 with Peter Trego clean bowling Cockbain and Howell. After an hour the score was 42-4 off 14 overs which became 62-6 before Will Gidman and Tom Smith took the score to 104-6 at lunch. On a slow green wicket the bowlers found the edge of the bat on numerous occasions but the edges didn’t carry. Jamie Overton took a wicket with the first ball of his spell with a long hop which was cut to Josh Davey at point. I left when the rain returned at 3.00 with Gloucester 162-8 after Jack Taylor had just hit George Dockrell straight for a 6. The forecast is better for the last day tomorrow.
Coasting along on 200+ for 3, apparently, with plenty of runs for both Compton and Hildreth.
Somerset around 320-7 in 75 overs at 5pm. Hildreth a fluent 110, and an unlikely reverse swept six for Compton the ball before he was dismissed in the 80s.
Thirties for Marcus and Myburgh
Thirties for Marcus and Myburgh
A full’s day cricket at Bristol with Somerset batting all day for 361 all out. Play finished at 6.00 in glorious sunshine for the post tea session. The lunch score was 101-2 off 31 overs with Chris Jones LBW Will Gidman for 12 after having two loud LBWs turned down. Tres was brilliantly caught by McCarter at long off taking the catch running back over his head off Jack Taylor for 36. James Hildreth was not out 42 timing the ball well and outscoring Compton. After lunch it was the Hildreth/Compton show as they tore into the spin bowlers Jack Taylor and Tom Smith. Compton played an extravagant switch hit for six over deep square leg before being caught for 86 of 111 balls with 10 4’s and 2 sixes. James Hildreth took 17 off one over from Jack Taylor and was caught at long off for 110 off 108 balls with 19 4’s and one 6. The tea score was 274-4 off 61 overs. The batting was more sedate after tea with Alex Barrow batting through till close on 33 not out. David Payne bowled one cracking over having Johann Myburgh bowled for 31 then bowling Craig Meschede for a duck second ball. All in all an enjoyable day’s cricket played in good weather.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:04:19:21:08 by Stockwood Keith.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:04:19:21:08 by Stockwood Keith.
Thanks, Keith.
Sounds like most are in pretty good form and can approach the new season with some confidence.
Sounds like most are in pretty good form and can approach the new season with some confidence.
Squad for tomorrow weather permitting.
From the other site.
Somerset will select their final line up from the following squad: Marcus Trescothick (capt), James Hildreth (vice capt), Nick Compton, George Dockrell, Lewis Gregory, Craig Kieswetter, Chris Jones, Jack Leach, Craig Meschede, Johann Myburgh, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Alfonso Thomas and Pete Trego.
From the other site.
Somerset will select their final line up from the following squad: Marcus Trescothick (capt), James Hildreth (vice capt), Nick Compton, George Dockrell, Lewis Gregory, Craig Kieswetter, Chris Jones, Jack Leach, Craig Meschede, Johann Myburgh, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Alfonso Thomas and Pete Trego.
Sounds like Alf will probably get the chance to put himself in contention for next Sunday, then, meaning we may have a full complement of bowlers, apart from Kirby and Dibble.
Will we pick a spinner next Sunday?
If not, team might be: (?)
Trescothick
Jones
Compton
Petersen (if fit)
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Trego
Meschede
Gregory
Alf
Jamie Overton
If not, team might be: (?)
Trescothick
Jones
Compton
Petersen (if fit)
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Trego
Meschede
Gregory
Alf
Jamie Overton
And if we do play a spinner would it be in place of one of Alf or Jamie Overton, or would Jones miss out at the top, with Compton or Petersen moving up to open, a spinner coming in at number 10 or 11 and everyone shuffling up one place?
Well tomorrow all will be revealed and all those questions will be answered so more can be speculated on.
Get ready everyone.
Season countdown is in single figures and decreasing as the speculative predictions rise to full blown level.
Yay the real traffic is back!!
All none cricket stuff to the Other One people please except for Bagpuss' thread (can't remember the name of it sorry) which I'll leave for LoL to use.
A reminder that should the heat start to rise as some people return to the forum, please put your comments on the other forum and link them to here rather than getting into it full on here. I'll be moving stuff earlier should it happen. Let's all hope things get off to a decent start and returns are delayed perhaps.
Have a good one all of you......
Get ready everyone.
Season countdown is in single figures and decreasing as the speculative predictions rise to full blown level.
Yay the real traffic is back!!
All none cricket stuff to the Other One people please except for Bagpuss' thread (can't remember the name of it sorry) which I'll leave for LoL to use.
A reminder that should the heat start to rise as some people return to the forum, please put your comments on the other forum and link them to here rather than getting into it full on here. I'll be moving stuff earlier should it happen. Let's all hope things get off to a decent start and returns are delayed perhaps.
Have a good one all of you......
Not sure that it will 'all be revealed tomorrow,' unless the club unless the club have definitively said that the team that plays tomorrow will be the one that takes the field vs Yorkshire next Sunday?
Speculation for today will be revealed and as you have noticed I suggest more speculation will then occur.
I doubt the side that takes the field next Sunday will stop your speculation AG.
You'll then go on to why others weren't picked and what was hypothetically said in conversations that may or may not have happened between people who may or may not have suggested agendas that may or may not explain their actions in a number of ways and so forth. Such is the season...... for some anyway.
But there'll be cricket for the rest of us so all will be right with the world.
I doubt the side that takes the field next Sunday will stop your speculation AG.
You'll then go on to why others weren't picked and what was hypothetically said in conversations that may or may not have happened between people who may or may not have suggested agendas that may or may not explain their actions in a number of ways and so forth. Such is the season...... for some anyway.
But there'll be cricket for the rest of us so all will be right with the world.
No nothing to do with any 'speculation' that I've made today will be revealed tomorrow as I was talking about next Sunday, but nevermind.
And obviously speculation about the team that will take the field next Sunday will be ended er...next Sunday.
And obviously speculation about the team that will take the field next Sunday will be ended er...next Sunday.
But you really must get away from this view that every post here is about you alone AG.... many have speculated.
Some will be decided tomorrow. If yours isn't don't fret. As you say, never mind.
Some will be decided tomorrow. If yours isn't don't fret. As you say, never mind.
Looking at the weather forecast, not sure very much will be decided tomorrow, only rain stopped play.
At least forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday improves.
At least forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday improves.
Conversely, although it might need to be taken with a grain of sodium chloride, given distance to the event, the forecast for the Yorkshire match that starts on Sunday does not look too shabby to me.
If our bowlers can carry on where they left off at the end of last season then it could be a really good contest between them and what, on paper, is a pretty strong Yorkshire batting line-up.
From an England stand-point, I guess there will be at least three guys playing - Compton, Ballance and Bairstow that will think themselves in with an imminent chance of some form of England call, subject to form.
If our bowlers can carry on where they left off at the end of last season then it could be a really good contest between them and what, on paper, is a pretty strong Yorkshire batting line-up.
From an England stand-point, I guess there will be at least three guys playing - Compton, Ballance and Bairstow that will think themselves in with an imminent chance of some form of England call, subject to form.
Or is it a sexual orientation issue?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Good job we're only playing students not seasoned professionals, Loyal of Lhasa...
Picking up on something said on the CC1 sticky, Dave N said at the AGM that the club requested to play Leeds/Bradford as they were reckoned to be the strongest university side and we were very pleased to be granted the request. What I can never understand is how we are always allowed a home fixture. I cannot remember when we last had to travel to play on a university ground.
Good, well done DN. Not sure how much the standard varies amongst the University teams, but no sense in playing one of the weaker ones unless we are forced to.
Re:Hildreth a propos something that was said about him re:today's game.
I think two things can be said about JH:
a) If he's to fulfil his talent and become an international then this season is surely his last chance to do so.
b) To do that he'll need to start the season on fire. Equally if he starts the season extremely well and still can't get a look in then even when Eng are in disarray then one might assume that he's already been decisively marked down by the selectors for x or y reason.
I think two things can be said about JH:
a) If he's to fulfil his talent and become an international then this season is surely his last chance to do so.
b) To do that he'll need to start the season on fire. Equally if he starts the season extremely well and still can't get a look in then even when Eng are in disarray then one might assume that he's already been decisively marked down by the selectors for x or y reason.
Nah he's gone in that sense - his consistency will always be in question - as probably it should be I'm afraid.
Very frustrating though because in that 2010 season his consistency was unimpeachable and that really should have been the season that set him up to become a consistently dominant player.
He was pretty consistent as an A player as well but they seem to have ignored that. He simply can't be trusted to perform. Though if he does he will perform brilliantly.
Just think ay chance he had has gone because of the pigeon holing the ECB do with most players in a positive and a negative way.
If you get in and do well yer in... if not yer out for good it seems.
Just think ay chance he had has gone because of the pigeon holing the ECB do with most players in a positive and a negative way.
If you get in and do well yer in... if not yer out for good it seems.
As the umpire said to me a full day's play and a entertaining day's cricket.
This was what Somerset needed a good competitive game also on a pitch giving the bowlers some assistance. A MacQueen batting.
Nick Gubbins well caught by Nick Compton off Jamie Overton.
Jamie Overton showing how to bat by playing some good shots this one for 4 runs.
Lewis Gregory also batted well this ball going for a four
A Somerset connection Harry Rouse bowling for MCCU.
I was expecting more runs from James Hildreth it was not to be.
Chris Jones well beaten by I Thomas.
The end of the Somerset innings scoreboard to show you how they have improved seeing it from the other side of the ground.
This was what Somerset needed a good competitive game also on a pitch giving the bowlers some assistance. A MacQueen batting.
Nick Gubbins well caught by Nick Compton off Jamie Overton.
Jamie Overton showing how to bat by playing some good shots this one for 4 runs.
Lewis Gregory also batted well this ball going for a four
A Somerset connection Harry Rouse bowling for MCCU.
I was expecting more runs from James Hildreth it was not to be.
Chris Jones well beaten by I Thomas.
The end of the Somerset innings scoreboard to show you how they have improved seeing it from the other side of the ground.
It is very unusual for one days photos follow straight after the day before.
Not exactly the most entertaining days cricket I have watched but we did what we set out to do and spend time out in the middle.
Marcus was dropped first ball but went on to score runs at twice the rate of Chris Jones falling just short of his hundred.
Here he can be seen leaving the ball.
And here Marcus is hitting a six.
Chris Jones scoring four runs.
Chris Jones getting a bottom edge off Harry Rouse.
And the ball going on to hit the stumps.
James Hildreth with the wicketkeeper C Macleod standing up to the stumps.
Not exactly the most entertaining days cricket I have watched but we did what we set out to do and spend time out in the middle.
Marcus was dropped first ball but went on to score runs at twice the rate of Chris Jones falling just short of his hundred.
Here he can be seen leaving the ball.
And here Marcus is hitting a six.
Chris Jones scoring four runs.
Chris Jones getting a bottom edge off Harry Rouse.
And the ball going on to hit the stumps.
James Hildreth with the wicketkeeper C Macleod standing up to the stumps.
Thanks Mike. I see no one was sitting in your seat on Gimblett's Hill (!)
Thanks as ever for your excellent photos, Mike. The new scoreboard looks good and I can clearly read it from here in South London.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I will tell the office staff about your scoreboard comment they will be pleased to hear it.
The Tibetan take-away by that name is, in fact, in South London...
And I'm told it has at least one fanatical customer...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:10:14:36:24 by AGod.
And I'm told it has at least one fanatical customer...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:10:14:36:24 by AGod.
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