Are we ready
The last jigsaw piece?
By Grockle
February 15 2011
Ajantha Mendis joins the ranks of the Somerset faithful as cover for Murali Kartik during his enforced absence in May. Is he the last piece of the Rose jigsaw or are there other bits missing for the very early Spring start to the log format season?
Loads of counties have been rushing around like the proverbial blue backsided flies looking for match relevant slow bowlers. How come we simply went to Sri Lanka and signed up Ajantha? Do Brian Rose and our scouts have some kind of cloak of invisibility or something?
The real problem for some squads - and something that Kartik may very well have been responsible for in 2010 - is that they do not feel they have a credible slow bowling attack. That is an attack that takes wickets rather than just stopping the scoring rate. Therefore there has been a winter of people saying they were looking for significant slow bowling options. Brian Rose himself said he would not cover MK unless he found someone who would offer a significant improvement to the squad we had. Few and far between are those wicket taking spinners! A rare breed indeed and international sides hold them very dear when they do find one.
So what do we have? Well first he's not some old retainer at 26! He has a Test top score of 78 (though that was a bit of an abberation against his other scores). He is a bowler with potential rather than a proven record. 2008 saw him taking loads of long game wickets (33) at 18 ish but 2010 on the international Test stage has not been as productive. His one day work is much of the same. A man who has the possibility of being a real find but may also suffer from 'Sanath' syndrome and not settle to early domestic cricket conditions. But a name with something behind it most definitely.
Many have worried about the batting strength for the first half of the season because of the distinct possibility of losing one of James Hildreth or Craig Kieswetter to some secondary England duty (I don't think we'd begrudge them working for the first team outfit). There is always the possibility that we would lose both!! Especially given the way they are performing in the West Indies at the moment.
Could we cope? Well we do have this bloke called Marcus Trescothick yet to start his 2011 season. However there are bigger doubts about the speed that Nick Compton and Arul Suppiah, the skipper's opening partner, will get going. We can't afford for them to scrabble around if we lose James at four.
Can we push Peter Trego up the order to fill that number four spot? Ask Pete and I'm pretty sure I could give you his answer. But that also pulls others up the order and would mean asking Jos Buttler to take the number five role. A world beating opener joined by a slightly skittish partner and anchored by a man who has yet to really look comfortable in maroon and grey. Then big hitters asked to curb their enthusiasm in certain situations? It's a gamble.
And at six? Craig Meschede starting the season in a position of prime responsibility with a possible role of marshalling a weakish tail to establish a defendable innings? Alf is not there to add his own stubborn batting so what happens after Craig?
Mendis has a batting role to perform because we need him to be a solid number 7 because after him we have a back four including Kirby (solid but nothing to write home about), Hussain not known as anything but a number 10 (and only because Charl is our established number 11!!), Callum Haggett (an unknown first class batsman and an even more uncertain starter) and the great Charl. A very special batsmen I'm sure you will all agree.
So who is going to help hold this back end together? Enter another name on the starting sheet. Lewis Gregory. If there was ever a time for our U19 England captain to make a position his own it has to be at the start of the 2011 season. He is a batsman but is he enough of a bowler? Can we give him a place if he isn't because we surely can't decrease our recognised batting. Our bowling attack will be new to Taunton - he has to contribute with the red thing and in the process make himself indispensible to his county.
This is probably one of the most important front ends of the season for many years. It will be interesting and exciting...we just have to hope that is does not become an anti-climax and dampen the whole season because we were too thinly spread. A credible Championship season is what we are all hoping for...it could be over by the end of May if Rosey has got this wrong.
Are we ready
Posted by: Grockles.com (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 16:36
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:03:22:13:47:23 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:03:22:13:47:23 by Grockle.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Angell Face (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 19:38
We didn't start well last season but we came within a whisker of winning the Championship.We should now have the firepower to take plenty of wickets on the greener tracks of April and May and I'm not sure that the spinner will be that important early on.It will be very interesting to see our bowling line up for the first match.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: wsm fan (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 19:52
Tres, Arul, Nick, Hildy, Jos, Craig, Pete, Mendis, Kirby, Hussain, Charl
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 20:07
Yep looks probable if they are all available.
What if they aren't?
Tres, Arul, Compo, Jos, Trigger, Lewis, Meschede, Mendis, Stevo, Gemaal, Charl
Now that's a bit different.......
What if they aren't?
Tres, Arul, Compo, Jos, Trigger, Lewis, Meschede, Mendis, Stevo, Gemaal, Charl
Now that's a bit different.......
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 22:18
The second team that Grockle lists would have to catch everything in the field AND hope that Marcus is absolutely in top form because it's really really thin with the bat unless guys like Meschede and Gregory can be effective right from the beginning.
That team that Grockle lists might well have to be the team for the Sussex game so we'd better hope there are no injuries on top of the Lions calls!
That team that Grockle lists might well have to be the team for the Sussex game so we'd better hope there are no injuries on top of the Lions calls!
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: nelliec (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 22:40
I'd like to see Meschede given his chance in the one day format in place of Alf. Likewise Gregory given his chance in the 4 day format in place of Alf.3 from 4 out Mendis and the other 3 quickies
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 22:55
Batting is new after 5.
But are you calling that front five reliant entirely on Marcus? Love to see you say that to the other four.
I've no idea how good Craig and Lewis would be but that side at least has the same if not an enhanced bowling attack.
Is the inference that the only batting we have is the skipper, Craig Kieswetter and James Hildreth?
It's an unknown quantity admittedly but the first side bats to 8 depending on your opinion of Mendis
And the second? Well it.....bats to 8 depending on your opinion of Mendis.
You state it as if this weakness is some kind of fact. It's an opinion. We have NO idea how such a team would bat or whether your 'stronger' side would not also have to rely on the Boss (as was the case a couple of times last year).
You also need bowlers to win games and both sides have the same resources in that field.
You write as if the strength of the first is a forgone conclusion and the weakeness of the batting in the second is the same.
It's a pure paper exercise until it's put to the test and if that side turns out against Sussex then that is the side we have to have faith in and we can't predict or truly assess its performance until after it has performed!!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:15:23:35:43 by Grockle.
But are you calling that front five reliant entirely on Marcus? Love to see you say that to the other four.
I've no idea how good Craig and Lewis would be but that side at least has the same if not an enhanced bowling attack.
Is the inference that the only batting we have is the skipper, Craig Kieswetter and James Hildreth?
It's an unknown quantity admittedly but the first side bats to 8 depending on your opinion of Mendis
And the second? Well it.....bats to 8 depending on your opinion of Mendis.
You state it as if this weakness is some kind of fact. It's an opinion. We have NO idea how such a team would bat or whether your 'stronger' side would not also have to rely on the Boss (as was the case a couple of times last year).
You also need bowlers to win games and both sides have the same resources in that field.
You write as if the strength of the first is a forgone conclusion and the weakeness of the batting in the second is the same.
It's a pure paper exercise until it's put to the test and if that side turns out against Sussex then that is the side we have to have faith in and we can't predict or truly assess its performance until after it has performed!!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:15:23:35:43 by Grockle.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: wsm fan (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2011 23:07
Personally have a really good feeling re Mendis, he's the sort of player who really can win a game on his own.
If we can get reasonable totals on the board in April and May i'm confident he is going to get wickets.
The first 2 months are vital if we are to win this thing, we have to forget Alfie and Kartik to begin with as if things go wrong then it will be pretty much over by the time they arrive.
With Mendis and Hildy and Craig for at least the first 5 or 6 we have a great chance of picking up those early victorys we're going to need.
Whilst batting ability of numbers 8 to 11 may be a worry all season we have to look at it as their worth to the team in getting wickets rather than the odd 15-20 runs they may get now and again with the bat.
I'll take a batting average of 5 from Kirby, Hussain and Charl if they each get 50 wickets at 25...
If we can get reasonable totals on the board in April and May i'm confident he is going to get wickets.
The first 2 months are vital if we are to win this thing, we have to forget Alfie and Kartik to begin with as if things go wrong then it will be pretty much over by the time they arrive.
With Mendis and Hildy and Craig for at least the first 5 or 6 we have a great chance of picking up those early victorys we're going to need.
Whilst batting ability of numbers 8 to 11 may be a worry all season we have to look at it as their worth to the team in getting wickets rather than the odd 15-20 runs they may get now and again with the bat.
I'll take a batting average of 5 from Kirby, Hussain and Charl if they each get 50 wickets at 25...
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2011 10:00
Grockle - the possible (probable?) team vs Sussex is not just new with the bat after five. It's also got other guys in new positions promoted up the order, too, namely Jos and Pete, to 4 and 5 respectively. That's a couple of slots higher in each case than where they usually bat. Either or both might be a spectacular, attacking success in those roles. But they are somewhat unfamiliar roles.
Arul had a so-so CC season last year and I'm hoping for better this time - more like what he did two years ago.
Compton? I am not convinced. Looks good for a while, at times, but he seems to me to be missing that extra something to either a) go on to big scores or b) really take the attack to a team. Not saying we should expect him to be able to do both, but one would hope of one or the other.
I don't think there are many teams which would have Mendis at eight with the bat. His record is not really that of a number eight. Factor in the fact that he will probably have to cope with plenty of lateral movement off the seam in alien conditions in the early part of the season?
I didn't say it was a "fact," that this team would be short of batting. What I mean is that it (the second one) looks suspect with the bat. Of course, there is also no guarantee that there won't be any injuries on top of IPL absences and Lions calls ....... if those injuries were in the batting then.... well, big problems.
As you've said, we should be alright with the first team you listed provided that the top 7 score plenty of runs. If we get the kind of spell that sweeps away the top order, as at Trent Bridge last year, though, it's most unlikely that the lower order from 8 down will extend the innings (until we get Alf and Kartik back) and then we will have to hope that the excellent career strike rates of the SCCC first half of season bowling attack will trump the fact that we have (on paper) much less control in the bowling attack (for the first half of the season) than we did last season.
My prediction for SCCC's 2011 season is that we will have more firepower and, therefore, win more CC games than last season. But I also think that we might well be easier to beat -- especially in the first half of the season than in recent seasons.
p.s. nellie I cannot believe you are seriously calling for Alf not to play in the one-day side?
By mid-season, I think you may have changed your mind about his place in the CC side, too, as we do need some guys in the lower order than can bat - at least at 8 and 9. 10 and jack I think you can get away with.
Arul had a so-so CC season last year and I'm hoping for better this time - more like what he did two years ago.
Compton? I am not convinced. Looks good for a while, at times, but he seems to me to be missing that extra something to either a) go on to big scores or b) really take the attack to a team. Not saying we should expect him to be able to do both, but one would hope of one or the other.
I don't think there are many teams which would have Mendis at eight with the bat. His record is not really that of a number eight. Factor in the fact that he will probably have to cope with plenty of lateral movement off the seam in alien conditions in the early part of the season?
I didn't say it was a "fact," that this team would be short of batting. What I mean is that it (the second one) looks suspect with the bat. Of course, there is also no guarantee that there won't be any injuries on top of IPL absences and Lions calls ....... if those injuries were in the batting then.... well, big problems.
As you've said, we should be alright with the first team you listed provided that the top 7 score plenty of runs. If we get the kind of spell that sweeps away the top order, as at Trent Bridge last year, though, it's most unlikely that the lower order from 8 down will extend the innings (until we get Alf and Kartik back) and then we will have to hope that the excellent career strike rates of the SCCC first half of season bowling attack will trump the fact that we have (on paper) much less control in the bowling attack (for the first half of the season) than we did last season.
My prediction for SCCC's 2011 season is that we will have more firepower and, therefore, win more CC games than last season. But I also think that we might well be easier to beat -- especially in the first half of the season than in recent seasons.
p.s. nellie I cannot believe you are seriously calling for Alf not to play in the one-day side?
By mid-season, I think you may have changed your mind about his place in the CC side, too, as we do need some guys in the lower order than can bat - at least at 8 and 9. 10 and jack I think you can get away with.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2011 11:01
Still all opinion AG.
Some of your comments are relevant whether James and Craig are there or not.
It's an eleven man game. One doesn't fire, someone else steps up or the team lose.
You seem to be denying that possibility for some people before they have given us anything to base that opinion on. The people who work with them every day may have a different assessment of their capabilities.
As others have said, it's a gamble. But every side has to do it at some point when there are squad changes and supporters have to believe that the selectors have some idea what they are doing until it is shown that they've got it wrong.
What's the point of being a supporter if there isn't some belief in new players being good enough and the management's ability to select a squad that can do the job?
We are no longer a side that should have to rely in the merits of one or two players.
If you believe that is still the case then the sooner we break out of that the better. Personally I presently don't agree with you. I may change my mind by mid May
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:16:12:10:17 by Grockle.
Some of your comments are relevant whether James and Craig are there or not.
It's an eleven man game. One doesn't fire, someone else steps up or the team lose.
You seem to be denying that possibility for some people before they have given us anything to base that opinion on. The people who work with them every day may have a different assessment of their capabilities.
As others have said, it's a gamble. But every side has to do it at some point when there are squad changes and supporters have to believe that the selectors have some idea what they are doing until it is shown that they've got it wrong.
What's the point of being a supporter if there isn't some belief in new players being good enough and the management's ability to select a squad that can do the job?
We are no longer a side that should have to rely in the merits of one or two players.
If you believe that is still the case then the sooner we break out of that the better. Personally I presently don't agree with you. I may change my mind by mid May
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:16:12:10:17 by Grockle.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: nelliec (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2011 11:25
A God. I wasn't saying that about Alf at all .I was refering to the 40 over games Alf will miss while away at the IPL. An opportunity to blood Craig Meschede in these games not only giving him experience which we might need later on but also giving us a bit more at number 8 for the start of the season.
Likely starting X!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2011 17:08
Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, in which case I'm sure Grockle will despatch it.
With all the new and previously little-known players appearing in the WI, I am having trouble remembering who our first choice X1 was last season and therefore, who might be in the running this year.
I'd welcome your suggestions.
Edited as I have now read the 'front page' which makes my post redundant, so apologies to anyone who has to read it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:16:18:23:34 by Botham.
With all the new and previously little-known players appearing in the WI, I am having trouble remembering who our first choice X1 was last season and therefore, who might be in the running this year.
I'd welcome your suggestions.
Edited as I have now read the 'front page' which makes my post redundant, so apologies to anyone who has to read it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:16:18:23:34 by Botham.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Ronniesabre (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2011 18:24
lets get into them.............cant wait for it to start.
Its been too long!!!
Its been too long!!!
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: wsm fan (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2011 18:55
reposted from above...
Tres, Arul, Nick, Hildy, Jos, Craig, Pete, Mendis, Kirby, Hussain, Charl
Tres, Arul, Nick, Hildy, Jos, Craig, Pete, Mendis, Kirby, Hussain, Charl
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: West Country Gooner (IP Logged)
Date: 19/02/2011 12:29
Very well put, I hope this does`nt turn out to be the case but it`s exactly what I believe too.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 20/02/2011 18:20
Most of my comments always relate to the 4-day game. 1 days and 20/20 frankly I'll accept whatever teams we pick.
As far as the CC is concerned, all hopes seem to be on the NEW signings. I believe, and would advise them as such, if Waller, Gregory, Meschede and Haggett, to name a few, do not get a fair crack of the whip in the First Class matches, they should be searching other pastures to get a game in 2012. It will extremely unfair to give them the odd game when someone is unavailable, and expect them to perform spectacularly.
I will be very interested to see how Durston performs in his first full season for Derby. I think that unless they have some very skilled coaches we know how our ex-quickie will perform. Having that, I would love to be proved wrong by him, because he is a genuine hard working player.
As far as the CC is concerned, all hopes seem to be on the NEW signings. I believe, and would advise them as such, if Waller, Gregory, Meschede and Haggett, to name a few, do not get a fair crack of the whip in the First Class matches, they should be searching other pastures to get a game in 2012. It will extremely unfair to give them the odd game when someone is unavailable, and expect them to perform spectacularly.
I will be very interested to see how Durston performs in his first full season for Derby. I think that unless they have some very skilled coaches we know how our ex-quickie will perform. Having that, I would love to be proved wrong by him, because he is a genuine hard working player.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 20/02/2011 18:43
It is always good to have players with West Country names. So, I welcome the signing of Ajantha Mendips.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 20/02/2011 18:43
Of the four you mention OB I doubt any of them will get a main 2011 look in for the four dayers unless we lose James and Craig to some form of England duty.
Craig Meschede will get a go in the one dayers and possibly Lewis but Max and Callum? Maybe but probably only if there are injuries - could be wrong though.
Craig Meschede will get a go in the one dayers and possibly Lewis but Max and Callum? Maybe but probably only if there are injuries - could be wrong though.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 20/02/2011 19:02
Grockle - I believe that you have summed it up very clearly and correctly identified how it will transpire. My problem is that to hang on to our youngsters for the future we should be picking the 4-day team from a SQUAD with some regular rotation, rather than a FIXED eleven, with a few fillers-in as and when required.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 20/02/2011 19:15
Quote:Wickham
It is always good to have players with West Country names. So, I welcome the signing of Ajantha Mendips.
... to be replaced later in the season by Kieron Polden.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Kentish Townie (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2011 16:27
It's interesting and a little curious that we have posters saying both that we are weak on batting and that we need to give youngsters a chance or they'll leave.
I worry less about the batting in the sense for some years now we have been strong in that department and there's reason to think like Buttler, other players can step up when required. There would be little justification in my view for investing in further batsmen. Ideally De Bruyn would have stayed and wuld have played a role but there we are.
Very sensibly the club has invested in bowling resources given our struggles to bowl teams out over the years.It is much less likely we would unearth a consistent wicket taker than a run scorer.
I'm very much against this suggestion of PT batting higher up the order. He is an allrounder whose bowling still needs to develop for the balance of the side. 6 or 7 is fine.
So the CC side (without Thomas or Kartik)
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Kieswetter
Trego
Mendis
Kirby
Hussein
Willoughby.
A nice attacking feel in my view. When Thomas becomes available one of the specialist seamers drops out bolstering the batting.
Clearly there are a couple of roles up for grabs this season. One is a De Bruyn style batting all rounder who will play initially in the one dayers. I'm afraid I must be informed which of Meschede or Gregory might fit this role.
Then there is the reserve top order batsman covering for Compton or Suppiah; was Jones lined up for this?
Then there is the second reserve seamer, the Turner replacement. One hopes Adam Dibble would challenge for this.
I really can't see Waller or Dockrell playing much but the former seems to be bowling better.
I worry less about the batting in the sense for some years now we have been strong in that department and there's reason to think like Buttler, other players can step up when required. There would be little justification in my view for investing in further batsmen. Ideally De Bruyn would have stayed and wuld have played a role but there we are.
Very sensibly the club has invested in bowling resources given our struggles to bowl teams out over the years.It is much less likely we would unearth a consistent wicket taker than a run scorer.
I'm very much against this suggestion of PT batting higher up the order. He is an allrounder whose bowling still needs to develop for the balance of the side. 6 or 7 is fine.
So the CC side (without Thomas or Kartik)
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Kieswetter
Trego
Mendis
Kirby
Hussein
Willoughby.
A nice attacking feel in my view. When Thomas becomes available one of the specialist seamers drops out bolstering the batting.
Clearly there are a couple of roles up for grabs this season. One is a De Bruyn style batting all rounder who will play initially in the one dayers. I'm afraid I must be informed which of Meschede or Gregory might fit this role.
Then there is the reserve top order batsman covering for Compton or Suppiah; was Jones lined up for this?
Then there is the second reserve seamer, the Turner replacement. One hopes Adam Dibble would challenge for this.
I really can't see Waller or Dockrell playing much but the former seems to be bowling better.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2011 16:47
I am sorry but I shall continue to shout for a SQUAD of 14/15 and give some regular rotation.
I see the only alternative for the 'bright' youngsters is 'get on yer bikes' to get some real cricket.
I appreciate that with the sort of money we are paying the 'bought in' stars there is very little chance of my thoughts taking root.
I see the only alternative for the 'bright' youngsters is 'get on yer bikes' to get some real cricket.
I appreciate that with the sort of money we are paying the 'bought in' stars there is very little chance of my thoughts taking root.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2011 18:51
Meschede is probably the option to go for Zander's position in the one day operation. He is a strong batsman and a speedy bowler (not seen this aspect of his play).
Peter himself was pushing for moving up the order in the one dayers - he may be a KP like opener in a plan of some kind though we already the man that England would dearly love in that position in the world cup.
Have to agree with you KT. Our batting should be strong enough up the front end to not have us worrying about who is coming in at number 8!
Peter himself was pushing for moving up the order in the one dayers - he may be a KP like opener in a plan of some kind though we already the man that England would dearly love in that position in the world cup.
Have to agree with you KT. Our batting should be strong enough up the front end to not have us worrying about who is coming in at number 8!
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Norwich SCCC (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2011 20:05
Our captain certainly seems bullish about the youngsters at the club and there appears to be a good chance for at least one of them to cement a regular place. (like Buttler last season)
Also I feel that bowling options and the opportunity to rotate are more likely to win the Championship. In previous seasons, the tactic seemed to be to keep in contention for as long as possible with a deeper batting line-up.
However it goes without saying that we need more of the same from Tres and Hilda, and personal bests from a couple of the others, in terms of quantity of runs. I have a hunch that certain batsmen will thrive on this challenge and the responsibility that has been entrusted to them, and we will have more than enough runs to be competitive. (in particular CK and PT)
Bring it on!
Also I feel that bowling options and the opportunity to rotate are more likely to win the Championship. In previous seasons, the tactic seemed to be to keep in contention for as long as possible with a deeper batting line-up.
However it goes without saying that we need more of the same from Tres and Hilda, and personal bests from a couple of the others, in terms of quantity of runs. I have a hunch that certain batsmen will thrive on this challenge and the responsibility that has been entrusted to them, and we will have more than enough runs to be competitive. (in particular CK and PT)
Bring it on!
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2011 22:18
Quote:Norwich SCCC
Our captain certainly seems bullish about the youngsters at the club
I'm very glad to hear that. Perhaps the great man recalls that he was introduced to the first eleven at a tender age and given many opportunities before he established himself as a genuinely world-class player.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 25/02/2011 21:26
Nice little report from Joss and Max about how they fared in India, in the SCCC website.
It would be great if they could both open the door to regular 4-day 1st XI games. Joss will be OK but I do hope Max can prove to be up to the job as well.
Apparently he has been working hard on his batting which could strenghten his case for consideration if it proves effective.
It would be great if they could both open the door to regular 4-day 1st XI games. Joss will be OK but I do hope Max can prove to be up to the job as well.
Apparently he has been working hard on his batting which could strenghten his case for consideration if it proves effective.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: litlekeithy (IP Logged)
Date: 28/02/2011 00:23
first time poster so be gentle (even spelled my user name wrong)
Mendis is great find. I have only seen him online but he was sending batsman the wrong way. He has a saqlain style wrong'un and a carrom ball (the jack inverson delivery taken from a table tennis game). He is the sort of bowler who could take crucial wickets in short spells because of the variation. If Somerset have retained saqlain mushtaq for the first part of the season as coach then Mendis will blossom.
Dockerall is bowling well in the WC and I think Waller wil do well with all that is around him (maybe both for the one-dayers, they are still very young). Both kumble and chanderseaker in the 70s bowled mainly top spinners and googlies, which i believe is waller's forte.
Kirby will be great addition for those games that drift to a draw such as Kent and Durham last season, he can make things happen.
As for the batting, keiswetter is number three in the England hierarchy for gloves and hildy is behind Bopara and Morgan, so they will be around for the first part of the season. Even England Lions i think the county could pull them out if necessary.
Compton and Arul need to cement their position and buttler and Trego will relish the opportunity to bat one above. I heard Vic Marks crowing over Trego big score against Glam last season.
As for the others. Grockle is right, we don't know. Lyeth was a newbie for yorks and was a star for them last year plus the Taylor lad from leicester (?). The field is open for someone to make their mark just like you would say each year about de bruyn or phillips.
Personally, I can't wait for the start of the season and think management have played some really good cards. With Alf back mid season and kartik.
We have a bowling attack second to none and a batting line up that has a lot of potential, and good number are Somerset products. With good captaincy and a bit of luck we could end up with at least one prize and hopefully the one we are all wanting.
Roll on the new season
Mendis is great find. I have only seen him online but he was sending batsman the wrong way. He has a saqlain style wrong'un and a carrom ball (the jack inverson delivery taken from a table tennis game). He is the sort of bowler who could take crucial wickets in short spells because of the variation. If Somerset have retained saqlain mushtaq for the first part of the season as coach then Mendis will blossom.
Dockerall is bowling well in the WC and I think Waller wil do well with all that is around him (maybe both for the one-dayers, they are still very young). Both kumble and chanderseaker in the 70s bowled mainly top spinners and googlies, which i believe is waller's forte.
Kirby will be great addition for those games that drift to a draw such as Kent and Durham last season, he can make things happen.
As for the batting, keiswetter is number three in the England hierarchy for gloves and hildy is behind Bopara and Morgan, so they will be around for the first part of the season. Even England Lions i think the county could pull them out if necessary.
Compton and Arul need to cement their position and buttler and Trego will relish the opportunity to bat one above. I heard Vic Marks crowing over Trego big score against Glam last season.
As for the others. Grockle is right, we don't know. Lyeth was a newbie for yorks and was a star for them last year plus the Taylor lad from leicester (?). The field is open for someone to make their mark just like you would say each year about de bruyn or phillips.
Personally, I can't wait for the start of the season and think management have played some really good cards. With Alf back mid season and kartik.
We have a bowling attack second to none and a batting line up that has a lot of potential, and good number are Somerset products. With good captaincy and a bit of luck we could end up with at least one prize and hopefully the one we are all wanting.
Roll on the new season
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 28/02/2011 00:34
Evening Keithy....yes it should be a really interesting start to the season. What a time to start posting aye? Welcome.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 28/02/2011 10:04
Nice summary Keithy - welsome to Grockles!
Agree with almost all you say. I might suggest our batting is second to non and our bowling is full of potential - but I would be splitting hairs!
Agree with almost all you say. I might suggest our batting is second to non and our bowling is full of potential - but I would be splitting hairs!
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 28/02/2011 10:14
Welcome indeed, Keithy, and no complaints from me about your syntax or your spelling, though I chuckled at your mention of Dockrell bowling well in the WC. Some of us do our best singing or reading there, but I don't know of anybody who plays cricket there.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 28/02/2011 10:45
Fancy you quoting the mystery (bent finger grip) bowling qualities of Jack Iverson, litlekeithy.
Sadly, he was another cricketer whose deep anxieties resulted in the taking of his own life.
Sadly, he was another cricketer whose deep anxieties resulted in the taking of his own life.
Re: Are we ready
Posted by: Bobstan (IP Logged)
Date: 28/02/2011 12:38
I know it has been mentioned on here before, but I (and others) enjoyed Gideon Haigh's book 'Mystery Spinner' about the life and death of Jack Iverson.
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