Durham down South CC1
Hussain fit again... Alf?
By Grockle et al
May 22 2012
The return leg of the CC1 clashes against Durham starts at noon today after the Olympic Torch festivities of last night in the county town. A few places are up for grabs though it is unsure whether we have men to fill them. Vernon Philander has departed to join his country side with our thanks and Alfonso Thomas once more treads the soil of Somerset - but may not be ready just yet. Gemaal Hussain is back to match fitness and may very well start today... but instead of who? Will Jos Buttler return? Again forcing who to make way.? It's getting crowded in that first team squad!!!
V DURHAM CC1 @ Taunton Tuesday 22 May 2012
James has a few more people to consider today in his squad. It's no longer the eleven men who can walk this morning but as no one has disgraced themselves in the campaign so far it is hard to think who should step down to make way for returnees. In his side today you would expect;
Arul Suppiah, Alex Barrow, Nick Compton, James Hildreth, Craig Kieswetter, Peter Trego, and George Dockrell
However it becomes a little less obvious after that.
Will Craig Meschede keep his place or make way for the returning Jos Buttler (will Jos actually return)? Meschede had a shoudler injury at the Oval and may not be able to play but if he can bowl then both men may be considered if they are both available
Will Gemaal Hussain return to the first team? You would expect so but it isn't as obvious if Alfonso Thomas is passed fit to play after a long flight in from Pune.
If one or both of those players are given the go ahead then does one of the Overton boys step down? Neither were used at all really in the second Surrey innings I personally think James is carrying an injury but Craig seemed able to bowl.
Max Waller and Lewis Gregory are also available for selection so the bowling unit is an interesting part of the selection process at the moment.
If Buttler is back then he will play. If Meschede can bowl then I expect him to play and Hussain is more likely than Thomas to be ready to take the field though I would think Alf is pretty sick of sitting on the sidelines watching. I personally think they'll rest the IPL man and bring in a twin... but we'll have to wait and see.
When we start on time, the side is a little different in that Alfonso is ready to play and the place Hussain was expected to take is not taken off the Overton's and they both play. So does Jos who is welcomed back into the middle order at the expense of Merschede.
Durham won the toss and elected to bat first and go off at quite a rate with Craig Overton going frugally off his 11 and George Dockrell putting in some work on the first day as Di Venuto and Smith put on over 150 off most of the other bowlers ( James Overton at nearly 6 per over off his 7, Pete Trego and Alf going at more than 4 off their 17) before Di Venuto flips one behind off Thomas with 158 on the board, four from his hundred. As I type this at 4:05 in the afternoon Durham are at 215 without further loss and nothing looks pareticularly dangerous I am afraid. Smith is on 79, Stoneman is on 22 and extras is on 18 which gives you an idea of the fact that this is NOT a bowling performance of any great merit at the moment.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:27:07:41:35 by Grockle.
Gemaal Hussain may well replace Philander and if Alf is available I would expect Jove or Cove to stand down,unless Craig Meshede is unavailable.
There doesn't seem to be any news flying around regarding the injuries to Jos and Steve so I think we can assume that the're still not available.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:21:05:24:01 by Grockle.
Durham will still be missing Dale Benkenstein with the shoulder injury he sustained against Somerset last week, but Ben Stokes may be available to play - he is in their squad for the CB40 today. Although a boost for Somerset's chances if he doesn't I for one would like to see him at Taunton - I've never seen him play, would like to see if he's as good a prospect for England's future as he's meant to be.
BBC are covering the match via 5Live sports extra.
Jos may be ready for the one day match but Kirbs two weeks away and Tres even longer sadly.
Hildy to continue as vice captain but review before T20 starts.
Quote:AGod
Suspect we may see a split captaincy with Hildreth as CC leader and Alf as T20 boss.
Hope not unless James feels he needs a rest.

It was decided at the start of the season and from reports it appears Rose and management have been most impressed with the job James has been doing.

Some settled weather is forecast for Tues, Wed.
Encouraging championship performances given the difficult circumstances.
Will miss Tuesday due to being in Bath for the OTR. Anyone going on Monday night ? If so enjoy.
Quote:Sloop John B
According to BR in today's Sunday Independent Gemaal almost certain to play, Fonz if they think he is fit enough/recovered from jetlag.
Jos may be ready for the one day match but Kirbs two weeks away and Tres even longer sadly.
That just leaves Adam Dibble. Does anyone have any news on how his injury is progressing?
Btw..if ur coming on Tuesday, the Cricket Museum will be open for the first time this season for the Durham game.
Quote:Bagpuss
Assuming no Onions I wouldn't be surprised if they gave Harrison his debut. Looked promising in the CB40 match, recovered well from a nightmare over with 3 consecutive no-balls. Durham really do have a conveyor belt churning out the seam bowlers.
I was also impressed with Harrison, bit of a surprise he's not playing against Surrey today. However I think Plunkett will come in for Onions-Liam also bowled well last week and was very economical today-Onions went at nearly 8rpo whereas Plunkett only conceded 20 runs in 6 overs.
If not why not.
Lunch will be at 2. Tea at 4.40pm or 32 overs remaining. Play should finish around 7pm.
It's because of tomorrow's Olympic event..plus Durham have to travel down tomorrow.
On a plus note, it gives Alf an extra hour to shake off his jet lag

Edit - My neighbour who didn’t know about this site asked me about it after hearing it on radio five, he said he had a look on the clubs web site without any luck.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:20:18:39:55 by Mike TA1.
Other site just talks about Marcus "running his leg". What he'll be doing with his other leg I'm not too sure.
Quote:Little Bird
The game starts at 12 Tuesday only.
Lunch will be at 2. Tea at 4.40pm or 32 overs remaining. Play should finish around 7pm.
It's because of tomorrow's Olympic event..plus Durham have to travel down tomorrow.
On a plus note, it gives Alf an extra hour to shake off his jet lag
They're only coming from London!
Adam's intercostal injury is taking longer to heal - so no date set on return.

If I stay until 1900 close of play(light permitting) I won't get home until 2130 making it a long day for me.I think I'll miss the last 30 minutes and catch my normal train home at 1854.That get's me home at 2000.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:21:08:11:10 by BristolRob .
We will also try to make up the hour lost on Tuesday with close of play being approximately 19:00. [www.somersetcountycc.co.uk]
What does it mean by TRY to make it up on Tuesday, if there is doubt wouldn't have been better to add half hour onto the first two days instead!
Oh dear what am I saying.I forgot the supporters come last and only consulted as a last resort.
Second team are playing at Yorkshire this week so Geoff Cook must be seriously considering playing Harmy in this match-unless Steve has yet another niggling injury and is just travelling with the first team squad so the medics can look after him.
Is Jos available for selection yet?
Even with my pass I can't get in.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:21:12:56:58 by Mike TA1.
It must be doubtful whether Alf will with jet-lag etc and not getting back, I think, until this morning.
Suspect (Craig M's fitness permitting) that the only change may be Hussain for Philander.
On paper, that would mean this would be the biggest challenge for our bowling attack yet given that the other game this season that Philander missed was one that (at least initially) we had Kirby available for.
Pete will probably need to bowl every bit as well as he did at the Oval.
Edit: The squad has been announced
P Mustard (19) Captain and wicket keeper
ID Blackwell 37
SG Borthwick (16)
PD Collingwood (5)
MJ Di Venuto (23)
SJ Harmison (10)
J Harrison (13)
LE Plunkett (20)
C Rushworth (22)
WR Smith (2)
BA Stokes 38
MD Stoneman (26)
CD Thorp (36)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:21:13:18:57 by Mark.
Certainly that delivery with which he got Arul first up at CLS was the stuff of which openers' nightmares are made.... very full, very fast and very straight as a first ball.
Certainly that delivery with which he got Arul first up at CLS was the stuff of which openers' nightmares are made.... very full, very fast and very straight as a first ball.[/quote]
Just like Harmy then

Quote:Mike TA1
Somerset are waiting before announcing their twelve to make sure Jason Kerr is fit.

Four days of sunshine at Taunton.About time!!Somerset have named fourteen – from.
Somerset (from) A.Suppiah, A.Barrow, N.Compton, J.Hildreth (capt), C.Kieswetter (wkt), J.Buttler. P.Trego, C.Meschede, C.Overton, J.Overton, A.Thomas, G.Dockrell, G.Hussain, M.Waller.
[www.somersetcountycc.co.uk]
A.Suppiah
A.Barrow
N.Compton
J.Hildreth (capt)
C.Kieswetter (wkt)
J.Buttler
P.Trego
C.Meschede
C.Overton or J.Overton
A.Thomas
G.Dockrell
...looks pretty strong to me.
I am not sure that Brian Rose will risk playing him, but I may be wrong.
And Brian has, supposedly, already said that Hussein is all but certain to play.
But they are not going to pay somebody relatively big money to kick their heels if they are healthy unless said person's form is truly awful (and Hussein's 2012 form is yet to be determined.)
I am sure that he has been tested during the time he has been off, he bowled a decent set of 10 during the warm-up game for his return.
Who knows, despite the lack of cricket to play it might just be possible that the reason he was signed in the first place and the people who know something about bowling have assessed him as part of the side on merit? Did that come into your huge analysis of why Mr Hussain might play?
The man is a major part of the plan for more than his pay packet. Let's hope he actually is ready and plays the game we hope he has. But please give Somerset some level of credit and integrity in dealing with their players.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:21:20:20:52 by Grockle.
Good luck to him.

How do you know Gemaal's salary AGod as I don't expect his wage is a large as you make out it is.

Will be interested to see GH bowl. Only saw him once last year & he was as threatening as a damp lettuce leaf then.
Hopefully, his recouperation will leave him fully recovered & raring to go.
Grizzzly

Grizzzly
Grizzzly
Quote:Grockle
Have you considered that Gemaal may have other attributes for playing a game of first class cricket than the size of his contract and salary AG?
I am sure that he has been tested during the time he has been off, he bowled a decent set of 10 during the warm-up game for his return.
Who knows, despite the lack of cricket to play it might just be possible that the reason he was signed in the first place and the people who know something about bowling have assessed him as part of the side on merit? Did that come into your huge analysis of why Mr Hussain might play?
The man is a major part of the plan for more than his pay packet. Let's hope he actually is ready and plays the game we hope he has. But please give Somerset some level of credit and integrity in dealing with their players.
I think the same would be true of any club and it in no way casts aspersions on the club's integrity.
There is no point in trying to recoup your investment if by putting him in the team you lose? How can that be "common sense".
If you buy a factory building in good faith and then find a crack in the roof beams you don't put your machinery and workers in it just because you actually invested money in the building... you fix the problem and when it has been passed as ready by the experts THEN you use the resource.
The ONLY reason for playing Hussain is because he is one of the best men for the eleven to play Durham. Unless there is a choice between two players with the same level of merit and even then it's a silly way to decide the person who actually plays.
Do you honestly think that they sit down in selection meetings with the possible starters relative money value to Somerset in front of them and decide who plays looking at some balance sheet?
And of course it is a matter of integrity AG. A selector comes to tell you you are not playing because someone else has a bigger pay cheque than you and that garners respect from players does it?
Selection should be based on a meritocratic system not some arbitrary level of materialism.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:22:05:46:06 by Grockle.

After the wickets taken by COverton at Durham and JOverton's terrific yorker to oust Rudolph, they cannot be sure that Hussein will be better - following a long lay-off - than an Overton vs Durham.
But it remains my prediction that unless he fails his fitness test, then Hussein will play.
On what they have to go on, including injuries elsewhere Gemaal is most probably an inclusion. It's then up to him to start to build performance data that allows his selection to be easier or harder.
Maybe once he's in and hopefully producing results you'll start to assess him on that basis rather than persistently referring to the amount of money he earns as if that is a significant factor in his selection. 10 overs and one wickets is far more valid than the number of figures in his monthly salary slip.
I believe at least one of the Overton's is carrying an injury, Twitter has reliably informed us that Vernon is no longer on the rosta and Alf may be jetlagged (as he was last year) so Gemaal may be lucky to get his place (even though he has probably bowled more than Alf has in the past month!!) on the lack of alternatives.
Once given that chance it is then up to him to show his value or not and I'm sure the season will go from there as far as he is concerned.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:22:07:30:16 by Grockle.
You have still not answered how you know what salary Gemaal is on.This sort of information is not usually freely available
I can envisage at least seven players on higher salaries than him.
I'll need that extra hour to get there today I expect.
He hasn't really bowled a ball in anger during about a year out of two because of injury. It is not beyond the bounds of probability that either his pay relates to his ability to play and may have been lower this year because of that inability OR Somerset may well have insured themselves against the loss of said ability on a long term basis.
Therefore the pressure to play their investment may not be as forceful as you seem to think anyway.

We on the Gimblett’s Hill know that in the afternoon there is a fir tree in the church yard that puts the Hill in the shade.
Grockle and AG - re: your argument about Gemaal being played because of his cost.
I refer you to a certain Fernando Torres who cost Chelsea £50m and has been a peripheral figure - not even selected for the European Cup final in favour of a lad Bernard who had not played a senior match before!!
Quote:BristolRob
His salary could well of plummeted if he's on appearance money and win bonus.
As I said before, it was said at the time that we signed him that we had seen off quite a lot of competition and was considered something of a mini-coup to get him here. Simple economic theory dictates that, all other things being equal, the more people want your services, the higher the price you can charge. If you recall he had taken a lorry-load of wickets in his only season at Gloucs.
There is no logical reason to suppose that we might have got him to sign a pay as you play deal unless he had significant injuries in his past. The club are not clarivoyant!
If we're talking about whether he may play a role ahead of an Overton today, then the fact that you, BR, can think of seven players that you think may be better remnunerated is not necessarily germane to the discussion unless any of those seven that you are thinking of are named Overton (and I do not imagine for one season that they are.)
Simple economics says, all other things remaining equal, the financial loss of a resource which imposes a (in your assessment) significant cost on your organisation can be neutralised in part by asking a third party to bear some of that risk through the service of insurance for which they receive a payment.

The real world is not one where 'ceteris paribus' occurs very often and geographical location aspects, the player's own preferences, the quality of the squad, the chance of moving with Steve Kirby, the opportunities to shine, his age, etc would all have been considerations that could have made Gemaal take a lower wage than that offered elsewhere.
He wouldn't be the first to move here against financial gain elsewhere and he'd be in somepretty illustrious company.


Quote:Grockle
You do not insure the individual against long term injury AG, you insure the club against loss of service through long term injury. The club is not asked to predict an injury to a specific member of the squad but the possibility of loss of revenue etc because of the loss of squad resources through long term injury.
Simple economics says, all other things remaining equal, the financial loss of a resource which imposes a (in your assessment) significant cost on your organisation can be neutralised in part by asking a third party to bear some of that risk through the service of insurance for which they receive a payment.
So, you would expect, in all seriousness, that an insurance company would be prepared to provide us with "en bloc," insurance for the squad as a whole?
That strikes me as pretty unlikely.
In any event, my point about 'clairvoyance,' related to BR's suggestion that Hussain may be on some kind of pay-as-you-play deal and that, therefore, his salary may have 'plummeted.' My point was that there would be no reason to expect the club to try to offer Hussain such a deal, in the absence of a significant prior injury history.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:22:12:03:32 by AGod.
Harmison and Plunkett both play for Durham.
James finally loses a toss!
So, you would expect, in all seriousness, that an insurance company would be prepared to provide us with "en bloc," insurance for the squad as a whole?
That strikes me as pretty unlikely.[/quote]
Standard practice in all professional sport. The premiums are pretty high obviously, Insurance companies are no mugs.
And that was the original point - club wouldn't want somebody on a decent pay-packet playing second XI when they could be playing first XI unless club had first established that their form was hopeless!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:22:11:55:52 by AGod.
I guess we'll wait to the end of the day to see if BR says he failed his fitness test.
Pete back to new ball.
Quote:SheptonPaul
What'd he say?
SP.. he said that almost all aspects of the action look perfect in terms of being easily repeatable. "Good stong action, good run-up, beautiful high left arm."
His lone reservation was a periodic loss of (bowling) wrist position.
But it sounds like - in O'Brien's opinion - JOverton has an extremely good base for a bowler to build from.
Whilst watching him at the Oval, I was put in mind (by the type, style and results of his bowling) of Graham David Rose.
Edit: Craig O has bowled identical figures as at the Oval - 5 overs for 12. Super stuff in what sound like benign batting conditions.
I have no idea whether a coach would see the similarities, but I see what you mean.
I would be very happy if we have found a new Graeme Rose ;-)

I just wondered if there is ever any outcry among the fans about the flat Taunton pitches we have seen over the years ?Every year it seems to be a road and it looks worryingly the same again.
To be fair you beat Middlesex, although this was the start of April so may have been more in it for the bowlers.
Your home Lancs game was rain hit, but they hit 400 and there batting has been awful this season.
Now Durham seem to be making hay at 164-1, VERY quick scoring as well.
You're unlikely to get relegated but its almost impossible to win the division. Look at the benefit Lancs had last year playing at Liverpool on a 'results' pitch.
Just wondered what the feeling was among the Somerset fans ?
2007 44.22
2008 35.36
2009 57.63
2010 34.96
2011 33.95
The figures show a downward trend, reflecting different management of the strip. Even with today's score currently at 174/1 the average is 31.35.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
There has been a bit more life in them generally, although on occasion I think they've left too much grass on at the start (I think Balcombe got a load of early wickets last year?).
Today does look like a belter (viewed from my office in Swindon!), and they'll always be quick-scoring more because of the small boundaries than anything else, but generally they have provided a slightly fairer contest between bat and ball recently - or our attack has improved!
That's my view, as somebody never able to attend in person!
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
Hants Fan: you are very welcome but a bit out of date about the Taunton pitch. Average scores per wicket have been
2007 44.22
2008 35.36
2009 57.63
2010 34.96
2011 33.95
The figures show a downward trend, reflecting different management of the strip. Even with today's score currently at 174/1 the average is 31.35.
Maybe, but even that mean the average score per innings is over 300, 1200 runs per match.
I just wondered what the locals thought.
Quote:SheptonPaul
Hi Hants - I think the general feeling is that the Taunton strips are not the roads they were three or four years ago.
There has been a bit more life in them generally, although on occasion I think they've left too much grass on at the start (I think Balcombe got a load of early wickets last year?).
Today does look like a belter (viewed from my office in Swindon!), and they'll always be quick-scoring more because of the small boundaries than anything else, but generally they have provided a slightly fairer contest between bat and ball recently - or our attack has improved!
That's my view, as somebody never able to attend in person!
Thanks for the insight. Good point about the short boundaries although I guess quick scoring is not a problem as long as wickets are falling quickly too lol
The Rose Bowl is getting a bit batsman friendly and I HATE these type of pitches (although its been a bit too far the other way early season when 150 is a good score lol)
If I recall correctly, I think a couple of the results will have come about because of declarations though, like the wins against Yorkshire.
I would say that the wicket now offers a good even contest between bat and ball, and that the batting paradise of Taunton is now a bit of a myth.
EDIT: Put start of the 2009 season instead of 2010!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:22:15:42:53 by JonR.
Otherwise, there is generally, I think, a reasonable contest between bat and ball.
Batting tends to look easy on most county grounds when there is nary a cloud in the sky.


Each of the Overteenies is fairly tall, has a high action and can generate bounce. They have (understandably) looked pretty raw when I have seen them bowl. But I sense that each has the potential to be a very useful bowler as they gain strength and experience.
When they were even teenier than now (but possibly more identical) they had one bat and one old piece of wood between them. So one would bat well that day and then they would swap their implements and the other would bat well the next day. Similarly they got into the habit of one of them bowling well (to the one with the bit of wood) one day and the other bowling well on the following day.
This pattern, embedded at a very early age, will remain with them for life.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Ronnie - how flat would you say it is? Is there any assistance off the surface? Sounded like there was a bit of swing after lunch ?
Iain O'Brien felt Somerset hadn't bowled particularly well earlier in the day; Thomas's 1st spell wasn't good (presumably why Hildreth only gave him 5 overs in the morning) but improved when he came back later on and ws getting a lot of swing. He commented that he thought that Trego may have had a bit of a niggle and 'looked as though he was running in through custard' but changed opinion when he bowled with the second new ball. He says there is something there for the bowlers, a bit of swing and some movement off the pitch. He was surprised there was a delay taking the second new ball.
We will need to bat well tomorrow and make sure we don't copy Durham's lapses. Apparently Cove's run out of Stokes is a comedy moment we should all check out when it goes on the ECB highlights later today.
Will be there for start of play tomorrow (M^/M% traffic willing) so come and say Hi Grizzzly if you are there (I'll be on the Hill, with Gracie)
Somewhere on here there are several post about Vernon Philander being recalled (I haven’t got time to reread them), some were saying that doesn’t mean that he was recalled earlier than he should have, some were saying he may have been recalled early.
I don’t know if this proves anything but his name was on today’s scorecard.
Very early on most people were expecting Surrey to be his last game and this match to be an addition if it happened - at least I think that was the case. Anyway he's gone and we're in a different match with a different team now.

However, Brian Rose himself said that VP was 'bowling within himself,' due to niggles.
Not a great toss to lose. Just like against Lancs, we didn't bowl very well at the start but gradually clawed our way back into things. We have a lot of heart.
Barely beat the bat at all in the first three hours but after that it started swinging a bit and we bowled better too. Whatever the inexperience in our side..and at times today we did look an experienced quality bowler light, our fielding today was superb..great catches by Arul and Nick and a great piece of reaction fielding by Cove to get rid of Stokes, who was looking very impressive.
Durham came today with no top order batter having passed 50 in the CC this season, and although the openers and Stokes all did, you knew we still had a chance of fighting back because so many of them are out of form.
Plaudits to Cove for his bowling, George was tidy, Peter showed big heart to take those late wickets after a day not really suited to him and Alf, understandable sluggish at first, grew into the day.
Durham will be dangerous with the ball tomrw..three of their seamers are playing their first CC matches of the season, with one making his debut. But on this track and with this weather, we should have more than enough to get close to their score.
Final thought for today..Durham need a win as they're bottom. What price them having to declare their 2nd innings and us facing a nice juicy run chase on Friday


I see no reason to dispute what Brian said - was bowling within himself but due to niggles.
I can not help but think that whatever it is that is keeping him out of our side, it will not be tolerated for much longer by Brian Rose.
I may well be mistaken of course, but all too often in recent years we have seen players leave the club before their contract has expired, and in some instances mid - way through a season.
Quote:Ronniesabre
Sorry sp. was getting carried away with my phone. Meant di venuto was dropped by trego off Thomas
I think Trego made it into a possible chance, so won't attach any blame - the commentators (to me anyway) seem to not always be on the ball - I was there from noon -5.45 and listening on 5 live extra. Many times they mistook who was fielding and even who was batting!
Quote:SheptonPaul
Hi Hants - I think the general feeling is that the Taunton strips are not the roads they were three or four years ago.
There has been a bit more life in them generally, although on occasion I think they've left too much grass on at the start (I think Balcombe got a load of early wickets last year?).
Today does look like a belter (viewed from my office in Swindon!), and they'll always be quick-scoring more because of the small boundaries than anything else, but generally they have provided a slightly fairer contest between bat and ball recently - or our attack has improved!
That's my view, as somebody never able to attend in person!
SP I agree with most of what you say, but, in addition, IMO no heavy roller after the start is the biggest factor. Interestingly I believe I remember someone saying that previous to his leaving, Phil Frost had suggested such a solution.
The solution is simple guys. Retune to 87.7FM and listen to the commentators who are at Taunton most of the time and know who is who usually

Quote:AGod
Yeah no more run outs of our batsmen please!
Drop a note to Nick Compton!

Quote:Clarence Parker
No Gemaal Hussain today, I noticed.
I can not help but think that whatever it is that is keeping him out of our side, it will not be tolerated for much longer by Brian Rose.
I may well be mistaken of course, but all too often in recent years we have seen players leave the club before their contract has expired, and in some instances mid - way through a season.
He was bowling quick out on the practice wicket at tea interval along with our missing bowler - MAX. Gemaal didn't show any signs of injury, so I reckon BR is lining him up for next week - wouldn't have thought he would fit in on Sunday.
I have had trouble after uploading my photos after uploading them I can’t add a title to each photo but I have managed to get a link manually.
I have also reduced the size of each one, tell me they are still big enough to see on your computers.
Ben Stokes being hit in his middle from a ball by Jamie Overton
Ian Blackwell pulling this ball straight to Nick Compton bowled by Jamie Overton
Mark Stoneman got himself in a right tangle trying to play Arul Suppiah he ended up falling forward and just managing to keep is back foot behind the crease.
Craig Kieswetter celebrating catching Michael Di Venuto off of Alfonso Thomas
It was good to see both of the Overton’s bowling today first hand. Craig had one particular good over beating the bat every ball, this is one of them to Michael Di Venuto.
A limited choice to choose from today.
Thanks, as ever.
Managed to get to HQ for 2 & a bit sessions for my annual jaunt to Taunton. Unfortunately the remaining bit was when all bar 2 of the wickets fell - ah well !
Good to meet Tractor, BR & Mike again. (Sorry I missed you RonnieS - I did go into the OP Bar honest - ask Tractor !).
The ground looked in excellent order, apart from the non-functioning old 'main' scoreboard (really a bit poor given our Championship status) & the sun shone wonderfully.
To be truthful, I was uninspired by our bowling until mid afternoon. Before lunch & in the first part of the afternoon we bowled without penetration & often far too short (Trigger & Jove especially).
Cove however looked impressive & was unlucky not to find the edge on more than one occasion. Alf was zestful, but clearly struggling to match up his body with the time zone !
Bowling became tighter p.m., & I was pleased (but disappointed !) to see that six wickets fell in the last session, which must bring us right back into contention for the game.
We clearly stuck to our task, although to be honest, I would like to see a bit more aggression on display. Kirbs comeback will help here I'm sure idc.
Grizzzly
Or was it more a case of us getting the ball in the right place more as time moved on?
It sounds like they lost a fair few wickets to mis-timed pull shots. Does that suggest that the pitch is extra slow?
I think it's 133 but wanted to check.
Either way, surely every chance of getting them in this match.
And I believe he would also get day one at New Road? (if we bat first)
A very impressive fightback after looking like Durham could rack up as many as they wanted.
Wish commentators would do their homework, though. Not correct to say Barrow does not have a CC 50 - he does - away versus Yorkshire.

If Hildy had played for 100 balls and got 50, then i'd probably think it was a good start and should have got a few more but can't be too upset.
This is probably better because he has moved the game forward at a fast pace, allowing more time to win the match later. Though missing a straight one doesn't sound great.
Disappointing.
Quote:Grockle
The advice I gave yesterday was to listen to 87.7FM rather than 5Live! if you wanted accuracy about Somerset players but I can't get the ground commentary without it cutting out every 10 or 15 seconds... anyone else getting this or are you all listening to the guys who seem to have no idea about your side? (assuming of course that AG's quoted mistake wasn't coming from them of course!)
Your assumption was right. I'd hope that Victor would at least know some basic facts like that! I also can get nothing reliable out of the local commentary, transmission wise.

We're going to have to really dig in, now, to avoid a significant first innings deficit.
Pete's not had a lot of batting chances this season and Alf, of course, none whatsoever.
All the more reason, perhaps, to look for quality spinner to cover George for second half of season?
Bet Brian will be a little annoyed that Hildreth/Compton did not go on to tons.
But very good recovery from 209 for 6.
Funny thing is that the Overtons had no evidence either that they were any kind of force in CC cricket before they were picked.
Maybe if we don't get that 'quality spinner' we should be looking for Brian will have to turn to the man who has been waiting for his chance for a while now and see what he actually has.

Excellent 50 - the man's season keeps building. Wonder if Alf has noticed any difference in the side?

Sounds like a great game.
Another boring day of County Championship cricket, like so many recently.
Go on, admit it. You're just waiting for the T20 to begin.
...and Jove!
We need to pass Durham, get 'em in and get 'em out to win this one. James sems to have told people to attack. It nearly came unstuck but at least he and a couple of others had done enough before it got a little sticky. Then Trigger managed the second half of the innings.
Backing men who can bat is a risky option in Somerset but as one of the commentators said on the first day - "this team should make 500 for fun". Bit of a gamble - LB maybe that playing safe reputation is being moved aside.
Shame the home commentary was dicey today. Have reported it because it is all we have on the last day when 5Live will toddle off to cover the 'important' game.

Quote:AGod
Well there's no evidence that he is a force in CC cricket. More to the point, BR does not seem to believe that he is (or will be in the immediate future.) Picked once in nearly 2.5 seasons and ignored in that one game as far as bowling was concerned.
So what's you point? You don't know, BR doesn't know, I don't know whether MAX has what it takes. My gut feeling is that he has. He has NEVER let us down in the shorter games, AND is the best fielder we have. My main concern is whether he has it in him to PUSH himself forward by demanding a chance - no one could critise him for that.
BEFORE the crisis of injuries etc, the Overtons were not even on the sky line - they are not even in the official pic on the scorecard. You didn't know, BR didn't Know, I didn't know whether they had it in themselves to succeed. Without the crisis they would still be playing for North Devon and a few second eleven matches!
Quote:AGod
Sounds like we are folding like a lawn chair, Ronnie?
You really should have more faith before posting views which can come back to bit you!
This is developing into a very strange..but gripping..game. It should be a batsman's wicket but so many players are getting in, getting started and then getting themseles out with bad shots. Arul and James played across the line, Jos was trying to cut only the third ball he faced, Cove lost concentration after passing a landmark and even Nick had a massive aberation when a huge score was there for him.
That said, we fought well all day, especially from 220 for 6. Classy knocks from JH, NC and CO. And Pete Trego wow..what a mature knock..he really is having a superb season. I admire him greatly. Agree with Ronnie about Lloyds giving out CK to a ball he hit and he was well forward too. See it on Sky Sports News tonight and weep.
Still think our best hope of winning this will be to be set a run chase on the final day. So far, it's been a terrificly well-balanced match.
I managed to hear 87.7 today but only because I took a radio to the ground with me. Really enjoyed the evening session's commentary with Julian Catternack (?) and Simon White. Two ardent Somerset fans with a lot of passion for our county..and a nice manner together on air. Well Done to them both
Off to find my aftersun! Let's see what Day 3 will bring....
Even had he not hit it, he was a long way forward.
Shocking decision by an average umpire.
When Craig was just four short of his maiden championship 50, Peter T. at the other end, who otherwise had a totally excellent day with bat and ball, took two wild swipes at nothing balls from Jamie Harrison - missing both.
Craig immediately walked down the wicket and had a word with him - his side`s senior pro in his 12th season of first-class cricket!
The outcome: Peter immediately reverted to proper strokes and hit a wonderful cover-driven four three balls later.
I have no idea whether Craig Kieswetter hit the ball to which he was adjudged to be LBW, but from where I was sitting (admittedly not behind the wicket) I was of the opinion that the ball hit him on the back pad, and not the front. This therefore (if indeed my opinion is correct) negates however far forward his front leg may have been.
Anyway, for those who are able to see it on "Sky Sports News" tonight (which unfortunately will not include me) then you will be able to judge for yourselves.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:07:31:45 by Grockle.
I don’t know what the tactics were late this afternoon at one time we were batting at almost five an over and then the runs dried up.
My first photos are for our younger players and they are looking good for the future, something good has come out of all the injuries we have.
Alex Barrow look good for our future opener, he hit five fours out of his twenty five runs he scored and this is one of them.
And now for a very disappointed player, when given out it looked like he didn’t agree with the decision, he was given out caught behind off Steve Harmison it look like it brushed his thigh pad but did it touch his bat?
One of the twins Craig Overton what a good fifty with ten fours, this is one of them.
This is another one of Craig’s fours, Mustard can only watch and admire the shot.
The bounce that George D was getting yesterday did for Jos Buttler today, Ian Blackwell was also getting bounce as you can tell from where Mustard took the ball.
L Plunkett could only watch after he edged the ball to Craig Kieswetter gloves off the bowling of Thomas.
(for those fans of Just William), I will scream and scream and scream.
Our squad is doing fine! Bring on more young ones!!
It would be naive to suppose that Brian does not have people reporting back to him on second XI games plus, one assumes, Brian must sometimes go along when it does not clash with a first-team game. Then Brian will have spent years watching Max in the nets.
That's not going to have been the case with the Overtons.
Quote:old boy!Quote:AGod
Sounds like we are folding like a lawn chair, Ronnie?
You really should have more faith before posting views which can come back to bit you!
And I certainly do not need to be told what to think. At the time we'd lost 3 wkts for diddly squat and the question (that's what it was as evidenced by the question mark) was present tense, not future.
So certainly not 'bitten' by anything.
With that in mind and the fact that it sounded like there was some turn, then I'd guess that second innings scores in this game may well be lower - possibly quite a bit lower.
So I'd guess we might need to bundle Durham out for 250 or so second time around?
Quote:old boy!
If some posters carry on advocating this or that overseas recruit, after the absolutely wonderful performances by BRs youngsters and more seasoned players, like Violet Elizabeth
(for those fans of Just William), I will scream and scream and scream.
Our squad is doing fine! Bring on more young ones!!
Exactly why I argued that we should not bring in a loan player two weeks ago


That's another point when Brian looks at overseas players. Things have gone surprisingly well, thus far, considering all the injuries but certain players have had to do more than their fair share.
When I went to CLS for title decider in 2010, Alf and Charl were visibly out on their feet. Pete and Big Ben looked far fresher and bowled far better than the two South Africans in that one.
So it isn't just a matter of looking at how things have gone thus far. It's also projecting forwards. One assumes both Overtons will be joining George at the Under 19 World Cup? In which case we'd be down three bowling options before we even consider the need to have depth in the event of renewed injuries (with the fitness records of Hussain and Dibble open to question.)
Second time around, I imagine George and Arul will bowl more.
Alf's jet lag should have gone too.
They must be feeling that they've twice blown chances to seize control.
Another great day for these young (and not so young) lads!
Maybe the time has come to replace them with robots...great clunking grey ones at that.
Not only would errors be eradicated but they'd also have a good deal more character and sparkle than the glorified cloakmen currently doing the job.
As they said with Steve Austin...we have the technology, let's rebuild them.
seem
Didn't Lloyds play for us, before ending up at Gloucs ?? Seem to remember seeing him take wickets at WSM for us ??
The umpires are no more meant to be the stars of the show than is the scorer.
A misty start to the morning and the risk of a heavy shower or two later..but looking forward to another fascinating day's cricket.
All digits will be well and truly crossed that we (a) get a good first innings lead this morning and (b) knock over the team with the worst batting record this season fairly easily.
But if this doesn't happen - we end up more or less level with Durham after the first innings, and Durham's batting revival continues, an interesting questtion will be what sort of total will Durham set Somerset to chase on the final day? weather should't be an issue, either to a full day's play nor to onfluencing the batting conditions. Durham are bottom of the table. They probably need a win even more so than Somerset - a draw is of little use to them. And with the pitch well across to the Somerset Stand side of the square, we are perilously close to having what supporters then length and width of the Peoples' Republic of Yorkshire would describe as a "Trego-friendly" boundary.
If it does become an issue, then I would think they might well pass on a declaration that leaves us much of a sniff.
Lots of cloud cover. Could be better conditions for our bowlers today

a) How long they thought mist would persist.
b) How likely they feel they are to be able get the next bonus point/a lead.
c) An assessment of the pitch. If they think it's going to bounce and turn a lot for George, might not be worried about condition-related assistance for seamers?
I'll be suprised and dissapointed if we were to declare.
Quote:barndoorio
and not wanting to give 2 wickets away now when we might have a tough run chase tomorrow. 20 runs now is worth 40 to the run chase.
I'll be suprised and dissapointed if we were to declare.
Is the right answer - and if we were to manage 50 or 60 runs even better, we will be well on top.
Can't believe how some are always so keen to hand over the initiative!
Pivotal day.
Looks like we want to make the most of the conditions
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:11:35:27 by Tumbles.
Thursday
Jane Hamlin and Eric Cole
Paul Harper and Julian Cattenach
Roy Kerslake and Simon White
Friday
Paul Harper and Julian Cattenach
Tony Caisley and Ben Manning
Roy Kerslake and Eric Cole
Certainly when Eric is on he has Grockles up on his laptop and will happily answer any queastions sent to the team
Morning gentlemen and ladies hope the weather is a little less than the 103F it presently is here. You don't seem to have started on time - Ahhh declaration and innings change!!

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:11:50:37 by Grockle.
Guessing it's our best chance of forcing a result.
Quote:AGod
Is it still misty, Tumbles?
You can't see the hills from the centre of town due to the mist. Not sure if it's best described as haze or low cloud though? There's a cool breeze also.
Anyway, great work by Trigger, George and Joverton. Good to see an early declaration as well.
Just an answer to Eric. The 103F today is cool, we think we passed 130F earlier in the week (it's the weekend here). As long as the humidity stays low it's OK, when that gets up to 75% you stay indoors! The Omani government closes everything down if it passes 50C - so it never actually does officially.
Sitting here having lunch - strange - Granny Smith's from South Africa and Wyke Farm Cheddar which is about a quid cheaper here than it is in Williton Co-op which seems very weird to me as Williton is about 7,480 miles closer than Carrefour in Muscat City Centre Mall!
Unfortunately the only beer you can buy in normal stores is non alcoholic - the Lemon "Moussey" brand is very nice straight out of the fridge but Thatchers Gold is starting to beckon now!!

I am neither a cricket journalist nor associated in any official capacity with SCCC, yet I am 99% certain without looking it up that Hildreth scored his first century in his second first class match (against Durham). I really think that's the kind of thing VJM ought to know, but manifestly he did not yesterday afternoon. Also, for an educated man, it is lamentable that he does not recognise that Taunton's churches are crowned by towers and not by spires.
He's still my favourite broadcaster (along with Jane Garvey).
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Sounds like immense stuff from JOverton.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:12:33:02 by AGod.
Humidity on TA1 is below 50% now.
Have lost internet connection 3 times now and am wodering if my PC realises it is about to go to the great recycling centre in the sky!?
Quote:Wickham
Th current commentator is repeatedly describing how the ball is being taken behind the stumps by "Phil Mustard, the Durham capytain". A bit surprising that none of his colleagues has twigged.
Funny Wickham, my commentary team got it right all morning - what are you listening to?
Must be some binch of amateurs :-)

And in the time it has taken me to write the above, two wickets have fallen!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:15:12:14 by Following on.
And have you noticed what WJD is up to this afternoon?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Dockers for the Earth XI to play Jupiter?
What an awesome team, C'mon Somerset!!!!!!
I’m not gonna name names because I’m not trying to slag any one off, but I’d be thinking of committing more resources to whoever has coached Gregory, Barrow, Dibble & the Overtons, not forgetting the oldies like Buttler & Kieswetter. Dockrell may not be a home-grown but he’s surely being improved by the coaching staff. Rather than signing overseas players early & then be messed around, maybe leave it & sign one as a temporary measure to cover for injuries or international commitments, unless you can find someone who is clearly better than what we have & will benefit the 1st X1 more than stopping a youngster getting valuable experience & is available for the majority or all of the season.
We may not win the CC this year, but we have the basis of a very promising team for the next few years. The only possible issue I can see is whether there’s a danger in over-bowling some of the young players too early in their 1st class careers? Is that possible, or are their bodies likely to be at physical peak & therefore that’s not a danger?

JH did not remove Dockrell from the firing line after he conceded 12 in his previous over.
This sounds like real spin bowling - being prepared to buy wickets.
Still, sounds like swing has been the main factor, along with spin, and swing not really Harmison's game.
I'd like to wrap this up soon, though.
No rush; he needs fewer than 70 to reach his personal milestone, and if he were to do that it would go a very long way towards assuring a Somerset victory.
So bat sensibly tonight, then batting versus the pacemen should be easier tomorrow.
Quote:Bobstan
Dockers for the Earth XI to play Jupiter?
Why not? He'd run rings round Saturn!
But we might need to consider aggression vs IDB? Don't necessarily want to let him settle into a rhythm?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

I am feeling VERY nervous now.
Wickham - it wasn't a criticism but it seems the 5LIve guys have been mucking things up all game.
Hants - you know that post about the 'road' we play on at Taunton... :-)

Quote:AGod
And I guess this is one reason why Brian is reportedly seeking a specialist spinner for the second half of the season, to cover George.
Only one reason AG? But it's the only post you make whenever George takes a wicket.
I think most people have got the message that Brian Rose seems to be looking for a specialist spinner to cover George Dockrell while he is on the totally pointless (IYHO) U19 Irish tour.
We ought to add the word 'allegedly' as he may go for the seaming allrounder who bats to cover the lack of Marcus Trescothick and most of his secondary seam attack.
But of course (I think you've mentioned that) it is vital that we replace George with someone who can do the job and as we all know - from you - that Brain doesn't rate Max at CC level (I think you've mentioned it once or twice).
Thanks for the info... think we've all got it now.
Well we certainly aren't missing Mr Kartik this season are we?

But I certainly suspect he'll have a good post T20 season for Surrey at the Oval having seen what he may have to bowl on (during our last game.)
n.b. Gareth Batty has taken six on one of those tracks in the Warks' first dig.
p.s. I was not only meaning because George has done very well but because this is the second time we've had a game do more than get through about 100 overs at HQ this season, and spin seems to be a factor... it does not sound as though playing IDB has been easy, either, by the sounds of it.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:16:59:34 by AGod.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
But certainly universally admired.
Unfortunately, because Oman's TV and radio rights are different the baseball commentary can't be broadcast in the Gulf... so have they gone back to the stuff that can be?
Nah... that would be far too sensible, we've got Arlo White's Football Daily - the same one that has been playing all through the Sri Lanka tour because they couldn't give us Test Match Special then. What absolutely wonderful customer service. I'm damn glad I'm not paying my licence at the moment!!
On my way home boys... don't win or lose till I get there!!


But my computer won't give me the local commentary at all at the moment, but I've still got the Beeb commentary here;
[www.bbc.co.uk]
(for if others also cannot get the local commentary)

p.s. on the internet Beeb commentary they've just had to apologise for leaving the mic on in the commentary box during the Strauss interview.
Apparently Victor was rather vocal in his dislike of Twitter. I agree with him.
Also his contract has always been that Irish national demands take precedence over Somerset demands.

Obviously, the ECB can decide what they do.
You do realise that if we win this you will have to go to watch every game, from now on?
(Thanks for your earlier good wishes RonnieS. Fingers very firmly crossed !!).
Grizzzly
Top of the table in a few minutes I believe.
Big smile now all, even you doubters.
Got to be encouraged by that performance.
Excellent stuff & good news for the future (with the possible exception of Max).
(Pity I chose the worst two sessions of the match for my annual jaunt, but I happily accept that every time if we get results like this !!).
Grizzzly
Very good win. Roy gave his man of the match award to Craig Overton for his overall display - Have to agree but what an inspired signing was Mr George Dockrell - long may he wear the maroon, grey and black.
Very happy tonight. Top of the table Ma with a scratch side given no chance just over a fortnight ago.

Interestingly one of the guys near me says that there is an edict from ECB that young seam bowlers are not allowed to bowl more than 7 overs in a spell or more than 20 overs in a day. I didn't know that.
Went home from the Surrey game a bit deflated, wondering whether it was just too soon for a few of the players to really go out & win CC1 games. Don't think that any longer. New guys have the confidence & old hands like Suppiah & Trego have stepped up a level. And what can you say about Hildreth & Compton since they had to shoulder the loss of Marcus
Our faith has bee handsomely vindicated.
Quote:Little Bird
Agod..remember the curse of the THIRD innings

This young team can take even more from this game and they fill me with an enourmous amount of enthusiasm and optimism.
We're serious contenders for the title.
I have to disagree, this one is well and truly in the bag, done and dusted.
It's a shame to see once great side like Durham looking a busted flush, a lengthy period of rebuilding must surely start soon.
Twas old men against boys out there.
And the boys showed them how its done.
Well tonight let's imagine how the rest of the country is viewing US.
Top of the table.
Most batting bonus points, despite the loss of our top batsman.
The only side in the country with MAXIMUM bowling points in EVERY match.
A side so badly hit by injuries that 2 weeks ago, they had only 11 playing standing and had to borrow a 12th man from Durham UCCE. But a side that has refused to buckle or make excuses..a side that's just got on with it, and seen the injuries as a positive reason to blood new players.
A side with a 19 year old spinner whose twice taken 6 wickets in an innings this season to bowl us to victory.
A side with two 18 year old twins, still at college but who look like they've been playing first-class cricket for years, who are hitting 50s, taking wickets and distinguishing themselves with their fielding and catching.
A side with a batsman on the verge of 1,000 first-class runs already..despite the bowler friendly conditions.
A side with an all-rounder whose never really previously been viewed as an outstanding wicket taker, who this season, asked to lead the attack because of injuries, has 26 wickets.
A side with no overseas player but instead NINE players who've come through our ranks..
A side who, but for rain, might well have won at Notts and Durham, and been way out at the top.
Tonight I suggest a lot of other counties will be looking at us and being envious. They will see a vibrant, youthful side playing exciting, attacking cricket in front of good crowds at a beautiful ground. Sometimes it's too easy to be picky and critical and not always to appreciate what you have under your nose.
Well Done Somerset. We are all proud of you

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:20:13:23 by Little Bird.

If you consider that innings victories are quite rare in CC1, how does this bat first notion square with 'the curse of the third innings'?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:20:17:00 by AGod.
My earlier 'curse of the third innings' post was because in my opinion quite often the side batting 3rd in a match makes a mess of it. We did last week too!
So I was always confident we'd beat Durham despite having to bat last. I was confident Durham would be caught between two stools today and make a hash of batting, just like Middlesex did at Taunton, just like Worcs did against us at New Road last season and like we did at the Oval last week.
Quote:Grockle
Sums it up quite nicely LB
Absolutely!!
I wonder about the fear factor!
Older established players know all about the ups and downs of sport, and particularly cricket, and must at times fear for their form and futures.
The young ones seem to have little or no fear of failure. It is a new experience and they are living it to the full.
Bring on the other lads, including MAX please.
A great day!
Today at Taunton I feel we were given the perfect demonstration as three Somerset players, all under 20 and two still at school, took nine of the ten second innings wickets of a side fielding five Test players and two ODI-ers.
There was no fear when Jamie Overton, who had been hit for six first ball by Michael di Venuto, beat him four times with beauties in his second over and then had him tearing down the wicket in panic to pad the last ball away (has anyone seen a better single over bowled at Taunton in the last five years?).
When Craig Overton took a stunning leaping catch at deep midoff to dismiss Liam Plunkett (has there been a better catch at Taunton this season?)
When George Dockrell continued to use flight to dismiss both Blackie, who had just hit him for 10 in two balls, and Collingwood, rather than darting it in as Blackie did after his first few dangerous overs had been repelled.
When Arul and Craig Kieswetter hit four authoritative sixes between them in a run chase that could have been quite nerve-racking in bowler friendly conditions.
With two other youngsters, Gregory and Meschede, awaiting their chance - both had 30-minute `nets` during the lunch interval - I am reminded of Franklin D. Roosevelt, appropriately enough in his New Deal address to Congress.
`The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.`
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:20:30:25 by cricketjerry-mouse.
There will be good days and bad. Inconsistencies. It's natural with a young side and a new leader. We may get a tonking from somebody soon. But equally we will give a lot of counties a very good match. Een if this season ends as one of consoladation, we will all winter well knowing the emerging talent we have.
What a truly wonderful piece of news it was to receive.
Much of what I feel has already been stated above, so all I can add is well done, Somerset.
We are indeed very proud of you all.
We may not win the CC this year but one things for certain - with the talent we have we're going to win it sometime soon
Quote:Little Bird
I don't understand your post, sorry Agod.
My earlier 'curse of the third innings' post was because in my opinion quite often the side batting 3rd in a match makes a mess of it. We did last week too!
So I was always confident we'd beat Durham despite having to bat last. I was confident Durham would be caught between two stools today and make a hash of batting, just like Middlesex did at Taunton, just like Worcs did against us at New Road last season and like we did at the Oval last week.
Very simply if you are a fan of batting first then, most of the time, you have to take the third innings as the price of having first bat.
Let’s get this one out of the way Peter Trego bld J Harrison.
This is a two part wicket, Phil Mustard was caught by Alex Barrow bowled by George Dockrell. Craig Kieswetter was dashing over to see if he needed any help –
Craig need not have worried Alex Barrow caught it cleanly.
Both the Overton’s seems to be able occasionally to produce several unplayable balls in an over.
Jamie Overton managed to do that and left Michael Di Venuto biting his lip staring at the bowler.
Jamie Overton finally got his man Michael Di Venuto caught by James Hildreth.
James Hildreth getting a life when W Smith missed a straight forward chance off Ian Blackwell the ball going in his hands and out again.
Alfonso Thomas beating Ian Blackwell’s bat.
Our youngsters have taken their chances with both hands and BR and Andy Huryy are going to be faced with interesting decisions to make soon when the seniors become fit again.
It was heart warming to see the quiet composure of ther team going about their work. George was magnificent and Arul too was superb in the final knock. Compo was less than assured for once and played a couple of dinks off Blackie which were risky and the second one caused his wicket.
Don't know where the last delivery ended up - Craig really muscled it and it may have cleared the flats. I certainly didn't see it come down again.
The future is bright: the future is young: the future is maroon black and gold.
Quote:AGodQuote:Little Bird
I don't understand your post, sorry Agod.
My earlier 'curse of the third innings' post was because in my opinion quite often the side batting 3rd in a match makes a mess of it. We did last week too!
So I was always confident we'd beat Durham despite having to bat last. I was confident Durham would be caught between two stools today and make a hash of batting, just like Middlesex did at Taunton, just like Worcs did against us at New Road last season and like we did at the Oval last week.
Very simply if you are a fan of batting first then, most of the time, you have to take the third innings as the price of having first bat.
Ah got you
I don't disagree with you.
It looked a good toss to win on Tuesday.
But I remained confident we would win despite not batting first because so often sides mess up the 3rd innings. Not always..but occasionally.
Durham needed a win. At lunch they'd have thinking about how to pace their 2nd innings and how many ahead they'd need to be in order to possibly declare.
As a consequence their minds were clouded..they started playing bad shots and collapsed.
I thought Blackwell bowled too much short stuff..there was a 4 ball in virtually every over.
Harrison had a decent first-class debut and some of their batsmen played themselves back into a bit of form this week, but overall they've looked a poor side in both matches this season. Too good to go down? Don't think so.
Quote:AGod
Old Boy - commentators claimed that Barrow 'walked,' for his lbw? Iain O'Brien shared your view that it was going down.
Yes I was listening as well as being there, and I agree with your above analysis about what was said. I wouldn't agree that he 'walked' - he just walked off quickly when the finger went up. You wouldn't be aware but the other commentator (not Kevin) frankly didn't know 'his ass from his elbow'. He kept saying that the Somerset keeper was Mustard. There were other instances where he called the wrong fielder. He seemed to want us to know all about his personal life, when I guess everyone just wanted information about the cricket match in front of him.
This win is no one off 'flash in the pan'. As the home commentators said this afternoon, we have competed in every game we have played and we've been close in more than one. This young side is not just about holding its own it is doing more than that. Remember we did not have Craig Meschede for this one!!
We will have people returning for the other four dayers. Adam Dibble and Gemaal Hussain have hardly bowled a ball in anger and we are doing this without Steve Kirby and Marcus. I don't care whether Marcus gets back because it is important he comes back when everything is fully functional but our bowling resources will improve.
After the T20 we will have more seam bowling resources. If we sort out the keeper situation should Craig and Jos be called (still not sure myself that is such a certainty) then the only issue is the spin position. Max is available if we do not buy in, Arul is also available and Albie Morkel may still be with us.
I don't think it would be easy but we are presently top of the tree and we have as much chance as any to stay there!
If Nashy can't summon up the enthusiasm I'm sure we can fill that void.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:21:10:19 by Grockle.
Surrey beating Warks would be nice tomorrow/Saturday.
They even kept on going when the baseball started!
And... they would have been there tomorrow as well.
I love the BBC :-)

There are ifs and there are buts: but after 11 men standing, and 7 games, Somerset are top of CC1 tonight
Quote:Grockle
As I said to Wickham earlier, the guys I was listening to talked mostly about the cricket in front of them and seemed to know who was on the pitch and which side they were playing for.
They even kept on going when the baseball started!
And... they would have been there tomorrow as well.
I love the BBC :-)
I think the BBC is OK as well. I had no problem with Kevin, but from my listening and viewing of the the second commentator Russell? made a number of silly mistakes - particularly when Ian o'brien was with him!


Grizzzly
Thanks for all of them.
It sounds as though Jamie also caused problems with yorkers (having already done Rudolph with one at the Oval.)
I haven't even mentioned Edgbaston tonight

For anyone that can tolerate the Beeb, they will be following us to New Road next week.
About to go to bed, but have just read this thread and may be too excited to get to sleep.
Excellent posts above from little bird and cjm - sum it all up very well - and top effort from ronnie in the last hour - maybe performance of the day to type that out after a couple of swift halves on the way home.
Real optimism in the air - well played one and all!
We seem to have an incredible production line of talent. If we can keep playing anything like this, then with a little experience coming back from injury at the business end... we could.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:24:23:24:16 by Slow Left Chinaman.
Quote:Little Bird
As Somerset supporters, we're all used to failure, disappointment and near misses. Maybe we have chips on our shoulders at times when we cast envious eyes around the rest of the county circuit and see the so-called bigger boys winning the County Championships and the cups. Maybe sometimes we glance enviously at the likes of Durham with their endless production line of fast bowlers..or Lancashire with their ex England coach in charge..or Notts with their result wickets or Surrey with all their money and hype.
Well tonight let's imagine how the rest of the country is viewing US.
I have not copied the whole of your excellent posting, LB, because I am sure that almost all of us find it thoroughly positive and reflective of what we are feeling after the astonishing performances of the past few weeks.
However, I have not had any of the feelings you mention in your first paragraph. Envy of other counties has never played any part in my support for SCCC. I like us as we are, not wishing us to be any different, knowing that supporting our county over a long period will always bring its rewards. Who cares about troughs when we scale the peaks of recent weeks!
And you are indeed right: WE are the subject of envy now and I find myself able to live with that.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Worrying times for Durham now. Bet they are starting to wish that they did not let Mark Davies leave (and praying that Onions is allowed to play some games.)
One wonders how near the end folks like IDB (with his shoulder injury), Collingwood and Harmison are?
Remember, at tea on Tuesday they were 260 for 2.
Just before tea on Wednesday they had us 209 for 6, still 175 behind.
Not long after lunch yesterday, they were 131 for 3 in their second innings, in effect 115 for 3 and probably thinking of batting all day with a declaration in mind.
It really was an amazing match..time after time we fought back from sticky positions.
It will live long in the memory.
Just a slight shame we have no cricket to enjoy today!
All the plaudits of the last couple of pages (and well deserved they are) need to be built on so we are stronger against the next lot. Alf will be more awake, Gemaal will be available (though I can't see where he can claim a place) Craig M will also be available again and will have to fight to get backl in.
This needs to be turned into a 'roll' before the T20 season.

And, yes, Grockle, if the case for Hussain getting back in was a bit tenuous prior to the Durham game, it has only become more so, especially in light of reports of "that," over from Jamie Overton to Di Venuto.
It's just monumentally annoying that there is no second team cricket though. No multi-day mechanism in which the club can assess Hussain's form and true stamina/fitness levels.
If the Overtons are going off to the Under 19 World Cup (and one assumes they will be picked if they haven't been already unless the ECB feel they are better off playing in CC1 and receive assurances from Brian that they will continue to be selected for same) then Brian might feel that there is a case for re-introducing Hussain at some juncture, before the twins go off (as opposed to re-introducing him completely cold.)
Apparently Steve Kirby may be back for Lord's and my expectation is that he would go straight back into the team.
I suspect the Overtons might also feel that Kirby is likely to get straight back in based on good work last season and earlier this season as well as being a senior bowler, so the twins might feel that they are in a straight shoot-out at New Road for a place at Lord's?
Regardless of Somerset's short-term needs and injury situation, he'll be mindful of their age, developing bodies (which is why the age restrictions for spells exist at all levels of the game) and the fact they have exams to take, presumably any day now.
Somebody mentioned that they are at college.
Does anybody know if the Overtons will be going to University? If so, then that would obviously curb their availability in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Do the bowling limits apply only to pace bowlers? Or only to young English bowlers? It does not appear that many/any limits have been applied to George Dockrell?
Started at 18. Career strike-rate below 50.
Average a little high, I suppose.

On the Under-19 front, their World Cup doesn`t start until mid-September and the only actual clash is with the return county championship match against Worcestershire.
The earlier Sussex match at Hove in September will probaby be at the same time as both England and Ireland`s preparation period. But the only other overlap at the moment comes from England-Ireland Under-19 ODIs at Leicester on July 17 and 20, when we are at home to Warwickshire.
By then we should have our second-half overseas player (who he? ed) with us.
Quote:Grockle
Chris Jone put off University for a year to play during the summer - the Overton's may well take the same option.
My understanding is that Chris Jones has never been certain that cricket will be his chosen career, he has a spectacular intelect and has perhaps wisely chosen to keep his options open.
The Overtones, i am told are very keen on a cricketing future and will not be considering University at this stage. They are though, still at school and do have A levels - their preparation for which, thus far, has been pretty shoddy!!
But the player of the match for me was Peter Trego. His first innings 89, coming in when quick wickets had fallen, turned the game around for us, and the number of overs he bowled, particularly in the first innings, allowed the other bowlers to be rightly used in short bursts.
Good, too to see Thommo, at mid off, talking to Jamie after every ball in that excellent second innings bowl.
Well done to all.
SP - match figures of 6-100 on debut for Bulbeck vs Surrey in a terrific win. Knowing your affection for Surrey, I expect you particularly enjoyed this game at the time!
It has been yet another `juggling` factor for James Hildreth to consider since the Overton twins came into the side, at a challenging enough time for a stand-in captain in any case.
James, in my view, has done a fantastic job to date - leading from the front with his positive batting, declaring at the perfect time yesterday and keeping everyone on their toes (in a very quiet way) on the field.
Praise also for Peter T, who has not only taken over the role of leader of the attack but has had to bowl some of the Overton twins` overs to keep thenm below 20 for the day.
Otherwise it's putting a big strain on Pete who has reported that his body is feeling it a bit (bowling so many extra overs.)

Memories of playing against Cumnor with an adult team and being shown by a wicket-keeper who was probably about 13 who was just out of this world compared to what we were used to.
This suggests that SCCC have engaged in sensible management, as opposed to having to observe anything that has or would curtail the Overtons' bowling.

Quote:WimborneJohn
Good, too to see Thommo, at mid off, talking to Jamie after every ball in that excellent second innings bowl.
I Agree.
The Durham supporters were getting quite grumpy at that stage of the match and when Thomas did that one of the Durham supporters shouted out ‘ Get on with it’ he was told that what should be happening, the older bowlers encouraging the youngsters.
[www.ecb.co.uk]
Why not select one, and keep changing them between spells when the umps aren't looking!
With the first FLt20 home match against Warwickshire at the County Ground due to take place in just 19 days time, Somerset have decided to take drastic action to avoid injury to their spectators.
At all home FLt20 games this year, hot meals and buffets will be served on rubber plates after the amount of crockery that was damaged from cricket balls smashed for six in to the Colin Atkinson Pavilion last year.
“We just can’t sustain the cost of replacing crockery,”Brian Lee, the Catering Manager at Somerset Cricket Club said.
“Not only that, there is a huge health and safety implication to both staff and customers from the shards of broken plates and bowls flying around. It just makes sense to use something that doesn’t break for this season.”
The new crockery is going to be introduced in the County and Long Rooms from Wednesday 13th June.
Certainly safer than playing football on the outfield!


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:25:13:04:32 by Grockle.
Quote:chunkyinargyll
The Overtons are twins, right?
Why not select one, and keep changing them between spells when the umps aren't looking!
How do you know we didn't?? I can't tell them apart. I think the idea should be, like the last match, as Cove had his eye in, he could have slipped on Jove's shirt and batted again!!
Perhaps he did!!
That was certainly the case when I was captaining a third XI full of 13/14/15-year-old lads.
Quote:cricketjerry-mouse
Posters are right about the ECB limits on length of spell and numbers of overs per day for seam bowlers under 20.
It has been yet another `juggling` factor for James Hildreth to consider since the Overton twins came into the side, at a challenging enough time for a stand-in captain in any case.
James, in my view, has done a fantastic job to date - leading from the front with his positive batting, declaring at the perfect time yesterday and keeping everyone on their toes (in a very quiet way) on the field.
Praise also for Peter T, who has not only taken over the role of leader of the attack but has had to bowl some of the Overton twins` overs to keep thenm below 20 for the day.
Well put CJM!

Compton
Dockrell
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Overton
Overton
Suppiah
Trego
and that's before Buttler has had a chance to get going.
If Grockle, the economist, tells me I can't count, I shall ignore him.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
PS Re LoL's cricketers of the year - isn't it time we had a player of the month poll, Mr G? Tough choice so far...
Quote:Frome Exile
Sorry - didn't have time to read the link.
No, I meant you were right - says word for word what you said.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:25:14:45:58 by barndoorio.
Quote:barndoorio
Come On Surrey [Now to shower myself and scrub away the dirt]
You and Rooooooary have developed such a good bond since you cheered him on to his century at the Oval a couple of weeks ago!
His gang have duly obliged with a few wickets for you Mr B.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
There are two points which I would add about the Overteens (having seen each of them play twice - and taking account of all the reports on their performances in the most recent match). The first is that they looked from the start like proper cricketers who knew what they were about - that must be pretty rare for schoolboys pitched unexpectdedly into the first team. The second is that they appear to have learned and developed even in the short period in which they have been playing first-team cricket.
Both have already won plaudits for their batting and their bowling. They each have the build to suggest that, as bowlers, they will get bounce, which is a great asset to have as a pace bowler.
What an exciting squad we have - and so many of them are local boys or (if not) have developed as cricketers since they have been at Somerset.
PS: good to see that LoL has applied what economists would describe as the multiplier effect.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:25:16:44:58 by Grockle.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter



LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
Very positive article and I love every word of it, save for the suggestion that there are better batsmen than Trescothick playing Test cricket in this country. Which one was he thinking of?
Send him an e-mail and ask him. I would also like to know who this 'mystery batsman' is?? Don't tell SP - he might be thinking of KP??


Going back to this photo, after he played and missed for the third time off Jamie Overton the full photo shows Michael D V standing away from the crease holding his bat upside down by the blade staring back at the bowler.
I will treasure that moment.
We musn't criticise the press.
Without them, and their relentless pursuit of the truth....we'd be lost.
Quote:Mike TA1![]()
Going back to this photo, after he played and missed for the third time off Jamie Overton the full photo shows Michael D V standing away from the crease holding his bat upside down by the blade staring back at the bowler.
I will treasure that moment.
Thanks, Mike, that's awesome. Wouldn't be surprised if he bit that lip hard enough to draw blood!
