Fancy a Little 'Sex on a Wednesday?
Is the CC bat switched on
By Grockle et al
May 15 2013
Middlesex will arrive in Taunton for this game with a little trepidation based on the fear that Somerset are starting to motor after their destruction of Yorkshire in the one day game on Saturday. Will the form of our batsman finally start to trickle into the four day games. Blistering innings from Jos Buttler and Peter Trego may kick start a CC1 onslaught, especially for the latter and the solid supporting work of James Hildreth suggests he may be coming good. Some bowling issues for this game however.
v Middlesex @ Taunton Wednesday 15 May 2013
Scorecard
Commentary - click on George Dockrell's head for the SCCC link
Marcus will be starting to perm an eleven from his dwindling resources after this one. Without Craig Kieswetter already he will be losing Nick Compton, Jos Buttler and Alviro Petersen at different times for different periods over the next month and may have another international individual added to the roster to complicate matters further.
For today he will pick from the following according to souces;
More to come....
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:19:10:04:24 by Grockle.
I'd almost always bat first anyway, but this could be another reason for doing so.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:13:12:51:41 by Grockle.
At the moment the forecast suggests that Thursday might be the worst weather day, so that might be a reason to bat first anyway.
If he gets through it he will make the trip to Taunton.
![[:wor kid:] [:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif)
Glad I live at the top of the village.
Forecast for rest of Wed, Thur and Fri not bad. Saturday shaky.

How much better would the cricket season be if we had the weather of, say, Provence or Catalonia....
The other three games in Derby,Nottingham and Birmingham may not see the rain pass until late afternoon
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Hi Kev
Somerset have been in contact to let us know that on Thursday there is a homecoming parade in Taunton for the 40 commando battalion whose base is nearby.
The town centre in Taunton and roads around it will be shut off and secured from 7.30am Thursday morning.
The parade starts at 9.30am in the town centre and the battalion will walk past the county ground by the main entrance gates on St James street. Therefore Somerset will open the gates half an hour earlier than usual on Thursday only to allow Cricket spectators into the ground in plenty of time. They also expect the local area to be very busy.
I thought it may be useful for the unofficial site for those travelling.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:13:21:47:36 by BarmierKev.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Thanks for passing it on Kev. Funnily enough it didn't get to Grockle Minarets in Muscat.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Is there any bus services into the Town centre?
Quote:GM
if I can drive from the Premier Inn (O bridge one) to the St JAmes Street club carpark?
GM, you will be fine coming from that direction,but remember only pre-booked parking is available in the clubs car park.
Priory Bridge car park, is open parking, and the travellers have now gone.
Next time I see a headline saying that there is to a referendum about Britain's membership of the EU I had better check to see whether somewhere it also mentions that Gove has become the new PM.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I pre-book early,having missed out availability by not doing so previously.
Also noticed a sign near the gates at the entrance during the Wark's match saying pre-booked parking only.
Cheers
Middlesex CCC
Match Preview: Somerset CCC v Middlesex CCC
14 May 2013
Middlesex CCC welcome back James Harris and Toby Roland-Jones for this week’s LV=CC game at Taunton. Harris has fully recovered from the hamstring strain that has prevented him from playing in Middlesex’s last three LV=CC matches, whilst Roland-Jones returns from playing with the England Lions. Steven Finn disappears to join up with the England squad for Thursday’s 1st Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Tom Smith is added to the squad. Smith has taken 15 wickets in the last two 2nd XI three-day games he has played in and deserves his chance. Also included and travelling to Taunton is Adam Rossington, who has been in excellent form so far this season.
The challenge for Middlesex CCC this week is simple – to continue to play the sort of cricket we have played so far this season. Somerset are a strong, well drilled and disciplined side. They have several high quality players and we will need to be at our best for four days. Last season they taught us a valuable lesson at Taunton, which is that you cannot afford to have one bad session in Division One. If you do this your opponents will grab hold of the game and make it extremely hard to get back to parity.
However, with the group of players we have, there is no reason why we should not have another productive week if we play to our potential.
Middlesex CCC are pleased to announce the following 14-man squad to play against Somerset at Taunton, starting tomorrow, Wednesday 15 May:
Chris Rogers (captain)
Gareth Berg
Corey Collymore
Joe Denly
Neil Dexter
James Harris
Dawid Malan
Tim Murtagh
Ollie Rayner
Sam Robson
Toby Roland-Jones
Adam Rossington
John Simpson
Tom Smith
(It's actually a very good preview; thanks, Bagpuss)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I know he wasn't at his best at the Oval and Jack bowled very well vs Warks but it's still a bit of a shock that George is not even in the squad.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

I personally rate him much higher than Jack Leach, so his continued non - selection baffles me.

I am sure he is not to be fooled by a spinners performance in early April, but I do find it strange that he is seemingly out of favour.
Anyhow, George has been named in the Ireland squad to play Pakistan in ODI's on the 23rd and 26th of May.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Just looked at the other site and I cant see an obvious link to the ball-by-ball coverage and as our page has changed recently we can no longer click on Charl - or was it Murali? Will try to let club know they need a link on their site!
Dibble is in but can't see him displacing JOVE, Alfie or Kirbs, and Tregs a definite as sure we will hope he transfers his 1 day form to the 4 day stuff.
I would expect Arul to move up to open, Jos to move up to 5 and Lewis in at 6 before Trego at 7.
Tomorrows foecast looks fine currently, as does SaturdaY. Thursday+Friday look showery but not terminal..
Bat first, bat big and then get amongst them.....
Surprising, at least to me.
Good to hear the commentary hasn't been side lined. The BBC links have been a little erratic up until now - well here at least - so another option is welcomed.

ibble, I also wonder whether there may be a thought that it's been so wet that we might go with an all-seam attack?Met forecast was right almost to the minute, then!!
Logically, Mike is likely to be 'on the scene,' first so we'll await his report as to how much water is lying on the covers, whether there are pooled areas on the outfield etc..
With the weather interruption expected it look likely that end of play will go onto 6.30 which often mean later than that to get the number of overs in.
The club announced member have a chance to find out the latest redevelopment plans for the OP end of the ground, this was planned for 6.30, I am not sure if that start time will be possible on a day like this.
If it does go ahead I will be going to see the latest news and plans on the redevelopment, as this will make me later getting home I am not sure what time I will be able to get my photos on line (if I have any).
Quote:AGod
I doubt Dibble is in the squad for his fielding? So maybe there is an unannounced injury, or he's a genuine candidate to play, possibly instead of a rested Jamie Overton?
Not a lot in it, but my impression when seeing them play either this season or last is that Dibble and Meschede are probably likely eventually to prove to be more successful than Cove or Jove, but as I say - NOT A LOT! IMO
Doubt we shall see much play before lunch somehow!
It's a fairly appalling day in the SE today with glowering skies and very cold wind..... has a November feel to it, so I sincerely hope there are better viewing conditions in TA1 for those that will be attending the match.
I wonder if Dave N has decided that the second XI games are pretty much useless in 2013 due to the awful track at Taunton Vale... perhaps Dave is of the view that he wants to get at least one look at the younger players in first-team CC action, early in the season, rather than simply relying on nets, second XI matches and the views of others to assess them?
Rob (not Bristol Rob) the groundsman won an award for his pitches last season at Taunton Vale, I can't see how they should have changed that much unless it is due to the bad pre-season weather we had.
Edit - spelling
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:15:09:42:36 by Mike TA1.
'Awful track' seems an sweeping and unjustified judgement.
I should not be in the least bit surprised if Marcus has fielded not only for the apparently conventional reason (all that rain that has just fallen) but also because he suspects that the track might do exactly what it did vs Warwickshire... namely get flatter with each passing day.
In other words, this decision might be as much about having a better chance of bowling Middx out in the 3rd innings than the 4th as it is about taking advantage of potentially friendly conditions today.
Really think we need a very strong bowling effort in this match as the Middx seam attack is very strong and our batting has certainly not consistently inspired confidence in the CC.
Some pleasing drives by Robson.
Wonder if Marcus is already wishing he'd elected to bat first instead?
Still, I'm personally sticking with the notion that the track may just get flatter and flatter, meaning that the last thing we'd want to be doing would be bowling last.
"Somerset v Middlesex 130-1
A Somerset fan is trying to rally the troops. He deserves attention, if only because he is braving an unseasonably cold day in only a black t-shirt and straw hat.*
"Come on Tommo," he shouts regularly at Alfonso Thomas who, so encouraged, beats Joe Denly's outside edge and then is unfortunate to see a boundary whistle down to fine leg.
"Come on Tommo!" The cry is more insistent. Around him, nithered spectators in overcoats look vaguely hopeful.
Then Tommo gets boot trouble, the game is held up for five minutes and his next ball is a half-volley, deposited by Denly through square leg for four. He takes five boundaries off Thomas in 10 balls, some of them more fortunate than others.
"They'll never get ' em out," says an unbeliever.
They might, but probably not for a very long time.
*Tractor on Gimblett's Hill apparently.
by David Hopps 2:20 PM"
Sounds like Jamie has bowled extremely well today?
Beeb commentators have been critical of Tres for twice making Jamie wait to bowl until after Kirby had bowled.. any view on that from those there?
"A Somerset fan is trying to rally the troops. He deserves attention, if only because he is braving an unseasonably cold day in only a black t-shirt and straw hat."
Can someone, please, urgently, please, tell Tractor he's forgotten his trousers.
And if he's resting on his laurels, he's wearing them in the wrong place.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:15:15:02:39 by Loyal of Lhasa..
I've only just come in so I have no idea how it has been but I'm assuming that there may be some problems as AG is listening to the BBC.

Oh, and we didn't get any wickets whilst I was listening. As soon as I switched to the BBC we got one. Hope Spencer can sort this!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:15:15:52:23 by Bagpuss.
They need new kit or it is pointless bothering I am afraid.

A shame they couldn't find a Somerset based commentator.
Get one more before the new ball.
Delete "six": insert "seven"!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Seven wickets. And they've fallen to guys with a combined age of, what, 60?
Do NOT wish to listen to inane prattle on there.
Maybe we should have persisted with the old ball.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:15:17:26:13 by Tumbles.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
I am massively encouraged that all six wickets so far have been taken by very young and very local lads.
Delete "six": insert "seven"!
Delete "seven": insert "eight"!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I'd have preferred a few imports, maybe an overseas player to have been amongst the wickets, all this is doing is papering over the very obvious cracks, the fact that we can't nurture homegrown talent.
Overton and Leach are killing cricket.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Bowlers 30+ 48 overs 9 maidens 177 runs 0 wickets
....... 22- 48 overs 17 maidens 111 runs 8 wickets
The case for using our youngsters unanswerable!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:15:18:22:38 by old boy!.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
As others have posted might be time to bite the bullet and start to phase out our aged stars ( not all at once of course ) in the bowling department and blood more youngsters more quickly. Why does Kirby have a divine rigt to the new ball when he does nothing with it and another quickie in the side has wickets to his name ?
I for one would accept an average season in the CC this year if we built a bedrock for the future.
Just IMO of course !
Middx seam attack is strong, though, and I wouldn't necessarily put any significant sum of money on us gaining a first-innings lead, with our batting being below full-strength.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
The only inference I can draw from those figures, old boy!, is that it is just as well you and I weren't picked today.
You could have been a VERY silly mid off and I could have been a VERY long leg!!
Would strengthen the batting and either Alf or Jamie could take the new ball with Pete, with Craig M being second change.
I'm afraid Kirby somewhat let Middx off the hook with the second new ball.
Good day at the office, a good team effort.
Well done lads.
Time for the captain to make his first major cc contribution if the season methinks!!!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I don't think I have time to put any photos on here tonight if not I will try in the morning, I also have a request to supply some for the Middlesex site.
The day was all the better for the excellent company of fellow Grocklees and some others.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:15:22:28:45 by Loyal of Lhasa..
(The number, I mean of course).
Last year I thought Cove was quicker than Jove, i would love to see him encouraged to bend his back as well and then let them both loose. I think before this season is out we will see a bowling lineup of Cove & Jove, supported by Meschede & Gregory and spin twins of George & Jack.
Kirby enthusiasm and experience will do us good this year.
He was unlucky first up, I agree he wont play week in week out but will be a big help to the youngsters coming through.
As well as Pete has bowled in last year and a bit I have never seen him as a frontline bowler, useful in right conditions, good fill in bowler and will always give 110% but yes I think he needs runs at 7 and to bowl 12/15 a day.
The youngsters did well today, and they all show promise but we'd do well not to expect too much too soon.
I think this is the season to bring them through slowly with the older guys.
In 2 years time I don't think Kirby or Alfie will feature in our bowling line up, but as we get there they haver a big part to play bringing on Gregory, Meschede, Dibble, Overtons.
Our future attack should be Overton x2, Leach/George, Meschede, Gregory but not now.
The fact Gregory is said to be a batter, we've seen glimpses from both Craigs too bodes well, in time.....
Quote:Railboy
Really sorry to have to agree with Rodders and other posters re Kirbs. Also feel that Pete is going to have to get some runs soon before his position becomes questionable.
Last year I thought Cove was quicker than Jove, i would love to see him encouraged to bend his back as well and then let them both loose. I think before this season is out we will see a bowling lineup of Cove & Jove, supported by Meschede & Gregory and spin twins of George & Jack.
Unless sabotaged by the Home Office (or Mary-Jane), I still think Rehman will get a game when he gets here!
Time for Tres and Hildreth, as senior batsmen, to step it up. Can't be consistently relying on AP - especially as he's off soon.
Arul and Pete are, between them, averaging 9 runs per innings this season, so obviously that has to change.
Lewis has previously averaged about 12 when he's played in the CC but he's supposed to be mainly a batsman so he's surely got to show us something soon.
A bit of a delay with not enough time last night.
With the cold winds back I am back over in front of the Colin Atkinson pavilion.
Jamie Overton is mentioned in most of the photos, Chris Rogers making sure he keeps this ball down off of his bowling.
Sam Robson hitting four runs straight down the ground.
Another good shot from Sam Robson four runs again.
I am not sure what Marcus is about to do to Jamie Overton after he caught Sam Robson off his bowling.
Chris Rogers playing with a straight bat a nice four runs.
Joe Denly didn't like this ball from Jamie Overton he still managed to get four runs off a inside edge.
This is another ball Joe Denly didn't like, it went up into the air either off his body or bat and he is watching the ball to make sure it didn't hit his stumps.
Alfonso Thomas had a good try at catching this ball from Chris Rogers.
Jos Buttler tossing the ball into the air after catching Chris Rogers off Jamie Overton.
Dawid Malan sweeping the ball off Jack Leach
Joe Denly bowled by Jack Leach not playing a shot.
Having said that it is very encouraging to see these players knocking very loudly on the doors. I'd certainly like to see us using Craig Meschede much more than we presently do, though his injury record is a little worrying. I'm not personally sure what Lewis Gregory is and he isn't showing me all that much to help me define him at the moment I have to say.

Has mesch got injury worries. He had that freak finger injury last year but has been fit the rest if he time. If anything it's Gregory with he injury concerns. Time to get mesch in more though.
Geordie I will look out for you today!!
As you were, what's the weather like in Taunton, AG?

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
In life things don't always turn out as you'd like.
Cricket is no different.
Quote:Big Jim
We took the new ball because the captain thought it was the right thing to do.
In life things don't always turn out as you'd like.
Cricket is no different.
I know, I know. Deeply frustrating problem that Somerset keep having (this season and last) that they don't seem to be able to finish teams off when 6/7 wickets down. 110 runs since we got them 7 down with the old ball. That's unacceptable and may cost us any chance of a victory.
Fantastic by Jove.
He's hardly a James either!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
And I agree with you about Jason Murtagh.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Not desirable maybe but it's the middle order man's job surely to coax runs out of the tail.

We don't do things easy do we?
(No insult intended to Mssrs Index or TA)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Or are we batting like prunes again?!
Dont give up yet, remember the warwickshire match.
Anyone who still thinks this squad is going to challenge for the championship anytime soon is I fear sadly deluded.
On a brighter note I think the squad is well placed for the shorter versions but for the " real one that we all hanker after " - no real chance. Out bowled and out batted and perhaps more important out thought yet again.
The quality is there - evidently at times we've shown it - but there is no consistency and too many times we collapse on the bating front and struggle to finish teams off when we have them on the backfoot.
Long season ahead in the 4 day game.
Then again Middlesex put on 130 for the last 3 wickets
Quote:Botham
Please could someone tell me what's happened to Kieso? I've been sunning myself and not kept up.
Broke his thumb on day 4 against Warks (just before lunch, cold, first over of new ball) - out for 4-6 weeks and currently trying to advance that by having oxygen chamber trips.
400 required to make it interesting.
Well that will be a yes then!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:16:16:15:35 by Following on.
Congratulations to J.Ove for a career best today..well done. What a future you have ahead of you.
Sadly, not much one can say about our batting today. It's fine hitting the Unicorns and the Yorkshire one-day attack around the ground, and so far we do look a very decent one-day side, but for many of us the CC is the big one, the holy grail. Our performances so far this season have on the whole not been up to scratch.
Maybe our players can't adapt from the one-day slog to the more measured, patient approach needed for the longer game.
I hope that Craig is progressing well and the DoC has someone good lined up to cover Alviro because if this batting doesn't improve rapidly the R word is going to start coming to the fore.
At least Surrey are struggling a bit too, though they are much more in their game than we are.
This as bad as that opening game a few seasons ago.
Bring on ALL the youngsters including MAX!!
That warks game 2 years ago. If you can't leArn you can't progress.
Do you mean supporters?
Just thought we'd clear that up.
Already lost 16 wickets on a strip that got the Mid last few wickets three figures.
Sorry Grocks and BJ and other posters - quite clearly just not good enough which ever way you look at it - and not good enough twice over in one day !
Ah well, I will just have to accept it aint going to happen in my lifetime which is OK but I seriously wonder why ?
Good county, good facilities generally, good membership on the whole, good attendances by most standards, good youth policy, good overseas signings - again on the whole - much talent in the squad BUT it never happens !
Mental thing ?

As David Soul once sang, don't give up on us baby....he wasn't a bad prop either.
Quote:Big Jim
All it'll take is a big innings from Pete and we're right back in this.
As David Soul once sang, don't give up on us baby....he wasn't a bad prop either.
Yes BJ - you are absolutely spot on once again - a quick or even not so quick 350 from Pete would help!!
Quote:Big Jim
I thought Tractor looked rather well in one of Mike's photographs, if he's there today can somebody say hello to him from me, please?
Tractor is embarrassed since he came to national attention yesterday on the BBC commentary. I won't say he is quiet but his cheeks are very red!!

Bois bach, I'd have paid good money to have heard that...bad money too.
Middlesex looked a fairly poor side when we beat them last season but grew after that to look a decent outfit. This season, like Agod, I make them favourites to win the title.
And us? We seem to be going backwards. We're showing less fight and bottle now than we did a year ago, when half the side seemed out injured.
Tonking the Unicorns round Taunton is all very well, but in the CC we've been outclassed by Durham, Middlesex and Yorkshire, while wobbling against Surrey, and failing to beat a Warks side we had on the ropes.
Of course there is still over 2/3rds of the season to put things right, but I don't like what I'm seeing.
Come on Somerset, cheer me up!
It's not a question of having a dig. Nobody wants us to fail.
Most other supporters are crying.
Quote:Nailsea_Fizz
Good grief some people can't wait for a bad performance before they have a dig and a rant. It makes i laugh
We haven't had a good performance in the 4 day game - too many batting failures and reoccurring theme of bowlers not finishing teams off.
We have a right to be worried - we are soon to loose even more players
You accept you're going to be outclassed sometimes and Middlesex are a very decent side, but you just want to see the players showing character and bottle and not collapsing like a deck of cards.
Jos and Pete will have to put on another 150 from here and then we'll bowl them out for 50

Quote:Nailsea_Fizz
Good grief some people can't wait for a bad performance before they have a dig and a rant. It makes i laugh
You may well be right. However, I believe I support Somerset as much as anyone without going OTT. In this match and others the bowling - at least the seam bowling - has been pretty awful with apparently only one plan - to avoid bowling to a good length because I suspect we have caught the "dot ball" disease from the short format, where they are more important than wickets! The contrast in the two bowling styles with Middlesex orchestrated by two ex-England seamers who knew what a good length was - is so obvious. I think the wicket clearly had a lot of life in it, and that probably accounts for Marcus putting them in - unfortunately all our seamers didn't know how to bowl on it.
Quote:Tumbles
Bizzare thing is had we knocked them over for, say 250, when we had them on back foot at 222/7 we could still be in this.
Jos and Pete will have to put on another 150 from here and then we'll bowl them out for 50
We are still in this!
Get real.
OB I agree with your points re our seam attack but we must ask the question WHY !!
Either the captain or our much vaunted DoC should be putting them straigt if they sadly lack the intelligence to work it out for themselves. See my earlier post re being very second best on the mental as well as playing front.
Quote:rodders12
You have a good laugh Nailsea Fizz !
Most other supporters are crying.
Slightly dramatic don't you think. As you probably already knew it was the reaction to the performances so far this season that raised a laugh
Still it's only a game.
My Suppiah tie didn't work but watching him I'm not sure that anything would. I cannot understand why we collapsed. The Msex bowlers bowled very well -all credit to them but we do not have bad batsmen- Tres, Peterson Hildreth Buttler and Trego should see us to 200, The embarrassment of the second innings was redeemed only by Jos and Pete but in reality too little in the wrong innings. I hope this has given Pete some of his mojo back. In the first innings Msex wanted to bowl to Leach and Kirby and set fields to achieve it and time after time Pete took a single off the first ball.
we have plenty of up and coming bowling talent- perhaps a bowling coach rather than a DoC is a priority.Anyway I shall be there in the morning expecting very little
Let you know our DOC wasn't even there today. Personally I think we are in trouble and we need a win rapidly. Tregs and Buttler looked good at end today. Tres Suppiah and hildreth just not up to it at the moment!! Mesh in next game. Prob dibble or hussain too for me.
Quote:Botham
Both our current batsmen have the ability to make big scores and they will be desperate to do so. No-one wants to be in our position, especially at home.
You make a good point. If we can persuade the Middlesex bowlers not to bowl so many balls in line and on a good length Jos and Pete might be able to swing things to a respectable total. There is clearly plenty of life still in the wicket if the balls are pitched in the right areas. As someone else said our bowlers (and presumably the Captain as he left them on) thought the best spot was short pitched over the batsman's head.
I am speechless on Somerset's batting, they don't seem to know when to leave the good ball alone.
I thought Arul Suppiah was going to show some form when he hit this four, but no he gave me false hope.
You can't tell me this is a good shot to play by Marcus Trescothick, as it turned out it wasn't he was caught by John Simpson bowled Tim Murtagh
We did have something to cheer about when Jamie Overton bowled Tim Murtagh
It looks like Jamie Overton is having a well deserved rest after trying to stop the ball.
Tim Murtagh is showing how to avoid a short ball.
And then Tim Murtagh shows us how to play a short ball.
It is not all doom and gloom, Joe Denly bowled by Jack Leach not playing a shot.
Arul Suppiah bld James Harris. Can you see the third stump and the second bail?
Now can you see the third stump and the second bail?
Jack Leach bowled Toby Roland-Jones.
Thought you might like to listen to the interview with Tim Murtagh, as it explains the difference between Middlesex and Somerset innings. Whilst it might have seemed a good idea to ask Middlesex to bat yesterday (because of heavy rain Tuesday-and today was expected to be bright and sunny) there wasn't much difficulty batting yesterday- but all the time you were bowling on a soft pitch it created divots which the Middle bowlers were able to hit today.
Suppiah (2nd time around) was described on commentary as having received an unplayable delivery, as it hit one of those divots.
You certainly have a good set of seam bowlers. Murtagh constantly posed the batsmen problems; and Harris also impressed me.
It was nice to be able to spend time - in the sunshine - in the company of (at various times) Bagpuss, BristolRob and Mr and Mrs GM today. Not much to enthuse about in the Somerset performance: chunky may have provided at least part of the explanation for this.
Regarding putting them in yesterday, I tend to the view proposed by (I think) AG yesterday that Tres remembered the Warks game (and others) when the pitch got so flat later on that you couldn't bowl anybody out. I would suspect that weighed more in his decision than any particular expectation to skittle Middx yesterday.
Whatever...it doesn't look like that plan has worked. I'm right behind Tres and respect him enormously - but sooner or later he may feel the weight of criticism of such well-intentioned and defensible decisions as skipper.
In the meantime, tomorrow's another day - if Tregs and Co can see this to Saturday, they'll have done exceedingly well.
Quote:snicko
Given the title to this thread, I can confirm that you were we'll and truly ****** this Thursday !!!
So, Snicko returns.
The last time you were on here, I seem to recall, you were shouting the odds about James Harris going to the Rose Bowl.
Well, you got that one wrong didn't you, and now you seem to have followed todays Birthday Boy to Middlesex.
Related to him by any chance, are you?
I try to be as positive as possible and i'm quite sure all the players are trying their very best (at least I hope so) but this is now 0 wins from 5.
I maintain there is no chance of us going down as we are too good, famous last words but "on paper" we have a cracking team, but as yet they are not performing together, one or 2 in patches but not together.
The batting is a huge worry, we just don't seem to have an idea how to build an innings.
If we get out of this we'll be replacing Headingley 81 with Taunton 13!!!???
But it sounds better than this.
I have no idea if Dave N is the right man for the job (as I said at the time) BUT I honestly believe that he inherited a squad from Brian Rose that contains no quality reserve batting whatsoever. So when you have a couple of first teamers unavailable?
Also, bear in mind that Brian signed NC to provide ballast to an expansive batting line-up. And now NC is gone. So where's the ballast? It had been AP but he's going to be gone soon.
p.s. Old Boy - 99 times out of 100, I HATE seeing people bowl short. If that was honestly the team plan (as opposed to bowlers radars being off) then that sounds absurd to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:16:23:40:05 by AGod.
But Hildreth is driving me insane. Apart from the Warks' game, I think he's got a start in every CC innings ... But failed to make even a single 50.
All three sides look poor to me.
Until this team and its controllers starts to deal with that issue we should simply have no aspirations of winning this trophy.

I'd probably agree that this will be another season without the CC pot coming to the South West. It would require a very significant sea change of fortune coupled with developments elsewhere to see a situation where we would be serious contenders in September. Not beyond the realms but becoming more unlikely.
Using the R word is also understandable from some, if a little premature I would humbly suggest - how premature will depend on performances before the CC break.
The calls for heads, be it any bowler over the age of 30, the captain, the newly appointed DoC (who in his month of watching performances may now have an idea what kind of job he has taken on) etc - well that's just how things develop when performances are semi-inexplicable.
The eye witnesses, (well except for those who seem to be more interested in insulting their fellow supporters and almost semi gloating over being present at a poor performance) seem to be seeing a game played on a pitch that has deteriorated after being soft at the start where the opposition's front end have set a base, Mr Dexter seems to be having a good game with bat and ball and Middlesex's attack have had the better of the conditions AND have made better use of what they have been given.
OB's comments about the bowling suggest we got our lines and lengths wrong and they got theirs right. Batting wise we are doing what we do, we can attack on good wickets but seem to find it almost impossible to regularly set up a defensive perimeter and weather a storm on an unpredictable one. Looking back to the Warwickshire game of depressing memory, the main difference between the sides was that Warwickshire were absolutely rock solid in their batting basics - if you can't score off a ball then show it a straight bat, hit it and hit it along the ground.
Is it a lack of patience? Is it a seeming disregard for technique? Or is it that 'body language' item that also comes up at these times - do these players care enough about the consequences of their actions for it to make a difference in how they pay the game?
No answers from me I'm afraid. I've got nothing to go on except that lack of understanding as to why a side can look so dominant on one form of the game and act like inexperienced schoolboys in another AND show both in the same week.
The problems aren't going to get easier in the coming weeks and the solution to this becomes more and more pressing.
So no pressure Dave, Marcus, Andy, James, Arul, Steve (sorry I wasn't here yesterday so I've just ploughed through the 'who is to blame' posts. Apologies if I missed your particular candidate) and all who ply their trade at the County Ground in Taunton.
The supporting public of course expects miracles tomorrow.... some positive improvement would be a start though

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:07:06:55 by Grockle.
However, another eye-witness, a certain Mr Peter Trego, says on the official site that conditions had not really changed and notes very simply that 'We batted poorly.' (And that they bowled well).
I do get the feeling that Craig M's time is now though, Hopefully Pete is starting to build on his one day batting form - we need to pray for that today. We have to believe that there is a way back into competition in this game because we are too far from the end to think we can hold out for any kind of draw

He usually seems to score very well against Sussex but whether that might be able to save his place for one more week, I do not know.
Quote:nelliec
why would Lewis bat ahead of Jos? To protect him? From what?
That, surely, is a very, very good question?
Suffice to say, they were not impressed with it.
I'll be interested to see what Marcus has to say about bowling and team-plans in this one. He is one that is usually quick to blame our bowlers and seldom criticises our batting but, however ill-thought out our bowling was yesterday morning, it sounds like there is plenty of blame to go around and I don't personally think it will be good enough if Marcus tries to dismiss the batting aspect of it as he did after the Durham loss.
At one time there was a spontaneous loud noise from the supporter in disbelief when a wicket fell, I can't remember which wicket it was it could have been Arul's or Marcus's.
The general tone was why do we keep playing so many attacking shots at good ball instead of getting their head down and play only the bad ball.
It is all very well scoring at four an over but there are time when two an over is more sensible.
Somebody ask me what about if we are in division two, I said it makes no difference to me I will watch and support Somerset what ever division they are in.
Quote:AGod
He is one that is usually quick to blame our bowlers and seldom criticises our batting....
Really? Based on what evidence? One interview where he did this? Can't personally recall this being his 'usual' approach. Another 'sweeping generalisation' perhaps?
I'm not sure why you are telling me we batted poorly AG... I think I've identified that as something we seem to be doing moderately regularly. Statements of the blazingly obvious as well? You're on a roll dude :-)

Div Two counties are potentially ripe for being dis-established or merged or whatever crack-pot plan Atherton and Willis and co come up with next.
For those of our players that have international credentials/ambitions, one wonders whether the low quality fare of CC2 will be good enough for them?
Yes, some players, such as A N Cook are on the books of Div Two Counties, but most of the Test team seems to come from Div One sides - Yorkshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Notts, Sussex, Middx.

You'd mentioned this bit about indented pitch etc and the point of my post was merely to point out that it does not seem to be a universally held view, at least not amongst those playing on the pitch - hence why I pointed out that Pete had said that conditions had 'not changed a lot.'
It would be nice if we could take our one day form into the 4 day stuff but please, please, please don't let us take our 4 day form into the short stuff.
Dare I go to Horsham next week?
I should say so... I think that's why Brian brought Nick Compton to the club and why Brian asked NC to bat in ultra-patient mode.
I should not be at all surprised if Dave N attempts to add TWO batsmen of Compton's ilk during the winter, especially if we have managed to retain Div One status.
Is it worth the train fares etc?
Could that happen?? Surely not!!
At which point, I hope Dave N enforces two days of supplementary practice because there are not very many players who currently deserve extra time off work!
I'm not sure my own assessment lists him as a general 'moaner' either but there you go. You say 'potato' and I say the same letters probably a little differently.
On that point has anyone ever heard anyone refer to a
"potartoe?" like in the song?

The wheels seem to have fallen off in this one from the moment that Tres threw the second new ball to Kirby and then watched him waste it.
Incidentally, can anyone tell me (authoritatively) which roller Marcus called for at the start of each of our innings? Have we been damaged by our own fears that the big kit deadens the surface too much?
I personally think our inability to remove the last three Middlesex batsman has played a major factor in the game,
When was the last time Somerset 9/10/11 batsman added 130+.
You'd probably have to go back to the days when Richard Johnson was here. Probably s game or two where he and Nixon McClean carted a Div Two attack.
At the moment, it seems we are struggling to buy a bit of luck.Right from Kirby's first over Rodgers in particular lived the most charmed life imaginable. People talk, with some justification perhaps, about our length selection yet how many balls flashed past outside edges, how many inside edges avoided the stumps and ended up 4 runs, how many huge LBW shouts were turned down? Contrast this with our innings where i struggle to recall a play and miss, every false shot resulted in a trudge back to the Caddyshack. It would only have taken a small swing in the "luckometer" for the fortunes of the sides to be completely reversed. I know life is full of ifs and buts and Aunties becoming Uncles, but sometimes @#$%& happens, and sometimes it happens more than once!
It's all very well and theoretically great to say 'No, the batsmen need to get the runs,' but if you say that every week and it never happens? One starts to look a little foolish.
Craig M must surely come in somewhere. Dibble was in the squad for this one. He can put bat to ball so maybe he could come in too?
Quote:Roger ivanhoe
A lot being made about the indentations in the pitch.
I personally think our inability to remove the last three Middlesex batsman has played a major factor in the game,
When was the last time Somerset 9/10/11 batsman added 130+.
Well that isn't entirely accurate Roger. If the last three Middlesex wickets had fallen for zero we would have possibly avoided the follow on but would have still finished the first innings some 70 runs behind the visitors. Surely the major factor is that a first division side failed to get anywhere near 200 in their first inning at home.
And regarding the 130, Middlesex's 9, 10 and 11 added 67 not 130. The rest (63) was added by the Middlesex number 5, Dexter.
So I suppose the question ought to be when was the last time one of our front end batsman helped the tail get a score over 130 or when did the Somerset 9,10 and 11 add over 67?
It's still a good effort from the Sex but not as damning as your statement suggests or probably as significant in the scheme of things related to this game.
We aren't going to lose this game because the last men in the other side's batting line-up got one side or the other of 20. We will lose this game because our own total first innings score is pathetic when related to the supposed capability of our line-up.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:09:29:35 by Grockle.
Quote:AGod
The wheels seem to have fallen off in this one from the moment that Tres threw the second new ball to Kirby and then watched him waste it.
I'm sorry people but can someone with eye witness comments to make justify this statement or do we just chalk it down as another AG perception/unworthy comment rather than something that actually happened. As far as I am aware more than one bowler uses the new ball or did Marcus break with tradition and get Steve to bowl from both ends?
Ref comments about the batting. The issue very definitely isn't batsmen getting more runs.
It is most definitely batsmen NOT losing their wickets cheaply. They have to stay in and establish before they start to make runs and that is where my comment about patience came from.
Our batsmen need to work on the boring things rather than the flashy. Get bat on ball and keep it from hitting you or the wicket and if you do get it off the strip keep the flaming thing DOWN until you are certain you can pick your spot.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:09:40:37 by Grockle.
What is done is done we can't do nothing about it now.
What we mustn't do is blame the groundsmen both team play on the same pitch.
I should have quoted fall of wickets, rather than No's of batsman.
We let them off the hook with seven down, apart from Overton nobody else looked like taking a wicket during that time, and he in fact took the wickets of Dexter, Roland -Jones & Murtagh.
So we went out to bat knowing they had got a 100 more than they should have done. Then we just do not buckle down, and look for excuses in the pitch.
But just my opinion of course as i saw it from the ground.
But some of those who were on the ground have already said as much, anyway.
It is most definitely batsmen NOT losing their wickets cheaply. They have to stay in and establish before they start to make runs and that is where my comment about patience came from."
----
And if batsmen avoid throwing their wicket away?
Then they should end up scoring more runs. Simple, really.
The batters have been poor in the top order especially but some of that must go as credit to Tim Murtagh and co.
How many wickets did our three senior seamers take in the Middx innings!!
It's not what you say AG it's the way that you say it, as if events on a pitch that you are usually interpreting from a computer screen and a semi neutral voice in the background are entirely black and white and the facts that the whole world can see.
You brook little alternative interpretation of the events, constantly seek to justify your view as the only truth and are almost entirely ungracious when it comes to handing out criticism of the people you believe are to blame.
They don't have a bad spell or one poor interview or whatever, they 'waste' or they 'moan' or they are 'usually' batting defenders as if you see through their subterfuge and harshly see them for what they truly are.
I'd like more than your interpretation before I condemn or heap more than their fair share of blame on individuals and I will continue to question your interpretation of things when you make these sometimes huge generalisations based on very limited and even one sided knowledge of what actually went on.
I'm sure you'll come back to justify yourself (you nearly always do) but I'll wait for someone else who saw the events to confirm or deny what you say is true before I take your assessment most of the time I'm afraid.

It seems that most people there were not bothered so much about Kirby being given the new ball as the new ball being taken when Leach seemed to be getting stuff from the old one.

Quote:AGod
And if batsmen avoid throwing their wicket away?
Then they should end up scoring more runs. Simple, really.
You really are in blatantly obvious mode today aren't you?
Yes. Ergo unless you ensure you don't throw your wicket away you can't make runs... Equally simple but it is in that order is it not?

Adam Dibble and Gemaal Hussain don't seem to be flavours of the month. Craig Overton?
Steve would be a problem if he isn't taking wickets because in the past when he's been going for a few at least he's looked like getting something in return. If that isn't the case then we have an issue.
Just another one then.....


Toss v Warks..won, batted, spot on decision..but then came the non follow on issue
Toss v Middlesex..won, inserted, would appear to be the wrong decision again
A pattern of bad decision making is emerging here, along with indisciplined batting and a bowling attack not bowling as a unit.
But it's early days and I'm confident things will settle down and improve.
I'd have thought Meschede was worth a try - for potential runs and wickets?
It seems to me that Barrow, Jones, Gregory, Dibble, Meschede all have POTENTIAL - they either haven't had the chance or, with the few chances they have had, they've not taken advantage. Waller has at least had some chances, while Dockrell I would say has had chances and taken them, but may not be 100% fit.
Has the 'indisciplined' bowling been a feature of the season so far or this game is another matter of debate. I thought some were surprised at how well our bowlers were doing.
The batting however....... is there any argument on that one?

We bowled well at Durham, except for the period between lunch and tea on the first day.
Warks we bowled very well until late on the final day.
At Surrey, Yorkshire and in this match, the scorecard would suggest otherwise.
I did not refer to our bowling as indisciplined, I remarked that we haven't always bowled as a unit this season. By that, I mean matches/innings where all the bowlers were on the top of their game, rather than just one or two.
Pleasing to see Jos and Pete continuing to build on last night's good work...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:11:43:20 by Naxxar.
Oh, and Grockle, if you'd paid attention then you'd have seen that people had already commented on the second new ball being wasted and Kirby having been wayward BEFORE I said anything about it, which renders your huge diatribe entirely redundant, I'm afraid
Let's face it, a number of senior players have failed us in this one. From what I heard Kirby was the one that sprayed, Pete did not offer much penetration but Alf was unfortunate after lunch on Day One.
Then Tres, once, and Hildreth, twice, have got in and then got out again.
One might be seen as a direct comment on the person making the decision at the toss the other is surely a direct comment on the team's actions when told what is going on. A good toss decision may not result in good use of that toss decision - two entirely different things.
Yep sorry misread the last paragraph.

Re captain's decisions and putting teams in, etc, I would remind that it is a 4-day, two-innings, game, not one-day or one-innings - it's the result after day four (or three!) that matters. not who got most in the first innings. Agree that results overall haven't been good, but just 170-lead on first innings isn't conclusive evidence for teh tactic being right or wrong.
Then I thought...have I missed massive comments about Kirby 'wasting' the new ball?
But no. Comments about Kirby possibly giving way as a bowler. One comment about wasting the new ball - also mentioning the ineffectiveness of Peter Trego all day (you don't include him AG). Other than that only you directly blaming Steve for 'wasting' the new ball. Seems I was 'paying attention'. Most of the debate was about taking the new ball at all and the old versus new conversation including more than just SK.
Please note I did not say you were wrong just ungracious and far too certain of your own (and the Beeb's Middlesex man's assessment I assume) opinion being chapter and verse.
Hope that gets YOU up to speed with the discussions on this thread as your own attention seems to have wandered.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:12:12:24 by Grockle.
More than one way to skin a cat, and all that.

You can't retrospectively call the toss decision bad just because the side don't take advantage of the position the call puts them in. They are NOT always directly related.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:12:31:37 by Grockle.
Just a thought for AGod to demolish...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
When a team is firing and playing well, you generally find that interminable arguments about the toss are a rare feature.
And you did miss comments in your haste to moan about my posts rather than actually thinking about what is being said.
As for Craig K, LoL, I'll say simply this - if we need to rely on any one player to tell our bowlers to pitch it up against tail-Enders? Houston, we have a problem!
It is certainly where the younger players will look for guidance.
And AG... maybe if you thought about your posts BEFORE you pressed send there would be little to 'moan' about. As most people are not posting when I put my stuff up I miss very little.
You interpreted the posts specifically based on a theory you yourself seem to have created (come on its one of those players you don't really rate as highly - another common aspect of your critiques). I read them as they were meant, generally and not about one individual although Kirby might have been a focal point in the whole bowling attack. Pete wasted the second new ball as well it seems...no comment about him? Wonder what the assessment would have been if George Dockrell had been at the other end.
But never mind aye. You are right in your own mind as always so be happy.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:12:45:31 by Grockle.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
One should not need a specific keeper behind the stumps to know that such an approach makes little sense!
And please note, I am in no way questioning the cricket brain of Craig K. He might have lots of brilliant ideas but making tail-Enders play is not a concept which necessitates brilliant thought from anyone. Rather it should be cricket 1-0-1...
Alternatively if Compton keeps his England spot for the summer, I guess you could say we have an absolutely fantastic limited overs squad, but one that's not equipped to win 4 day matches? I know I'll be in a minority of one saying this, but I'll take relegation & winning 20/20 & YB40 this year rather than finish mid table in the CC & nothing in the limited overs, simply because that is what our squad is best equipped for, so you want your squad to excel at what they're best cut out to do? yes it would be great to win the CC, but as with last season, we haven't hit the ground running so are gonna be playing catch up again. It's only a game & I love it
Hmm, I was arguing exactly the opposite case with a Wigan Athletic supporter just the other day

Accepting CC relegation however is a much more dangerous long run road to follow and you are probably right about your position on that one.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:13:29:30 by Grockle.
Of course I agree with you LoL, I honestly don't know what all the fuss has been about, sometimes players do well, other times, they don't.
Get real folks.
Quote:AGod
Far too sensitive, LoL. I wasn't 'dissing,'...
Sensitive, moi? You'll be calling my pretentious next. I thought banter was compulsory on this site.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Still Jos is playing a very mature innings here. He's starting to excel at all forms of the game at last.
IF we'd bowled out Dexter we may have done better. It's Jos's job to do a Dexter.

Ok, i know that doesn't quite tie in with Somerset as we have had success in limited overs competition & it's the CC that's the holy grail, but this isn't a CC winning team we've got, its a limited overs winning team. I'm not saying that as a negative thing, & to his credit, Buttler is clearly applying himself to becoming a 4 day game player too, but we need Gregory & Meschade to step up to CC level, we need Suppiah to score some runs etc etc Although a couple of players are getting beyond their best, I'm reasonably confident about the next few years with a good batch of young players (Overtonx2, Leach, Dockrell, Buttler), but this season we haven't really stepped up that final notch. I still think the one big blow the last few years is the inability of Hussein to repeat what he did in CC2. When we signed him & Kirby, I really thought we'd got the bowling quality to match the batting - is CC1 really that much harder?
If you take Tumbles premis that the first innings of Middlesex has done this to us and turn it slightly to look at our batting performance. If we had doubled our first innings total by batting properly we'd not be in this position at all.
Middlesex would be batting building on a much smaller lead of 43.

What, pray, happened to all those indentations that were supposed to be so problematic? Did we fill them in overnight?
No, I think it was just the single worst day's performance on Thursday since the 2011 debacle at home to Warks?
Well done to everyone that battled away today.
What Dave N will, or even can, do about the top five is another matter...
Quote:AGod
What Dave N will, or even can, do .
Tweet some more rubbish?
But, really, if the team were winning I doubt that anyone would give a tuppence ha'penny about what he said on Twitter!
Quote:AGod
I noticed the cricinfo report even made reference to 'crowd discontent with management speak.'
But, really, if the team were winning I doubt that anyone would give a tuppence ha'penny about what he said on Twitter!
True but then perhaps it's for the management to realise when its good to tweet and when not.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:15:13:56 by Loyal of Lhasa..
We don't deserve the points for the draw and I'd rather have the extra time after the game ends inside four days to start planning for Horsham
In the meantime, Middlesex have signed Adam Voges as the batting replacment for Chris Rogers when he joins the Australian Ashes squad later in the summer. Looks like a good replacement to me.
Won't be easy to find someone of quality, for whom we can get a work permit in time.
Play Abandoned at Taunton
Pitch Dug Up Overnight
"BJ Is Innocent" Campaign Blamed
(not that I think he IS innocent...)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Botham
All I can say is Wednesday is market day.
Have a little sit down and we'll get you a nice cup of tea Botham
?? (Doesn't it depend where you are? You do know tomorrow is Saturday right?)

Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
I can already see the headlines:
Play Abandoned at Taunton
Pitch Dug Up Overnight
"BJ Is Innocent" Campaign Blamed
(not that I think he IS innocent...)
Yuk, I can't stand tea!
It was just a play on words, re your thread title and an attempt to lighten the mood.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Not immediately obvious though!
As a famous Irishman used to say - "It's the way I tell 'em" and that was almost as funny as he was.
Ahh Frank.. you were so much funnier off stage..

Many years ago when I played in the Lansdown team with a very young Viv Richards, I remember the then captain saying to one or two of us " trouble with this youngster is he has so much talent he really believes that he can hit every ball for a boundary as soon as he comes in ".
Sometimes ( to a lesser extent obviously ) I wonder if the three mentioned above have a similar problem. My good wife who knows nothing about cricket but suffers some of the televised games once remarked " your friend Marcus seems to either get a lot of runs quickly or he gets out ".
Might be a simplification but food for thought - as someone else posted there is a time for two an over.
Jos has learnt and is now building an innings patiently.
Maybe our top three or four should follow suit.
Just an opinion for posters to mull over while the rain falls !
While our league position isn't good, a couple of wins would see us move up the table quite rapidly.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
He is our one class act but he is less classy less often and has had long periods of pretty mediocre form in the past. He has to be considered in the whole order and should not be immune from assessment.
AP will now suffer form his tremendous start with some people and anything less than 50 each outing will be seen as something of a failure
James is just becoming James. What we hoped he would mature out of seems to be his style. He is like a latter day Lathwell (and I appreciate the issues with that assessment). The style appears more often but not often enough in between pretty dull periods.
I also personally liken him to Piran Holloway a little although he has far more latent talent, he has had one immense season and seems to have spent 3 seasons chasing that form. Piran never reached that level again. One has to hope James can but time is running out for him.
These players can't be bulletproof. They have to prove their value like anyone else.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The one (and only season in the last 5 in my opinion) where he showed his true class was where he was a pretty sure bet nearly every game.
A decent average does not mean he produces the goods on a consistent basis, just scores big occasionally to cover the lower scores - eg, the 300 against Warwickshire
If he was consistent he would be somewhere else at this moment in time playing in the game he really should be in alongside our more consistent player.

I have it from the Norses mouth (or twitter feed). His team talks would appear to consist of:
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it"
and
"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old - but building the new"
If you can translate that gobbledegook please let me AND the players know what the hell it means.
Surely, the best way to lift them is to say "If the lads picked can't achieve what we want, we'll pick some others".
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:19:18:40 by old boy!.
Alfonso Thomas did try and stay out in the middle.
And as did Jack Leach, he looked like he could score runs on his day.
What ever is said about Steve Kirby he do try his best, this lbw appeal from Joe Denly and John Simpson was turned down.
This is what the heavy roller looks like ,a lot small than it was.
A well judged leave by Jos Buttler.
GAME OVER.
Quote:Mike TA1
Dave Nosworthy had all/most of the coaching staff on his balcony for quite a while today, it looked like they were having a meeting.
Maybe he should have invited Vic Marks away from his Test Match media work to attend?
Vic is after all the Chairman of Somerset's Cricket Committee and is thus, in my opinion, the person ultimately responsible for all matters appertaining to cricket at the club.
As a club we are seriously under - performing in the County Championship, and for whatever reason someone needs to get a grip with any problem(s) that there may be, right now.
Quote:Ronniesabre
I take it you don't rate nos then old boy?
Well Ronnie - put it like this! He may be a very nice chap, and may be one of the greatest coaches ever brought to Taunton, but if he expects his troops to translate his twitter feeds (all the players seem to be followers) and make sense of them, then I am struggling to rate him very highly. Sorry.
So Ronnie, can we have your translation please?.
It's just something he does, it doesn't define him or give you massive insights to what he is doing at Somerset.

You are probably right, but I can think of plenty of cases of "celebrities" and "sports people" who have regretted doing too much twittering! or should it be tweeting?
I bet LOL is good at it!

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I am not criticising DN, I'll trust those who hired him and know more about it than me. But given that BR packed it in because he felt he couldn't go further with the players (and criticised them after the Surrey cup final for ignoring the coaches) then we might be in for a rough ride.
I never really understood Vic's role. He is rarely here in the summer because he's off somewhere commentating or working at his second/third job as correspondent and he's rarely here in the winter for the same reason. Whenever he's questioned on the Somerset situation he turns into bumbling joking giggler (all a front I am sure) and pretends that it is all beyond him.
I'm sure it isn't but he seems a deeply unapproachable man. Roy Kerslake seems much more in tune with what is happening regarding the club yet he is often seen as a subordinate character to the Mighty Marks. I'm personally not sure why. He is a man of authority and integrity with a streak of Somerset a mile wide running through him.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:17:21:17:36 by Grockle.
Quote:old boy!Quote:Ronniesabre
I take it you don't rate nos then old boy?
Well Ronnie - put it like this! He may be a very nice chap, and may be one of the greatest coaches ever brought to Taunton, but if he expects his troops to translate his twitter feeds (all the players seem to be followers) and make sense of them, then I am struggling to rate him very highly. Sorry.
So Ronnie, can we have your translation please?.
I have no translation old boy. I asked you a simple question. You gave a complicated answer.
For what's its worth I think hurry may be in danger due to nosworthy being there. Nosworthy s a coach too I believe? He just seems not at the forefront the way he used to be and with langer etc. wouldn't surprise me if that's where are problems are stemming from. Just a hunch and may be way off beam.
Before commenting on the negatives, one must acknowledge the excellent bowling by Middlesex, especially by Murtagh, who gave one of the best exhibitions of fast-medium bowling I have seen in a long time (incidentally with Eion Morgan, aren't Ireland worth test match status; I would back them to beat both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe).
Also, great credit needs to be given to Jos for curbing his natural instincts and fighting for the side. He has now produced 3 really mature CC innings already this season.
However many points come to mind:
1 Please no more putting the opposition in, especially at Taunton, where we know green looking pitches always play much better than they look.
2 We had an attack consisting 3 bowlers who are nearer the end of their bowling career than the beginning together with 3 apprentices. Sadly we do not have established bowlers in their mid to late 20s, but such an age range is a weakness.
3 Steve K is a great example, always doing his best and an excellent representative of the club off the field. Sadly he has lost the zip that a new ball bowler needs and he does not have the subtleties to compensate. His two overs with the second new ball were crucial because they enabled Dexter and the tail to got away. Furthermore the lengthy tail and his limited fielding are other factors. He needs to be replaced as fourth seamer by Craig M who has form in both 2nd XI and CB40 cricket to support his inclusion.
4 we need to radically rethink how be bowl at the tail, getting rid of the obsession with the bouncer. Jamie O needs guidance, even if it occasionally means Marcus standing at mid-off.
5 As soon as he returns from Durham Chris J needs to be given a run as Marcus's opening partner. At least we know that he will sell his wicket dearly and we saw some evidence last season that he could be the answer, while Arul looks a walking wicket.
6 Apprentice batsmen, unless they are specialist openers should bat below established players. Lewis should have been at 7 in this match.
7 We need to realise that the more bowling we ask from Peter T the less runs we are likely to get.
Despite all this, I do believe that we will retain our Div 1 status; Derbys, Surrey and Warwicks all have major problems and I believe that our batting will come good. However dave N must be hands on and remember that actions speak louder than words
Horsham becomes even more important now in what will be a long and difficult battle against relegation. I shall be there and hopefully many other members will also be there to support the team.
Joverton has come of age against Middlesex. As we are adopting a rotational policy with the fast bowlers, it is time to give Andy Dibble (fitness permitting) a go against Sussex as well as Coverton and Meschede and rest Alfonso, Steve and Lewis.
That might give us more chance of 20 wickets but will the batting give us a big enough platform to do so??? Alviro will need to come to the party in his last match for us. But can Tres do his main job of giving us 100s as captain?
It is tough to captain a losing team. Is now the time to think the "unthinkable" and replace Tres with Hildy as captain? A couple of years ago Hildy's batting shone as captain of the Lions in Australia & West Indies.
Do others agree that having Tres concentrating solely on his batting and 2nd slip duties is more in the best interests of the team?
I can't disagree with anything you have raised.
I also agree with Roger's last point. I have never been convinced with Tres being captain and think that his game would benefit from reliquishing these duties.
There is also the point that your captain should be a player who is certain of his place in the team irrespective of captaincy issues - unless he is called Michael Brearley. It is no longer clear that JH is a nailed-on selection.
If, on the other hand, he could be persuaded to take on the captaincy might he perhaps be one of those whose batting benefits from the extra responsibilities?
Of course there may not be a captaincy issue!
Assuming that Dave wishes to continue in the role in 2014 and that his employers wish him to continue then I think we will see significant changes. I'm sure some here won't like them as some of the players that some of the posters really like may not be Dave's cup of tea.
Now, if we're going to be able to bring in much playing quality we surely have to retain Div One status.
As soon as possible, I still think we should see if we can get Jack and George into the same side to maximise the amount of control that Marcus has as a Captain in the field. Attack of Alf, Pete, Jamie and the 2 spinners. Craig M probably in the side too.
Last time SCCC played at Horsham the track was pretty dry so it might be a ground that tends to have that attribute?
So I'd like to see Dockrell for Kirby and Craig M for Gregory for the next match.
I tip Arul, if he retains his place, to make a 50 at Horsham. Would scarcely be shocking to see Barrow given another chance in his stead, though.
But as you say and with apologies to Roger S, we aren't in a "difficult relegation battle" and we won't be. We have some disappointing results but the Championship season has about 67% of its fixtures to run yet. No-one is in a "difficult relegation battle" yet. The only thing you can probably say with certainty at the moment I that we aren't pushing for the top spot in CC1
With regards some other points in your post Roger, people were speculating about Marcus taking the captain's role in the winter and candidates were few and far between to replace him however you felt about it.
IF (and its a big one) there had been doubts about him we would have an international player as captain. Therefore he presently has the managements vote at least. Of the two men you mention;
James shone, briefly as captain of the Lions and at home but seems to have given the job away and shows a seeming reluctance to consider it again. Presently his place in the CC side would be up for discussion if we were at full strength because he can hardly buy a run. Would he instil confidence striding out to the middle as captain? Not presently in my book I'm afraid.
Peter is also struggling with his own CC batting and is being asked to once again shoulder a large amount of bowling as the rest of the attack goes through something of a transition. I'm not sure taking the responsibility from a batsman so he can concentrate on his main role and giving it to an untried bowling captain in the same position with his role solves any problems at all.
Other candidates to take over in the middle of a slump? Well is it the right time to change to anyone. Isn't this the time to see what the captain is made of? He'll live or die as skipper on what happens in the next few months anyway.

At present we seem to be one of the three worst teams, with Derbys and Surrey, though Notts and Warks also look poor sides.
Middx and Yorkshire look strong sides. Durham and Sussex look fairly strong sides.
Sussex may have lost their captain for Wed, though, as Joyce batted at 11 vs Derbys.
I am a Somerset supporter and I expect my side to be in Division 1 next season. I have that faith. If you don't well that's your problem and we have little to discuss on the matter because I will maintain that level of faith until the maths tells me categorically that I'm wrong.

To exclude the possibility of having to fight that battle is, however, wishful thinking to the nth degree at the present time.

You do struggle with the concept of faith and optimism in a supporter of a club don't you? Why should I look at what is behind when there are prospects in front that can change a picture out of all recognition? It doesn't stop me from discussing how things might be changed for the better and it doesn't top me from being a critical friend to a side I have supported for two decades but I'm certainly not prepared to countenance the possibility of failure while the possibility of success is in front of my face.
Go and be miserable with someone else AG. I support Somerset and the summer is far from over. Talk to me about it in October. The 'table' means @#$%& all to my season presently, there is more to look forward to than there is behind us.

We've come close to winning 1 of 5.
We've lost twice.
We would surely have lost 3 of 5 (Yorks too) if weather had not saved us.
There can be little argument that the above is the form profile of a side that is struggling quite badly and sides that struggle end up in relegation dog-fight.
It's my view that when a batting line-up struggles over more than just a couple of games then the rot is usually set in for the season as batting is such a confidence game.
I therefore do not expect to see sustained improvement with the bat in 2013 in the CC.
If we're going to save ourselves, I think it will have to be our bowling that will do it and I think we need to hope for drier weather and look primarily to left-arm spin, including Rehman later on, to haul us out of the mire.
You seem to think this is a logical debate about figures.
You seem to think that just because something HAS happened it will CONTIINUE to happen because of that. I simply don't have to agree with you.
That is why I support Somerset and you seem to see them as some kind of mathematical model of prediction.
I believe my side will sort out their problems, change the past situation and stay in Division 1.
It's not a statistical certainty but it doesn't have to be. Presently your figures suggest it will be harder than it was in April but supporters believe we have the resources and the know how to achieve that goal and we will.
Don't get your nickers in a twist over it. It's just the difference between 'supporting' a sports team and whatever it is you do. There's no logic in it but its why some come back year after year... because they expect better and are warmed through when they get it, especially if the numbers are against it happening.
Presently the numbers aren't against it happening and so faith is not being tested (well except in some cases). Maybe later in the season it will be but that is later in the season when it might be a subject worthy of debate.
Presently the debate should be; what do we need to do to get our Championship side winning because relegation is not an issue if that problem is solved.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:18:08:50:59 by Grockle.
Dave N talks on the official site about a 're-assessment.'
I doubt the man is about to abandon whatever his normal coaching strategies are at the drop of a hat, so one assumes that 're-assessment,' may be of team selection and/or on field tactics. For example, every chance Jamie Overton gets the new ball in future. Hopefully, no repetition of sending in a guy like Gregory ahead of Jos in the batting order etc..
Last time we played there, Charl had a terrible time with the run up from the non tennis court end of the ground and got carted to the tune of 6 overs for 40.
I hope Marcus remembers that and initially tries Jamie from the other end.
Sussex will have Luke Wright back from the IPL, where his main role seems to be as drinks carrier for bottom team Pune.
Hopefully he can bowl some erratic stuff to give our guys a bit of a break from the good bowlers like Magoffin or Monty.

If there was one thing that I thought Dave N would change it was moving Jos up to four but does not appear as though it will happen.
But unless we have standing team orders for guys to deliberately get themselves out at a particular juncture in an innings, then there will surely come the day where SCCC make, say, 230 for 3 from 40 overs and the opposition knock them off with time to spare... If that 230 for 3 comes with our biggest one-day gun sat in the pavilion with his pads on then we'll look total and utter numpties.
Regarding JH, he does of course frustrate us, because we believe he could do better, often getting starts and not going on, but He did average 43 in the CC last year and any county would be pleased with that. Let's hope Elgar helps him forget his enigma variations so we can see him in his pomp in every circumstance.
We are in a relegation position, ergo we are in a battle to get out of that position before (hopefully well before) the season ends. I have faith we will.
George will be away for us but we are adequately covered, Joyce will be away for them and will leave a hole that will be filled by Luke Wright. I would rather we played a team without Wright than with him, indeed i would rather he were in our team than theirs!
Surely DN's job is a much broader brush, with the day to day performance of the 1st X1 being the responsibility of the coach? Like others, I feel he may be about to endure squeeky bum time.
I remain convinced that the hierarchy saw the next captain as Craig K and the one after that as Lewis G. I guess the change in that hierarchy may alter that thinking.
If management agreed, then DN may have been briefed accordingly?
Of course you can think relegation is an issue because you can think.
I personally don't see it as an issue as I clearly posted. Improving performance is an issue. Get that right and relegation isn't. Seems I have more belief in turning things around than you. Doesn't have to be a criticism of your view unless you take it as one it's just how it is.
Oh and AG don't imply naivety just because people have a differing view to yours. I for one am well aware of the position and what needs doing about it. I don't have my head in the sand any more than you have your head somewhere else, we simply differ on our view of the present severity of the situation and whether we will manage to avoid Division 2.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:18:12:45:19 by Grockle.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Tops
Apologies for interfering in a private spat,
Can we get away from this "private spat" rubbish. This is a PUBLIC forum and the debate that was going on this morning was between the only two people who were up at that time. Don't apologise for joining it on a PUBLIC forum.
AG and I disagree, so do AG and FE, Old Boy and Ron, Big Jim and CP Me and KT (well quite a few and KT) and a number of other pairings to greater or lesser degrees. They aren't classified as 'private spats' and people involve themselves or they don't. AG is a prolific poster and I monitor the site we come across each other more than most and we don't always see eye to eye.
It's a forum people, people talk, occasionally they disagree and occasionally it gets a little warm and then it calms down and then it goes back to normal. I also agree with AG -are they 'private love-ins' even though others also agree with each other?
Please get over your obsession with who I argue with and remember it is NOT ME arguing with them but TWO people arguing with each other. It takes two to tango and long may that be the case on this forum.
Ignore us, post around us, don't worry we don't mind working around you and we promise not to moan about your 'public love ins' or moan about how tedious they are - people on the 'composer' thread just be thankful!!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:18:16:20:05 by Grockle.
They find the roads very nice to sleep on and some of the guys here drive their muscle cars a little too fast while talking on one mobile and texting on another with the family crammed in the car and not a fastened seat belt in sight.
Deaths on the roads in April? A mere 797. Second most dangerous place to drive in the world after Saudi.
So there are fewer camels all the time OB.

Relegation?
Don't be daft, some of you are starting to sound like football fans.
Quote:Grockle
I never really understood Vic's role. He is rarely here in the summer because he's off somewhere commentating or working at his second/third job as correspondent and he's rarely here in the winter for the same reason. Whenever he's questioned on the Somerset situation he turns into bumbling joking giggler (all a front I am sure) and pretends that it is all beyond him.
I'm sure it isn't but he seems a deeply unapproachable man. Roy Kerslake seems much more in tune with what is happening regarding the club yet he is often seen as a subordinate character to the Mighty Marks. I'm personally not sure why. He is a man of authority and integrity with a streak of Somerset a mile wide running through him.
Grockle, you have summed up both of the two afore – mentioned gentlemen, very well in my opinion.
Vic is a very affable man, but his “bumbling, joking, giggling” performances in the past, when asked questions by members at AGM’s, have in my eyes been somewhat embarrassing. I am really unsure as to the reasons behind this behaviour.
I vehemently disagreed with Roy Kerslake (and others too of course) in the run – up and consequent showdown at Shepton Mallet way back in 1986. We have thankfully all moved on from there of course, and it is indeed now all ‘water under the bridge.’
After that particularly divisive constitutional crisis in the club’s history, Roy disassociated himself from the club for a number of years, but I was very, very pleased when he decided to return to the fray, and eventually take over the mantle of Club President – a position that he still holds today.
I don’t personally see him as “a subordinate character to Victor”; perhaps he understandably displays a measure of impartiality in fulfilling his role as President.
A humble and compassionate man, we are indeed fortunate to be able to share his company.
Bobs, just because you follow a football side it doesn't mean you have to adopt the mentality of the average modern day football fan....you know what I mean, calls to sack the manager after one defeat.
I can't say I know Vic other than I have come across him within the press box enough to be known to him and to be able to say hello if nothing else. I don't see it as my place to make conversation with these people as they have a paid job to do and I do it for fun as much as anything else. I speak if spoken to and am very grateful to the local press people on that account.
I do have to say I formed a different opinion of the affability of the man while in Abu Dhabi for the second test against Pakistan. In a semi full press box where I was gratefully accepted by Mr Dobel and a very affable gentleman writing for the Times, I made the mistake of saying good morning to Mr Marks only to be looked at and then completely ignored. I was wearing a Somerset shirt so he may not have recognised me but 'hello' doesn't kill anyone.
Three Tests not even a glimpse of affability to another Somerset man. Didn't sit particularly well with me I'm afraid.

By the way, Norwich SCCC supports North Walsham Town.
No chance of McCarthy getting the boot though. My Ipswich mates would not swap him for Hughton who was under considerable pressure before West Brom's surrender last week.
Wonder what Mr Keane would make of that?

Should anyone wish to read it and comment it is there for all to see. All Botham's other posts which seem to be within the spirit of this site and to have no possible ulterior motives are still available for everyone to appreciate.
If anyone wishes me to explain the ruling please check with Botham that he is OK for me to release things and I'll happily provide a fuller explanation.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:19:11:57:03 by Grockle.
My post of 18:30 on 18 May was intended as a comparison with some of the reactions to Somerset defeats or victories on here. Very little difference it seems to me. The Stock Market reaction in both cases. Weather versus Climate if you like. Two or three weeks of cold weather means that the idea of global warming is a nonsense.
While I fully accept that this site is primarily for the exchange of thoughts and information about cricket and Somerset cricket in particular, it is - through its nature as a forum - a place where like-minded people get to know each other. I have made (and met) a number of good new friends through this superb site and the friendships depend on common interests often far beyond cricket. If we did not interpolate the occasional juicy bit about non-cricketing things that interest some of us, e.g. the saintliness of the chancellor, Ipswich Town Nil, classical music, BJ's brilliance on the rugby fields of Wales, our beloved mother tongue, the urban landscape of India... (the list is endless), some of those friendships might never get started.
I note with pleasure that I learn some basic economics from our very own moderator and that can do no harm either.
So let's not be too prescriptive, please.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:20:15:52:45 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Cheque in the post - a sort of Barnes Wallis cheque.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
