Aussie Aussie Aussie
By Grockle et al
June 26 2013
Welcome to the first live update of the season. Grey but warm. Alviro Petersen is unlikely to play as he was wandering in with his coffin a minute ago while Chris Jones is having an extensive net on the field of play. Quiet at the moment but it is only 9:45 on Day 1.
v Australia Tourist @ TAUNTON Wednesday 26 June 2013
Commentary - Click on George Dockrell's head on the forum for SCCC or follow scorecard links for BBC.
My first full game of the season and it's the Aussies for a four dayer against a pretty competitive Somerset team. Presently the expected side
Trescothick, Compton, Jones, Hildreth, Kieswetter, Barrow (W), Trego, Meschede, Dockrell, Overton J, Hussain
The scripted Australian side is;
Cowan, Watson, Hughes, Khawaja, Clarke, Faulkner, Haddin Siddle, Pattinson, Starc and Lyon
I suppose the points to pick up from our lot is that Alex Barrow will keep and Alviro Petersen is unlikely to grace the field due to a groin strain. Other than that the bowlers are young and the batsmen are experienced. We seem to be relying on the all rounders - Trego and Meschede - to do a bit and George Dockrell to find a bit of form. Gemaal Hussain gets a run out suggesting that Lewis Gregory and Adam Dibble are not up to it yet. Makes you wonder about the back up next year if this is the case for a tourist game...

It is a sparse crowd for the start of a 'sold out' day, no queues as such - I suppose most people have their tickets. Parking was possible with 90 minutes to go - has not been the case in the past. Presently there are about 500 people here though the Gimblett is pretty well populated already.
SCCC Commentary is up for this one. There is a "Grockles Show" I think sometime tomorrow with Bagpuss and I taking you through a session. If you want it you click on George Dockrell's head at the top of a forum page.
Day 1
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat and so we see an England opening partnership from a parallel universe stride out - Compton and Trescothick. Facing them are Starc from the Old Pavilion and Pattinson from the CA. Both the batsmen look solid and focused on the task and the Aussies look the same in the field.
The organisation of the ground is not so hot. Two stewards trying to organise communication to put ropes across the path in front of the Gimblett during overs spend good 3 overs working out when this should take place while spectators get caught in No Man's Land .... oh and the scoreboard isn't working there again so we have some hardboard bolted to the fence at the gate and some bloke popped off with a list of the numbers they didn't seem to have.... you really would struggle to write it.
So we get to the 4th over and Banger takes a swipe at a wide one which many think has gone over the blue seats to the side of the Caddyshack but has actually gone straight into the hands of Mitchell Starc in front of the Ondaatje. Pattinson takes the first and Somerset are 15 for 1. In comes Chris Jones.

After an hour and 12 overs, the bowling changes. Faulkner takes over from the OP for the 13th and Siddle gets his first go from the CA for the next one. Somerset reached 31 after 10 with some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the odd delivery (Jones' ability to leave close ones getting particular mention - I hope it's ability anyway). By the time the bowling change has been completed we have 45... it's gonna be a slow old morning one thinks with balls going past the bat but few attmpts being made to play them by the two batsmen. Three slips for Mr Jones but as I type that he guides one along the ground for four through the cordon causing Faulkner to bowl a no ball with his next delivery.
The 50 arrives in the 14th as the sun breaks through for the first real time.
The Australians try spin for the first time as Lyon takes the 20th with the home side on 78 and he gives Jones some trouble while Nick seems to have settled into his innings so much that Siddle is tried from the OP end this time as Faulkener has been going for about 7 an over (he has looked better than that). By the 25th over, the younger man has got out of the dangerous twenties (32) and our 'semi England' man is one run from a 50 with his county 3 runs from 3 figures. After Lyons bowls the 26th and Mitchell Starc is introduced for one over from the Old Pavilion (where Chris left every ball as they all were delivered wide of off) Lunch arrives with Somerset at 97 for 1. Jones has 32 and Nick remains at 49.
During lunch the comment is on the characteristic of Mr Compton that he rarely is phased by being on a specific score. After lunch he walks out to face Pattinson from froom the River and is greeted by a 'welcome back Nick' ball around his ears. As the Aussie bowler is discussing technique, he calmly walks towards him doing some gardening taking no notice at all. 'Good old Nick ' we all think. Second ball he plops it down and calls his partner through for a dicey single to go to an excellent 50 off 82 balls with 8 fours. Not as cool as he seems we all think.

Jones then provides the three figures with a four to the Trescothick to move to 103 for 1 off Starc (opening the session from the Old Pavilion).

At 124 Mr Jones goes to 50 off 104 balls with 9 fours. This also allows the two to celebrate together. It's Compo's birthday and Jonesey has just achieved a first in Economics at Durham University. At the end of 36 overs the score is 129 with these two making 114 of those.
Siddle is reintroduced at the River for over 38 and NC cuts and pulls him for 8 off his first two to go into the 60's. During the 39th Starc gives Chris the opportunity to pass his best first class score, he mishits the cover drive for four and then fails to connect with the pull to the midwicket boundary, unfortunately he also doesn't connect with the grubber that goes for four leg byes the Aussie finishes the over with and he remains on 55.
A measure of desperation starts to set in for the tourists in over 41 as Khawaja is brought on to bowl and gives Chris the single to take him to 56 followed by a straight arm smack to the boundary to send his side to 150 and himself to 60.
At 185, Lyon gets one through Nick's defence and Clarke takes a diving catch which he misses, bounces off his arm, misses and finally clutches gratefully. A standing ovation for Compo's 81 and in comes James Hildreth who has probably been padded up since the 5th over. Meanwhile the bright guy at the other end sends his 5th boundary through the slips to move to the same score. A stand of 170 for the second wicket won't do either of these batsmen any harm but Chris probably will benefit from it more than poor old Nick.

Live coverage then went to radio but the 'Chris Jones Show' continued, ably supported by an excellent 66 runs from James Hildreth who showed real touch.
This resulted in this;

As Chris hit his maiden first team ton in any form of cricket for the county and went on to take the Aussies for 130 before he fell to a gully catch after which he was congratulated by his skippper and received a standing ovation as he left the field of play

The day had gone a little pear shaped for him

And possibly given a sort of lifeline for him

Then suddenly at 304 for 3 with 10 overs to go, these two took the new ball and returned figures of;
James Pattinson 4 for 0 (first innnings figures of 4 for 50)
Mitchell Starc 3 for 4 Match figures of 4 for 30
Somerset find themselves moving from 304 for 3 to 320 all out in about 6 overs of new ball bowling with 7 ducks and the only batsman giving any kind of resistance being Gemaal Hussain who simply hit the ball before it bounced and took 6 from Pattinson.
One over of Jamie Overton gave him the chance to put the wind up Ed Cowan and a strange day came to an end.
Day 2
Starts on time with Gemaal Hussain opening for the hoe side in a game that may well decide his future at the club. It all starts 'swimmingly' as he gets Cowan to nick one in is first over. Cowan is not impressed and makes it clear to the umpire until he is halfway back to the dressing room. He seems to be suggesting that it was bat on ground rather than bat on ball. Umpire Millns disagrees.

After that though we have a Watsonian masterclass on timing and what to do with loose bowling as the Aussie strokes all bowlers to all parts of the ground. At the other end, Khawaja is not as cool about picking his shots and has a number of run ins with Overton which he does not always win. Nevertheless the scoring continues until Khawaja tries one too many and leaves the pitch to be replaced by skipper Clarke.

We then get more of the Mighty Watson and the worry of Clarke getting his eye in as well. He's scratching about a little but Trego and Meschede are not worrying the Australians too much as we move towards lunch. The skipper introduces George Dockrell to vary the attack and both Australian batsmen go for him as they understand the threat he may pose to them. Nevertheless, working in tandem with Pete Trego the run rate is checked a little.

With nothing to lose, Trescothick goes out on a limb and throws the ball to Overton as lunch approaches with the tourists on 147. Whether Watson has one eye on the scoreboard, or is thinking of lunch his concentration wavers and we get him wafting to Pete ..... lucky lucky lucky.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:30:20:12:40 by Grockle.
Possible inclusions could be Adam Diddle or Gemaal Hussain, Jack Leach, Alviro Petersen and maybe Craig Kieswetter 'keeping.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:26:10:03:12 by Grockle.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:24:22:30:43 by Ronniesabre.

I'd like to see Alf and Kirby rest.
Dockrell or Leach to play and, yes, I'd like to see Dibble get a gamd.
Nick, Alviro, Jones, Peterson, Hildy, Craig, Tregs, Mesch, Dibble, Hussain, George
Still good enough to win...

I hope it lasts 4 days as I'm buying a four day pass tomorrow.
Quote:BristolRob
As it's a 4 day game and tickets have sold well for each day including the final day.
I hope it lasts 4 days as I'm buying a four day pass tomorrow.
Bring your fishing rod just in case!!!

"The Australia team is: Cowan, Watson, Khawaja, Hughes, Clarke, Haddin, Faulkner, Siddle, Lyon, Pattinson, Starc."
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Can't see Marcus playing. He is down in London today based on pictures on his Twitter feed.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:25:14:13:21 by nelliec.
I hope Marcus does play!
Trescothick
Compton
Petersen
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Barrow#]Trego
Meschede
Dockrell
JOverton
Hussain
Jones on standby for Petersen, who has a slight groin strain.
There is BBC online commentary and Somerset commentary.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:25:14:58:05 by nelliec.
Day 1
Bill Luckett and Dick Macey
Tony Caisley and Paul Harper
Nicky King and Paul Bird
Day 2
Edward Seabourne and Paul Bird
Ben Manning and Richard Oliver
Mike Treleaven and Jane Hamlin
Day 3
Paul Harper and Jane Hamlin
Tony Caisley and Nicky King
Daniel Armstrong and Paul Bird
Day 4
Tom Doyle and Mike Treleaven
Derek Topliss and Richard Oliver
Daniel Armstrong and Eric Cole.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:25:17:50:04 by Grockle.
I will leave you to name any of the players that you recognise.
A blond looking chap.
Trying to hit the stumps.
Is that a plane a bird or superman.
A very good try at catching the ball.
Is this a new dance?
Facing the media after the squad finished outside practising.
No name that for you to do.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:25:18:08:47 by Grockle.
And the only Aussie I can pick out from the action shots is Shane Watson in the middle of the "dance" line-up.

Somerset- Marcus Trescothick (Capt), Nick Compton, Alviro Petersen, James Hidreth, Craig Kieswetter, Alex Barrow (w/k), Pete Trego , Craig Meschede, George Dockrell, Jamie Overton, Gemaal Hussain, 12th man : Tom Abell.


Will be interesting to see if Jamie Overton can really shake them up with his pace.
I personally suspect that AP will not play as won't risk him if any doubt at all so be interesting to see what Chris Jones can do.
Hope Barrow can build on the 83 not from the most recent home game.
A bit disappointed, personally, that Hussain is in ahead of Dibble.
Freed of the pressure of playing CC innings, I'd love to see us smash them all round the park. And I hope Jamie Overton gives their batsmen a taste of the sort of chin music that they may get from Finn.
There is a thread related to the radio if you want to complain about it on Grockles with the like minded.
Having said that I had a quick glance in there this morning, there is an issue about 'foldback' as the club seem to have removed the headphones so the commentators are talking into mikes but with no idea about their own volume levels.
You can stay on and complain about me after lunch if you like. I warn you though, I will laugh if something is funny and will take a while to get back to positional sense etc after a long lay off. There'll be lots to post about I'm sure.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:26:11:56:09 by Grockle.
from one mood to the other every three overs. Sublime to ridiculous....


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:26:12:16:31 by Grockle.

So I'd love it if he gets a big score today, absolutely love it (as Kevin Keegan once said). Not necessarily to prove anyone wrong, but things can change quickly & Nick needs to stay at the top of the pecking order so if any of the batsmen are injured, the selectors turn to him knowing he's in form for his country & already has England experience so nothing to fear.
Empics are also at this game so I'm picking out the relevant pictures as the game goes. They probably won't be here for all of it and they don't always get the actions shots - but we have Mike for those so it's the best of both worlds.
There will be no live updates on the front after 3:30 coz the Grocklees are on commentary from 4.
If you want to know anything though let me know and either Bagpuss or myself will try and get the answer for you.

Perhaps the real statement should be that anybody can bat against this Australian attack.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Will try our best OB. At least the scoreboard we can see is working. People from the CA and Botham Stand have a bit of hardboard to refer to the side of the Gimblett as the "White Elephant" scoreboard on that side is once more out of action.

Should I feel physically up to it, I hope to get down there tomorrow.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:26:16:27:19 by Angell Face.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Hope the Aussie's put up a bit of a fight so there's something to watch on Saturday
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:26:17:20:01 by Loyal of Lhasa..
What a week it's been for him, as I gather he graduated with a First from Durham a few days ago. His old teacher must be very proud.


I'd love to know what numbers Jones has chosen for the lottery this week.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Wouldn't be the 2013 incarnation of Somerset without a collapse at some point in the day!
Well played especially to Jones and Compton. Their efforts will be seen in much better light than if it had been 340/4 at COP.
Another interesting part of the scorecard is batsmen 6-10 on the card all being out for 0. That can't have happened too many times.
Great knock from Chris Jones and Compo, who was very annoyed to get out close to a Century.
A Happy Birthday to Nick who was 30 today.
Hildy chipped in with a good innings, shame about the rest.
And we even had a visit from Jeffery Archer, down to support his favourite club, and enjoy a lunch.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:26:20:22:15 by Roger ivanhoe.
Mainly shots being played today I packed up early so I could relax and watch the cricket and missed all those wickets near the end.
Somerset's openers coming out to play one stayed a while and the other one didn't.
Marcus Trescothick and Nick Compton.
What a day for Chris Jones after I was thinking he wasn't going to make it, I couldn't be more pleased for him. This was one of his fours.
Another player I was pleased for Nick Compton a shame he didn't get his hundred.
Chris Jones ducking under a bouncer.
The moment Nick Compton knew he was out ct Michael Clarke bld Nathan Lyon.
James Hildreth played a nice innings this shot added four runs to his score.
Another four runs from Chris Jones.
Chris Jones scoreing four runs that got him to his 100 runs (the first of many I hope) deserving a hug from James Hildreth.
NO idea what happened in the last 10 overs even now. Either Starc and Pattinson suddenly BOTH found what had been eluding them for the rest of the game or the early boys did a truly phenomenal job.
The two Aussies did hit their straps much better with the second ball. The loss of our established two men just before the new ball was taken definitely contributed but none of the men who came after could cope with a longer length, a straighter line and a ball coming at them at a much higher pace. That is except for Gemaal who simply stepped forward and hit the ball early.
A good day that doesn't really dispel all that many fears about the fragility of our middle order.
The good news is that Jones looked very balanced, Nick looked totally at home after the first few overs and James had the best touch of the day
Be very careful of Australia, they had nothing all say and then their two strike bowlers were almost unplayable for 5 overs with the new cherry.
Enjoyable first day for a while, topped off with a nice chat with "Ms Puss" - Hope we kept you informed at the same time.
Also good to see Jamie O at full belt - he's faster than last year by some margin!!

(Also the scoreboard operators for keeping up with the mahem that obviously occurred later).
Grizzzly

Does this suggest that England are trying to engage in some kind of infantile game in terms of 'keeping Aus guessing as to who will open'???
For Lehmann missed the same claim by the relatively smallest of margins. He is the brother-in-law of Craig White, who won 30 Test caps for England.
Best thing for me today was being able to watch cricket in sunshine. Yes I did say sunshine!
about the first time this season I taken my fleece off at the cricket.
Yes AG Sky tonight mentioned NC at Worcester, and I wondered if Nick had confused the thinking today. Isit a chance to get another decent score and back to plan A or cynic that I am , a failure which says "told you so".
Could anyone please tell me the best entrance for me to arrive in bearing in mind I am coming from the station and sitting in the Somerset Stand?
I have a feeling this will be the Priory Bridge Entrance (I always love the walk over the bridge and glimpsing play between the stands) although not sure if I can get in via the Brewhouse?
Thanks
NW5
Still, if Clarke is coming next it *might* be some while before we get another one on this flat-track.
However, Cowan has been playing for Notts all season and Khawaja has been on the A tour to England - so neither should be able to have recourse to that sort of excuse.
To be honest, I've no idea which batsman the Aussies will send out to open with Watson. None of their options look very good (Hughes does not, either).
As was the case vs Durham, it sounds like he's been by far our most threatening bowler when the track is flat.
Also, can you confirm in all you posts that the pitch is flat please
Thanks
:-)
According to commentators Jamie is the one bowler that really looks like taking wickets today.
That was certainly the case against Durham which I saw myself - he was the only guy to menace the batsmen.
(Yes, some others actually did take wickets but largely due to sloppy give-aways from the Durham batsmen).
* Engineering a 2013 Somerset collapse puts them about on a par with;
Durham
Yorkshire
Sussex
Middlesex
Derbyshire
But I don't think any of the above conceded 300 for 2 at any point before prompting a collapse?
But in one good piece of news for Aus, I suppose they did do better than Warks who both conceded lots of runs AND failed to force a collapse at any point, if I remember rightly!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:27:14:12:46 by AGod.
Stuart Meaker, of Surrey, is an even clearer example of the same thing. Awful economy rate this season (4.4) but strike-rate of 45.
Sounded a very good catch by Barrow.
Tea may be a long drawn out thing today. Little hope of play in the near future.

Cut through Morrisons car park, over the bridge and you're in.
If you use Priory Bridge you've got to walk all the way round the ground and you cannot see anything when crossing the bridge because the sight screen is positioned in the gap between Botham Stand and CAP.
Everybody has there own preference but that is mine and I've used that route ever since Gimblett's Hill opened.
But your way sounds a shorter distance to walk.
So far in this match good photos have been hard to come by.
How many chances did we miss I am not sure.
Brad Haddin hitting four runs.
Jamie must be thinking why did I bowl that four ball to Michael Clarke.
Have Somerset got a new Mascot??
Shane Watson watched by two wicket-keepers.
Shane Watson hitting four runs, England will need to get him out early.
Usman Khawaja safely caught by James Hildreth off Craig Meschede.
So much for the weather forecast this week, I blame Wimbledon.
New mascot?
I thought it was Shane Warne cheering on his compatriots.
[www.flickr.com]

Best of both worlds.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Surely no other Div ONe team has been as susceptible to the abrupt collapse in 2013 as we have been.
Obviously, hugely unlikely that we shall be able to defend this sort of lead but if George could come up with a few wickets and regain a bit of form that would be a big boost.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
If Geoff Miller is at Taunton wondering how he's going to accommodate Bairstow in the side, he has his answer: select Hildreth, England's most elegant middle-order batsman, instead.
Be careful what you wish for. If Hildreth were to be absent on international duty just think how much more quickly our somewhat fragile batting would collapse!
Whatever the risks to SCCC, I should be massively delighted were Hildreth to gain the international recognition many of us predicted for him when he first emerged.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
I find your relentless optimism very cheering, AGod.
I agree LOL! I think that particular poster should only be allowed to take part if every comment he makes includes the words:
The Bad News Is:........................
BUT
The Good News Is:......................
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:28:20:14:10 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Now, come on George, find some form and bowl some Aussies out...
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
It is, I believe, the first time in over 50 years that I will not have been to any part of a Somerset game against the tourists.
It is nevertheless pleasing to be able to catch up with events and the opinions of people who are there via this 'box of tricks'
[Quote God]
"..... if George could come up with a few wickets and regain a bit of form that would be a big boost."
[/quote]
It would indeed AGod, and it is at times like this that I recall the stories of Spedegue's Dropper, and those about William Wilson, which appeared to fascinate and intrigue young readers (myself included) of ‘The Wizard’ comic many decades ago.
Wilson was a supreme athlete who could run a mile in under three minutes - he worked out a health and fitness regime and learned how to slow his heart right down, using a formula created by people who could live to over 200. He developed his will power and hardened his body by whole winters spent in the open living on Exmoor; he climbed Everest and captained England to victory over the Australians down under!
I think that dear Johnny Lawrence would be the nearest bowler that I have ever seen give a realistic demonstration of a ‘Spedegue’s Dropper’, but as for a William Wilson?
I must head over to Exmoor to enquire if he is still with us, and ask that nice CEO if he can furnish me with the appropriate forms to enable Somerset to register him.
I hope that everybody who attends, enjoys a good days play at Taunton tomorrow.
Quote:Clarence Parker
Wilson was a supreme athlete who could run a mile in under three minutes - he worked out a health and fitness regime and learned how to slow his heart right down, using a formula created by people who could live to over 200. He developed his will power and hardened his body by whole winters spent in the open living on Exmoor; he climbed Everest and captained England to victory over the Australians down under!
He is now known as Marcus Trescothick.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Unless Jamie gets something in the morning, none of the Somerset bowlers look at all threatening to the Aussie front end.

The trouble was always that I could not make it ascend to a height above 30 feet (9.15 metres in today's currency) and it always descended at a slower speed than that at which it went up!
Also, practicing and trying to perfect it always had to be done outdoors, because the roof of our Indoor Cricket School was simply not high enough!
[acricketsortofchap.blogspot.co.uk]
'Rollo' considered it worthy of a trial anyway.

Very little passed the bat, even less turned. He got some bounce but most of the play and miss stuff was misreading flight and line. If they saw turn it certainly wasn't 'considerable'. Trego took him apart this afternoon when they brought him back on.

I refer of course to 'Superman' aka Peter Trego.

He has now got a decent technique and Pete was happy to take singles when available. He was also happy to leave GH facing the Aussies because he has good defence, decent strokes in his bag and knows how to deal with difficult stuff.
Gemaal was the reason why they took the pace off as the light went. They had to go to spin in the hope of getting him on strike and PT just killed Lyon before doing the same to Faulkner. It was excellent fun and seriously questioned why Gemaal wasn't coming in at 9. He did the same in the first innings as the two pacemen took apart the rest of our line-up he simply decided to come up the wicket and turn Yorker length deliveries into full tosses which he slapped square.
We have turned him into a fair fielder and batsman in his time at Taunton... shame that's not he was bought for really.

I Agree with Grockle.
What is wrong with the weather it was quite cold towards the end of play.
It was good fun to hear the crowd getting involved at one point.
You may not be able to see the smile on Peter Trego's face on reaching 50 runs.
Well played Peter was that his highest first class score the year?
Gemaal Hussain entertained us for a while at the end of the innings, one of his fours.
This was when the crowd not involved when this bowler bowled several short balls at Jamie Overton in one over, he can be seen here smiling after bowling one of his short balls.
He was having a bit of fun with the crowd after this over.
Can you help me with who the bowler is I think it is Pattinson or is it Starc?
Peter Trego playing a short ball.
Peter Trego could have done with a bit more support from the likes of George Dockrell seen here bowled by Mitchell Starc.
Well Craig Kieswetter what a mistake'a to make'a leaving this ball from from James Pattinson.
Well done Nick Compton on another good knock.
How many times has Marcus Trescothick been out in the thirties this year?
Marcus ct Brad Haddin bld James Pattinson.
I have saved this to last, the first ball of the day from Jamie Overton couldn't have been bowled better to Brad Haddin out lbw hit on the boot.

Quote:Norwich SCCC
The bowler is Mitchell Starc, Mike.
THANK You.
I agree with Grockle and others who were there about Nathan Lyon's bowling and Faulkner looked even less impressive. But Starc and Pattinson, if they both keep fit, seem to have the makings of a really good opening partnership for the Aussies.
Great fun too from that last wicket partnership.
It is a shame because he looks like a man who should be bowling for a living but his inconsistent line and length means he is too expensive in getting the wickets he does.

Surely Hussain is set to be released at the end of the year, but I hope/expect Dibble to be retained.
We have underbowled Hussain in this game if he was there to prove himself, bit odd to me.
Hoping we put up a fight today, I feat this could be over by about 2.30pm, not sure who else other than JOVE is going to cause them too much trouble.
Bounce from that end seemed to be becoming more inconsistent with some deliveries from the quicks becoming ankle-biters!!
Quote:Good to know someone still does.BristolRob
I always use the Brewhouse when coming from station.
BJ has instructions to carry my ashes down that slope as soon as he has bumped me off and collared my collection of cricketana.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:29:12:21:20 by Loyal of Lhasa..
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I do think England will roll over Australia with relative ease though.
I hope that is wrong as it could take a while to heal properly.
A very pleasant game over the four days with sunshine.
There weren't many pluses from the game although Alex continues to excel behind the stumps.
Good to hear about Barrow's keeping, though would always be better if he could get some more runs - at the moment, he seems to me like a keeper who bats at 8 or 9 - not really ideal.
I'm not too worried about the result, and pleased that James, Chris, Nick and Tregs got some runs and George at least some wickets. Some fool on the facebook page says only Jones, Hildreth and "Trago" come out with any credit, which seems harsh to me.
Into the T20 season I guess now - I'd still back us to beat most of the other teams out there

There's nobody more dedicated or fitter than Alex.
A very enjoyable match with our later batsmen not adding much to the score it was always going to be hard to beat the Australia.
The look on Michael Clarke's face when he hit a six straight behind tells it all.
Looking through the camera I can't see where George Dockrell was getting the bounce from, this one to Usman Khawaja took Alex Barrow by surprise.
Alex Barrow was ready for this one from George Dockrell also to Usman Khawaja.
Peter Trego was unlucky not to get a wicket after beating Phillip Hughes with this delivery.
This is the moment when Phillip Hughes missed the ball from George Dockrell
And result was the ball clipped the top of the stumps with the ball in Alex Barrow's gloves, I wasn't sure if he was bowled or stumped until it was announced he was bowled.
All these tourist matches should be over four days.
George did show a bit of form towards the end and got a little fizz out of the pitch at the River end.
Jamie was hobbling a bit at the end of yesterday so can't say I was surprised this morning though it gave us little if any chance without that pace first thing.
Gemaal bowls four balls, there is no real way around it, in three years he has shown promise but little development and he still tends to put one up for a batsman to hit in every 6. There isn't much you can do to combat that other than take wickets and the good balls don't come often enough to do that enough.
Craig Meschede learned a lot in this game, which is what this year's tour game was for in his case. Pete looked pretty toothless most of the time but kept it fairly tight at least.
Compo was unlucky in the second innings and looked very stable in the first. Chris showed the top end of his ability in the first one and did what lots of three figure batsmen do in the second by getting out in single figures.
James looked in very good touch in both innings and although he did not kick on to three figures in either he looked a class act against their best.
Craig K got a good one in the first and misread a good one in the second. Alex looked like a rabbit in the headlights in the first but confident on the ball in the second.
Craig, George and Jamie were wicket fodder in both really while the tail wagged both times Hussain was at the crease.
Pete? Well he was the Pete the Aussies didn't really know about and learned harsh lessons from very quickly.
How is it that this bloke has never even had a sniff at an international career?
Good fun but we lost this at 304 for 3 on Wednesday when we gave the control of the game to the Aussies. We wouldn't have been able to clear them out with the bowling attack we put on the field. We needed another penetrative seamer to make a game of it. But a good run out for the guys who played.

It sounds something akin to Fred Karno's Circus, Grockle?
Quote:SheptonPaul
Yes I am Ronnie - I agree there are a lot of good teams out there - and I'd back us beat most of them!
So would I but only if it is he Somerset of the last few seasons tho turn up and not this seasons!! There are too many teams capable out there and we need to be on the ball. Hopefully we will be
Great photos again mike !!
Because unless and until we demonstrate that we have then opponents will continue to serve them up. Expect something slow at Bristol and slow turners at both Cardiff and Edgbaston.
I bet our win percentage over the past five years (excluding rain ruined games) is probably around 80 percent on decent tracks and only about 35 percent when confronted with slow tracks.
Hope we rest Jamie Overton's knees. Irrespective of the knees I think he's arguably been over-bowled anyway, particularly in view of what's happened to Craig's back.
Would like to see Adam Dibble given a go. Bowled well in the Champions League and can hit the ball a long way. Plus, he currently (touch wood) seems to be in one of his rare spells of sustained fitness, so let's get him in and see what he can do.
If fit to bowl then I guess Lewis Gregory may come back into contention?
There have been some very notable and successful examples of this in the past: -
Alan Oakman (Sussex & England) - c. 6'6" to 6'8" - a regular at fielding close - in, he used his height to great advantage in taking 100's of catches during his long career, and,
Peter Walker (Glamorgan & England) - another tall man who had a long career in the professional game. The number of catches that he ‘pouched’ from his customary fielding position at short – leg put him amongst the very best of all time.
Well Clarence, the short low ball that came to Chris very quickly showed exactly why you don't put tall people in that position unless they have extremely good reactions. However many tall people you know from the past who fielded there.
In my own experience the fielders who do well there are low to the ground but each to their own.
Tom was excellent on the boundary saving more than one four but we had other close fielders of greater experience, James Hildreth used to take that position.
But of the ones you name only Jones was available really because we probably would have been chancing our luck putting the 12th man in there and Jones had done the job the day before.
As said previously though the only chance that came was a very difficult half chance which only the best of close men would have got a sniff of.

Some of our previous year T20 units have got to the Finals but only by the skin of their proverbial teeth. Or have beaten everything in sight until it got to the finals when they have grossly under-achieved.
The year Hampshire had their luck was where we'd probably have to go back to and that is a while now.
Anyway it's all new and exciting...

The best ones go down before the ball is bowled and stay down.
If you're going to try to go from an 'up', position to a down one then excessive height will hinder you.
I'd imagine the tall men that excelled under the lid got down and stayed down.
As BJ has remarked, Glamorgan no longer look the sorry bunch of old - and they did manage to push us most of the way in the Pro 40.
Northants appear vastly improved and may be a tough opponent.
Gloucs have had decent Pro 40 form.
So we may find that it's an interesting group in which all six teams will be competitive. I'd guess that it might well be the case that six wins will be enough to win a closely contested group. But if the group is as competitive as I anticipate then it probably won't provide three Quarter Finalists, so top two spot needed to qualify.
In contrast to some pretty ordinary first-class fare, I think Essex may be a strong shout to be one of the most competitive teams outside of our group.
In previous years I've always assumed that we would qualify from the group.
I suspect we'll still go through this year, too, but think it will probably go right to the wire.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
When will they ever learn!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Yet more evidence that they didn't exactly "go around the park".

Well yes, ok, although as you probably realise 'going round the park', was merely an expression which really meant 'they were expensive.'
For England Flintoff was not good, extras wise, with 19 no bals and 2 wides.
Hilfenhaus, Johnson and Siddle bowled 76 no balls between them, along with 18 wides.
Overall England bowled 31 no-balls vs 83 for Aus ( which even included 6 from their spinner!!!) they also bowled 20 wides vs 12 for Eng.
