Bearing it All
By Grockle
April 14 2009
The Bears are here tomorrow, the weather is not being kind to us and Andrew Richard Caddick will not start the season as our first strike bowler. Baptism of fire but would we want it any other way? They've given us 14 to choose from and we should be able to cut that to 12...or even 11!
v Warwickshire @ Taunton Wednesday 15 April 2009
Somerset Internet Commentary link
BBC Warwickshire (for those who want "more")
The 'Cadmeister' is injured! He's suffering from 'stiffness' and will be scanned tomorrow. If it is minor he will probably be part of the one day side for Sunday. However we move on...
The named side is:
Marcus Trescothick (VC) opening with Arul Suppiah (interesting). This must be based ob Suppiah's form during the friendlies and his two centuries. Neil Edwards is named in the squad but is unlikely to play as these two have been officially named as the opening pair and it is unlikely that the captain will have given up the number 3 spot.
Justin Langer, James Hildreth, Zander de Bruyn, Craig Kieswetter and Peter Trego will follow as the batting lineup with Peter and Zander doubling up as part of the seam attack.
Charl Willoughby will lead that line with "Grocklee" Mark Turner as his new ball partner while Ben Phillips is expected to be the other seamer providing a tight change and partnering Trigger and Zander as an option.
The spinning allrounder spot has been won by Omari Banks who did look the best in the spinning department during the friendlies and will be expected to show more with the bat than last year as he would be expected to be coming in at number 9 after Phillips in my team.
COMMENTARY
It is hoped that Somerset will be offering an interneet streamed commentary on this four day match and when I know where it is I'll provide a link from here. It will be on the official site and hopefully well signposted. The attached thread to this story will also be live while the game is on and if you have comments please put them on here and we'll use them during the coverage here possible.
Here we go everyone. Strap yourselves in for what could be a bumpy and quite exciting ride.....More tomorrow
Tomorrow....

Started on time. Bit of a surprise. Both commentary teams are here but the ground has lost its internet connection completely and both don't seem to be opperating.
Anyway the cricket....
We won the toss and decided to bowl in the overcast conditions. Charl Willoughby opened from the River end and immediately got himself into the swing of things. Ben Phillips opened at the other end in preference to Mark Turner and looked a hell of a lot better than he did a week ago against Glamorgan. Frost and Maddy are opening for Warwickshire and we have two threes in the first over as the scoreboard bondary is some way across the park from the wicket itself. The strip they are using is past the Botham stand providing a short boundary on the new flats side of the ground. Tempting.
After a couple overs of semi-bondaries and 12 runs to the visitors, Ben gets his radar sorted out a little and gets Frost in two minds over leaving a ball. He doesn't and Craig takes his first catch of the season and Warwickshire are 12 for 1 after 4 overs. We welcome Ian Bell to the crease and the pace slows down dramatically as our new ball boys keep both batsmen wary and quiet. After 6 and a half overs they have moved to 18 and that short pull to the Brewhouse is probably not as tempting.
Change of Game
Welcome to Taunton Darren
Mark Turner is introduced from the OP end for the 12th but his line isn't what we'd like it to be and he is taking some stick and they moved into the 60's by the end of the 17th. However, as Charl gives way to Ben at River end the game changes as he gets Maddy to misread one and takes out his off pole for 17 at 66. Jonathan Trott comes to the crease, shoulders arms to Ben's first and gets a straight one that hits him a trifle high - but not in the eyes of Umpire Illingworth and its 66 for 3 with Mr Phillips on a hat-trick!! It doesn't happen but Bell and Troughton face a very different route to lunch.
And Jon Trott first ball to boot!!
After 5 overs for 20+ Mark Turner gives way at the OP to Peter Trego who starts his account at 78 for 3 in the 22nd. He nearly gets through with his first.
Bell stamps his name on a 50 after 84 balls with 9 fours coming up in the 26th. Name on an England space? Maybe not yet. They go in at 101 for 3 with Troughton on 8 and Ben Phillips returning excellent figures of 33 for 3 off his 10.
Honours even? Probably, Well done to Mr P and let's hope I get to commentate on good stuiff from our side in the next 2 and a bit hours. My turn to talk into the ether. More on the game later.
So the luchtime interval gave our main bowlers a rest and they certainly worked at it straight after the break with Mark and Charl keeping both Bell and Troughton guessing for the larger part of the next 90 minutes. Runs as rare as hen's teeth and mostly coming from boundaries as bowlers strayed. Good field placings with a heavy off side bias made the Warwickshire men wary and Trego was only introduced into the attack just before a small rain break. Bell looked to get him away a little more but didn't manage to get a handle on him before the light really closed in and the rain followed at about 2:45.
An early Tea has been taken at 3:00 so there'll be no play until 3:30. But the light has improved dramatically although we've had quite a heavy shower and the covers are on the pitch and the run-ups as I type.
We need Bell or Troughton gone quickly with a score presently on 139 for 3 and a 73 run partnership between them. Troughton doesn't look confident but Bell is starting to look ominous. Hopefully we'll get the majority of the 54 overs left in because the sun is finally breaking through and we'll probably start on time after the interval.

A Bell Square cut - not that common but no less wonderful for that

Jim Troughton moving towards a well deserved studious 50
But we didn't start at 3:30, the rain and light plagued us for another hour and a half before finally relenting and letting us back onto the pitch at 10 to 5. Almost immediately, Bell and Troughton took a more forceful approach to the jjob of scoring runs and we had little to keep them in check. Peter saw more stroke play from Bell and Phillips was finding it difficult to keep and increaqsingly confident Troughton in check. The two Bears were looking for runs of any kind to the leg and increasingly to the off side and Justin's attempts to keep them tied down with field placings were hampered by bowlers straying off line. This was no run fest but it did allow Bell to go into the 80's and his partner to complete a 102 ball fifty before our skipper finally reverted to spin after trying Zander at the OP for a number of overs.
Almost immedaitely after Omari Banks was called into the attack (2 balls later to be exact), the umpires decided that the light had deteriorated and offered the light. Mildly surprised that the Warks men took it with 20 overs to go but even though the officials stayed outside on the pitch, then chatting to old friends on the boundary and Frosty left the stumps in....at just gone six play was abandoned for the day with the visitors taking the lions' share of the spoils and leaving the pitch with 189 to their name for the loss of 3 wickets.
Bell is still making his point - but he's not fully there yet - with 84 and Troughton has 58. But it took the English number 3 prospect 248 minutes and 160 balls for his score so the opposition did not have it all their own way (however only three real chances were offered). Ben Philips was the pick of our bowlers with 3 for 51 and 7 maidens in his 15 overs. All the bowlers went for less than 4 an over but were not at all penetrating in what should be expected to be bowler friendly conditions and that is a real concern.
3 days to go.....back tomorrow. See you all then.
DAY 2
The majority of this day was going to be Warwickshires unless we broke through early. That didn't happen and althought the first session saw roughly the same conditions as the start of Day 1, it wasn't until the Bears passed 200 and moved to 220 that we made any progress. Bell and Troughton made Peter Trego and Mark Turner suffer from a lack of precision particularly in their first spells.
It was Troughton who was next to go and it was to the tight bowling of Charl Willoughby who had him caught by Phillips. This confirmed the issue about our attack during the first two days. Sort your line and length out.....and then be consistent about it!! It wasn;t that we didn't bowl a proper line and length. It was that we couldn't maintain that once we had found it and therefore the Warwickshire bats could simply batten down and wait for the bowlers to lose their fix and then plunder the loose deliveries that started again.
Meanwhile, Bell was moving up a gear and towards 150 and Tim Ambrose arrived to help him in that journey. Lunch found the partnership worth over one hundred and Langer struggling to come up with a way to stop these two.
331 at the start of the second session of the day and little in the armoury that the Somerset skipper had not tried. Willoughby was gong for less than 3 and over buy could not bowl all day. Phillips was working hard but did not look particularly dangerous. Omari Banks had been tried and had fared quite well but there wasn't a lot for him and the two young seamers were pushing over 4 an over when used.
However, two things changed the afternoon. The weather turned, the cloud cover started to move and the sun began to dry the pitch out a little. Secondly... Phillips got lucky. For a couple of overs, Ian ell had been looking to flip the legside deliveries that were moderately regular down to the boundary and had failed most of the time. he did not hide this intention but the bwolers kept providing the ball for him to try. Such a delivery came from Ben and Ian flipped it.....straight into the welcoming gloves of the keeper. 361 for 5 and the anchor had gone for 172. Excellent innings from a good player with a mature head on his shoulders. He was sent here to make runs and he did what was expected - probably beyond expectations. Good on him. It was a joy to watch.
Rikki Clarke arrived and Justin got the brain going again. He re-introduced Mark Turner at the OP. First ball was fast and banged in. Rikki had to get very low to get keep the ball from his head and he is a big man. The second ball was more of the same...past the nose. Third ball not the yorker the batsman was expecting so it found him playing a ball thaty came up on him rather than dropping at his feet and Craig took another catch. We were back in the match at 362 for 6.
Ambrose was still there and the captain needed to remove him to get both ends open. The Warwickshire captain had not looked all that comfortable and had sepnt a long time in the high 40's before he had passed the half ton. Langer had to look for variation and turned to his 6 foot plus off spinner for that variation. Banks was up to the task and kept the right hand batsmen in check. He didn't seem that comfortable bowling around the wicket to the left handers. The visitors had sent in Neil Carter in who hooked his first ball for six and his second four four to almost the same postion. It gave the impression that he had been sent out to mae big runs quickly.
Omari had other plans though and they came together as he totally fooled Ambrose at 385 with a ball that grew on the opposaing skipper, evaded his bat and took his off bail away. Much to the delight of our Leeward Islander who went for a bit of a sprint!! 385 for 7. We had a chance to limit this innings. Giles had changed the order and the young number 11 Chris Woakes in to partner Carter who seemed to be determined to hit the cover off the ball. Langer responded with Charl from the OP end and a duel between Carter and the lefty took place which could only really have one result. Carter was on 21 when he didn't get bat on one and didn't get his leg out of the way. 399 for 8 and Ant Botha to the crease. The shine went off it a bit and neither the spinner or the left arm man could capitalise.
So...inspiration....Langer changes Charl for Turner who had his tail up when he was replaced and was now given the job of roughing up Botha while Woakes scratched about with Banks.
Turner has a ball. He gives no indication it is coming, his run up doesn't vary, nothing in his manner suggests it is coming BUT. As he delivers the ball comes out of his hand at about 3 to 5 miles faster than the ball before and more than one batsman has just not got into his shot in time. Botha got one. It was simply on him too fast and he spooned it up in the air. Turner went after it but realised that Zander had a better chance and allowed him to take the catch. It was a fast man's wicket and it was just what we needed.
So 433 and an end in sight? Nope. We lost it again. Or it was taken away from us by Chris Woakes who grew from a youngster scratching about to get the spinner away from his stumps to an established batsman stroking Banks to the boundary and taking on all the pace that Someset could put in front of him. Getting them out before 450 trurned into trying to get them out before Tea or before they got to 500!! Neither happened. They went into Tea with 492 on the board and Woakes making the bulk of those runs with just over 50. We considered the possibility of a Warwickshire declaration but they returned to the wicket after the interval and Woakes looked to pass his previous best score of 64 and take his side to the other side of 500.
He failed. Willoughby had him caught on 63 at 500 and the innings was over. Psychological victory to the visitors and Woakes had probably put this game beyond a home victory.
19 overs to face before the close. Warwickshire with their tails up keen to take wickets and Somerset with an opening partnership new for this year. Arul Suppiah facing a baptism of fire with his partner Marcus Trescothick. The objective? Finish on something for no wicket.
19 overs later. 70 for 0. Arul Suppiah 31 off 67 with 4 fours and four more sweetly struck shots you'll rarely see. He looked confident and settled, he outscored his partner by 4 and both men looked in little trouble against the Bear pace attack and a couple of overs from Ant Botha. A good start but a long long way to go. If the weather doesn't intervene this game has a lot in it yet!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:25:00:14:00 by Grockle.
Weather will play a part, maybe more Thursday than today, but fingers crossed we get off to a solid start.
Not quite sure i agree to be honest,first couple of weeks of the season i would rather have steffan in the side as i cant see a spinner being key to a game this early on in the season.
Lets hope i am wrong!!!
COACH
Warks are 17-1 - Frost is out caught CK bowled Phillips.
Try this address [www.cricketcommentary.co.uk]
Quite dark there this morning,we need to exploit these conditions.
His early wicket, notwithstanding, I think I'd rather like to see Mark Turner into the attack in place of Phillips now.
Mr Rose said that Turner's pre-season form was very good, so I'd like to see him given a trot.
Omari did look the best of our spinners in the warm-ups and has been batting well for the Leeward Islands during the winter.
Being our best isn't saying a lot and his batting will have to improve massively to pass Wes Durston in that respect.
Ref the radio commentary. We aren't in the shed because the wicket is well over and it's covered by the screens. It's also in the wrong place because it is where SKY want their slip camera on Televised days. We are therefore presently in the lofty heights of Mr Gould's boundary.
Enjoy this morning with the people who seem to know what they are doing. this afternoon will be much more amateurish as hopefully Richard Walsh helps tourists from Yorkshire keep you informed of what is going on.

Quite so, Grockle.
BTW... do we have you to thank for this new club service - i.e. by making representations on our behalf as to the need for four-day coverage?
If so, many, many thanks.
Julian and Richard are definitely the first team in terms of cool delivery and knowledge, some of the rest of us may have a lot to do to show the same aplomb. But it will be fun.

Better position, now.
Trott could well be a big wicket...
It is SUPER to hear commentary from The best ground in England!
BTW - just had a heart attack as the commentary sound level went from quiet to VERY loud as Maddy was bowled. Excellent to hear enthusiasm but not TOO loud on the big events please!
er... perhaps I should re-consider removing Phillips from the attack.
Well done, that man!
Let's hope this commentary inherits from Grockles the power of hex and counter-hex!
Keep it up folks. As others have side, it's an absolute joy to be able to listen live to (gently?) partisan commentary from THE County Ground.
Arul is a nbatural top 3 player NOT a spinning allrounder and his early season form justifies selection.
You could argue Banks is fortunate to play this early in the season however we will need spin at some stage and it's a chance for him to feel his way in.
Turner subbing for Caddick is a good choice, we need an out and out attacking bowler and Phillips nicely counterweights that selection. Maybe Jones is unlucky but we need to look to the future.
Overall a strongish batting line up. I agree with Bob Willis in the Guardian that we could struggle with the ball especially at Taunton
Meantime, before LoL beats me to it, I would like to point out the fact that SCCC currently sit on top of Division One, being the only county to have scored a point.
I really don't believe what I read sometimes.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Trego and Bell.
Two of the finest in the land.
Watch,listen and enjoy.
The background noise - such as the tannoy is entirely audible but the commentators are not?
I reckon the interference is Loverboy's revenge!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Whatever AGod and other detractors say, Bell is a class act and will soon be back in the Test side. (but I hope he gets to the pavilion quicker than that)
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:14:29:11 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Good stuff Grock.
Yes, he will be back in the team.
But I still don't see him being assertive enough to get the job done in a high-pressure series.

Not sure how or why?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Double entendre? Or would the one meaning necessitate a comma after the 'won't.'
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter


Ian bell is one of the most gifted batsmen in the country, his locker is full of more shots than a Taunton barman.
It was ridiculous he was dropped and then made an example of in favour of the bubble gum kid out in the Caribbean,he isn't the first world class player to have a bad run,he won't be the last.
A pretty even day so far I think,plenty to play for.
It's like the middle of Winter here.
Mind you,we do tend to get Carol singers all year round in this strange place.
And some not called Carol,too.
What has happened to Steffan Jones and the new boy 'Stiff'?
Great to be back in the land of SCCC's 2009 season & we don't seem to be doing too badly so far. Just need to remove that chap Bell !
Can't get the commentary though ! Took ages to 'buffer', now showing as playing but no sound (yes, I do have the sound control up to its highest & the mute button off !).
Ah well, will keep on trying.
Come on lads. 2009 Champions !
Grizzzly
P.S. Happy Birthday LoL & all others concerned.
Can you post again when it is back on ?! That way at least I'll know whether I can get it or not !
Thanks.
Grizzzly
Would not have wanted us to be out there facing either, Woakes has a good young rep.

As for Jonah, I have no idea how Banks managed to get into the team ahead of him. But I hope that Banks will show us how that came to pass..
Re Stiff and Steff, you can only play 11 at a time! Either would have played instead of Ben Phillips, who currently has all 3 to fall, or Banks, who may yet come into the game.
I'm having interweb tantrums at the moment.
It would make things a little easier.
What's the crowd like? Is the coffee and biscuits still available in the press box?
How much is a pint of cider?
It took me ten seconds or so, to figure out what you meant!
Shall we have three definitions, in the manner of "Call My Bluff" before I get to choose which one I like best?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Very quiet in the EBC and we've never had biscuits in the press box - unless the scorers leave any.
Coffee and tea bags were there this morning and the urn was warming up - though the water was probably 2008 vintage. Lots of press here to see Bell bat on a batting pitch. No cups though - not a problem for me. I bought a 'Fat Boy' thermal mug. Holds about a gallon and has been fed by Mr Gould most of the afternoon - thanks awfully.
I've thanked him on your behalf for letting his dad take on Weymouth Botham!!
The covers are being taken off. We may have play at about 5 but there's a lump of grey over the church tower that hasn't moved all day and the lightis wafting in and out.
Maximum of 24 overs at best if we do get on with close of play at 6:30 - that is if the light holds at all.
It could rain again at any moment.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Amazing - commentary from Taunton to Bragg Creek !
The wonders of technology.
Who is Traygo ? I always thought it was "Treego" ?
Grizzzly
I don't suppose this game will have a result anyway, but we really do need to get back into this to claim as many bonus points as possible.
Not Tray.
I thought the heavy breathing was part of the entertainment.
Great to be able to hear it all the same,the day seems to have flown by.
LoL,to the shop.
I'll get the little dolls out.
A man of my age playing with dolls.
Whatever next?
If he does not get a bowl, it would rather make a mockery of the decision to pick him?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
p.s. has Grockle really not done this before? You'd never know there was any difference in experience between him and his commentary partner.
Get Banks on, and I'll fire up the motor.
TTFN.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Off you go, FE...
Sure, I know somebody else would have to bowl from the other end, but shouldn't the regulations allow the umpires to tell Langer - we're going off, unless you agree to bowl spin from both ends? We do have Arul in the side, after all.
A pretty unsatisfactory end to what sounded like a pretty ordinary performance in the field today. From the commentary it sounded as though things were a little flat and un-inspired in the field which is surely no way to start a new season?
Not sure how much play will remain to be had in this game, but I'd like to hear that we have a bit more get up and go in whatever subsequent action does occur.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The same Cricnfo gallery has a tremendous pic of Andre Nel's alter ego Gunther bellowing his delight at his first wicket for Surrey.
will try again tomorrow - rain permitting
Thanks Grockle. I think you can put your gown and mortar board in the loft.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Can't put the mortar board away LoL. They ain't paying me!
it was far more tiring than I expected but it was real good fun.
Julian has never done this before either and we have to thanks Guy Wolfenden for getting this going. If you didn't notice I know it was me breathing because Julian hardly does!!
We have a couple of technical things to sort out - computer access is one of those hopefully available tomorrow for interaction and access to cricinfo.
But for a first day it went far better than I expected it to.
Cool.

Can I just reiterate that I thought the commentary was of a really professional standard, whether you are being paid or not.
I loved it.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
We'll have to see although at the start of the season there is sooo much to talk about but we might run out by saturday as I seem to be doing all day for the last one!
A few more take the stage tomorrow and a few more on Friday...there may even be some surprises. Little nervous about a possibility for tomorrow!!!


Our two umpires for this match plus one retired.
Left - Richard Illingworth
Middle – John Harris (retired)
Right – Richard Kettleborough
Maddy bld Ben Phillips.
Ian Bell getting an awkward first ball off Phillips.
We did send to many balls down the leg side today but we also did beat the bat a few times.
This is to Jim Troughton off Phillips bowling.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:22:49:43 by Mike BOS.

Richard Illingworth rather than Raymond; I'm not certain that Ray would have been temperamentally suited to umpiring!
Anybody can fool me.
I think I had better correct this, I may have put the names in my book incorrectly they are both Richard.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:22:53:33 by Mike BOS.
5 players who are ineligible to play for England, one that is, but has visa issues (suppiah who has given great service to the county, and should of got more of a go), meanwhile local Somerset Cricketers flounder year after year, doing a job everytime they are asked, yet get no reward.
Langer, Willoughby, De Bruyn, Kieswetter, Banks!
I have no problem with Willoughby who has given good service, and Craig, who will be eligible for England soon enough, but how players like Banks, gets a game over Durston is an absolute travesty. When Langer, Caddick, Charl all retire, where are the wickets and runs coming from.
No wonder players like Blackwell, Wood, Andrew move on and succeed. If I was Jos Butler, Robin Lett, i would be asking for a transfer now, rather than be left rotting in the seconds, while Brian Rose goes and buys more Overseas and Kolpak players.
Dont be surprised if some of those players missing out on todays game, leave either middle of the year or at the end...I know of at least 2 already.
end Rant!
Some interesting points nontheless. I think everyone is concerned re our wicket taking abilities this year & time will tell if the mix is right.
To be fair to the Club however (which is not something I have been accused of recently !), we have to remember a few years ago when youth was given it's head & we suffered dreadfully on the field. It got to the stage where no-one even wanted to be Captain, with Mike Burns reluctantly cajoled into doing so.
Having said that, I do feel uncomfortable re Durston/Banks & am really unclear as to the reasoning behind this. No doubt others far closer to the Count Ground will be able to respond in a far more knowledgeable manner !
Meantime, I thought CK was now English qualified ?
Grizzzly
Anyway, with his abilities seemingly potentially of Test standard, we may see CG back in the team anyway idc..
From what I read of Spurway, he simply wasn't up to it.
Grizzzly
My point with CK maybe a bit harsh, and I know CK quite well, but it seems to be a road Somerset seem to be travelling. I guess if he was the only one in the team, I wouldn't have a problem, I guess my rant was aimed more at Banks and De Bruyn (McKenzie the year before etc.).
I thought Sam did very well when required for Somerset.
Unfortunately Mathew Wood as yet not succeeded since leaving Somerset, I really hope he does, this will I imaging be a very crucial year for him.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]I may have been wrong about Matt Wood who sin't yet showing that promise I hoped for but if the decision is now that Arul is good enough to open for us in a Championship game then he was good enough to be in the top 5 last year when Neil Edwards was more on song and would be Marcus' partner (which may well happen later this month as well). What happens if NE comes into form? Will ZdB be the one we drop?
We said yesterday on air that Omari's inclusion has to be on the basis of his pre-season bowling form because he has tom improve very considerably to be a batsmen of better quality than Wes (who I firmly believe should be a candidate for this side irrespective of his bowling option and may give James Hildreth a run for his place if he cannot find the form of more than a season ago).
However, Omari isn't a kolpak and we've had the discussion about his inclusion. He's a man looking for a first class place in the UK who is eligible to do so and has to be competed out of the side by better players - local or not.
Carl's loyalty to the county has been commendable but he is up against a real diamond in gloves. He may be happy with that position. Some have suggested he should put his hat in the batting ring as well. To be honest though he will only play first team cricket behind the stumps if Craig is injured, or picked for higher things because Kieswetter is a true batsman/keeper of very high quality and will probably eclipse the hopes of people on this site for Hildreth and Trego.

Vic Marks thoughts on the Guardian County Cricket blog from the first day.
As I work for the guardian, I'm doing my bit to promote this excellent service which is a nice balance to the commentary from Grockle and some of the excellent photos.
PS : It also does reports from other games - below are the edited Somerset bits.
[www.guardian.co.uk]
11.40am The Quantocks are not visible and clouds hang over the County Ground but play starts on time, writes Vic Marks. Not surprisingly Warwickshire are put into bat amid the murk. The wicket looks true, as usual, but maybe there's a glimmer of swing. Ben Phillips finds the inside edge of Tony Frost's bat in the fourth over and Somerset are on their way. Enter Ian Bell, who looks polished at the start of his innings. But what does that mean nowadays? Gimblett's Hill, just in front of St James Church, opened to the public for the first time, is almost full. But the crowd are all wrapped in their anoraks.
1.45pm So there is a difference between Test and county cricket, writes Vic Marks at the County Ground. Ian Bell has looked a class apart in the morning and was 56 not out at lunch. He has sent a "clear message" to the Team Director or "fired a riposte" to the national selectors or "unleashed his fury" at being snubbed in the Caribbean on the hapless Somerset bowlers. You know the sort of thing.
In fact he has batted serenely, guiding the ball to the short cover boundary and pulling a long hop from Ben Phillips to mid-wicket to reach his half-century. Phillips has been Somerset's man of the morning, taking all three wickets: Tony Frost was caught behind from an inside edge. Then there were two in two balls. Darren Maddy lost his off-stump and Jonathan Trott declined to play a shot at his first ball and was lbw.
Otherwise the highlight has been a cracking carvery in the Old Pavilion and the prospect of Bell bellowing metaphorically from his county comfort zone throughout the afternoon, "Omit me at your peril, Dusty".
4.10pm It's raining at Taunton, writes Vic Marks. Only the builders of the "club hub" are visible or audible. There's only a small chance of more play today.
5.25pm Just about finished writing my match report when the covers are removed and they start playing in the gloom, writes Vic Marks at the County Ground. Bad light for the batsmen? Not likely. Warwickshire are scoring more freely than at any stage of the day. Ian Bell keeps gliding the ball behind square for four, Jim Troughton looks more assured, the wicket looks flat. Pitch monitor Peter Walker pops up to the press box to confirm that there are no concerns there. Mind you, pitch inspectors should consider docking points for surfaces that favour the batsmen too heavily. The builders have gone home; so have some of the spectators. So Bell heads for his hundred in an eerie silence.
He came into the press box yesterday at about 11:30 to annouce that he had already 'blogged' that morning!! I always get my 'blog' in before breakfast. Clears me for the day ahead!!

Quote:Grockle
Have to agree with you about Zander Thorn. Not because he doesn't do his job or isn't fully on the game when he plays (and the same would go for Neil M) but because he wasn't really required.
I guess this was the crux of my Argument Grockle, Excellent response to my rant as well :-)
Banks playing eligibility aside, surely he is excess to Somersets needs, especially when you had Blackwell, Durston, Suppiah, Waller etc in the wings and then you have De Bruyn? either Develop Munday as your front line spinner, or use the superior batting of Durston and Suppiah and there part time spin.
Didn't work out like that and to be honest, unless his batting has improved out all recognition from last year I don't see how he can keep his place on his bowling alone. Which doesn't say much for our slow attack because he was the best of the slow men in the pre-season.
Oh and rant away mate that's what it's here for....and you are Australian so it's partly forgiven anyway :-)

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:16:10:04:05 by Grockle.

Quote:Grockle
And please don't take this the wrong way but quite a lot of us will be hoping that you are ranting at Australia like there is no tomorrow a little later in this season..... we can but hope!
No offence taken, I have been ranting at them of late, but I am quietly confident. They are not as strong as they once were, but still got great systems in place and good players coming through. Hence my rant at Somerset and English cricket in general. I cant believe teams like Leicester, Derby etc. can be doing your cricket any good at all. The world needs English cricket to be strong.
Should be a tight series and hope it gets to the heights of 2005...with a different result of course ;-)
Omari Banks (who I believe wasn't wanted by Leicestershire) played once for Somerset Seconds in 2007. Brian Rose watched that match against Hampshire Seconds at Taunton, and on the basis of Banks scoring a hundred and taking 5 wickets in the match, signed him up.
Two days ago I asked 'Old Frazer' down the road if he was going down to Taunton to watch yesterday's play. Probably the earliness in the season and uncertain weather forecast deterred him from going (along with me) but he did make (to me anyway) one telling observation.
He said the trouble is that there is no one in the side, with the possible exception of Kieswetter [who I thought I had read qualifies as English in 2010], who oozes any class.
I tend to agree with the old boy, and sometimes I think that the opinions of the fans and supporters are more valid and truly representative than those of the people who run the club.
Quote thorns06
"Don’t be surprised if some of those players missing out on today’s game, leave either middle of the year or at the end...I know of at least 2 already."
Well, that is something that I do not know anything about, thorns06, but all I can say is that I wouldn't be at all surprised if your prediction is true.
Wes Durston has never let Somerset down whenever I have seen him play. Then there are Edwards, Munday and others who have not been included. OK, there are only 11 places in the side, but I wonder if the 3-man selection panel (if that is still indeed the case - Messrs. Langer, Rose and Hurry) all carry an equal vote when it comes to team selection?
We're only one day into the season and there is a very long way to go yet, but being a natural grumbler or 'misery', I do have very serious concerns about the immediate future of Somerset CCC.
Caddick - rubbish.
Langer - 8000 Tests runs @ 45 scratched out despite his inadequacies.
Really Clarence, if you expect your valid criticisms to be taken seriously (and yes there are some) you do yourself no favours by peddling such hyperbole.
The Blackacre promos are sgnificantly louder than the commentary - painfully so when listening on headphones.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Clarence Clarence Clarence. Why do you let your dislike of the management colour your view of the players?
If Omari isn't good enough then let Wes play him out of his position.
If Zander isn't needed then let Neil get his place back and Arul take Zanders
If Michael is so vital to our team then when conditions are right for a spinner let him make his play for the number 8 spot on the basis of his ability to take wickets
OR....become such a great spinner (in the mould of Mushy - that "local lad" from a while ago) become so indispensible that you take wickets on anything.
We've had this argument with others before. In a team picking on merit your place of birth and age should make NO difference, If you're good enough then you play.
Players have to FORCE themselves into the reckoning. If that isn't happening they'll be off on mass if they are good enough to get a berth in any first class unit. People keep suggesting this is going to happen but very few who make the move make a go elsewhere. Ian may very well be the first for a very long time.
We aren't Yorkshire of the pre Tendulkar days and we can't afford to be. You think the managers aren't going to play the strongest side they can? Where is the sense in that as a strategy? Don't you think they've learned anything from last year?
(Probably a daft question to ask you because the answer seems to be obvious from your recent posts)

Push on now lads!
Straight after lunch?

"pitch inspectors should consider docking points for surfaces that favour the batsmen too heavily.".
Yes please!
Re the debate about players I'm afraid I agree with much of what Thorn says and even Grockle acknowledges Zander simply should not have been signed as there is a wider implication for the game of cricket.
However to a certain extent if Banks is not good enough he won't keep his place in the team.

Even more so than usual, we have to pray that Caddy's injury is not serious and that he can return to 2007 form.
Quote:I've always stated that Zander was a kolpak too far KT as was Neil McKenzie.
As have I.
At least Zander was pretty productive last season.
Ben Phillips must be delighted with four wickets, but I'm sure the rest are considerably less than gruntled with two between the lot of them.
We are what we are... for right or wrong...
It could be an uphill battle to save this one if no further time is lost to the weather...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:16:15:55:12 by Frome Exile.
And within seconds of me posting it, Grockle and his co-commentator have said the same.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:16:16:19:09 by Frome Exile.
Thanks in advance

But I think we all know that the England selectors have their favoured coterie of batsmen and they are absolutely desperate for an excuse to pick them. The only question, in terms of Bell, will be whether Michael Vaughan is more of a blue-eyed boy than he is.
First of many.
(And well done Turner too, but I was in a meeting and missed it!
)They are saying that batting has become much more difficult,conditions seem to have changed.
This will make our knock interesting.
Then again, I would guess that if conditions have become 'more difficult,' that that might mean that inclement weather is imminent?
All out 500, eh?
Over to the batters.
I'm off for a lie down.
In a dark room.
That was like water torture.
650 by lunchtime on Saturday and two sessions to bowl them out a second time!












Broken a few things today I can tell you.
I have to say, though, one does have to wonder about a bonus based system in which a team can get full points despite their inserted opposition making 500!
Still, I'll happily take the points!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Grockle: any chance you could ascertain whether the Listen "In your browser (press 'play' on left)" options has been removed or whether I've just lost it?
That seemed to hold up more reliably than the direct stream.
I loved Grockle's stint but have never taken to Fowler, whom I have always found irksome.
I did not see the similarity, myself.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I of course,can't answer.

Give me straight talking Grockles any day (though I was not at home to listen to any commentary today).
On a more important point, how many bowling points did we earn today?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Don't forget to tell us tomorrow that we've scored loads of runs and secured loadser batting points.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
An embarrassing moment for our captain.
We have all seen the slip fielder trying to anticipate the batsman sweeping the ball and moving to leg side to stop it. Unfortunately for the captain the batsman missed the ball and it went for byes.
This is Ambrose bowled by Banks the ball getting between bat/pad.
Carter getting himself off balance and giving out lbw Willoughby.
Anyon avoiding a short ball by Turner.
Ian Bell after a good innings being caught down the leg side by Kieswetter off Phillips.
Hard day in the field ending with a good finish with the bat.
Turner looked fast and the only way he is going to improve is to give him a long run in the first team.
Arul Suppiah doesn’t seem to suffer from nerves and look a good partner for Trescothick apart from a few edges he looked a good opener. I haven’t got a clue about his bowling because he didn’t.
Lets get all those batting points tomorrow.
It is hard to see us getting a win out of this, but you never know.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Amazingly they seem to get better each season,they are superb.
I think there are plenty of positives to be taken from the game so far.
All of them had a good bowl and will have benefited hugely from a proper blow out.
We batted well in difficult circumstances and can push on tomorrow and get the bonus points.
After that who knows what will happen.
A contrived result?
I wouldn't have thought so.
Nobody wants to lose the first game of the season.
which is not going to happen.
draw it is with a battle for bonus points.

Had my first proper listen to the commentary today and it's a magnificent service. I listened to Hildreth get his 100 - I think a guy called Richard/Robert was on who was excellent. Not quite sure on Julian Wyatt (was it him?) seemed to ramble a little and be a little too clever for his own good but I suppose you need a balance of voices/tone. It's brilliant though to sit at the desk and listen to it. Thanks.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:17:20:37:40 by Grockle.
Weren't you on when Hildreth brought up his ton?
You must be Richard/Robert.
Who was on with you in the middle session?
I heard the name Julian and assumed Wyatt.

My team would be:
Marcus Trescothick
Neil Edwards or Arul Suppiah
Justin Langer
James Hildreth
Zander De Bruyn
Wes Durston
Craig Kieswetter
Peter Trego
Steffan Jones or Alfonso Thomas
Andrew Caddick
Charl Willoughby
Really looking forward to the 1st game .
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:11:47:59 by Grockle.
From what I have seen so far Suppiah over Edwards (on pre-season form).
Jones or Thomas is harder none of the bowlers so far stand out above the other. It will be on playing conditions I believe.
MT, NE, JL, JH, ZB, PT, CK, AT, BP, AC, CW.
No spin option i know but if we dont have one we are confident of taking wickets on our track in mid april why play one.
Possibility we could play arul instead of ben but that would need trego to be used properly as 4th seamer, zander there as an option too as 5th seamer and gives us a spin option in arul.
Certainly would make a long batting line up with Arul, Craig and Pete at 6, 7, 8...
AS 'Curious' has pointed out elsewhere, the bowling options are a nightmare - where to get 20 wickets on a regular basis? No-one is saying pick me! Pick me! So we have to go with what we know.




Grizzzly
Also pete picked up enough wickets last year to be our first change bowler.
COACH
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Let's hope that faith is more evident at the start of this season than it was at the end of last.

This is going to be a special season for Pete and he'll finally win over all the doubters.
That'll be the International place sorted.
Once he's done that he'll have to get to work on some of the home supporters too.
Peter Trego-Somerset and England's Premier All-rounder.

Liabilities are titchy at the moment,they're guessing like the rest of us.
Durham are 4's,Notts 5's and we're joint third jollies with Lancashire at 7's.
On one large exchange less than 1K has been gambled on Division One of the CC.
On the same firms golf exchange nearly £10 million has been gambled on the US Masters alone.
It would take less than fifty quid to make us favourites.
The bookies,like I said,haven't a clue who will win it.
Trego must bat at six and his role as allrounder will be even more vital now Blackwell is gobe I just hope he gets the bowling opportunities.
I don't like going in without a spinner. However neither Banks or Munday are pushing for a place at this stage of the season. Neither is Durston as a batsman.
My choice of fourth seamer along with Caddick, Willo and Thomas is Jones on the basis he is more likely to take wickets despite often being expensive.
MT,NE,JL,ZdB,JH,PT,CW and four seamers leaves no space for Arul or Wes (agrre with assessment of Banks and Munday presently).
Either Justin expects to go in with three main seamers and back up from Peter and Zander so that either Arul or Wes come in at number 8 or Arul takes Neil's place in the first three. Then there's where we play Craig Kieswetter who is wasted at number 7!

He's just better suited to it, even though he's gone anywhere he's been asked to over the last few years.
VtF.
Not a gamble I expect Langer to take early in the campaign though and Zander is a reliable man to have in your side.
That argument also goes, of course, for Alfonso - should we be giving the resposibility to Mark Turner, Steffan Jones and Stiff and our slows?
They are next year's attack unless something alters because Andy can't go to 41 while Charl......?

Contractual closures may alter the balance next year. Steff and BP at the last chance saloon? Tina either made the grade or running towards the end of 'potential' terminology.
ARC for another last hurrah, or CW for another season? Stiff, Burke or Dibble for a long-lasting breakthrough? Haggett bowling as he once promised?
Lots of 'perhaps' and 'may be' - but that's next season. Let's get through this one and consolidate or seek glory first.
The future's bright, it might be maroon ...
VtF.
Having say Arul at 8 is excessively defensive given he is never going to be a force with the ball.
Much better to go with an attacking bowler at 8, say Jones, given Thomas and Willo will provide the reliability.
If Suppiah plays it should be as a top 3 bat.
Re Zander if I had my way neither he now Thomas would be here, but his steadiness is useful in between Hildreth and Trego.
From what I've seen he's a studious player with a good sticking power, not the flamboyant attacker you'd want in the middle order.
I never supported ZtB's signing, howerver he does represent solidity at 5 in between Hildreth and Trego.
The side will be selected from 13 players:
Tim Ambrose (capt), Darren Maddy, Tony Frost, Ian Bell, Jonathon Trott, Jim Troughton, Riki Clarke, Ant Botha, Chris Woakes, Neil Carter, Jimmy Anyon, Keith Baker and Naqaash Tahir.
The batting looks strong, but the bowling a bit iffy.
Angry Bill the Belligerent Brummie from Aston wrote on their fans website;
"Our lack of bowlers is a shambles,skip.
We need to be able to bowl sides out twice or we aint got no hope".
What is it with this County that we can't seem to produce world class pace bowlers?"
It seems that all is not well with the Midland team.
One angry member was heard to say that this is the weakest Warwickshire side since the war.
And he was talking about the War of the Roses.
All will be well.
Ian Bell can play himself back into the England number 3 spot whilst we demolish the rest for peanuts.
It should be great.
What's the forecast?
Quote:Big Jim
Yes,I've heard that the Warwickshire fans are up in arms about the weakness of their bowling attack.
Angry Bill the Belligerent Brummie from Aston wrote on their fans website;
"Our lack of bowlers is a shambles,skip.
We need to be able to bowl sides out twice or we aint got no hope".
What is it with this County that we can't seem to produce world class pace bowlers?"
It seems that all is not well with the Midland team.
One angry member was heard to say that this is the weakest Warwickshire side since the war.
And he was talking about the War of the Roses.
Ian Bell can play himself back into the England number 3 spot whilst we demolish the rest for peanuts.
Funny that. I've been reading similar thoughts to those above expressed on this site.
"Can't bowl sides out twice."
"Can't produce any home grown bowlers"
"Worst attack since the War."
Perhaps Somerset and Warwickshire should merge.
I am sure anyway that there isn't a future for 18 First Class counties, despite what Giles Clarke has said.
Great chance for Ian Bell to plunder runs on the Taunton track.
Why are so many talking on here about 2010 anyway?
2009 hasn't started yet, although it seems to have been ongoing for a long time.
Doesn't that mean that part of this year has to include developing the structure for next year?
If our probable choice for number four/five next year is available now and in form, why use a kolpak player in that position? Rather than suggest Arul should replace Neil we ought to be accepting Edwards is one of our openers and using Arul in the top 5 rather than Zander. We probably have a number 3 issue for 2010 as well and Arul playing in the top 5 is more important than where he plays presently - if that is the plan.
In the same way, Mark Turner has to be used if he is a viable member of the attack next year along with Jones and Phillips and Stiff. Phillips is not looking very tight this year but he maybe needs to bowl himself in like Caddick. Alfonso should be our backup if we can afford it
2010 starts here and those introductions ought to be made where possible if the form of players allows. The problem is that it should only take place where our form players really have to play and Zander and Alfonso may not be that easy to displace on that basis.
Their selection tells us something about next year's prospects on that basis.

You can ignore what happened last year. It is now six months since we have seen them in a competitive game, last year a player who was inconsistent, erratic, injury prone or any such word, may have over the winter have sorted it all out.
Apart from the some of the Kolpak players missing next year there may be some of the other players missing, I believe there are several contracts up for renewal the end of this season who to say who will be retained on the books.
I have been told we have 28 players in the squad that is to many.
The future is with the youth so it is up to the club to use them in the first team without weakening the team to much before next year.
Could be a one-innings farce in between the showers on Fri/Sat.
Though then again the practice would be useful as the kit will be being tested for the first time.
If it is up and running please be patient with the streaming and the commentary teams - many doing it for the first time.
Any useful comments from those who get to listen would, of course be very welcome.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:14:16:23:51 by Grockle.
I'm sure you'll do brilliantly.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Don't forget to mention the pigeons, the buses going over the bridge and the pretty ladies passing by, when you can describe whatever attire they are wearing.
And whenever Somerset are batting, and we lose a wicket please play over the soundwaves - "Always look on the bright side of life."
I don't know why, but there it is. Who said that - Harry Worth?
It'll be church towers and clouds over Taunton I'm afraid.

You won't be able to see the Quantocks either. Now who was it.... 'If it is raining....'

And I would love to hear the sound of a steam engine if the wind is blowing from the station.
And don't dare mention that Langer seems to have put a bit of weight on over the winter.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
We're also hoping to use the match thread as other teams use e-mail unless Guy has set up an official e-mail link. So you can comment on things and we can discuss them during the commentary - that is if we have wi-fi access in the 'shed'. Maybe we should sponsor that as well!!

Others in the team Willoughby, Phillips, Trego, Suppiah (opener) with Trescothick, Banks.
Banks? Has to be based on bowling in friendlies
Though Arul might find himself in the game.
And the day before Warwickshire start their campaign, what is the main info on the Edgbaston site?
They are hosting the 20/20 Finals....who the hell cares as a supporter at the start of the season!!
Thank God we are not a Test match ground where the county club are secondary to the marketing of the international and national fixtures!!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:14:18:08:46 by Grockle.
Omari banks batting at 9 means we have a long batting line up .
Looking forward to seeing Ian Bell play as well .
Surprised BP in ahead of Thomas too.
Hope Caddy injury is nothing serious
The season hasn't started, we have the usual pre season hype about how well we are going to do in all competitions, and our leading bowler is out injured.
Team selection? Influenced by Langer's perceptions?
Deja vu, I suppose.
I really wish I could (but I can't) take it all seriously.
Surprised at Phillips - saw him in one friendly and he wasn't our most incisive bowler at the death against Glamorgan.
Banks can only be playing because he looked the 'best' in the spin department in the games I saw.
Not sure he elongates our batting and I'd be surprised if he batted as far up as that. Watching him in the one dayers last season I'd put him 10th....just
Maybe I'd have done the same. Played both Neil and Arul but Eddy was scratching around in the early games and didn't look happy.
Worried about Andy. We were here last season and a minor injury saw him out for the majority of the season. He seemed confident in the interview on BBC Sport today. But maybe it's a good thing because they have to believe that they can do it without him. He's been a talisman for us for so long and these are the end of days in that sense.
Hope to see him out there soon.

Its his bowling that worries me, i know many spinners in England fail to get big wickets but Arul and Wes can be token spinners if you like to provide variation.
Our formula of playing Blacky as spin option in top 6 has worked well for years, until Banks or Munday prove they are worth their place as wicket taking bowlers id prefer Arul at 6, just my personal view, very much hope Omari proves me wrong over coming weeks.
We know he can bat but I've only seen his bowling in its true form by accident at Surrey two years ago when he was unplayable and took three wickets in a session through sheer guile.
Maybe we'll see Omari's batting more frequently this year. At the end of last year he was like a rabbit in the headlights.

Yours, glass empty!
You can stay in Dorset and joust on the Durham site and we'll keep you informed of the game you already know the result of.
Certainty....don't ya just love it.
Positive points
You'll be saving money
You'll be at home
We'll be drawing with a major rival so they will be on a par with us rather than ahead and we go into the next round on an equal footing against Durham.
Caddick will be fit for that one

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:14:23:00:33 by Grockle.
They said rain by mid-day so I didn’t go, and what happened it didn’t rain until 5 o/clock. It could be better than what they forecast.
anything official?
awful to hear that he is not playing.
Mr Rose also says;
"We face a pretty difficult start in the CC and it will be interesting to see where we are after the first few games."
No news at all on Cricinfo...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I'm listening to the match on here [www.cricketcommentary.co.uk]
OUCH - hope he's OK quickly. I've closed this thread down now guys and gals as the main match thread is up and running. Good to hear the commentary is on and working. Like the idea that you can stop it and pick it up later if you want to.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:11:50:14 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:25:00:17:59 by Grockle.
appears that marcus is bowling now! does JL know something we dont, i havent sen him bowl for Somerset (properly) for about 8-10 years, pre england days
No bowling from Trigger, strange.
Banger did bowl in his England years and we were talking about the fact that he has one Test wicket and four one day ones to his name. But he stopped completely about 4/5 years ago.
Good to see him confident of doing it though. The Bears batsmen certainly gave him respect yesterday afternoon. There was also the sight of Test batsmen (Bell) versus Test bowler (Trescothick)!

As far as i can see and from the few games i have watched over the past couple of years Somerset only have 2 genuine swing bowlers.One being Charl and the other being Pete.
They are attacking bowlers and the format of 1 day cricket nowadays is that you have to have 2 catchers in the first 15 overs and after that except for the power play players can sweep on either side.
Surely then you would use your attacking swing bowlers first up and try and nip a couple out,not use one of them after 36 overs.
I remember a game 2 years ago at lords and Middlesex were 4 down in the first 15 and Charl and Pete had shared the wickets.
Maybe i have got this wrong but as far as i can see this would surely be the best for the team in one day cricket.
Thats my rant over now!!
COACH
middle overs can be shared between debruyn, banks, suppiah etc.
One for trego there, lets polish them for sub 250 now
With the benefit of WiFi I've been able to follow this match, including the commentary, in my sunny garden. Very pleasing indeed.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
We mentioned yesterday that PT hadn't been used as much as the other bowlers had. You only had to look at how warwickshire toiled with a bowler down (Neil Carter) to keep any kind of competitive edge. You can't bowl to show your worth if you don't get the ball to bowl.
Although they did let him go today and he was getting plaudits from the commentators. It'll get there.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Good for him; bad for us.
I expect the huggers are practising in the hope of becoming professional footballers. Plenty of hugging at Portman Road today.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:20:00:22 by Bobstan.
Well done boys, you've cheered a misery up.
Well done Somerset.

Have to disagree - I think PT should be bowling his lot, but I wouldn't give him the new ball, I just don't think he's quite quick enough (or incredibly accurate a la Willoughby to make up for it) to stop himself getting tanked with the fielders in.
Well played CK - incredible form!
Is Cricinfo becoming redundant?? It is WAY behind and Craig has just got his ton!
Perhaps some of the doubters will start to believe again!
Another magnificent performance from Kieswetter; if his final score was 134 or more (Cricinfo is no help at all) he has now scored 1000 one-day runs, only 9000 behind the mighty Marcus.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
And an excellent result from Portman Road. You must have had a good day, Bobstan.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
For the second day running from me, congratulations to Craig Kieswetter.
Fancy bringing on de Bruyn as second change, when Warwickshire have just put on 100 for the second wicket, and then batting him at No.4
289 not out after three days at the crease. Hell of an average for the season up until now but not the county's best!! He's still behind James H

Er, yes. Good point, cjm. We can't have it both ways; if we cricise JL when we lose then he must surely be praised when decisions that we might not have taken are vindicated.
Quote:Grockle
30 March 2010 boys and girls. Put it in your diary. That is the day England's wicket-keeper batsman problems disappear!!
I bet the date is already in Carl Gazzard's diary.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Now here's a one for the stattos (which I can fairly easily verify in Wisden):
Has any county side (or any side for that matter) enjoyed the scoring of four triple centuries within five seasons?
(and we can assume Trescothick, Langer and Hildreth are queuing up to score more this season as well)
(and while we're at it. Where does that phrase come from? has anyone on here every tried playing cricekt on the road with a hard ball? You never know where the hell it's going to come at you from! Or at what height. Flaming stuoid analogy)

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:21:01:33 by Grockle.
My team everton crushes man u at wembley
Then to top it off somerset crush warwicks with craig and zander on top form...
Lets hope last weekend of May is as good, i'll accepet a crushing win v Glos in 20-20 on the 29th followed bt an FA Cup win for the toffees on the 30th, bring it on...
Dew,we're good.
Come on now everyone,time to forget those grievances you may have and applaud the lads.
This was a brilliant performance against a very good side.
Craig must now be very close to getting the nod,what a week he has had.
To win with such ease must show that we're close to being the finished article,I'm convinced that we're going to have a very special season.
Get in my beauties.
I suddenly feel a lot better.
Tremendous result. Good to see & will undoubtedly bolster morale further (not that Kieswetter needs anything bolstering at the moment !).
Grizzzly
I could get excited.
However, good to see ZdB in the wickets. Good to win games and not have to ask the bowlers to do it. Our batting is firing and we are not at full strength in terms of our bowling resources.
Caddy won't play one day games but Alfonso was in the wickets. If you're gonna go for 6 an over take 3! Mark T was getting better yesterday and Steff will come back sharper
We need to tighten up our economy rates and learn to bowl the Zander line and length. What will happen when we have to USE Justin, Peter T and Ben with the bat?
Positive stuff but now we kep that maintained and concentrate on the weaker aspects so that when Kent arrive they get wellied and Durham are uncertain about what hit them at the end of the month.

I can exclusively reveal there is real dissention in the ranks as some have reported on here.
Opening with Tres and Craig, first wicket down should have been Langer, or maybe Suppiah, but Hilders came in and scored some (okay bit more than that) runs. Hilders goes, surely Langer next; no, ZDB next and we dont see any more wickets.
We can only assume therefore that Langer has fallen out with himself and is moving on to Durham or on loan to Kent (which means permanent doesn't it?). I knew, and some posters on here knew also, there was something afoot.
Bloomin marvellous day. Upset a few Brummies, had a few Pedigrees and watched what was one outstanding game for our county. Don't forget Zander's contribution with the ball as well as the bat! Fantastic stuff. Saw Phil Tottle there - was he doing Somerset commentary, Warwickshire commentary, neither, or both?
Grizzzly
Superb win,surely the doom and gloomers can't find fault in this one.
I know Caddick won't be concentrating on the one dayers.
I was just stating that he'll be back soon.
Hopefully.
I think there's nothing wrong in getting carried away every so often.
A win up North is always great.
Well done boys.
If i change my signature, will Wes get a chance?
"There were shouts of "rubbish" from disgruntled (Warwickshire) spectators on the terraces - a little early in the season even for Warwickshire's notoriously fickle supporters - as Kieswetter and De Bruyn pummelled some spiritless bowling."
Now be fair Mister Tractor, that would never happen at Taunton even on a bad day for Somerset would it? Unless of course you know something that I don't, and even if you do, you would have my approval to eject such hobbledehoy from the ground.
As I said on this thread yesterday, "Well played Somerset."
Were the Gladdiolis(?) or whatever they are called now playing? No indication of anything with Phil's dulcit tones on it I'm afraid.
Seems that the Warwickshire people were dong the same as us with reference to access to commentary around the ground but they were also linked in with the local radio station as far as the link was concerned. Though it wasn't...of course on the radio.

After today, you have to wonder just how feared this one-day limited overs opening tandem will be this season?
As BobStan mentioned, it will only be this season because Craig will definitely be in the England one-day side, this time next year.
Bowling wise, I think there remains work to do.
Was anyone else astonished that Jos Buttler was named as cover for Langer, rather than Wes?
Has Wes been in poor form, or is it rather a vote of confidence for Buttler?
I was listening on 1566am and Radio Bristol/Somerset were swapping between the two matches - Gloucs and Somerset. So there was some radio coverage. And I think I may have heard Phil's dulcet tones.
Langer is obviously worried by his expanding waistline and is about to loan himself to Rutland.
And according to Cricinfo Bell is so threatened by being upstaged by Kieswetter that he has taken to intravenous drugs: Craig Kieswetter's outstanding start to the season continued with his unbeaten 138 enabling Somerset to stroll to victory against Warwickshire at Edgbaston and meaning Ian Bell's own eye-catching contribution went in vein.
Where have I said Caddick will feature in the one day plans?
I just said he'll be back soon.
LoL.
Help me.
Please.
:p
Me?
I'm off to the toilet,the best place in the world to read.
Apart from a library.
And I haven't got one of those.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Was anyone else astonished that Jos Buttler was named as cover for Langer, rather than Wes?
Has Wes been in poor form, or is it rather a vote of confidence for Buttler?
Wes was in the squad, too, AG, and the official site stated in the squad announcement something along the lines that if Langer didn't make it Butler might play, althougfh Durston was another possibility.
So in all, I'd suggest Butler's addition was a "vote of confidence/exposure to the first team environment" type scenario.
I was busy playing the game yesterday, so missed all the fun; but what an excellent start to our one-day season.
Well done all.
Did you get a response to your question about Lloyd Alley, FE?
Quote:correcing my own typos
Priceless!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I'm glad to hear that Phil was working but it wasn't even indicated on the BBC site that they were doing anything

Did anyone else listen to and approve of the debut made by young Clare?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I did have trouble with my own link I posted, every time it caused an error with Internet explorer and close down and restarted.
after trying it about four times I managed to get the link to work.
It's most apparent in their 'Listen Again' services usually and stopped us using the service entirely in college because the college network managers would not allow Realplayer to be used when Media player was already there!
Daft for the national broadcaster but what's new?

I obviously have RealPlayer on the computer, but on Sunday it did not want to play the BBC cricket broadcast.
She was taking her photos too close to the effect mic and you could hear the working of the camera!!

1) Our batting was magnificent.
2) Our bowling wasn't.
3) The Taunton pitch continues to present a tough challenge to bowlers (Cricinfo - quote: "Meanwhile, if Somerset are to have serious championship aspirations, they will need to improve their bowling and produce pitches to give them a little more assistance. As things stand, they will not bowl many, if any, teams out twice at Taunton").
4) Contributors to Grockles, are passionate, caring & can be a trifle prickly at times !
Not sure what we have learnt from the game that we didn't know already.
At least we are a stronger 'mental' team these days. Facing an opposition first innings of 500, it wasn't so long ago that we would have folded to an innings defeat !
Hopefully those in attendance will be able to pass much more erudite conclusions !
Grizzzly

He was able to get rid of tail-enders so well. A "Caddick" certainly.
Not a constructive comment, I know, but nonetheless true.
The worrying thing is that on the basis of the the first (and the only the first) match we have exactly the problems that were predicted.
I'm thrilled about James Hildreth's triple ton. But it didn't come close to winning us the game, which tells it's own story.
In total 1250 runs were scored for the loss of 15 wickets. There was never any result in prospect. Taunton IS killing cricket at least the four day game which is becoming an uneven contest between bat and ball.
Just look at aggregate totals from the past to see how the game has changed out of all recognition - and they used to play over three days!
Of course the bowling on both sides wasn't up to much. But then I doubt even a Durham or a Worcestershore would have got 20 wickets.
And it's not as if we didn't know what the problems were. To seasons ago both teams got 800 - 800! in the first game.
There must be serious questions asked of Phil Frost as to why he hasn't done more to make the pitches more sporting. Players must justify their places, so must groundsmen. Vic Marks is right, points should be deducted for pitches that are too batter friendly.
No wonder Steffan Jones has gone to Kent, who in their right mind would bowl at Taunton?

Snore
Steffan has NOT 'gone' to Kent KT PLEASE read the information and try and understand it.
Steffan, in case you haven't noticed, left Somerset and then spent three years trying to get back here.
There is one place Mr Jones wants to bowl and that is Taunton
Which is it? Do we have an inferior/under performing bowling attack or a great attack being destroyed by the strip they are forced kicking and screaming to bowl on?
When were we out of the Championship last year? Aftyer the first draw at Taunton?
Have you actually analysed the figures or are you just assuming that is what the facts will show?
In 2007
Gloucestershire by 8 wickets
Leics by an innings and 259 runs
Northants by 9 wickets
Glamorgan by 299 runs
Notts by an innings and 121 runs
In 2008
Yorks beat us by 40 runs
Kent by 246 runs
Lancashire by 8 wickets
Yep you just can't get a result at Taunton!! Just a shame they aren't all ours.
Yes points ought to be docked for batter friendly pitches BUT not where it's the deficienceis of the bowling attacks that allow the score to mount!
Again I'll say it. I know it's repetition but that is the nature of this argument
Two poor bowling attacks fought each other over the last four days on a pitch that allowed their much stronger batting line-ups to punish poor line and length.
Andy Caddick, Mushtaq Ahmed, Graham Rose, Charl Willoughby, Ian Blackwell, Richard Johnson all chose to bowl here
The examples you give Steffan Jones is going to sharpen up for Kent IN ORDER to bowl at Taunton.
Peter Trego also chose to return TO BOWL at Taunton
We've asked before let's try that repetition again. Name the bowlers who have been forced away by the Taunton strip and have made a name for themsleves anywhere else on the more 'sporting' strips (I assume you mean tailored for the needs of the team).
I think I've asked this for the last three years. I've yet to hear or read an answer.

Good for James Hildreth - an innings of 300 is one which he will long remember, but as KT said, it didn't get us anywhere near to winning the game.
Isn't winning games what any sport is about? I personally don't go in for this 'Fortress Taunton' opinion where it is considered that we must not lose at home. No side can expect to win all their games away from home and draw (and muster maximum points from) those games played at home.
For too many years the club has relied on Andy Caddick to spearhead their bowling attack, and this is simply not a feasible option.
There are in my opinion many things that the club could do (and should have done in the past) better. I am not going to repeat them here, save to say that Taunton is killing cricket of the type that I love and understand. There is nowhere near an even contest between bat and ball, and the pitches are simply not good 'cricket pitches'.
Batting pitches - Yes.
Good cricket pitches - No.
However, I would not wish to be seen jumping on a bandwagon to criticise Phil Frost. For a start I recognise all his and his team's endeavours, and I do not have the knowledge of the geology of the County Ground to say what should or should not be done.
Work was done on the square a couple of years ago to try to even the balance, but it doesn't appear to have had much of a beneficial effect. Something needs to be done, even if it involves digging the square up and filling it up again with sand from Weston beach. That should make the ball turn, and I will even bring down a few barrow loads myself.
Ian Blackwell hailed Durham as a forward looking and progressive club. I wouldn't regard Somerset as that.
Steffan would I am sure always be prepared to bowl on 'roads' at Taunton, but I doubt that is the reason why he has decided to go to Kent on loan. I hope we see him again bowling his heart out for Somerset in either 4 day or 1 day cricket, but in my heart of hearts, doubt that he ever will.
But while we are there. Maybe you could therefore explain the fact that 50% of the matches at Taunton in the last two seasons have ended in results for one side or the other.
How many result matches would you and Mr Townie expect from a strip NOT destroying this great game of ours? (all Somerset victories of course once you've manipulated the pitch to make up for the deficiencies of the team)
Have you and your friend ever looked at the actual figures LoL has produced to show you exactly how exaggerated your view of the actuality is?
If you don't know where they are they are on a thread about 'killing cricket'....you may haave seen it floating about the forum.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:23:32:59 by Grockle.
here in so short a space of time to tell us (not backed with facts nor figures) how pointless Somerset's existence really is?
We can't bowl, we can only bat on a featherbed ...
After a winter when numerous posters have vented all manner of spleen about what may or may not have happened at the club, the organ that we hold so dear is attacked late-in-the-day by a couple of erudite yet unsupportive individuals.
For God's sake, don't we ALL want the county to do well?
Thank God we have a good pitch, Does anyone prefer games to be over in two days instead? Good bowlers EARN their wickets, they don't get them through reputation.
Any other county would love to have Mr.Frost producing pitches. Why is it that he is so under-rated and unloved in the county that he provides pitches to instruction for?
If this was a 'Test' ground he'd be awarded pludits, not slagged off ...
Ungrateful bug*ers the lot of you doubters,
VtF.
We'll have to wait for the Durham game I'm afraid because they are hoping that the Angel of the North East will swoop down with his willow wand of justice and his ball of truth to smite the Langerites.
Then we'll all walk hand in hand in a new land of cricket where the bouncy ball friendly pitches will offer the gift of wickets to our young who will suddenly be able to learn the art of Caddick where they couldn't before because of the Frosty strips. The batsmen that have plagued us during the Langerite era will be banished to the house of ducks and the old school of supporters will return dancing and rejoicing to once more feed on the milk and honey and silverware that was theirs in the days before the Frost.
Can't wait personally for the scales to be taken from my eyes and the light of truth to shine on my unbelieving soul.
(not being serious by the way :-)

Also, whilst accepting the bulk of your points Grockle, I do feel the degree of cyniscism towards any sort of questioning that is made re the Taunton wicket, sits somewhat peculiarly with stated facts (I choose the word advisedly on this occasion !):
1) JL & BR have both gone on record in 2007/8 saying the pitch is too batter friendly.
2) The Club chose the spend 25K on trying to equalise things a bit, by relaying the square in the close season 2007/8.
(If there was/is no such issue with the pitch, then why on earth did we go through that expensive exercise ?).
3) The Ground (as reported by the Times/Telegraph etc.., which I assume are reliable sources), was often watered to a semi green-top on day 1 of Championship games last year.
I am not saying that we don't get good results if we bowl well, but the extent of the batsman friendly conditions at Taunton seems to get treated with contempt that seems strangley at odds with the Clubs own position on the matter.
I'm also not sure that referring to posters opinions as 'idiocy' helps the general standard of debate on here ? Nor does referring to Phil Frost as being 'slagged off' !
I don't really see what can be done here re the pitch. Phil Frost is an undoubted expert in his trade & if he can't do what the Captain wants then I'm not sure anyone can.
Just trying to bring/maintain a bit of friendly balance here !
Grizzzly
Quote:Grockle
I refer my learned friend to the answer I gave a few moments ago.
Thank you for your acknowledgment, Grockle.
Quote: Grockle
Date: 19 April, 2009 00:17
We'll have to wait for the Durham game I'm afraid because they are hoping that the Angel of the North East will swoop down with his willow wand of justice and his ball of truth to smite the Langerites.
Then we'll all walk hand in hand in a new land of cricket where the bouncy ball friendly pitches will offer the gift of wickets to our young who will suddenly be able to learn the art of Caddick where they couldn't before because of the Frosty strips. The batsmen that have plagued us during the Langerite era will be banished to the house of ducks and the old school of supporters will return dancing and rejoicing to once more feed on the milk and honey and silverware that was theirs in the days before the Frost.
Can't wait personally for the scales to be taken from my eyes and the light of truth to shine on my unbelieving soul.
(not being serious by the way :-)
Struck through as being irrelevant
I personally have issues with the way the pitch is used as an excuse for everything at the ground by some posters and as a "leg" to beat the management and the groundstaff with as if it's some kind of campaign that the South West has to murder the four day game by doing nothing about the issue.
Meanwhile this great squad of ours toils manfully without their key player of last year who was forced to leave his beloved team against his wishes because of their intransigence even though he was working tirelessly to do what ever was required of him but all to no avail.
Taunton can be bat heavy and Phil will work to maintain the balance (as is his job - a job he has been awarded the top honour for on many many occasions)
BUT - we are not yet a consistent team. This game was absolutely laced with legside wide balls that more than one player on both side smashed to the boundary. A lot of left handers peppered the short South Stand boundary (we were a long way across) but you can't pepper the leg side unless the bowler lets you.
It was slow by the fourth day, It is slow by the fourth day - live with it people. The slow guys asked NO questions for most of the match. We have never replace Mushy and we need a wicket taking spinner.
If anything. Pray this batting performance allpows us to play Munday and he does the stuff we hope he can,

Your one sided view of the situation has been answered with ample alternative comment from more than me. As I said my job is done in that respect for the moment. I'll keep an eye open though just in case you come up with something new and hopefully factually relevant.
There are others with a much more balanced view who identify the issues the county need to deal with BUT the distinct difference is that they also discuss the positive aspects of games we play because they seem to have a stronger desire to see Somerset succeed rather than descend into the unavoidable chaos you predict.
There was possible progress yesterday when you were the first to congratulate Craig and James on their achievements. Thanks for that.
Although I'm not completely sure that wasn't just a setup for the next dig at the Steffan Jones situation that followed hot foot.

LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
In dry weather the square is watered after the end of each day’s play before the covers are put on. The only pitch that isn’t watered is the one in use.
I remember from years ago Somerset 2nd’s were due to play at an out ground (it will be nameless) when I arrived I was told the game for that day (could have been the complete match I can’t remember) was abandoned because somebody had watered the pitch the night before and the umpires ruled it unfit to play on.
We have never played there again.
The square.
The square was not relayed a few years ago, there was a (for want of a better word) layer removed from the top. Judge for yourself if it was money wasted.
I was at the county ground just after it was done; I went to the back of the stand on the west side to have a look from higher up.
From my untrained eye what I saw did surprise me the white crease markings at each end look like they were disappearing and reappearing along the length of the square (I wish I took a photo at the time), it gave the impression of the square being very uneven.
Because this hasn’t had the desired effect on the pitches that the club wanted, my view is that no matter how much is done on top of the ground the nature of the square will not change until all the sub-soil is removed and replaced. The nature of the pitches may also have a connected with the ground being quick draining.
This is not an option on a working ground because it wound be not usable for cricket for several years.
Will this make all those other grounds that are having drainage put in more batter friendly only time will tell?
End of part one.
To state again this is just my own unprofessional view.
Quote:Grockle
There was possible progress yesterday when you were the first to congratulate Craig and James on their achievements. Thanks for that.
Although I'm not completely sure that wasn't just a setup for the next dig at the Steffan Jones situation that followed hot foot.
Well, thanks for that anyway, Grockle. As far as the second paragraph above is concerned, I had absolutely no intention at the time I congratulated James and Craig yesterday, of mentioning Steffan's loan to Kent. As your co - commentator (Julian) made a reference to the fact that he couldn't imagine anyone wanting to leave Somerset to go to another county on loan, I considered that you might consider giving a 'balanced' opinion on the situation (whilst you were in the 'hot seat') in view of your expressed opinions on here the previous evening. And this of course you did, as all listeners at the time will recall.
Anyway, I don't expect you to believe me for one minute.
Such is life.
I did say I wasn't sure and I'm quite happy to take your word for it.

Perhaps it's just me but did not last season's experiences suggest that we are not good enough with the bat to cope when sent in if the pitch has deliberately been soaked before the game?
Whilst you repeatedly say that the pitch is bad for our bowlers, KT, I take the exact opposite view - namely that, as Caddy said in the Sunday Times yesterday, all England bowlers should be forced to bowl at Taunton to help them learn how to bowl properly on Test type wickets.
I think that the true effect of our pitch is that too many SCCC batsmen get into 'bad,' habits, e.g. hitting through the line with little in the way of foot movemement - a technique which tends to fare less well when the ball seams around.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:21:11:06:26 by Loyal of Lhasa..

The camera angles are not very exciting, but the static position DOES show how many bowlers run straight down the wicket after delivering the ball. Warwickshire's No 81 was especially naughty, but maybe he was in Phil Frost or Langer's employ... in the hope that our bowlers could bowl on a rougher track.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
This will give a taster for the forth day. [">www.youtube.com]

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:13:53:03 by Grockle.
The Emperor is Awesome.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Omari was the first Anguillan to playe Test Cricket for the West Indies.

Quote:Frome Exile
Looks like Hants will top the table tonight.
and Someset will be on top tomorrow night.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The experts and the press may have come to look at Bell, but it is the memory of The Awesome Emperor they will take away with them.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Grockle - could you ask this chap what is a 'metric mile' is please? Think we must be told.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
Thanks for the mention, Grockle, though I think it was our Bloke who firts came up with "Emperor".
LoL's right I'm afraid. Some money needs to be in the post.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I have the bizarre situation of listening to commentary that is several minutes behind actuality as evidenced from Cricinfo.
Grockle: please quietly mention to your mate that those are towers and not spires.
Do the commentators get a biscuit allowance? If not, I'll send some in, but I'll leave the cake baking to Janet.
Has Tractor been heard or mentioned, or both?
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
He is AWESOME!
I have the bizarre situation of listening to commentary that is several minutes behind actuality as evidenced from Cricinfo.
Strange that, because my cricinfo is behind Grockle/pal. There must be some strange kind of time-warp thing going on somewhere.
So how long before we hear 'The Emporer for England' ? do you think ?
Grizzzly
Langer really should have retired hurt half an hour again. just not fit enough, these Australian lads, not like burly blokes from Durham.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Oh and Mr B - wrong about the weathr dude!!

Could somebody ask Tractor to speak up. I can't hear him at all.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Nice being able to listen on line, as wel as catching up with the video highlights of yesterdays play.
Question: How much of this is superb batting all round, how much is nondescript bowling & how much is it the batting friendly wicket ?
Now that should keep you going until close of play !
Grizzzly
P.S. Contrary to LoL's experience,I didn't have to buffer at all this morning. Just clicked on the arrow & you came through straight away. Maybe MI5 have finally caught up with you LoL ?
The commentating has gone downhill since tea, Grockle. It sounds like they have biscuit crumbs stuck in their throats.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:mr_paulee
What is the best site to pick up commentary for Somerset games?
Somerset Cricket Commentary
Simply hit play a second time.
Having said that, though, listening in a Java enabled browser (as per Grizzzly, above: the arrow appears to be only available if one's browser is Java-enabled, whatever that is!) does seem much more reliable than the direct stream.
if not a week off next week may come at a good time for him.
He did bat for most of the lunch to tea session so I think it was a simple muscle strain rather than anything more serious.

What an entertaining day’s cricket seeing Hildreth playing all the different shots we know he can play.
I can’t remember him playing a false shot. (I expect he did but I can’t remember it).
A leg glance for four.
This shot to bring up his hundred.
And a straight drive for a four..

lets hope we dont have issue if declaration vs personal records tomorrow, could be tricky
i know i know, speaking too soon...
What is actually in it for the opposition? They can lose but they really can't win
If they keep us out there they possibly can increase their bonus points while we cannot increase ours
I think the best Justin can get from tomorrow is to have a look at all his batsmen under competitive opposition. He ought to let James get his double ton and then either
Declare and put them in
Give everyone their head and go for big numbers. Craig and Pete T looking to score at 20/20 levels being given their heads could be interesting and James may still see the ball as big as a balloon after some sleep and 15 minutes to get his eye back in. He could do with sometime at the crease
I'd like to see Omari bat to a target of some kind. Ben Phillips can be really difficult in a run rush.
Who knows? 650? Put them in?
Unfortunately I've seen no-one on either side who can make that quick 5 wicket in-road into a side in a single session to break the back of an innings.
Too much to get done really. Bonus points and the draw probably.

If personal records did come into it, his highest first class score is 227 out not.
Who was the fist batsman to hit a six well over the Gimblett Wall into the church yard?
Answers on a postcard to ......

It would have to be hit from the OP end and still be rising as it came to the roof. It cewrtainly wouldn't drop into the River that is for sure.

Great to see not so young James in suvh fantastic form,when he's good he is an amazing player.
The cobwebs have been blown away.
Now it's time to rip this division up.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I have a few discs here I could do with getting rid of.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
And well done Craig,a keeper who can bat.
Who'd have thought it?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
And then Bloke gets the credit for announcing Hildreth's 5000th run, when I announced it first - AND I gave Bloke credit for also coming up with The Emperor.
Massive congratulations to the two heroes of today (so far) and has there ever been a first class innings when three former pupils of the same school have scored 491 between them?
Now let's win this one, by 5.15.
I've just heard a very unfortunate announcement that JH is the first Englishman to score a triple century for Somerset. There is a certain eponymous hero of a hill at the ground who once scored 310 at Eastbourne.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
All so much more rewarding than the time when I was in a hotel room in Beijing listening to you blowing my secret service cover and I had no right of instant reply. The world has n been a more dangerous place ever since ...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re your query on Scott Boswell:
Boswell currently coaches Stoughton and Thurnby in the Leicestershire Premier League and plays for Kibworth. He also coaches at Loughborough University and started his teaching career at the Beauchamp College, in Oadby, Leicestershire, where he also coached the school's cricket teams and the sixth form rugby team. He is currently the Director of Cricket at Nottingham High School.
Scott recently made his return to Lord's as a player, fielding for several overs as twelfth man during Kibworth Cricket Club's rain-abandoned 2008 Cockspur Cup final match.
NB This does come from Wikipedia but it seems authentic.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:14:49:40 by bloke.
Very much enjoying the commentary this afternoon,the two of you are excellent entertainment together. I just wish I could have been there yesterday & today to see Somerset's magnificent innings.
Thanks for the recent mention, when you talked about the baseball. For info I am COLE not COLES!!
Reception loud & clear by the way.
Cheers,
Eric.
I know this reliably, as I got married in Antigua the day after the game!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
He's just said that he couldn't imagine any Somerset player wanting to leave the club to play for another on loan.
How strange. I think that you should put him right.
If I offer the Warwickshire lads some nice leather jackets if they lose do you think they'll oblige?
They are nice mind.
All sizes available too.
I got them off some Irish bloke playing twenty quid turnovers.
You should see his wife.
I didn't realise she was part of the bet too.
18th April 1995 was indeed the date when Lara reached 375.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:15:42:06 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Bodes well for our batting point accumulations this year !
Whatever the ease of the pitch & any benign bowling that may have featured, to score 300+ must have been a fantastic feat of concentration, skill & endurance.
Tremendous.
Grizzzly
[content.cricinfo.com]
Greetings from Vienna!
Ultravox of course.
Which sounds like a washing powder.
But isn't.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The interaction is great from both points of view LoL. Pity we didn't get stable internet access until later on in the session.
I'll try and get james to do it again. wasn't that cool for the first time out?
Sorry Eric about the surname I'll get it right next time. Hope to work with you again - we have the levels sorted a little more now I think.
Now I need to do all the work I haven't done yet.
Report for Day 3 and 4 to come.

Kieswetter getting a hug from Hildreth for his 150
The fielder is thinking we don’t go in for this hugging in Warwickshire.
Then he thinks I’ve seen enough of that I’m off.
Put him down for Evans sake.
This shot pasted Hildreth’s previous best of 227
This gave him his 300.
I believe if you put 50 photos on a page of Hildreth batting, you wouldn’t see two of the same shot played.
It wasn’t all Hildreth, Kieswetter joined in on the act with batting like this to bring up his 100.


If it wasn’t so cold (I was wearing gloves) I would have enjoy it even more.
Well done to the commentarry team. It looks like I'll be working dilligently at my computer all summer. The broadcasting team did a very proffesional job and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you all. Very impressed how you can keep it up all day. Well done.



