Less than a month to go!
Grocklee 2010!
By Grockles
March 14 2010
It's 27 days to the first game in anger of the 2010 season. Pre season training is in full swing but there are lots of things still in the melting pot....What are our chances like?
Jos Buttler heads this story as the sponsored player of the website for this season. We are all hoping that we haven't put some kind of hex on him (a bit like the player on the front of Playfair each year) because it wasn't much of an advantage for our two sponsored players last season - Wes Durston and Mark Turner.
However, Jos' fortunes this season are a good indicator of the club's fortunes in the sense that he will get his first class opportunity, at least at first, if the fortunes of one of his team-mates take an upward swing. We expect him to keep for the firsts IF Craig Kieswetter becomes part of the summer England setup after his rapid rise into the first team international squad at the start of this year.
The fortunes of others will also have great influences on the season as a whole. Nick Compton is new to the county and has a BIG job in a top spot with the bat. Whether he is THE number 3 or not is yet to be seen but most people expect him to be in the first line-up in a spot somewhere near the opening pair of Marcus Trescothick and Arul Suppiah. If he is up to that job he will solve a problem that Somerset has been dealing with for almost a decade - the third member of the front end.
James Hildreth is really back where he was at the start of 2009. In April of last year we all celebrated the end of the uncertainty about his ability as he smashed 300 off the Warwickshire attack. By the end of the season there were those who were asking why his level of inconsistency hadn't been dealt with by picking Wes instead! A man of international ability or a player of poor shot selection almost on a rota basis HAS to get it sorted this season. He isn't a boy any more but he isn't yet the player we all hoped he would be. He needs it and so do we this season.
If Compo and Hilda don't do it, how important will our 'English' number 5 Zander de Bruyn be to our season? Is he going to have to take on more of an all rounder role in this side? Is he going to have to hold the side together once the opening pair have gone? Is he going to make way for Chris Jones (the Aussie run machine if reports are to be believed)? Where will he bat in relation to either Craig or Jos?
Peter Trego - not quite yet the England all rounder we hoped he would be by now but very close and a few great performances (and a few poor one's from Wright) at the start of the seasn may see him on his way to international things. What will that mean for the number 6/7 slot AND our pace bowling attack? Will Zander fill the gap? Will Ben Phillips have more of a say with the bat? Will Ben be in any state to have a say in anything as he starts the season dealing with injury worries? Will the early return of Alfonso after being relased from his side in South Africa mean more emphasis on his all-rounder credentials? James Burke? Callum Hagget? Presently Trego starts but if he performs then we may lose him because of those performances!
Murali Khartik will not be with us at the absolute start of the season so we will be turning to Max Waller and Arul to make their mark with the slower ball. I don't see Michael Munday as the option in the late spring (I'm not sure whether I see him as an option at all presently). An opportunity for Max in what will probably be a learning season for the young man with few first team chances to shine. Khartik is integral to our new plans. The wicket taking spin option we haven't really had since the departure of Ahmed a Looooooonnnnngggg time ago. What has Brian Rose been planning in his new role as 'Pitch Manager'? Who will be looking after the strip on a daily basis after the release of Phil Frost after his role was redefined as 'redundant'. Will the new loam wrk for the Indian? Will his batting and one day work be a significant addition to our arsenal?
9, 10 and Jack? Well Jack will be the mighty number eleven and 'Englishman' Charl Willoughby. You would expect one of the other places to be assigned to his fellow Englander Alfonso Thomas though will he be his new ball partner? For the third you have to look to the hoped for development of David Stiff and an injury free season from an improved Mark Turner. Will they be up to it and if they aren't who the hell will be? Phillips is struggling, Haggett and Dibble are untried and Hayter is unknown - the deciding factor in our season IMHO and I'm not that optimistic of the ability of the men in the frame to deliver for a whole summer. Hope I am well off the mark with that assessment.
Rose did suggest we would look at bringing in someone at the start of the season while Khartik is unavailable - but this doesn't seem to have happened so we are relying on what we have. Is it good enough? We may have to answer that after it has been tried because there is very little evidence to go on at the moment.
One dayers? Will they be significantly different to the Championship line up? Will Pollard and White be significant and vital additions to our Twenty Twenty unit?
So much uncertainty and so much exciting stuff to come...27 days people.....27 days!!
Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Grockles.com (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2010 17:02
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:04:02:19:21:45 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:04:02:19:21:45 by Grockle.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2010 18:05
A reasonable assessment, Grockle - we won't all agree of course.
However, one name that is constantly overlooked on here is Robin Lett. I am sure that he will have a role to play in the side this summer.
However, one name that is constantly overlooked on here is Robin Lett. I am sure that he will have a role to play in the side this summer.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: andycricket (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2010 18:11
Really looking forward to the new season. hopefully James Hildreth can do well and score the runs that we all know he can .
also i hope to see Peter Trego in the England one day team.
also i hope to see Peter Trego in the England one day team.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2010 19:13
Well Robin has already been overtaken by Jos as a batting option at the end of last season. I hope Robin is part of the programme because backup batsmen are few and far between if we have a major injury issue. I think Chris Jones may have a more measurable influence if he comes back in the form he has been supposedly showing in Australia.
It would be good to have a possible option at 5 if Peter hits the international highlife and Zander has to bowl more because of it. And there is always the one day option to give regulars a break from the season's monotony.
It would be good to have a possible option at 5 if Peter hits the international highlife and Zander has to bowl more because of it. And there is always the one day option to give regulars a break from the season's monotony.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2010 20:01
As Clarence saya, that's a pretty fair round-up, Grockle.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 11:24
The back-up batting (and the proable ascension of Craig to at least the short-form international teams) would seem to be the biggest difference compared to last season. That, and the presence (from game 5 of the CC onwards) of an international spin bowler.
I think, quite frankly, that this is going to have to, necessarily, be a season when some of the younger players are going to have to come to the fore, if we are to prosper.
Nevermind his age and past performances, if Craig is absent for any length of time, then James Hildreth simply HAS to step up to the plate and become a dependable performer, as opposed to somebody who sparkles merely once in a while.
Arul Suppiah will need to maintain his impressive stuff from last season and Zander De Bruyn will need a more consistent CC season than in 2009. Nick Compton's career history seems to be fairly unequivocal - it will either be a feast or a famine for him, with little scope for anything in between. That's unless, of course, our nice Taunton tracks turn him into a permanent "feast," man.
Of course, the other change will be the change of captain. Should things not go well, I'm sure some will point out that myself and others 'should not have spent time moaning about Langer.' Perhaps not. But let's be abundantly clear, keeping Langer for the 2010 season when his batting powers were clearly fading would NOT have been a good idea. And I will stand by that whatever happens in the 2010 season.
I think, quite frankly, that this is going to have to, necessarily, be a season when some of the younger players are going to have to come to the fore, if we are to prosper.
Nevermind his age and past performances, if Craig is absent for any length of time, then James Hildreth simply HAS to step up to the plate and become a dependable performer, as opposed to somebody who sparkles merely once in a while.
Arul Suppiah will need to maintain his impressive stuff from last season and Zander De Bruyn will need a more consistent CC season than in 2009. Nick Compton's career history seems to be fairly unequivocal - it will either be a feast or a famine for him, with little scope for anything in between. That's unless, of course, our nice Taunton tracks turn him into a permanent "feast," man.
Of course, the other change will be the change of captain. Should things not go well, I'm sure some will point out that myself and others 'should not have spent time moaning about Langer.' Perhaps not. But let's be abundantly clear, keeping Langer for the 2010 season when his batting powers were clearly fading would NOT have been a good idea. And I will stand by that whatever happens in the 2010 season.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 11:30
My feeling is that irrespective of whether he goes for a few runs, our chances of success depend on backing Stiff to the hilt this year. We should judge him purely on number and frequency of wickets: there should be enough parsimony elsewhere in the attack. I truly believe that if he's told to bowl flat out, and stays injury-free, he's a potential 75 wicket bowler.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 11:44
Based on his past record, that would be a hell of a leap. I know you said he would have been 'on pace,' for 50+ wickets or something last season, if selected for every game but the fact that he was not selected for quite a few games, when fit, suggests to me that Rose/Langer simply did not feel that continuing to pick him would lead to that volume of wickets.
Perhaps Marcus will have a different view. Perhaps the presence of Kartik will make them more prepared to carry somebody who can be very expensive.
Above all, though, I think our hopes of winning a higher proportion of CC games will rest on (much) drier weather and surfaces that take turn.
If Kartik is fit and invigorated by the new challenge that he said he needed, then a combo of him and young Max Waller could be very, very good. I hope Max has been working on ripping his leg-break more over the winter. Of course, if Kartik does perform to expectations in terms of parsimony then it might be the case that the powers that be might gamble on MKM in some games, too. He already rips his leg break plenty but needs to develop the confidence to land it in the right areas more often. Until the mid-way point of last season, it was Mr Rose's stated view that it was MKM's bowling that was better suited to the CC.
As far as our pace bowling is concerned, Kartik's ability to bowl long spells could be a real boon for Charl and Alfonso.
But there's an awful lot of the above which relies on Kartik staying fit and performing.
Perhaps Marcus will have a different view. Perhaps the presence of Kartik will make them more prepared to carry somebody who can be very expensive.
Above all, though, I think our hopes of winning a higher proportion of CC games will rest on (much) drier weather and surfaces that take turn.
If Kartik is fit and invigorated by the new challenge that he said he needed, then a combo of him and young Max Waller could be very, very good. I hope Max has been working on ripping his leg-break more over the winter. Of course, if Kartik does perform to expectations in terms of parsimony then it might be the case that the powers that be might gamble on MKM in some games, too. He already rips his leg break plenty but needs to develop the confidence to land it in the right areas more often. Until the mid-way point of last season, it was Mr Rose's stated view that it was MKM's bowling that was better suited to the CC.
As far as our pace bowling is concerned, Kartik's ability to bowl long spells could be a real boon for Charl and Alfonso.
But there's an awful lot of the above which relies on Kartik staying fit and performing.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: nblakey (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 11:58
Lots of good talking points brought up by you grockle yet again.
As always I am looking forward to watching the season unfold.
Hildreth has to step up to the mark,he has been fortunate to have played all of last season.There are players who would have liked the same opportunity.
Khartik will be the key along with marcus and the decisions he makes as captain.
Good luck to all for the season
As always I am looking forward to watching the season unfold.
Hildreth has to step up to the mark,he has been fortunate to have played all of last season.There are players who would have liked the same opportunity.
Khartik will be the key along with marcus and the decisions he makes as captain.
Good luck to all for the season
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 11:59
Quote:the fact that he was not selected for quite a few games, when fit, suggests to me that Rose/Langer simply did not feel that continuing to pick him would lead to that volume of wickets
Obviously it suggests that, or something like that.
Just as obviously as my comments above suggest that I feel differently (and hope that Marcus does, too). That's the nature of opinion, is it not?
And of course, when I said that there should be enough parsimony elsewhere in the attack, I was factoring Kartik in to that assessment.
He took 31 in 10 matches beinhg used fairly sparingly at times, so I accept that 75 in 16 being fully used as a spearhead is a step up; not that huge a leap though.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 12:12
Quote:AGod
Of course, the other change will be the change of captain. Should things not go well, I'm sure some will point out that myself and others 'should not have spent time moaning about Langer.' Perhaps not. But let's be abundantly clear, keeping Langer for the 2010 season when his batting powers were clearly fading would NOT have been a good idea. And I will stand by that whatever happens in the 2010 season.
I was one of the "others" too, AGod, and likewise I will stand by that perception as well.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 14:17
Nothing I see,hear or read shall change my mind.
My perception is that and shall always be that,I'm not for turning.
No way.
Good to see the usual open minded,flexible thought brigade are back.
My perception is that and shall always be that,I'm not for turning.
No way.
Good to see the usual open minded,flexible thought brigade are back.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 18:24
I'm confused. I can't remember a significant number of "others" advocating the retention of Justin for 2010 - did I miss that train of thought/thread?
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 20:04
I'm confused, but then I often am. I'm sampling a delicacy called Zwickel and it's quite strong, I ssthink.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 20:50
Yes, Grockle, I think that you are confused.
The "others" referred in AGod's posting refers to those who were in agreement with him, and therefore did not collectively advocate Langer's return to Somerset in 2010.
I, of course, have agreed to being one of those "others."
The "others" referred in AGod's posting refers to those who were in agreement with him, and therefore did not collectively advocate Langer's return to Somerset in 2010.
I, of course, have agreed to being one of those "others."
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 21:12
So was there a significant group who were advocating Justin's return? They seem to be who I missed.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2010 22:01
I agree with FE that our County Championship season could well turn on the form of Stiff. As I wrote last season, he has the priceless knack of taking wickets. He's bound to be expensive. But if he can take a few (say) 4-80s in 18 overs, he will be well worth his place.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 09:37
Hi Grockle
Sorry, no you are not confused. What I meant was that if things don't go as well this season, there will be some who will remind the likes of me (and others) that 'we didn't know how well off we were,' with Langer and that we should not have criticised him in the past. What I meant is that they might be right that we should not have critcised him in the past but that such a proposition does not automatically translate into the proposition that he should have been retained for this season.
In other words, I agree you with that I don't think there was a significant groundswell of support for keeping Langer for 2010 but that if things don't go as well as last season, then there may be some hindsight brought to bear on that one..
Sorry, no you are not confused. What I meant was that if things don't go as well this season, there will be some who will remind the likes of me (and others) that 'we didn't know how well off we were,' with Langer and that we should not have criticised him in the past. What I meant is that they might be right that we should not have critcised him in the past but that such a proposition does not automatically translate into the proposition that he should have been retained for this season.
In other words, I agree you with that I don't think there was a significant groundswell of support for keeping Langer for 2010 but that if things don't go as well as last season, then there may be some hindsight brought to bear on that one..
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 09:41
FE - to put this Stiff business in perspective, I rather wonder how many bowlers have ever taken 75 wickets in division one of the CC? I'd be surprised if it was more than a handful ever and shall endeavour to have a look later on.
It also has to be remembered that unless Mr Rose has far greater powers to influence a pitch (through the medium of whomever he has put in day to day charge of the pitch) then taking 75 wickets whilst playing half of ones games at Taunton is also likely, almost certainly, to be a good deal tougher than might be the case playing for A N Other county.
Personally, I'll be delighted with Stiff if he 'clicks,' on two or three days during the season in terms of combining a good radar with natural assets of pace and bounce. If he does click on those two or three occasions, he may end up with four or five wickets on each occasion.
It also has to be remembered that unless Mr Rose has far greater powers to influence a pitch (through the medium of whomever he has put in day to day charge of the pitch) then taking 75 wickets whilst playing half of ones games at Taunton is also likely, almost certainly, to be a good deal tougher than might be the case playing for A N Other county.
Personally, I'll be delighted with Stiff if he 'clicks,' on two or three days during the season in terms of combining a good radar with natural assets of pace and bounce. If he does click on those two or three occasions, he may end up with four or five wickets on each occasion.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 09:55
A partial answer to my own question is that in the past six years, 75+ wickets have been taken in the CC1 on five occasions. However, the great Mushy accounted for four of those occasions, with Otis Gibson being the lone exception (80 wickets in 2007.)
Other than that the next best season was James Tomlinson of Hants with 67 in 2008. Other notable totals have included Chris Silverwood with 61 in 2006, Adil Rashid with 62 in 2008 and S J Harmison with 60, also in 2008.
I think that puts sufficiently into perspective how high of a bar you have set for Stiff.
Other than that the next best season was James Tomlinson of Hants with 67 in 2008. Other notable totals have included Chris Silverwood with 61 in 2006, Adil Rashid with 62 in 2008 and S J Harmison with 60, also in 2008.
I think that puts sufficiently into perspective how high of a bar you have set for Stiff.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 11:09
Nothing wrong with setting a stiff target.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 11:20
Fags enough. Out of interest, how many games did Harmison (the most similar of those you mention - height, pace, occasional radar issues 
) play in '08?
) play in '08?Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 12:50
There are Stiff targets and stiff targets!!
I would be very happy if he knocked over 50 wickets!
I would be very happy if he knocked over 50 wickets!
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 12:52
I could not tell you how many games he played. I can tell you how much he bowled. It took him 411.1 overs to take those 60 wickets in 2008. Comparable figures in 2009 were 412.2 overs for 51 wickets.
In 2008, he took a wicket every 41 balls. It would, therefore, have taken him 512 overs or so to have taken 75 wickets.
In the past two seasons, only two men have bowled that many (or more) overs in CC1 - Charl did it last year and Charlie Shreck did so in 2008.*
Based on Harmy's 2009 figures, he would have needed to have bowled a whopping 605 overs to have taken 75 wickets last season.
* Unless Charl gets injured (God forbid) I think we have to assume he will be picked for every CC game and will see plenty of bowling action. Once Kartik turns up, you'd have to assume he will see plenty of bowling action, too. And there are only so many overs to go around...
In 2008, he took a wicket every 41 balls. It would, therefore, have taken him 512 overs or so to have taken 75 wickets.
In the past two seasons, only two men have bowled that many (or more) overs in CC1 - Charl did it last year and Charlie Shreck did so in 2008.*
Based on Harmy's 2009 figures, he would have needed to have bowled a whopping 605 overs to have taken 75 wickets last season.
* Unless Charl gets injured (God forbid) I think we have to assume he will be picked for every CC game and will see plenty of bowling action. Once Kartik turns up, you'd have to assume he will see plenty of bowling action, too. And there are only so many overs to go around...
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 13:05
There was no groundswell of support to bring Langer back for this season,all of us recognised that his best days as a batsman were behind him.
What there was,from most of us at least,was a huge amount of respect for a man who very nearly turned us into County Championship winners.
Of course he had his faults,we all do,but he was a man who cared passionately for our County and who did everything he knew into turning a team of triers into a team of winners.
To suggest anything else is simply not true.
What there was,from most of us at least,was a huge amount of respect for a man who very nearly turned us into County Championship winners.
Of course he had his faults,we all do,but he was a man who cared passionately for our County and who did everything he knew into turning a team of triers into a team of winners.
To suggest anything else is simply not true.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 13:38
Well the boards on the outfield were finally removed today thirteen days before the first match at the county ground.
I would imaging that the warm-up matches will be played on the Somerset Stand side of the ground to give the other side as much time as possible to recover.
I would imaging that the warm-up matches will be played on the Somerset Stand side of the ground to give the other side as much time as possible to recover.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 14:00
Rain forecast for the weekend so let's hope that's just a temporary shift in our weather pattern.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 16:22
On your regular pre - season visits to the County Ground, Mike, have you noticed who is doing all the necessary work on the ground, and what shape is it looking in, please?
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 16:34
An interesting 'Somerset Poll' in which we are invited to participate, Grockle.
We will not go down, if we finish the season in 7th. place, but we will if we end up 8th or even 9th - the latter position not being recognised of course.
We will not go down, if we finish the season in 7th. place, but we will if we end up 8th or even 9th - the latter position not being recognised of course.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 17:10
No votes yet (from 10 cast) in that poll for SCCC to finish better than third.
I wonder if that reflects continuing doubts about the pace bowling and/or our pitch? Or perhaps doubts about our strength in depth should someone folks like Craig and Pete be required elsewhere?
I wonder what folks think about our one-day prospects?
Generally speaking, I'd say it will be tough to do as well across all one-day formats as we did last season. I say that simply because our overall results were so good. On the other hand, Kartik should be a good deal handier in the short stuff than Langer and so, maybe, we could win one of the comps this season, as opposed to showing strongly in all of them but winning none of them?
I wonder if that reflects continuing doubts about the pace bowling and/or our pitch? Or perhaps doubts about our strength in depth should someone folks like Craig and Pete be required elsewhere?
I wonder what folks think about our one-day prospects?
Generally speaking, I'd say it will be tough to do as well across all one-day formats as we did last season. I say that simply because our overall results were so good. On the other hand, Kartik should be a good deal handier in the short stuff than Langer and so, maybe, we could win one of the comps this season, as opposed to showing strongly in all of them but winning none of them?
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 18:08
Yes, from your posts today AG, it looks like I was setting the bar too high for Stiff. I'll revise the 75 (which I plucked out of the air because of a vague recollection that Caddy had taken 76 a few years ago) down to a more realistic target: but I see no reason why he shouldn't aspire to a performance the equal of Harmy's in '08, or why we shouldn't all have faith that he is capable of carrying a greater wicket-taking threat than (no disrespect intended) James Tomlinson.
My fundamental point was that given our supposed riches in batting, as well as the acknowledged challenges in taking wickets at HQ, we shouldn't be frightened of giving a genuine strike bowler his head, even if he is occasionally expensive. Fortune favours the bold, and all that!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:16:18:21:16 by Frome Exile.
My fundamental point was that given our supposed riches in batting, as well as the acknowledged challenges in taking wickets at HQ, we shouldn't be frightened of giving a genuine strike bowler his head, even if he is occasionally expensive. Fortune favours the bold, and all that!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:16:18:21:16 by Frome Exile.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2010 18:12
Clarence Parker, I didn’t go inside the ground today, when I have been in I have not seen all of them there at the same time only one or two of them.(I haven't seen Mr Rose doing any work on the square )
They do have a hell of a lot of leave to take doing the closed season that’s outstanding from the summer; maybe some of them are still taking leave.
One thing I did see the other day that did look a bit odd was that new motorized water hog being used on the square, there didn’t seem a logical reason to use it this time of the year unless it is something to do with trying to alter the pitches in some way?
The ground looks the same as it always do this time of the year, it is hard to see anything different from the boundary edge.
)
They do have a hell of a lot of leave to take doing the closed season that’s outstanding from the summer; maybe some of them are still taking leave.
One thing I did see the other day that did look a bit odd was that new motorized water hog being used on the square, there didn’t seem a logical reason to use it this time of the year unless it is something to do with trying to alter the pitches in some way?
The ground looks the same as it always do this time of the year, it is hard to see anything different from the boundary edge.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2010 10:55
"One thing I did see the other day that did look a bit odd was that new motorized water hog being used on the square, there didn’t seem a logical reason to use it this time of the year unless it is something to do with trying to alter the pitches in some way? "
Very interesting, Mike. Unless it's been much, much wetter in TA1 than in most of the rest of the country, then I'd guess that you might be onto something there. Maybe they are trying to parch the square as much as humanly possible to encourage turn later in the season? Of course, it's also possible that you saw nothing more significant than a brief test run of a new "piece of kit."
Very interesting, Mike. Unless it's been much, much wetter in TA1 than in most of the rest of the country, then I'd guess that you might be onto something there. Maybe they are trying to parch the square as much as humanly possible to encourage turn later in the season? Of course, it's also possible that you saw nothing more significant than a brief test run of a new "piece of kit."
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2010 10:56
I'd certainly accept that Tomlinson's 67 wicket season came out of the blue, FE.
Of course, that run started (I think) on one of those wonderful occasions where Mr Frost was prevailed upon to start our wicket damp to try and get a result (and Hants won the toss!)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:17:12:07:31 by AGod.
Of course, that run started (I think) on one of those wonderful occasions where Mr Frost was prevailed upon to start our wicket damp to try and get a result (and Hants won the toss!)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:17:12:07:31 by AGod.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Ronniesabre (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2010 11:55
go on Stiffy you can do it my son.
I have high hopes at this time of year as you may well be able to tell.
I have high hopes at this time of year as you may well be able to tell.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2010 14:59
Might the clue to the whole "water-hog" question simply be the word "new"?
Might they not just have been trying it out, or doing some training, for instance?
Might they not just have been trying it out, or doing some training, for instance?
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2010 17:52
There has been no rain in TA1 for the whole of March....
....perhaps they were using the Waterhog in Reverse ;-)
....perhaps they were using the Waterhog in Reverse ;-)
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: nblakey (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2010 14:41
Maybe Mike it was BR driving the waterhog as he thought it was the roller!!!
Hope the groundstaff have a good season as I`m sure if it goes well BR will take the credit and if it does not go well they didn`t follow the instructions correctly.Whatever, the pitches will be scrutinised throughout the season.
Hope the groundstaff have a good season as I`m sure if it goes well BR will take the credit and if it does not go well they didn`t follow the instructions correctly.Whatever, the pitches will be scrutinised throughout the season.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Kentish Townie (IP Logged)
Date: 24/03/2010 21:37
I think being honest, we have to look at our bowling lineup and just cross our fingers.
Without Kartik just Willoughby has any sort of track record of taking wickets in the long form game.
Stiff has shown promise but still lacks a track record at 26. Thomas is steady, lets hope he bowls like the beginning of the season not the end. Trego, frankly a batting allrounder on his career so far.
And that ladies and gentleman in the terrifying seam attack that will confront our opponents.
Will Waller or Munday play? Hard to have confidence when the selectors clearly don't.
Mark Turner? Is this really his third season on the staff?
Of course Hayman or Dibble could turn out to be a diamond. But probably not.
Won't stop me hoping though.
Without Kartik just Willoughby has any sort of track record of taking wickets in the long form game.
Stiff has shown promise but still lacks a track record at 26. Thomas is steady, lets hope he bowls like the beginning of the season not the end. Trego, frankly a batting allrounder on his career so far.
And that ladies and gentleman in the terrifying seam attack that will confront our opponents.
Will Waller or Munday play? Hard to have confidence when the selectors clearly don't.
Mark Turner? Is this really his third season on the staff?
Of course Hayman or Dibble could turn out to be a diamond. But probably not.
Won't stop me hoping though.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 25/03/2010 10:35
KT: by completely coincidence I was going on and on and one about one of my pet cliché hates, "track record", on another thread and didn't realise I was having a go at you, not having read your most recent posting.
I suppose you could say that bowling has something to do with a track, but if you remove the word from your second and third paragraphs their meaning would not alter a jot.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I suppose you could say that bowling has something to do with a track, but if you remove the word from your second and third paragraphs their meaning would not alter a jot.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Bobstan (IP Logged)
Date: 25/03/2010 14:11
Good boy, LoL.
Sit.
Sit.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 28/03/2010 09:00
Lets hope the weather is like this tomorrow, I could be seeing my first cricket of the season.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 28/03/2010 22:04
The Somerset squad for the Derbyshire game tomorrow is-
Marcus Trescothick, Arul Suppiah, Nick Compton, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler Pete Trego, Ben Phillips, Chris Jones, Alfonso Thomas, David Stiff, Mark Turner, plus Mike Munday, Charl Willoughby and Max Waller.
Marcus Trescothick, Arul Suppiah, Nick Compton, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler Pete Trego, Ben Phillips, Chris Jones, Alfonso Thomas, David Stiff, Mark Turner, plus Mike Munday, Charl Willoughby and Max Waller.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Kentish Townie (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 10:32
Is there any significance in the "plus", Mike.
Presumably Kieswetter and De Bruyn are yet to return though how safe is the latter's place in the longer form?
Good news about Phillips, his inclusion implies he's fit.
The big question for me early on; will we play a specialist spinner? Or four seamers (Willo, Stiff, Thomas, Phillips) plus Trego?
Presumably Kieswetter and De Bruyn are yet to return though how safe is the latter's place in the longer form?
Good news about Phillips, his inclusion implies he's fit.
The big question for me early on; will we play a specialist spinner? Or four seamers (Willo, Stiff, Thomas, Phillips) plus Trego?
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 11:04
It was taken from the clubs web site, the + may mean they will play more than eleven players.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 11:19
Is there any chance of play down there today, Mike?
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 11:29
Not at the moment, it is dark and drizzly.
I haven't been over net to look.
I haven't been over net to look.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Frome Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 11:39
It's a 14-a-side game with batters who won't field and bowlers who won't bat. The club page says "In batting order the Somerset squad for the Derbyshire game is" and the gives the list Mike quotes above, so one can only assume that the "plus" players are those who are not part of the batting line-up.
Seems odd that Chris Jones will bat below Ben Phillips.
Seems odd that Chris Jones will bat below Ben Phillips.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: bloke (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 13:10
Just rang SCCC, and the message says "The match on Monday 29th March, with Durham, will commence at 13:00 if there is no further rain".
I was keen to see the Derbyshire game too, wonder if play has started in either of them.
I was keen to see the Derbyshire game too, wonder if play has started in either of them.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 13:20
Durham are 73/0 against MCC in Abu Dhabi.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 14:11
bloke, I am just going over to have a look what is happening, I can see the players on the outfield practicing, once I know something I will let you know.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 14:39
They are playing Somerset are batting.
I am going back with my camera.
I am going back with my camera.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 15:55
Started to rain, having tea.
Somerset 76 for 3.
Trescothick 25 out.
Suppiah 22 out.
Compton 6 out.
Batting Hildreth and Trego
The new scoreboard has already stopped working.
Somerset 76 for 3.
Trescothick 25 out.
Suppiah 22 out.
Compton 6 out.
Batting Hildreth and Trego
The new scoreboard has already stopped working.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 16:27
We're doomed,doomed I tell you.
76-3?
Awful play,a disgrace.
I blame Phil Frost.
76-3?
Awful play,a disgrace.
I blame Phil Frost.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: bloke (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 16:32
thanks Mike.
With a scorecard like that, I'm already thinking of winter 2010 when we can recruit for 2011. 2010 is a write-off in my eyes.
With a scorecard like that, I'm already thinking of winter 2010 when we can recruit for 2011. 2010 is a write-off in my eyes.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 16:49
The pitch is obviously taking spin already.
What a season lies in store.
What a season lies in store.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 16:58
I am more concerned about the new scoreboard not working when they have had all winter to sort it out.
I am staying home now for today. photos later.
I am staying home now for today. photos later.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: bloke (IP Logged)
Date: 29/03/2010 17:08
Brian's been busy this Spring Mike, he'll fix it when he gets a chance!
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 10:28
Quote:Mike BOS
I am more concerned about the new scoreboard not working when they have had all winter to sort it out.
I am staying home now for today. photos later.
Perhaps the new master plan is to stop communicating with the members.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 12:24
But wasn't that the old master plan in your eyes Mr B?
The more things alter the more they stay the same (David St Hubbins)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:31:13:55:21 by Grockle.
The more things alter the more they stay the same (David St Hubbins)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:31:13:55:21 by Grockle.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: bloke (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 13:53
"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose"
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 14:00
Mais oui, Bloke.
Could you please translate into French for me:-
"If you stand still for long enough, then you will end up being ahead of your time."
Could you please translate into French for me:-
"If you stand still for long enough, then you will end up being ahead of your time."
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 14:07
I must try that.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 16:10
Quote:Grockle
But wasn't that the old master plan in your eyes Mr B?
The more things alter the more they stay the same (David St Hubbins)
C'est vrai. je t'adore, mes amis
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 17:04
C'est vrai. je t'adore, mes amis
Non, mon brave! It's either
C'est vrai. Je t'adore, mon ami.
or
C'est vrai. Je vous adore, mes amis.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Non, mon brave! It's either
C'est vrai. Je t'adore, mon ami.
or
C'est vrai. Je vous adore, mes amis.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 18:09
Merci beaucoup, monsieur
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 18:17
I am getting a message from Google at the top asking to translate the page.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 18:48
Last time I wrote in a language other than English somebody started shouting that I was abusing them.
Let's stop all this German talk please chaps.
Let's stop all this German talk please chaps.
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 20:21
I always knew that you only pretended that you could read Welsh.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 20:31
mi oreithio na cymraeg
Re: Less than a month to go!
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2010 21:44
Na fe,mon ami Roberto.
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