Recent history records tumble on a flatty
Who's the best?
By Comebackgatt
April 19 2007
Comebackgatt reports once again from Taunton. Recent history records tumble as Middlesex rack up a big score and then find out how tough this wicket is for bowlers. Again we also learn about Comebackgatt's eating habits.
Morning session
================
1) Good morning every body from sunny Taunton. Bit late on parade this morning as had a bit of sight seeing in Frome ( where my hotel is) nice little town. Anyway good start by the boys, 379-3, Ace still looking in good nick With Knocker in next and probably our last real batsmen it is important that we consolidate this morning. It has been a few years since I have been here and forgotten how short the boundaries are. I reckon we need over 500 to give us a chance of bowling them out cheap enough to get some quick runs to set them a big target. Langer and Tresc will be the key wickets. Had a bit of an odd experience in the bar last night, all will be revealed on my away report on my return. Ace has just hit another four 383-3. Lunch report to follow.
2) Update pre lunch, really disappointed that Ace missed his double hundred, felt sure he would be first to get there this season. Poor umpire decision I felt ( mind you I might a bit biais, and I am watching from square leg!!) no but a fantastic knock by him. Knocker and Young Billy are pushing on, Knocker has come out all guns balzing and has recently gone past his fifty. Really thrilled to see Billy do so well he looked a bit nervous last night but his confidence is growing. 500 plus I said earlier well I think I will adjust that to 600+ !!!!! Fell a bit sorry for Andy Caddick ythough he bowled really well early yesterday but now Langer seems to be using him as a stock bowler. Thought we would see more from Blackwell and White. I'm getting hungry now and it's still about 25 mins to lunch!!
3) It's lunch lads and lassies and what a morning it has been for the boys. Sadly Ace missed his double hundred but Billy and Knocker have played superbly since. Knocker has got after the bowling whenever possible and I have been so impressed with Billy's maturity, choosing the right ball to hit and it was a great moment when he passed his fifty. Still on for 600 then.I think we are going to need them because it looks like a typical Taunton track now full of runs, so lets bat on until after tea declare and whip out a couple of batters tonight. One of the Somerset fans sitting near me has just told me that Jason Gillespie needs just 2 for his hundred against Sorry and he and Bresnan have put on 200 hundred for the ninth wicket!!!
I go to my lunch a happy bunny.
Afternoon Session
==================
1) Well what can I say a brilliant hundred by Godleman, time for the pun then " Billy the Kid Tames The Wild West" The 18 year old has batted with so much confidence as as I speak has come down the wicket to Jones and hook him for four. Knocker at the other end keeps giving him encouragement and I really hope he gets the 13 he needs for his hundred. 576-4. Now what I say at the start of play we need to get 600 !! no problem, it's still mid afternoon and we are really pushing on 650 by tea methinks, and maybe a chance for Jonno to come with the long handle to get a few more. As I have to drive back to London tonight I'm afraid I can only really celebrate Billy's ton with lemonade!!!
2) Tea time folks, Somerset 85-1 with Tresco and Langer looking in very good knick. Tresc in particular has raced to his 50 from only 44 balls including 10 fours. I'm afraid he rather to took Tim M to the cleaners. What a good catch Richo took to get Edwards out. We almost Tresc out with the last ball of the afternoon an inside edge that just missed the stumps. It' going to be hard work to win this one I fear, although a quick wicket after tea would work miracles. Two points, should we have batted on a bit further? and secondly I for one was a bit disappointed to see Smithy set only two slips and a gully in only the 11th over. I know it's a flat track but we did get 600!! Once again well done to Billy and so pleased knocker got his ton. Having a small wager with a home fan as to how many hundreds will be scored in the game. I have gone for seven he reckons eight. Afair bit of work for Mr K over the next couple of days I reckon.
Now where is my meatless pasties ( they really are tasty trust me)
Evening session
===============
Last report of what has been a wonderful couple of days in the sun at Taunton. 199-2 with Langer 76no. First wicket hopefully of many for Mr K and I don't know who was more amazed, Tresco or me, I felt sure he was going to get his hundred. Looks like being a long day in the field tommorrow, unless they can get Justin out tonight or first thing in the morning. I know there is still two days to go but with such a batsman friendly pitch a draw looks on the cards unless Langer declares behind in an attacking mood. No many skippers do that this early in the season if at all.
Finally then well done to Ace, Knocker and of course young Billy for getting their hundreds and to all the friendly Somerset fans all around me. I'm off a bit early to have my Veggie dinner and then face the long, long drive home.
Ged, away report will be sent to you tommorow after I've caught up with all my mail