Somerset
Fenners - The curtain raiser to what?
Not yet ready
By Grockle
April 15 2008
Zander de Bruyn is the only player not in contention for a place against Hampshire it would seem (not registered yet). Justin says everyone is in the mix and that's good. So...Cambridge! Who will be in contention for Sunday and will they play tomorrow to get themselves fighting fit for the start.
v Cambridge Uni (Uni) @ Fenners Wednesday 16 April 2008
A three day game may not give us a real sense of the one day outfit who will be taking the pitch at Taunton on Sunday to start the officially competitive stuff but the University game is always used to put the edge on players and take a final look at contenders at least. We expect Mr Caddick to turn his arm over although he may be kept back for Wednesday.
Who else? Well Ian Blackwell has been conspicious by his absence during the friendlies and it would be good to see that his groin strain is on the mend by seeing him take the field. it may be too early. Likewise Charl Willoughby who if fit would be expected to be part of the bowling line-up for Sunday even if he doesn't play in this next game. Alfonso Thomas is a Somersetian now and may get his first outing with his team-mates against the Cambridge intellignesia. Zander de Bruyn won't because his registration has not been finalised yet even though he seems to have signed on the dotted line. Will the skipper play? Probably not, does a man of Langer's stature needs to get his eye in?
I'd expect Neil Edwards to open with? Well John Francis could do with another run out after an interesting pre-season. Is he a real contender again after that 50? He still looks a little cautious but the luck seems to have found him again. Arul will probably get a chance to make a claim for a number 5 place and so will Wes. They may find themselves either side of James Hildreth if Marcus stays out of this one. Ian B will be in that front 6 if he is in consideration for Sunday and Omari Banks will be looking to cement his place in the selectors mind although there hasn't been that many fireworks up to now and we may have built him up too much based on the West Indian angle.
Craig K may relenquish the gloves for this one to give Carl some work before the season starts but I'd be very surprised if he wasn't behind the stumps for the Hampshire game. Peter Trego will hope to get an opportunity to show his worth given that another 2 seaming batsmen from the bottom of Africa are both eyeing up a spot in this side and as already said Alfonso may be in to get a feel for the early English conditions. Then there's the bowling machine who will need to get himself up to working speed with a few overs in a nice little 3 dayer. Please let's see Caddick play because it means he's ready. The last bowling spot? The agression of Steffan? The tight Phillips? The very speedy Turner? The two wicket Munday? Who the hell knows?
So...
Edwards, Francis(Trescothick), Suppiah(Langer), Hildreth,Banks(Blackwell),Trego,Gazzard,Durston(Munday)Thomas(Phillips),Jones(Willoughby), Caddick(Turner)
And you try and pick the starting line up for Sunday if half of the doubtful ones here play!! If everyone is fit the selection meetings are gong to be long and awful hard in all but maybe four place
Let's see where we are this time tomorrow and then we can decide whether this is a run out for the one day side or a warm-up for the four day probables.
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StumbleuponFenners - The curtain raiser to what?
Discussion started by Grockles.com , 15/04/2008 11:39
Let's have a go at this one day side for Sunday then?
Definites?
Trescothick
Langer
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Definites (if fit)
Willoughby
Blackwell
Probables
Phillips
Trego
Durston
Thomas
Banks
Possibles
Suppiah (for Banks or if Blackie still out)
Turner (If Phillips and Thomas don't play)
Jones (alternative to Phillips or Thomas or if Willow is out)
Munday(as a spin alternative - will he play this early?)
Caddick (if Willow isn't available for experience or to get him warmed up)
Francis (to open with Marcus?)
Edwards (to open with Marcus?)
Gazzard (to pinch hit with Marcus?)
And there's always Keith Parsons if all else fails!!
Definites?
Trescothick
Langer
Hildreth
Kieswetter
Definites (if fit)
Willoughby
Blackwell
Probables
Phillips
Trego
Durston
Thomas
Banks
Possibles
Suppiah (for Banks or if Blackie still out)
Turner (If Phillips and Thomas don't play)
Jones (alternative to Phillips or Thomas or if Willow is out)
Munday(as a spin alternative - will he play this early?)
Caddick (if Willow isn't available for experience or to get him warmed up)
Francis (to open with Marcus?)
Edwards (to open with Marcus?)
Gazzard (to pinch hit with Marcus?)
And there's always Keith Parsons if all else fails!!
I used to live very close to Fenners, as I suspect FE still does, but the last time I was there Botham's Ashes were just starting. It was the Headingley Test. I wonder if such excitement will ever be repeated?
To be honest, Grockle, I would still have Keith Parsons ahead of the majority of those that you listed as 'possibles.'
All I can say is I'm glad I don't have to pick the side.
I'll give it some thought and offer my thoughts whn I can crib from those better qualified in these things.
I'll give it some thought and offer my thoughts whn I can crib from those better qualified in these things.
Below, is the side that I personally would probably select for Sunday, assuming archetypal April conditions (which are currently forecast)
Banger
Edwards
Langer
Hildreth
Ian
Banks
Trego
Kieswetter
Thomas
Phillips
Willoughby
I don’t really like the idea of only 3 specialist batsmen in the one-day side so early in the year, hence why I’ve included Neil Edwards as well. It also saves having Langer open or a pinch-hitter, this early in the year. I think it’s a well-enough balance side, four pacemen and two spinners and only one non-batsman in the team.
Banger
Edwards
Langer
Hildreth
Ian
Banks
Trego
Kieswetter
Thomas
Phillips
Willoughby
I don’t really like the idea of only 3 specialist batsmen in the one-day side so early in the year, hence why I’ve included Neil Edwards as well. It also saves having Langer open or a pinch-hitter, this early in the year. I think it’s a well-enough balance side, four pacemen and two spinners and only one non-batsman in the team.
p.s. if De Bruyn is available that I might possibly include him at the expense of anyone of Edwards, Thomas, or Phillips.
Today's Western Daily Press states that "South African Kolpak signings Alfonso Thomas and Zander de Bruyn are not expected to feature in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy opener against Hampshire because they will not arrive until the weekend or later."
From that point of view only then, I trust that it is not reminiscent of the antics of Richards and Garner more than 20 years ago!
From that point of view only then, I trust that it is not reminiscent of the antics of Richards and Garner more than 20 years ago!
But Thomas must be here because he was at Lords for a meeting accompanied by Mr Rose. I suppose you have to make arrangements to live in Somerset and that would take time maybe.
I ponder on Neil Edwards. He was significantly absent in his early years from a one day sqaud but I have a sneaking feeling that the man we now employ is a little more confident in his ability to push a score along than he used to be.
If Thomas isn't going to be there then Trego will play as a batting allrounder and Philips will play as the tight seam option. It's all then down to whether we have the services of Willow and Caddy.
Who wants to put money on Munday making the eleven then?
I ponder on Neil Edwards. He was significantly absent in his early years from a one day sqaud but I have a sneaking feeling that the man we now employ is a little more confident in his ability to push a score along than he used to be.
If Thomas isn't going to be there then Trego will play as a batting allrounder and Philips will play as the tight seam option. It's all then down to whether we have the services of Willow and Caddy.
Who wants to put money on Munday making the eleven then?
If Thomas is here Grockle, then he was most definitely absent from the team's official photograph which was taken at yesterday's press call, and which appears in the aforesaid newspaper.
Well my understanding was that he was at Lords with Rose to discuss his registration last week. So 'here' as in being in England was probably what was meant. He obviously isn't in the county permanently or he'd be available.
Quite a few counties, including Lancashire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire as well as Somerset, are without their South African Kolpaks, as the domestic Twenty/20 cup does not reach its climax until this coming week and their home clubs have first call on their services until it is over.
The semi-finals are being played this weekend, with the second on Sunday with Monday as a spare day if necessary, and the final is the following weekend.
Interestingly, Andre Nel`s club has released him to play for Essex, despite being one of the four semi-final teams.
The semi-finals are being played this weekend, with the second on Sunday with Monday as a spare day if necessary, and the final is the following weekend.
Interestingly, Andre Nel`s club has released him to play for Essex, despite being one of the four semi-final teams.
My team for Sunday!
Tresco
Kieswetter
Langer
Hildreth
Blackie
Durston
Trego
Banks
Thomas
Phillips/Steffan
Willoughby
Would like to see Kieswetter up the order as a pinch hitter as he is a very attacking minded batsmen who can help the team make a quick start in the first 15 overs. This can then enable tresco to take a back seat and just concentrate on his game rather than having to keep the run rate ticking over.
Tresco
Kieswetter
Langer
Hildreth
Blackie
Durston
Trego
Banks
Thomas
Phillips/Steffan
Willoughby
Would like to see Kieswetter up the order as a pinch hitter as he is a very attacking minded batsmen who can help the team make a quick start in the first 15 overs. This can then enable tresco to take a back seat and just concentrate on his game rather than having to keep the run rate ticking over.
So Blackwell, Caddick, Willoughby and Munday all in the squad...and as it's a squad of 11 one would assume they'll all play unless Max Waller gets a game at one person's expense.
Hmmm - suggests one of our traditional four day openers is looking for a one day spot perhaps. Wes also seems to have a look in at a one day berth and Mike taking two on Friday seems to have given him an earlier possible start to 2008 - could be because it's Cambridge of course!! The presence of Phillips tends to suggest no spot for Steffan if we play a spinner? No Banks.
I think if everyone comes through this one then the pretty traditional one day side will appear on Sunday. I don't expect Caddick to be in though;
Trescothick, Francis/Edwards, Langer, Hildreth, Blackwell Keiswetter, Durston, Trego, Phillips, Willoughby, Munday
Room for some surprises but something like this perhaps?
Hmmm - suggests one of our traditional four day openers is looking for a one day spot perhaps. Wes also seems to have a look in at a one day berth and Mike taking two on Friday seems to have given him an earlier possible start to 2008 - could be because it's Cambridge of course!! The presence of Phillips tends to suggest no spot for Steffan if we play a spinner? No Banks.
I think if everyone comes through this one then the pretty traditional one day side will appear on Sunday. I don't expect Caddick to be in though;
Trescothick, Francis/Edwards, Langer, Hildreth, Blackwell Keiswetter, Durston, Trego, Phillips, Willoughby, Munday
Room for some surprises but something like this perhaps?
Would you personally really be in favour of throwing Munday into the one-day team for a cold, April game, Grockle?
I wouldn't be. I would also not be wildly keen on two non-batsmen for a one-day game.
Do we know why Banks isn't in the party for Fenner's?
I wouldn't be. I would also not be wildly keen on two non-batsmen for a one-day game.
Do we know why Banks isn't in the party for Fenner's?
Team: NJ Edwards, JD Francis, ID Blackwell, JC Hildreth, WJ Durston, PD Trego, C Kieswetter, BJ Phillips, AR Caddick, CM Willoughby, MK Munday
A dot off the first ball - not a good start. Come on lads, pick it up a bit.
A dot off the first ball - not a good start. Come on lads, pick it up a bit.
4 no balls, and 5 wides off the first over from Phillips.
Has the BBC site gone mad,
It states Somerset 1st Innings
Runs Balls 4s 6s
Timms not out 0 6 0 0
Bott not out 0 4 0 0
Extras 4nb 5w 9
Total for 0 9 (1.2 ovs)
Bowler O M R W
Phillips 1.0 1 0 0
Munday 0.2 0 9 0
Fall of wicket
A good start to the season by the BBC
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:04:16:11:17:50 by everhopefull.
Has the BBC site gone mad,
It states Somerset 1st Innings
Runs Balls 4s 6s
Timms not out 0 6 0 0
Bott not out 0 4 0 0
Extras 4nb 5w 9
Total for 0 9 (1.2 ovs)
Bowler O M R W
Phillips 1.0 1 0 0
Munday 0.2 0 9 0
Fall of wicket
A good start to the season by the BBC
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:04:16:11:17:50 by everhopefull.
According to Cricinfo linked via "Present Scorecard" button in the options at the top of the page or through the "scorecard" option under the heading on the frontpage story (ED)
Edwards has gone, bowled, for 1.
The BBC has it that Timms has gone for 1.
This is going to be confusing if it carries on all season!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:04:16:17:08:24 by Grockle.
Edwards has gone, bowled, for 1.
The BBC has it that Timms has gone for 1.
This is going to be confusing if it carries on all season!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:04:16:17:08:24 by Grockle.
To add to the fun, SKYSPORTS has Somerset batting, but the out batsman is Timms.
Oh joy.
Oh joy.
I'm going with cricinfo, which has (!) Blackwell coming in at 3 and getting 17 off 13 balls.
The ECB site is even more confusing, the headline is “MCC University Match” and both sides are playing substituted.
Somerset batting 50 for 1 off 11 overs.
[www.ecb.co.uk]
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Somerset batting 50 for 1 off 11 overs.
[www.ecb.co.uk]
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
I am going out in the garden, the suspence is killing me, I hope they sort it while I am out.
Whoever is correct, one of the bowlers conceded 9 runs in (effectively) 2 balls, and was then replaced. Son of Scott Boswell perhaps.
Be good to see Wes give the selectors some early food for thought with a really strong effort too.
I'm a bit surprised they've sent Munday out for this one.
I'm a leg-spinner myself (bad) and I know how difficult it can be to bowl over-the-wrist spin in cold conditions.
Anyone who doubts this should have watched a certain fat poker player rolling his arm over in last year's FP Trophy Final. Anyone there will confirm that it was a cold day. And some people may concur with me that a certain blonde bombshell bowled like a drain.
I'm a bit surprised they've sent Munday out for this one.
I'm a leg-spinner myself (bad) and I know how difficult it can be to bowl over-the-wrist spin in cold conditions.
Anyone who doubts this should have watched a certain fat poker player rolling his arm over in last year's FP Trophy Final. Anyone there will confirm that it was a cold day. And some people may concur with me that a certain blonde bombshell bowled like a drain.
Some guy, Pattinson, who had previously done nothing of note is running through Kent in the Notts game.
Good to see a rival first division county start their batting season with a whimper..
Good to see a rival first division county start their batting season with a whimper..
Well done to Blackie who has, possibly, just scored the first half century of the season. I'll say nothing about Francis being on the cusp of scoring the second, as that will put a jinx on him.
It's not like the SCCC website not to have a scorecard up.
I wonder what their problem is?
I wonder what their problem is?
Glad I didn't previously mention Francis who has now, possibly, scored the second fifty of the season.
well done, Ian.
Let's make sure that's the first of many and that you prove any internal doubters that you might have to be thoroughly, utterly, hopelessly wrong.
Let's make sure that's the first of many and that you prove any internal doubters that you might have to be thoroughly, utterly, hopelessly wrong.
Too right AG,let's hope the big man shows what he's worth and silences all the doubters.
I'd love him to do it,just for him to look them in the eye and say,"I told ya so".
I'd love him to do it,just for him to look them in the eye and say,"I told ya so".
My take on things so far...interestingly, I assumed Cambridge UCCE were batting...who knows! Can't believe such a cock-up...
Somerset at Fenners
John F
Somerset at Fenners
John F
It seems Pattinson is Notts' overseas player, from Victoria in Australia. They've obviously assumed that Sidebottom and Broad won't be available much - good start from them.
All it needs is for young Matthew Wood from Exmouth to plunder big runs and they'll have had a good day.
In other news, it seems young Master Timms of Cambridge is one of ours as well. Here's hoping he gains some valuable experience as well.
Blackie in dominating form early on.
BVI Grockle
All it needs is for young Matthew Wood from Exmouth to plunder big runs and they'll have had a good day.
In other news, it seems young Master Timms of Cambridge is one of ours as well. Here's hoping he gains some valuable experience as well.
Blackie in dominating form early on.
BVI Grockle
If there is a thread related to a game please don't create another one where possible. There are reasons why the story on the frontpage is linked to the thread and I'm going to have to work this way from now on. So if you create a second thread I'll simply have to merge it as in this case.
Thanks
Thanks
Cricinfo is showing that Ian has hit only 7 fours (and no 6s) in 90-plus at better than a run a ball?
I wonder if running between the wickets more i.e taking ones, twos and threes is something that Langer has been on at him about?
Or maybe Cricinfo has its facts wrong?
I wonder if running between the wickets more i.e taking ones, twos and threes is something that Langer has been on at him about?
Or maybe Cricinfo has its facts wrong?
If IB has scored the first ton of the season at a run a ball, hearty congrats to him! If it's another of our lads ditto.
If it's one of theirs, sign him up now ;-)
If it's one of theirs, sign him up now ;-)
Does anyone have any more info on how or why their opening bowler was removed after only 2 legitimate deliveries (assuming Cricinfo is correct)?
BVI Grockle
BVI Grockle
IB 109 (out) in 111 balls (CricInfo) - excellent start for Blackie!! Only 7 fours and no six - so his fitness can't be in doubt!!
Having never been to Fenners, is it an especially large ground? Find it very surprising that Ian didn't find the boundary more than that...
BVI Grockle
BVI Grockle
He was just showing that he can keep it on the deck,probably proving a point to Langer.
The fact that he's out just shows his caring,sharing nature.
He's just letting the others have their chance.
The fact that he's out just shows his caring,sharing nature.
He's just letting the others have their chance.
Seems like a rapid 63 by Hildreth.
Quite a few of the lads seem to be in good shape.
The signs are good.
Get that 10/1 bet on now.
Quite a few of the lads seem to be in good shape.
The signs are good.
Get that 10/1 bet on now.
I wonder how much bowling MKM will be given? Surely we'll declare soon and get the bowlers into a groove?
Caddy's bowling - that's a very good sign!
BJ Wes was faster than The Emperor 79 to 68 (Blackie at 98 SR despite the relative lack of boundaries).
BJ Wes was faster than The Emperor 79 to 68 (Blackie at 98 SR despite the relative lack of boundaries).
Caddick 1 wicket
Willoughby 2
8 for 3
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Willoughby 2
8 for 3
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Grockle, how dare you edit my posts, freedom of speech, oligarch, plutocracy, etc etc blah blah blah.
Actually, makes sense, so apologies for starting another thread. Guess I just got excited.
Great to see the scorecard from today, sounds like a good run out. Super to see Blackwell coming in at three and getting a proper innings rather than a blast on top of a solid foundation which (hopefully) will be his role as the season proceeds. A Blackwell innings with no sixes seems odd, but he's obviously out ot make a point and he's done it so that can only be good news.
Looks like our frontline bowlers have found their stride which too is great.
Is it so bad to be swamped with optimism on the basis of a game at the Fenners? Well, who cares? Now I really can't wait for the real thing to start - the problem is that the sooner it starts, the sooner it finishes. This is my favourite part of the season I think.
Actually, makes sense, so apologies for starting another thread. Guess I just got excited.
Great to see the scorecard from today, sounds like a good run out. Super to see Blackwell coming in at three and getting a proper innings rather than a blast on top of a solid foundation which (hopefully) will be his role as the season proceeds. A Blackwell innings with no sixes seems odd, but he's obviously out ot make a point and he's done it so that can only be good news.
Looks like our frontline bowlers have found their stride which too is great.
Is it so bad to be swamped with optimism on the basis of a game at the Fenners? Well, who cares? Now I really can't wait for the real thing to start - the problem is that the sooner it starts, the sooner it finishes. This is my favourite part of the season I think.
Ben Philips takes a wicket shocker!!!!
This season gets better and better. Jim - how do you place a bet?
This season gets better and better. Jim - how do you place a bet?
No problem Bloke you didn't know now did you.
BUT - I link every game to the cricinfo scorecard (the best one since Annanova died). It goes onto the latest score section AND under the heading of every match report.
The problem is that I get no traffic from links to cricinfo from threads and posters come on and ask where scorecards are or want someone to tell them what is going on while all the info is at their fingertips IF they just clicked through.
They need to find their way around this site I'm afraid and if they can't find stuff then they need to ask me to put it on here. Do you get the impression it urinates me off slightly?
For the rest of the readers. We get paid (no it's nothing wonderful) for hits. The messageboard hits are minute in terms of pay and the story pages aren't much more but by linking through the frontpage, threads become frontpages!!
So in future, where possible, the main match thread will be posted linked to the frontpage. If people want to increase traffic here then click on the main story first and THEN choose your page of messages from the thread menu there.
It's not a lot but it all adds up adn might buy me a beer after a particularly bad day doingf the day job.
BUT - I link every game to the cricinfo scorecard (the best one since Annanova died). It goes onto the latest score section AND under the heading of every match report.
The problem is that I get no traffic from links to cricinfo from threads and posters come on and ask where scorecards are or want someone to tell them what is going on while all the info is at their fingertips IF they just clicked through.
They need to find their way around this site I'm afraid and if they can't find stuff then they need to ask me to put it on here. Do you get the impression it urinates me off slightly?
For the rest of the readers. We get paid (no it's nothing wonderful) for hits. The messageboard hits are minute in terms of pay and the story pages aren't much more but by linking through the frontpage, threads become frontpages!!
So in future, where possible, the main match thread will be posted linked to the frontpage. If people want to increase traffic here then click on the main story first and THEN choose your page of messages from the thread menu there.
It's not a lot but it all adds up adn might buy me a beer after a particularly bad day doingf the day job.
And there's no opposition to that from me. You know I was joking don't you, you Oligarch?
Sense of humour removal today I'm afraid dude but I did guess you weren't being entirely serious!!
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