Somerset
Durham Do or Die in the CC1
In and Caddick Out
By Grockle
September 10 2008
This is it people. We do better than Durham here or we say goodbye to Championship hopes. Justin has decided the spinners will be our match winners and Andrew Caddick has been left out! Don't ask me. Day 1 was a complete washout and we now have three days to keep our title hopes alive. Big bonus points or victory. There is no other option!
v Durham LVCC1 @ Taunton Wednesday 10 September 2008
Day 1 was a complete washout
Play finally occurs at Taunton on Day 2 with some real debate about Justin Langer’s team choice and decision to bat. The team first; Trescothick, Langer, de Bruyn, Hildreth, Blackwell, Trego, Gazzard, Thomas, Willoughby, Durston, and Munday. So, no place for Andrew Caddick on the run in to our first possible Championship title against the side standing third. No information on any injury issue he seems to have been omitted – strange indeed. No Craig Kieswetter who injured himself in the last game and hasn’t been able to get back to full fitness so…Carl Gazzard gets a first team start for the first time this season.
Michael Munday and Wes Durston are both included so there must be some real hopes that the pitch will take spin – it seems it was during our innings – it had better if we are to keep ourselves in this one without our premier experienced strike bowler and without a seam replacement in the guise of Turner or Jones (Phillips will not play again this season I believe). Justin Langer opens with Marcus Trescothick (which seems the usual now that Neil Edwards seems to have been relegated to the seconds until 2009 at least) but Durham have popped along with some bloke called Harmison in their side so the full flowing first wicket partnership doesn’t get off to its usual start. Langer stays around longer than usual and does the lion’s share of scoring in the first hour but at 45 he is bowled by Thorp for 31.
Trescothick does not do his usual either and stick around as he becomes Harmy’s first victim 10 runs later leaving more than usual to our middle order. De Bruyn and Hildreth set about their task with some gusto and push the score on to a far more acceptable 3 figures before Hildreth is skittled by the England man at 115 and we see a promoted Wes Durston coming in ahead of his more ‘illustrious’ team mates at number 5.
Unfortunately, this isn’t that kind of day and we are not going to put together huge partnerships as we bat like a ‘sack of ….’ As one observer of the day puts it quite clearly. He is bowled by Wiseman at 150 and is replaced by Ian Blackwell for a while - well 27 runs. He is caught behind off the other Harmison at 177 for a personal score of 10. Hopes now rest with Trego as he comes out to join the anchor of the innings and we look for a long and solid accumulation of runs with Zander holding up his end and allowing the free scoring allrounder to push the score to 300 and beyond. So it’s a bit of a surprise when the aforementioned de Bruyn is easily run out going for the third leg bye!! Stupidity at 180 for 6.
Carl Gazzard hasn’t had much experience of this and will be a bit first team ring rusty. It shows as Wiseman bowls him at 198. It gets worse as Thomas is Harmison Senior’s second wicket – clean bowled – at 199 and although Munday puts up resistance with Trego to take us over 200 and into the teens, he falls to Harmison via the hands of Wiseman at 217 and it is the paceman who finishes us off by castleing Trego at 224 leaving the Mighty Willoughby not out 6.
A little less of this would have been good!
And if this is happening on this wicket for him then where the hell is Andrew Caddick?
Not the big bonus point laden score we hoped for. Not an innings taking up large quantities of time in a shortened game. Not a score to worry the Durham batsmen over much and still 20+ overs in the day to go. 5 batsmen clean bowled. Only Zander over 50 and then run out in such a daft manner. Steve Harmison with 5 for 84 from his 17.5 and one of our five-fer bowlers nowhere in sight. It does not look that good at Tea on Day 2. Willoughby opens for us and in usual style is too good for Mark Stoneman who goes without scoring with a team total of 3. His opening partner Alfonso is pushing them at the other end and the visitors find it really hard to get any balls off the square in the first 10.
At 23 for 1 and with the 12th over starting, Langer turns to spin and brings on Ian Blackwell at the River end. He gets into his stride quite well but in the 15th at 39 for 1 the umpires decide the light has deteriorated and they call an end to proceedings after a poor day in front of a decent crowd for the home side. Surprisingly we come back out after about 15 minutes and Willoughby and Blackwell resume the “press”. Thomas changes ends for the 17th replacing Charl at the Old Pavilion end while Blackwell wheels away at the River. However the Durham defence is solid and although they aren’t slashing it to the boundary, they aren’t playing and missing all that much either.
Half way through the 19th, the umpires decide the light has gone again and make the offer. Off go the batsmen while the Somerset side sort of wander off eventually and they hang around at the entrance to their side of the pavilion with the umpires waiting for a change? Could Justin have brought on Munday on at the OP instead? Possibly but he didn’t and the players are off but we may not be finished with this day yet with a score of 45 for 1. with 5 overs of play tonight to go. Unfortunately the umpires don’t seem to think that things will improve and they tell Frosty to get the wicket covered and take themselves and the fielding side through the white sight screen and call it a day.
The omens are not wonderful for our Championship cause after today’s performance. We started the day 5 points ahead of Durham and 4 behind Notts in this our extra game. We ended it a point closer to the leaders but with Durham breathing down our necks, two points adrift. Ho Hum
Day 3 to come!!
Day 3
Day 3 and more of the same really. A late start because of rain (11:30 before they got on to the pitch) and then runs as rare as hens teeth.
By the time I get to the ground, the pitch is covered and an early tea is being taken. The umpires inspect at 4:15 and predict a 4:30 start at 184 for 2 with Di Venuto on 95 and his partner Chanderpaul on 64. Why have I not mentioned the rest of the day? Well partly because very little seems to have happened except that eleven blokes have stood around two other blokes from a different part of the country and every now and again the two ‘aliens’ have changed ends. We’ve lost 19 overs so the score might have been over 200 had they actually been bowled but I wouldn’t have put my life on it. Langer’s great spin strategy seems to have come to naught. Wes Durston (not our premier wicket taking spinner) has bowled 17 overs while Michael Munday (our big spinning hope) has managed 2. Alfonso Thomas, Charl Willoughby, Peter Trego and Zander de Bruyn have all partnered him and Ian Blackwell as Somerset have strived to push the ball through but not a lot seems to have been achieved and this is moving towards a losing draw with a day to go! Durham have their sights on 400 and maximum batting points while we don’t seem to have anything to stop them with and no points to gain unless something changes.
Ian Blackwell starts the last session from the River and receives two full bodied blows over the scoreboard boundary from Chanderpaul from his first two balls. They don’t get over 200 in this over but with the ‘incisive’ medium pace of Zander de Bruyn at the other end it is possible that they may get the two they need before the end of his next 6. He only gives them the chance with the 5th ball however while Di Venuto goes to 100 off 227 balls with 1 six and 10 fours off the last one – not exactly the fastest he’s scored in his career. Such is the nature of this game. Thomas returns at the River for the 80th and our “spin heavy” attack reverts to seam. Michael seems to be simply a passenger in this game, he has nothing to contribute if he doesn’t bowl, he isn’t bowling and it is hard to see how conditions would change in order to make him a bowling change option. Curiouser and curiouser!
So close and yet so far!!
Charl takes the new ball from the OP in the 81st as de Bruyn takes a rest. 220 for 2 with 15 to go in the day. Durham go in front two balls into the 83rd with two consecutive fours off Alfonso Thomas which also take Shivnaran into the 90’s. But he doesn’t get his hundred as he chops on to Charl Willoughby (50th first class wicket guys) and gets us a BOWLING POINT at 233 for 3 for 93. A little excitement and then the game returns to normal. They move towards 250 and we look like we have no chance of a second bonus point with the little pill even though the South African leftie is bowling manfully, especially across the Durham captain Benkenstein. Peter Trego is on at the River following detailed field placing discussions with his captain, which nearly get him a wicket with his first ball as Benkenstein is “nearly” plumb. Unfortunately, “nearly” doesn’t actually count so the visitors move on to 250 in the 92nd over. We made them work for it though.
And the day ends with torrential rain some 10 balls before the official finish. Durham are 41 ahead (265 for 3) looking for the magic 400 and we will toil away tomorrow until they get there and then survive the day to take our massive 6 points – anything else is either impossible or unacceptable. Anything more would be a godsend and not particularly deserved. People were saying at the start of the season that Michael Munday could be the major decider on our Championship season. That prophecy could still come true, through no real fault of the player who has taken such a small part in this game. The local press are talking to Justin tonight. I wonder what his take on today’s proceedings will be?
On to Day 4.
Day 4
The visitors got their 400. We didn't get our 9 wickets. We got 7 with Thomas claiming 3, Willoughby 2 and even Mike Munday got in on the act with the wicket of Wiseman C&B for 52.
We then had to hold the line for the rest of the day and did so even though we lost Marcus for 6 in the early stages. The captain took the responsibility and put in a century to put this one to bed. Hildreth went later for a good 44 and we finished on a meaningless 181 but we secured the draw and some bonus points.
So we go to Scarborough 1 point behind Hampshire but with a game in hand on them. Durham are 2 points behind us on the same number of games and Notts are one point behind them also on 14 matches played. Very close and a win would be huge.....tactics being what they are at the moment from the County Ground planners, we'll wait and see what they come up with for the Yorkshhire game during the week.
This one was absolutely baffling!!
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 10/09/2008 22:56
This dry weather today is very welcome; the Taunton ground needed drying out after the recent rain.
With rain forecast for tomorrow if we had rain today it wouldn’t have taken much more rain tomorrow for it to be called off.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
With rain forecast for tomorrow if we had rain today it wouldn’t have taken much more rain tomorrow for it to be called off.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Mr Trescothick has just been sighted at 6.55pm at Paddington train station, hope his hand is ok after signing all those books!
Missed out on a rare opportunity of some open air batting practice.
Missed out on a rare opportunity of some open air batting practice.
Well as long as Durham score no more points than us I shall be content. I shall be happy if we score a lot more points than them. Langer is due a big one, but so I'm afraid is Chanderpaul. Perhaps he will leave his until the next game.,
If MT was spotted at Paddington at 6:55pm this evening, how on earth is he supposed to get to Taunton for 10:30am tomorrow? Taxi?
He was just getting on 7.00pm train departure back to Taunton HQ i believe tractor
Not much chance of play today.It's been raining all night here and is chucking it down at the moment.It appears this is the picture all over the west country.
Rob there is always hope of some play today, Taunton is one of those grounds that is so well drained if the rain stops long enough there might be some play later today.
As you say it has been raining hard and we might have had too much already.
The forecast chart said clearing later but ..............
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
As you say it has been raining hard and we might have had too much already.
The forecast chart said clearing later but ..............
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
You could be right Mike but there's no chance of a prompt start and I don't intend making the long trio to hang around all day especially as cover is so limited at County Ground now.
Apparently, Friday is likely to be a complete wash-out too.
Mr Rose also adds that the wicket is damp. So our best hope would appear to be winning the toss and hurrying Durham out before the rest of the match is abandoned. That would, hopefully, leave us with 7 points to Durham's 4.
Of course, the reverse is likely to be true if we are inserted on a damp track sometime tomorrow or Thursday.
Mr Rose also adds that the wicket is damp. So our best hope would appear to be winning the toss and hurrying Durham out before the rest of the match is abandoned. That would, hopefully, leave us with 7 points to Durham's 4.
Of course, the reverse is likely to be true if we are inserted on a damp track sometime tomorrow or Thursday.
The scheduling of 4 championship matches in September is a joke realy.
I'll be interested to see how many positive results there are in the 4 rounds of matches across the country this month.
Guessing Notts & Kent will be the happiest with the likely rain affected draw in this game
I'll be interested to see how many positive results there are in the 4 rounds of matches across the country this month.
Guessing Notts & Kent will be the happiest with the likely rain affected draw in this game
Actually, wsm, September is often a relatively dry month. I don't think the schedulers can be blamed.
When would you have the extra games played?
{and, yes, I'd happily see them played instead of the T20 too, but that is not going to happen}
When would you have the extra games played?
{and, yes, I'd happily see them played instead of the T20 too, but that is not going to happen}
its as much the light in september that becomes a problem (not that we are able to test that currently due to the wet stuff)
I dont have a radical solution but maybe when EPL comes in which i believe is to be more spread out over latter half of season then the championship games may be able to move back slightly.
I'm sure the season never used to go until Sept 27?
I understand that the 3 weeks T20's in mi summer have shifted proper cricket to mid april and late sept.
Oh well, if we come out top of the pile come Sept 27 i dont suppose any of us will realy care!
I dont have a radical solution but maybe when EPL comes in which i believe is to be more spread out over latter half of season then the championship games may be able to move back slightly.
I'm sure the season never used to go until Sept 27?
I understand that the 3 weeks T20's in mi summer have shifted proper cricket to mid april and late sept.
Oh well, if we come out top of the pile come Sept 27 i dont suppose any of us will realy care!
Should we just be keeping one eye on Hampshire, as their current match against Surrey might well have fine weather for most of the four days?
They are 14 points behind us, with a game more played, but a win at the Oval would put them in the mix - if the wash-out continues elsewhere.
I see Shoaib is determined to help them with a no ball in his first over.
They are 14 points behind us, with a game more played, but a win at the Oval would put them in the mix - if the wash-out continues elsewhere.
I see Shoaib is determined to help them with a no ball in his first over.
About to leave a drizzly, murky Liverpool, any change in the weather down there?
any weather updates from Taunton?
its dry in weston but still thratening clouds.
its dry in weston but still thratening clouds.
Check out the Weather (Here) link, wsm fan. It looks about the same down in Taunton, prospects don't look good today.
Man needs cricket.
Man needs cricket.
The ground is absolutely saturated. Apparently the umpires are due to inspect shortly.
guesisng it will just be to announce the inevitable, "no play tuesday due to rain"
tufnell parka
09/09/2008 14:09
09/09/2008 14:09
alright all
according to the met office radar the rain has cleared for the day. it will be dry all day tomorrow.
i think the positive outcome will be to win the toss, bowl, and be batting by tomorrow afternoon.
come on somerset!
according to the met office radar the rain has cleared for the day. it will be dry all day tomorrow.
i think the positive outcome will be to win the toss, bowl, and be batting by tomorrow afternoon.
come on somerset!
I understand this is the last match for our own Budgie to stand as umpire.Having reached the ripe age of 65 in May this year.
[www.cricketarchive.com]
[www.cricketarchive.com]
Perhaps he could penalise Durham for a slow over-rate? What's the worst that could happen - Budgie gets banned from doing any more games!
[This is a joke, in case anyone takes it the wrong way!]
[This is a joke, in case anyone takes it the wrong way!]
Apart from a light shower its been dry most of this afternoon. The problem of course is the sheer volume of water that has fallen in the last few days, so the outfield is completely sodden. The consensus seems to be that if the rain holds off tonight and with the ground staff working hard we could get a full day's play tomorrow. But with heavy rain forecast on Thursday that could knock out Friday as well, given how high the water table is. So should we try and bank the batting points? I suspect that after last week's effort JL may put them in first.
On the basis that I think it's easier to get one bowling point (or even all three) quickly than it is to get even one batting point quickly, and five points would put us top, I'd definitely bowl.
Mr Rose claimed the out-field is largely okay, but that was before today.
Friday is forecast to be a total wash-out with remanants of a hurricane hitting the country. Thursday is forecast to be heavily interrupted.
Mr Rose says the wicket is damp.
Add all those factors up and you simply have to bowl if you win the toss. Don't think for a moment that Durham won't take that course of action.
Friday is forecast to be a total wash-out with remanants of a hurricane hitting the country. Thursday is forecast to be heavily interrupted.
Mr Rose says the wicket is damp.
Add all those factors up and you simply have to bowl if you win the toss. Don't think for a moment that Durham won't take that course of action.
Good evening all,sounds like a busy day.
When I passed the ground this afternoon it looked promising but then,as the Tour of Britain arrived so did the rain.
Everywhere is incredibly wet,I hope the Doc is right and we can get some play but my money is on a washout.
I know that LoL follows my tips religiously so get your money on old chap.
When I passed the ground this afternoon it looked promising but then,as the Tour of Britain arrived so did the rain.
Everywhere is incredibly wet,I hope the Doc is right and we can get some play but my money is on a washout.
I know that LoL follows my tips religiously so get your money on old chap.
Rob I should have listened to you and not gone.
What made it worst the covers were left off after the game was abandoned for the day to help dry the pitch for tomorrow, and you might have known it a sudden shower made the pitch wet before cover could be put back on.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
What made it worst the covers were left off after the game was abandoned for the day to help dry the pitch for tomorrow, and you might have known it a sudden shower made the pitch wet before cover could be put back on.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Could be better tomorrow Mike.I won't be able to make it whatever it does.
The weather here is quite pleasant.
The channel is clear with lots of blue sky and sunshine.
Time to dry that pitch now I reckon,a few hours bowling on that and we've got full bonus points.
The channel is clear with lots of blue sky and sunshine.
Time to dry that pitch now I reckon,a few hours bowling on that and we've got full bonus points.
Bit early to predict a total washout i feel, tomorrow looks promising even if it is a delayed start.
Cant remember last time Taunton suffered a 4 day washout.
As has been said toss is vital if limited time is available, far easier to get bowling points than batting, and conditions sure to favour bowling after past few days you'd have thought.
Need JL to flip that coin well as i dont suppose we can accuse him calling incirrectly seeing we are playing at home.
Cant remember last time Taunton suffered a 4 day washout.
As has been said toss is vital if limited time is available, far easier to get bowling points than batting, and conditions sure to favour bowling after past few days you'd have thought.
Need JL to flip that coin well as i dont suppose we can accuse him calling incirrectly seeing we are playing at home.
I heard a hint this evening that the weather forecast for next week is rather more encouraging. I'd certainly prefer us to win the championship through actually playing some cricket.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Tomorrow should be fine but the match could well be delayed until the ground is dry on top. Thursday's forecast is now for largely fair weather with risk of odd shower.
Shall be there from the off tomorrow so will do a reverse rain-dance to ensure a good day's play!!
In TA1 at the moment there are some strange twinkly things in the sky - if they are not UFO's then maybe they are stars like we used to get before global warming. Lol will be old enough to remember.
Shall be there from the off tomorrow so will do a reverse rain-dance to ensure a good day's play!!
In TA1 at the moment there are some strange twinkly things in the sky - if they are not UFO's then maybe they are stars like we used to get before global warming. Lol will be old enough to remember.
A shame that today is going to be the end of the world as the weather would have been reasonable today.
The sun is shining in Taunton at the moment.
If this is what the weather is like inside a black hole then I'm all for it.
If this is what the weather is like inside a black hole then I'm all for it.
That's very encouraging news, LoL. Thanks for that.
I might have to start looking up my train timetables to Scarborough. And checking those long-term weather forecasts.
I might have to start looking up my train timetables to Scarborough. And checking those long-term weather forecasts.
I understand that the black hole will be very selective, confining its consumption to Capelli and his hapless mob for the better good of the planet.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
BBC and Cricinfo both show Munday playing instead of Caddick - truly shocking!!
Langer won toss and chose to bat - mildly surprising!
Langer won toss and chose to bat - mildly surprising!
Check out BBC scorecard.
I'm sure there's a reason for batting and playing Munday, let's hope the plan works.
I'm sure there's a reason for batting and playing Munday, let's hope the plan works.
Maybe Langer thinks banking five points is better than banking three. Delighted about Munday, but would have expected Thomas rather than Caddick to make way. Is the great man injured?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Must be injured, LoL - can't believe he'd be dropped for Munday! Also note that Wes and Blackie are playing - has Justin got his own private weather forecast which is predicting a dustbowl by Friday?
CricInfo appears to have now been de-bugged.
As does Harmsison's radar after a seemingly wayward first two overs.
A day of graft for the batsmen?
As does Harmsison's radar after a seemingly wayward first two overs.
A day of graft for the batsmen?
Do we have to accept that two second division matches have live commentary while ours, feature the two sides most likely to win the championship, has none?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Guardian blog
11.20am We have cricket at Taunton, and good-quality cricket too, writes David Hopps. It doesn't get much better than Steve Harmison running in to bowl to Marcus Trescothick. Somerset vs Durham has the feel of a championship decider, but there are fears that it won't come up to scratch. Somerset, four points behind the leaders, Notts, with a game in hand, may tactically settle for the draw points, even though Durham are the other county with three games left.
The first day has already been lost to rain so a benign pitch would probably kill the contest. Trescothick said the last one was "like batting at Karachi". We could do with this one behaving like Headingley. Durham have dropped Liam Plunkett, Andrew Caddick is missing for Somerset. And Justin Langer has just had a life - badly dropped on 27 by the wicketkeeper, Phil Mustard, off Callum Thorpe.
I had a long chat to Trescothick yesterday, in the week of the publication of his autobiography. He exudes contentment. His stress-related depressive illness might mean that his England career is over, but he talks of playing for Somerset until he is 40. He can still provide a lot of pleasure in the years ahead.
I was hoping this might provide an explanation ofr Caddick's absence: I suppose it yet may. You can keep up to date here.
Dammit! Tres gone now.
I'm usually pretty hesitant to second-guess decisions from afar, but surely we should have bowled?
I'm usually pretty hesitant to second-guess decisions from afar, but surely we should have bowled?
Unfortunately the Mighty Marcus batted until he was only 18 today - but it's good to hear that he is so confident about extending his career.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:11:43:46 by Loyal of Lhasa..
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:11:43:46 by Loyal of Lhasa..
What on earth has Langer done?
foolish in the extreme, assuming Mr Rose's comments that the pitch was damp were on the money.
foolish in the extreme, assuming Mr Rose's comments that the pitch was damp were on the money.
When was the last home game? I can't even remember it? I thought it was against Notts, wasn't it? Why on earth would Banger say it was 'like Karachi.'???
I seem to recall that Notts were on course to win a low scoring game when the rain came?
I thought 'Karachi,' would be meant to mean it was flat, which seems to be what the Guardian think too.
Have I gone mad?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:12:11:04 by AGod.
I seem to recall that Notts were on course to win a low scoring game when the rain came?
I thought 'Karachi,' would be meant to mean it was flat, which seems to be what the Guardian think too.
Have I gone mad?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:12:11:04 by AGod.
Langer's perfectly justified in batting if he feels the pitch will get worse (stickier for Munday, for example?) or if he feels there'll be so little play that batting points are worth going after.
With his experience, AG, I really don't feel you and I are qualified to say he is 'foolish in the extreme' - we may disagree (in my case, from afar), but he must have a better idea of the current conditions and his gameplan than we have.
With his experience, AG, I really don't feel you and I are qualified to say he is 'foolish in the extreme' - we may disagree (in my case, from afar), but he must have a better idea of the current conditions and his gameplan than we have.
Presumably, though, SP Brian Rose looked at the pitch before saying 'It's damp.'
He said that before yesterday (on Monday). It rained a lot yesterday and we were told by our correpsondent at the ground that the covers were left off the pitch in the afternoon and it (the pitch) was uncovered during a further shower. It, therefore, seems extremely unlikely that it will have miraculously dried out completely?
Therefore, we have - in all probability - chosen to bat first on a damp pitch in a game where either;
a) there won't be much play and so we might not have time to get our bowling points and may very well not be good enough to get three batting points on a damp pitch (the number of points we'd get for bowling Durham out.)
or
b) if there will be plenty of play, the pitch is likely to dry out and that could very well present Durham with five batting points. Especially as we have no Caddick.
I remember now, the last home game was vs Surrey. And Caddy was the only man to do anything on it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:13:24:35 by AGod.
He said that before yesterday (on Monday). It rained a lot yesterday and we were told by our correpsondent at the ground that the covers were left off the pitch in the afternoon and it (the pitch) was uncovered during a further shower. It, therefore, seems extremely unlikely that it will have miraculously dried out completely?
Therefore, we have - in all probability - chosen to bat first on a damp pitch in a game where either;
a) there won't be much play and so we might not have time to get our bowling points and may very well not be good enough to get three batting points on a damp pitch (the number of points we'd get for bowling Durham out.)
or
b) if there will be plenty of play, the pitch is likely to dry out and that could very well present Durham with five batting points. Especially as we have no Caddick.
I remember now, the last home game was vs Surrey. And Caddy was the only man to do anything on it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:13:24:35 by AGod.
No mention whatsoever of any injury to Caddy on the other site. Hope to god there wasn't another football injury.
Praying, in the nicest possible way, that AC has a touch of flu or a migraine or something like that.
North Marine Road has plenty in it for the quicks and we desperately need him fit for that one...
Praying, in the nicest possible way, that AC has a touch of flu or a migraine or something like that.
North Marine Road has plenty in it for the quicks and we desperately need him fit for that one...
Honours about even this morning; only 313 needed for the fifth batting point.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I've got no problem with your logic, AG - most of us would have expected us to bowl on winning the toss given what we know - it's just that JL has more knowledge and experience at his disposal, as well as being on-site, and can reasonably have been expected not to be 'foolish in the extreme'.
It's possible that JL might have thought (or been advised) that the wicket would get sticky under today's sun, and be better to bowl on tomorrow.
It's possible that JL might have thought (or been advised) that the wicket would get sticky under today's sun, and be better to bowl on tomorrow.
Quite so, SP. And I must stress that that is why my post questioning the logic was posed as exactly that - a question.
As to the Caddick omission: could it be that Mr. Rose agrees with you as to how important he will be at Scarborough, and has chosen not to risk him in damp conditions in a game which looks odds-on to be a draw?
Perhaps that decision, taken with the decision to bat first in this game are part of a coherent overall strategy to the remaining fixtures?
As to the Caddick omission: could it be that Mr. Rose agrees with you as to how important he will be at Scarborough, and has chosen not to risk him in damp conditions in a game which looks odds-on to be a draw?
Perhaps that decision, taken with the decision to bat first in this game are part of a coherent overall strategy to the remaining fixtures?
Andy has always had a marked antipathy to wet run-ups. I'm sure we can all remember him struggling with them at some stage.
Well, certainly have to concede, SP, that's it going better than I thought it would with the batting, so far.
Perhaps there's been so much rain that it's turned the pitch into a totally unresponsive pudding?
Also, I wonder if the fact that we do not, apparently, have Caddick available may have persuaded Langer that even if the pitch is favourable for bowling, we might still struggle to whip Durham out quickly?
They do have a pretty good batting line-up, the quality of which is partially masked by the number of result wickets on which they play.
Perhaps there's been so much rain that it's turned the pitch into a totally unresponsive pudding?
Also, I wonder if the fact that we do not, apparently, have Caddick available may have persuaded Langer that even if the pitch is favourable for bowling, we might still struggle to whip Durham out quickly?
They do have a pretty good batting line-up, the quality of which is partially masked by the number of result wickets on which they play.
I'll try and let you know the nature of the pitch later with luck (wi-fi at Taunton being what it is!)but I am really surprised not to see Andrew playing given the nature of this game and the lack of comment on his fitness elsewhere (I'll try and get an update on that as well,
Given the forecast for Friday I can only assume that a big score with relative batting points and then the chance of a collapse or two and some bowling points as well is what JL was hoping for. Though no Caddick puts the second part of that in doubt.
Given the forecast for Friday I can only assume that a big score with relative batting points and then the chance of a collapse or two and some bowling points as well is what JL was hoping for. Though no Caddick puts the second part of that in doubt.
Quote:AGod
We all got the Zander call badly wrong when it was announced, did we not?
Speak for yourself young man. BJ and I waxed lyrically about this brilliant signing as soon as it was made and have never wavered in our enthusiasm for the brilliance of Brian Rose and the man himself - on a thread now mysteriously deleted.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
As he's from just up the road in Worcester, and they mysteriously didn't want him back, I always knew he'd do well...I think we thought he'd be a better bowler, but you can't argue with his runs - well, some will, but not me.
The club site reporting that a DRY WICKET was prepared and therefore Munday was prefered to Caddick.
[www.somersetcountycc.premiumtv.co.uk]
[www.somersetcountycc.premiumtv.co.uk]
I've just noticed that while SP's cousin is playing for Durham, which means we can't win, Gareth Breese isn't, which means we can.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Perhaps Mr Rose deliberately lied about a damp wicket then in some attempt to throw Durham into confusion..?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:14:52:03 by AGod.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:14:52:03 by AGod.
And if Caddy really was ommitted and is fit, then he should be absolutely steaming for Scarborough.
Still not sure it's the right move, though, given both AC's need for lots of bowling to gain rhythm and MKM's lack of form this season.. Let's hope the latter rips up the form book..
Still not sure it's the right move, though, given both AC's need for lots of bowling to gain rhythm and MKM's lack of form this season.. Let's hope the latter rips up the form book..
The other news on the official site is that Craig should be fit for North Marine Road, which would be welcome news indeed.
Disaster.
Ian caught behind and then Zander run out.
Will struggle to even get to 200 now.
Have to start praying the bowling part of this gamble with the toss and team selection pays off now..
Ian caught behind and then Zander run out.
Will struggle to even get to 200 now.
Have to start praying the bowling part of this gamble with the toss and team selection pays off now..
Looking ab it wobbly, isn't it? Need one of our famous lower order rescues again...
that's a bit harsh on those remaining as they have wagged before. It does seem as if we are struggling with the dry wicket.
Well, there's still Pete, obviously Nailsea, but the problem is where is he going to get the support from?
I suppose Alfonso has done okay at times with the bat, but...
I suppose Alfonso has done okay at times with the bat, but...
According to Mr Rose, we have some work to do (from the Guardian)
"Somerset's director of cricket, Brian Rose, confided at lunchtime that 300 would be a good first-innings score on this Taunton pitch, writes David Hopps. The benign surface we had feared has not materialised and although this is a surface of little pace. there is some encouragement for all the bowlers."
"Somerset's director of cricket, Brian Rose, confided at lunchtime that 300 would be a good first-innings score on this Taunton pitch, writes David Hopps. The benign surface we had feared has not materialised and although this is a surface of little pace. there is some encouragement for all the bowlers."
Guardian blog says Zander was running out going for a "third-leg bye".
Regardless of whether this was a good idea or not (he was out, so I guess it wasn't), what is a "third-leg bye"? Is it one conceded by a keeper when the ball deflects off his third leg? Or one that comes off the batsman's third leg? In either case, this is the first I've heard of a third-leg bye...can our resident statto FE confirm how many have happened in Test or county cricket, ever?
Maybe it's something to do with fine third man?
Regardless of whether this was a good idea or not (he was out, so I guess it wasn't), what is a "third-leg bye"? Is it one conceded by a keeper when the ball deflects off his third leg? Or one that comes off the batsman's third leg? In either case, this is the first I've heard of a third-leg bye...can our resident statto FE confirm how many have happened in Test or county cricket, ever?
Maybe it's something to do with fine third man?
I guess he could've been keeping sub for Mustard, Rob...then it all makes perfect sense.
Without Zander, we'd probably now be odds on to LOSE this match.
As it is, Durham must still be fancying their chances?
As it is, Durham must still be fancying their chances?
Quote:SheptonPaul
Guardian blog says Zander was running out going for a "third-leg bye".
Regardless of whether this was a good idea or not (he was out, so I guess it wasn't), what is a "third-leg bye"? Is it one conceded by a keeper when the ball deflects off his third leg? Or one that comes off the batsman's third leg? In either case, this is the first I've heard of a third-leg bye...can our resident statto FE confirm how many have happened in Test or county cricket, ever?
Maybe it's something to do with fine third man?
Well, 16 overs for Wiseman suggest that the pitch is, indeed, offering to turn.
But will Munday be able to find form?
Weather is not good for a leg-spinner. (too cold)
Also, S V Chanderpaul is a masterful player of spin.
224 all out. Not very good.
But will Munday be able to find form?
Weather is not good for a leg-spinner. (too cold)
Also, S V Chanderpaul is a masterful player of spin.
224 all out. Not very good.
Another error of judgement! Should we have bowled first. We may see. Mike Bos did say the wicket got wet yesterday, so it might have been considered reasonable to bowl first. Perhaps JL was unaware of this?
We'll just have to content ourselves with the knowledge that we've batted better second time around in a number of games this season.
And of course they havent batted yet!
And of course they havent batted yet!
I've just sent this off to the sedentry somerset sound ( any improvements on my alliteration gratefully received).
"Why oh why have you not seen fit to broadcast the current Somerset cricket match?? I understand that you have hard scheduling/ budgetry decisions to make but is there no flexability? As we approach the climax of a close run season when Somerset are in sight of a first championship is it not likely that local interest will be even keener than usual ( and I assure you it is always keen). Is it too late to despatch your man for the last 2 days? Just give him something portable and he can stroll round the corner in 10 minutes!!
Hopefully
Andrew Grinter"
What are the chances do you think? Maybe this is a good moment to bomb them. Get those emails winging.
"Why oh why have you not seen fit to broadcast the current Somerset cricket match?? I understand that you have hard scheduling/ budgetry decisions to make but is there no flexability? As we approach the climax of a close run season when Somerset are in sight of a first championship is it not likely that local interest will be even keener than usual ( and I assure you it is always keen). Is it too late to despatch your man for the last 2 days? Just give him something portable and he can stroll round the corner in 10 minutes!!
Hopefully
Andrew Grinter"
What are the chances do you think? Maybe this is a good moment to bomb them. Get those emails winging.
That's certainly true, FE - the first bit I mean.
Also, if the pitch is really dry, then it might get more difficult to bat on as it goes along....
Bit worried about the bowling, though. We look, possibly, a seamer light to me, unless Zander can put in a good stint?
Also, if the pitch is really dry, then it might get more difficult to bat on as it goes along....
Bit worried about the bowling, though. We look, possibly, a seamer light to me, unless Zander can put in a good stint?
Radio Newcastle reports that " Somerset prepared a dry slow to negate the bowling of Harmison"
The omission of Caddick would seem to support that.
The omission of Caddick would seem to support that.
good job we negated Harmison - just think what we would have scored if we hadnt!
No, quite SP and muppetdodger.
To me, pitches that start very dry are more likely to become increasingly uneven as a match progresses? I don't think you want uneven bounce with Harmy?
And I think you DO want Caddy in your team on such a surface?
To me, pitches that start very dry are more likely to become increasingly uneven as a match progresses? I don't think you want uneven bounce with Harmy?
And I think you DO want Caddy in your team on such a surface?
Congratulations to Willoughby on scoring his fiftieth run of the season this afternoon (for only five times out). If he can bring his current wicket tally from 44 up to 50 in this innings, some of us will be very, very pleased.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Another quirk is that he has three ducks and nine not-0uts from 14 innings. Once he gets that first run, he's virtually undismissable! 
Rather worryingly Hampshire are on course for maximum points against Surrey - which could take them to the top of the table.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
You've lost me, LoL?
Surrey haven't even batted once yet!?
They can't go top (Hants) with just a max points draw.
Surrey haven't even batted once yet!?
They can't go top (Hants) with just a max points draw.
They've got maximum batting points, almost 500 runs and two days in which to bowl Surrey out. We are depending on Ramprakash!
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Of course Hants would only go top on their own, even with maximum points, if we either lose or draw without getting all available bowling points. And even then we would then have a game in hand over them.
Contrary to my post earlier in the week, CricInfo have already credited Hants with their five batting points despite their innings being incomplete. That may be because 130 overs have already been bowled, but CricInfo's inconsistencies with respevt to which points get credited, and when, make it very difficult to follow the emerging picture!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:18:12:41 by Frome Exile.
Contrary to my post earlier in the week, CricInfo have already credited Hants with their five batting points despite their innings being incomplete. That may be because 130 overs have already been bowled, but CricInfo's inconsistencies with respevt to which points get credited, and when, make it very difficult to follow the emerging picture!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:18:12:41 by Frome Exile.
I think we have more pressing concerns than Hampshire, like the teams around us in the table.
Today I asked someone with a top notch camera how much it cost, just out of interest. Was that you Mike?
Nice to bump into you today bagpuss (not literaly)
I don't want to talk about Zander's run out.
Nice to bump into you today bagpuss (not literaly)
I don't want to talk about Zander's run out.
No fRed that wasn't me you spoke to.
It could have been Alain Lockyer if it was over by the Botham stand, he is a very good professional photography.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:20:06:57 by Mike BOS.
It could have been Alain Lockyer if it was over by the Botham stand, he is a very good professional photography.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:20:06:57 by Mike BOS.
I think we may have got the tactics and the team selection wrong. I shall rejoice to be proved wrong but at the moment I think we are giving Durham what they want. The weather will play a large part.
Quote:geordie moonraker
I think we may have got the tactics and the team selection wrong. I shall rejoice to be proved wrong but at the moment I think we are giving Durham what they want. The weather will play a large part.
We've been doing that for months. Why stop now. We are a poor team at the moment and don't deserve anything.
Confidence and morale must be low.
That really is one of the most cretinous things I've ever heard!
The sixteen teams behind us in the Championship standings must be truly awful!
The sixteen teams behind us in the Championship standings must be truly awful!
Photos from today.
I always like these photos Zander making Smith jump.
It was a pity about the run out after batting so well.
Gazzard wishing Smith would lift his back leg.
Hildreth hitting six runs, we could have done with some more from Hildreth today.
Justin Langer in all sorts of trouble from Steve Harmison.
We need wickets tomorrow if we want to stay ahead of Durham.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
I always like these photos Zander making Smith jump.
It was a pity about the run out after batting so well.
Gazzard wishing Smith would lift his back leg.
Hildreth hitting six runs, we could have done with some more from Hildreth today.
Justin Langer in all sorts of trouble from Steve Harmison.
We need wickets tomorrow if we want to stay ahead of Durham.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
No wi-fi at the ground once again this afternoon so nothing on the last bit of play at the time. The pitch does seem to be taking spin so why Langer didn't use his mass of spinners at the OP when the light was going to be a problem with Thomas I have no idea. No Munday, No Durston, just Blackie beiing effective from the River. Ho Hum.
Quote:Frome Exile
That really is one of the most cretinous things I've ever heard!
The sixteen teams behind us in the Championship standings must be truly awful!
A typical comment from you, too. We achieved our strong position from our early season form. It's not rocket science seeing how poorly we've been performing of late.
Why have most of our batsmen hit poor form for so long?
When was the last time we made a good first innings score? My memory, though poor, recalls us having to battle to save matches, rather being in the ascendency.
You keep living the dream. Reality must kick in at some point.
Sorry Bothzell but you don't stand 4 points behind the leaders of the Championship if your form has been poor UNLESS everyone else has also been poor or you have had a decent Championship season.
It's simple Maths I'm afraid. We have had a good Championship season. Our poor form with the bat has come in the one day competitions and it has lost us many a game. We have been at least a match for our opponents in the four day games.
But let's keep it civil gentlemen please. Over-reaction and over-generalisation aren't really a reason for insults and petty comments. What is wrong with everyone at the moment?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:23:35:14 by Grockle.
It's simple Maths I'm afraid. We have had a good Championship season. Our poor form with the bat has come in the one day competitions and it has lost us many a game. We have been at least a match for our opponents in the four day games.
But let's keep it civil gentlemen please. Over-reaction and over-generalisation aren't really a reason for insults and petty comments. What is wrong with everyone at the moment?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:10:23:35:14 by Grockle.
I've been away for the best part of the day and not able to follow events properly.
It seems odd we batted after winning the toss,I thought bowling was the obvious choice.
The selection of Munday given the events of the day are indeed strange,though looking at the forecast it seems that it'll make little difference anyway.Mr Langer must have his reasons for not bowling his spinners,though I'd have to admit they are not obvious to me.
I'm afraid I find Wirzham's post nearly as shocking as some fellow posters.
We're second in the CC and within touching distance of the most important prize in domestic cricket and we get this.
I pray the players are not reading these boards during games.
Some of the criticism has been breathtaking recently.
Perhaps languishing at the bottom of the second division is what makes some people happy.
As long as the fielders wave though I suppose we'll all go away with a big smile.
It seems odd we batted after winning the toss,I thought bowling was the obvious choice.
The selection of Munday given the events of the day are indeed strange,though looking at the forecast it seems that it'll make little difference anyway.Mr Langer must have his reasons for not bowling his spinners,though I'd have to admit they are not obvious to me.
I'm afraid I find Wirzham's post nearly as shocking as some fellow posters.
We're second in the CC and within touching distance of the most important prize in domestic cricket and we get this.
I pray the players are not reading these boards during games.
Some of the criticism has been breathtaking recently.
Perhaps languishing at the bottom of the second division is what makes some people happy.
As long as the fielders wave though I suppose we'll all go away with a big smile.
Reagrding the weather forecast which has now been updated I think we're in store for some exciting cricket.
According to the Beeb we could be rain free for a few days give or take the occasional shower.
Let's show them who's boss lads,let's bowl like demons and stake our claim as CC winners.
It's down to us now.
According to the Beeb we could be rain free for a few days give or take the occasional shower.
Let's show them who's boss lads,let's bowl like demons and stake our claim as CC winners.
It's down to us now.
It seems to me that in several matches recently, our batting has collapsed. We have been relying on one or two players. Champions pull together as a team, we're certainly not doing that, but just because someoene doesn't agree with me, is there any need for insults?
Many seem to be clutching at straws, wondering how we might win, by other teams failures. I'd prefer to win by playing good cricket. I can't remember us doing that for a while. Please remind me, if I'm wrong.
I think the weather has helped us, recently. We've had so much rain, that games have invariably ended in draws, with few bonus points, which doesn't help any team change it's position.
I look forward to a decent summer, with many local players in the team and Balckie or Arul as captain.
Many seem to be clutching at straws, wondering how we might win, by other teams failures. I'd prefer to win by playing good cricket. I can't remember us doing that for a while. Please remind me, if I'm wrong.
I think the weather has helped us, recently. We've had so much rain, that games have invariably ended in draws, with few bonus points, which doesn't help any team change it's position.
I look forward to a decent summer, with many local players in the team and Balckie or Arul as captain.
I didn't insult anyone. I described an individual comment, that we "don't deserve anything", as cretinous. There is a world of difference between telling someone they've said something stupid and calling them stupid. The comment was moronic, and I make no apology for saying so.
Your last post gives your agenda away, anyway. It seems obvious to me that you want us to fail so that Langer will be replaced.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:07:58:51 by Frome Exile.
Your last post gives your agenda away, anyway. It seems obvious to me that you want us to fail so that Langer will be replaced.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:07:58:51 by Frome Exile.
I think we are all suffering from a touch of nerves at the moment.
It the thought of coming all this way after all the years Somerset have not won the Championship and not making it over the final hurdle we be devastating.
The players played yesterday like they were caught in the headlight of a car and did not know which way to turn, you could say Zander de Bruyn was the only one that played like his normal self.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
It the thought of coming all this way after all the years Somerset have not won the Championship and not making it over the final hurdle we be devastating.
The players played yesterday like they were caught in the headlight of a car and did not know which way to turn, you could say Zander de Bruyn was the only one that played like his normal self.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Hurry is quoted on Yahoo as saying that they think the wicket will take spin which is why they went withou Caddick, although perhaps they sould have gone without Thomas.
If the nst 2 days are rain free where does that leave us. We scored too few runs.
Durham will be looking for the win i imagine so if they bat 80 overs today and we keep them to 3.5 that is another 280.I imagine they would sacrifice 2 points to get the win.
We then will be 100 behind with 100+ overs to bat . If we can get them out for less that 250 then we have a game to win if we can bat quickly . Could be interesting. Time for Blackie to frustrate one and MM to tie them up in knots at the other.
Optimism rules!!!
If the nst 2 days are rain free where does that leave us. We scored too few runs.
Durham will be looking for the win i imagine so if they bat 80 overs today and we keep them to 3.5 that is another 280.I imagine they would sacrifice 2 points to get the win.
We then will be 100 behind with 100+ overs to bat . If we can get them out for less that 250 then we have a game to win if we can bat quickly . Could be interesting. Time for Blackie to frustrate one and MM to tie them up in knots at the other.
Optimism rules!!!
Blackwell did beat the bat a few times I couldn't see if he was turning the ball from where I was sat.
Maybe Grockle had a better view because the wicket was more over his way.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Maybe Grockle had a better view because the wicket was more over his way.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com] Quote:Botham
When was the last time we made a good first innings score?
Two matches ago! 436 at the Rose Bowl.
And our 252 at Trent Bridge last time out is higher than the average first innings at TB this season.
Neither of those matches were we "battling to save" when weather intervened.
We have five batsmen averaging 35+, and have had scores of 50 or more from nine batsmen.
We have six bowlers with 18 or more wickets (none of whom is Caddick), and have had five-wicket hauls from three.
And yet we "have been relying on one or two players", apparently!
Honestly!
Thank you for your stats, FE.
One fact of my love for Somerset cricket, is that I want to win every game. However, almost as important I want to be entertained and excited. Clearly my understanding of entertainment and excitement doesn't match others, but wouldn't life be dull if we were all the same.
I have been baffled many times this season, by selection policy and tactics (albeit mostly in the 'shorter' game) and as no official comment is made, either on here or the main site, speculation will always take place. I believe that is one of the reason's why Grockle set up this site.
Not all participants have the same intellect as you, so I still think it cheap and unnecessary to make jibes at others, whether or not you are making direct insults.
To omit Andy Caddick, our most hostile bowler, from the side is quite frankly ridiculous.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:09:23:59 by Botham.
One fact of my love for Somerset cricket, is that I want to win every game. However, almost as important I want to be entertained and excited. Clearly my understanding of entertainment and excitement doesn't match others, but wouldn't life be dull if we were all the same.
I have been baffled many times this season, by selection policy and tactics (albeit mostly in the 'shorter' game) and as no official comment is made, either on here or the main site, speculation will always take place. I believe that is one of the reason's why Grockle set up this site.
Not all participants have the same intellect as you, so I still think it cheap and unnecessary to make jibes at others, whether or not you are making direct insults.
To omit Andy Caddick, our most hostile bowler, from the side is quite frankly ridiculous.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:09:23:59 by Botham.
I agree with FE above - 'honestly'!
Re fRed's comment on 'why pick Munday if you don't bowl him' - we've only been able to bowl 18 overs, fRed, and a spinner has bowled 4 of them, while Willo took a wicket. Give JL a chance, fRed - I'm sure MM will get a bowl in due course, but I wouldn't have expected him to bowl in the first 18 overs (light factor notwithstanding) and I would always have expected IB to bowl ahead of him.
I also like BJ's tone: forget the nitpicking, save that for October - let's get behind the team and cheer them on to the Championship - I wish I could be there in person but I can't, so will have to do it on here. Up and at 'em, lads!
Re fRed's comment on 'why pick Munday if you don't bowl him' - we've only been able to bowl 18 overs, fRed, and a spinner has bowled 4 of them, while Willo took a wicket. Give JL a chance, fRed - I'm sure MM will get a bowl in due course, but I wouldn't have expected him to bowl in the first 18 overs (light factor notwithstanding) and I would always have expected IB to bowl ahead of him.
I also like BJ's tone: forget the nitpicking, save that for October - let's get behind the team and cheer them on to the Championship - I wish I could be there in person but I can't, so will have to do it on here. Up and at 'em, lads!
The simple fact is that the strategy of playing Munday surely hinges, in part, on putting a big first-innings score on the board?
I would love to be proved wrong, but I do not think JL will bowl MKM very much, because I do not think that JL will believe that we have enough runs on the board to be able to give MKM a long bowl.
I would love to be proved wrong, but I do not think JL will bowl MKM very much, because I do not think that JL will believe that we have enough runs on the board to be able to give MKM a long bowl.
Good point, AG, you may be right - I don't care who bowls Durham out today as long as somebody does, quickly, and for very few runs!
Then I am sorry you feel offended, Botham: but I will stress again that my "jibe" was at your comment, not at you.
And as demonstration of the fact that I respond to what people say, rather than who they are, I will offer that I wholeheartedly agree with another of your comments. In the absence of any further explanation, the omission of Andy Caddick, on a pitch on which Harmison has performed so ably, seems cretinous, too!
Having said that, I always try to be optimistic that those intimately involved in the process have sound reasons for their decisions. If, for instance, this game peters out to a draw, and a rested (and piqued) Caddick runs through Yorkshire twice next week, I'll declare it a master-stroke!
And as demonstration of the fact that I respond to what people say, rather than who they are, I will offer that I wholeheartedly agree with another of your comments. In the absence of any further explanation, the omission of Andy Caddick, on a pitch on which Harmison has performed so ably, seems cretinous, too!
Having said that, I always try to be optimistic that those intimately involved in the process have sound reasons for their decisions. If, for instance, this game peters out to a draw, and a rested (and piqued) Caddick runs through Yorkshire twice next week, I'll declare it a master-stroke!
I saw the Cadmeister around the ground a couple of times yesterday and he looked in rude health! Much surprised that The Fonz was preferred.
Wicket is taking spin - and was dusty later yesterday. Wiseman looked good and Blackie beat the bat a few times. They found scoring runs not easy on that wicket.
I suspect that Blackie will have a big say today, Willo also. I hope that JL will give MM a bowl - he may not be very economical but with the turn on offer is very likely to take wickets.
Give credit to Durham - they looked a very tight bowling and fielding outfit with few lapses. They are very much up for this and we need to match that today.
Wicket is taking spin - and was dusty later yesterday. Wiseman looked good and Blackie beat the bat a few times. They found scoring runs not easy on that wicket.
I suspect that Blackie will have a big say today, Willo also. I hope that JL will give MM a bowl - he may not be very economical but with the turn on offer is very likely to take wickets.
Give credit to Durham - they looked a very tight bowling and fielding outfit with few lapses. They are very much up for this and we need to match that today.
Yes, let's not forget Durham are a pretty good side! From all the reports, it seems that they bowled and fielded well yesterday - we have to at least match that effort.
CricInfo is already showing that the start will be delayed by rain.
Anything further from those nearer?
Anything further from those nearer?
Did anybody see that Harmy says he has told the England selectors that he will not play ODI cricket, unless they allow him to continue playing for Durham.
More power to the man for recognising that he needs regular bowling to be able to play well and for telling the England selectors as much.
As he himself said;
“The reason I bowled well for England is because I have been playing regularly for my county.”
Let’s hope that Harmy has landed the first blow against the irritating system that kept Caddy from us so often.
Incidentally, FE, this would – assuming the ECB comply with Harmy’s wishes – obviate my previous concern that Harmy’s ODI return might be detrimental to his test form in that he would no longer be permitted to get in a groove by bowling for Durham.
More power to the man for recognising that he needs regular bowling to be able to play well and for telling the England selectors as much.
As he himself said;
“The reason I bowled well for England is because I have been playing regularly for my county.”
Let’s hope that Harmy has landed the first blow against the irritating system that kept Caddy from us so often.
Incidentally, FE, this would – assuming the ECB comply with Harmy’s wishes – obviate my previous concern that Harmy’s ODI return might be detrimental to his test form in that he would no longer be permitted to get in a groove by bowling for Durham.
I had seen that, AG: and my thoughts on the matter were very much the same as yours!
I'm romantic enough to hope there's an element of team loyalty involved as well as self-interest, though!
I'm romantic enough to hope there's an element of team loyalty involved as well as self-interest, though!
I'd expect play to start more or less on time, my money's on 11am.
We certainly needed this overnight rain, the outfield was begining to look quite parched.
We certainly needed this overnight rain, the outfield was begining to look quite parched.
It's raining heavily here, just up the road from The Oval, which will postpone Hampshire's accumulation of points against Surrey. That may have absolutely no bearing on which county is eventually to win the championship, but I know FE will respect my right to make cretinous comments without impugning my intelligence, there being a decreasing amounts of that to impugn anyway. As for suggesting we are currently playing poorly, I am wondering how some would have judged us (and remained loyal) during those four consecutive seasons in the Fifties when we never rose above 17/17 in the table). I too want us to win every match, even if we can't always do so entertainingly, but above all I want us to play consistently well over a sustained period and not be judged on the basis of occasional performances that fall short of excellent.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
I understand that the black hole will be very selective, confining its consumption to Capelli and his hapless mob for the better good of the planet.
It always works, doesn't it?
And BJ's favourite will fall at the first in the 3.47 at Melton Mowbray (even though it's a flat race).
I'm not offended, FE, I have grown a very thick hide, since my Grockles debut. Neither do I mind being in a minority of 1, on here.
However, I have spoken with many customers, who are also Somerset members, and not one is happy with Blackies ommission from the 1 day side or JL's captaincy.
However, I have spoken with many customers, who are also Somerset members, and not one is happy with Blackies ommission from the 1 day side or JL's captaincy.
That's fine. You have a right to that opinion. I'm not happy with Ian's omission, either!
But the leap from there to "we are not a team" and "don't deserve anything" is a massive one.
But the leap from there to "we are not a team" and "don't deserve anything" is a massive one.
Must have been a very localised drop of rain!!
In my part of TA1 it has been fine all morning!
In my part of TA1 it has been fine all morning!
Play starting this very minute; let's have wickets (and two points) by lunchtime please.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Ian and Alfie certainly seem to be making it hard to score so far this morning. Will lunch be on schedule, or will we get the opportunity to maintain this pressure for a while longer?
Don't know about lunch, but one wicket has fallen so far. Now it's the small matter of getting rid of the limpet, Di Venuto and six others...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
If Di Venuto is a limpet, then Chanderpaul must be the pad of a giant squid.
We'll struggle like mad to remove him..
But hopefully we can chip away at those at the other end..
We'll struggle like mad to remove him..
But hopefully we can chip away at those at the other end..
I may be wrong, but I thought FE meant Chanderpaul as the Limpet, in addition to MdV.
Any road up, we need to get rid of as many as poss as soon as poss...
Any road up, we need to get rid of as many as poss as soon as poss...
I think, AG, that if you check the maths, you'll see that Chanderpaul is 'the limpet' in LoL's octet!
Actually the maths of the commas should have been the key. That will teach me to read in haste.
Thanks gentlemen for agreeing on the details of my posting. I was already in complete agreement with myself.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Met Office seems to suggest some poor stuff coming in this afternoon, for which we might have to be thankful.
Should we have to mount some kind of desperate rear-guard in the final few hours tomorrow, the relatively good news is that it looks like there will be very good light for seeing the rocks that Harmison will be hurling down at us.
Should we have to mount some kind of desperate rear-guard in the final few hours tomorrow, the relatively good news is that it looks like there will be very good light for seeing the rocks that Harmison will be hurling down at us.
Isn't it a little premature to be so pessimistic as to say that we might have to be thankful for rain?
They are still 127 runs behind, after all. And they have only added 52 runs from 17 overs this morning.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:12:38:46 by Frome Exile.
They are still 127 runs behind, after all. And they have only added 52 runs from 17 overs this morning.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:12:38:46 by Frome Exile.
I wonder if Brian Rose was trying to call Durham's bluff by saying the wicket was damp? We tried making spinner's wickets when Mr Cullen was here, it didn't work.
Surely the conditions are made for AC? Australian captaincy vs English conditions.
Surely the conditions are made for AC? Australian captaincy vs English conditions.
I think that's a plausible theory, fRed - maybe it'll work, eventually.
It would be premature to say that we WILL have to be thankful for rain, FE. Suggesting that we might find rain to be helpful to us is not, I think, fanciful, given that we have taken only two wickets in more than 30 overs.
Fair enough.
Of course if (when) we take quick wickets this afternoon, any subsequent rain may yet prove a hindrance, rather than a help.
Of course if (when) we take quick wickets this afternoon, any subsequent rain may yet prove a hindrance, rather than a help.
I realise that this pitch, supposedly, is dry and turning a little already.
Even so, would it not be an idea to give Jim's favourite pace bowling all-rounder a chance?
I think putting Wes on ahead of him is more than a trifle optimistic, although I do understand that two left-handers would mean that Wes's stock ball would go away from them (unlike those of Ian or MKM)
Even so, would it not be an idea to give Jim's favourite pace bowling all-rounder a chance?
I think putting Wes on ahead of him is more than a trifle optimistic, although I do understand that two left-handers would mean that Wes's stock ball would go away from them (unlike those of Ian or MKM)
It looks like it could be a case of twirlers at one end and the seamers rotating at the other? Pete may have a crack after Charl?
Yesterday it was taking spin but both Willoughby and Thomas were keeping the batsmen tied down as well. The only query was that Langer didn't bring on a spinner at the other end to keep Durham on the field when the light went a bit.
Justin seemed surprised by the umpire offering the light. He hung about on the pitch for quite a while and also seemed justified because the umps then stood at the gate for about 5 minutes deciding whether to go off completely or call everyone back. Seemed daft once you've taken the blokes off to then linger.
The mark of a good team is coherence. The mark of a successful team is to get more points than everyone else. You might want both but you don't actually need it in the short term.
The coherence is an off season issue. Winning the Championship is the short term aim and how we do it is not a problem for me personally for the next fortnight.
Never mind Both, it's four day anyway. Sorting the short term stuff out is a 2009 priority.
Justin seemed surprised by the umpire offering the light. He hung about on the pitch for quite a while and also seemed justified because the umps then stood at the gate for about 5 minutes deciding whether to go off completely or call everyone back. Seemed daft once you've taken the blokes off to then linger.
The mark of a good team is coherence. The mark of a successful team is to get more points than everyone else. You might want both but you don't actually need it in the short term.
The coherence is an off season issue. Winning the Championship is the short term aim and how we do it is not a problem for me personally for the next fortnight.
Never mind Both, it's four day anyway. Sorting the short term stuff out is a 2009 priority.
Just on for a few minutes so I'll make it brief.
This afternoon is a hugely important afternoon in the history of our club.
I want everyone to please give their full attention to the cause,we must get working on the Durham boys and send them packing back to the hutch.
No dissenters please,take the afternoon off and go for a nice long walk.
Or swim.
We need the following two sessions to go our way.
Come on Somerset.
Come on everyone.
Let's get this thing moving and let's win the County Championship.
This afternoon is a hugely important afternoon in the history of our club.
I want everyone to please give their full attention to the cause,we must get working on the Durham boys and send them packing back to the hutch.
No dissenters please,take the afternoon off and go for a nice long walk.
Or swim.
We need the following two sessions to go our way.
Come on Somerset.
Come on everyone.
Let's get this thing moving and let's win the County Championship.
... doing my best, BJ. Time for FE to rev up the car... and for SP to forego family loyalty.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Funnily enough, I'm just popping to the shops.
Car keys crossed everyone!
Car keys crossed everyone!
...and I'd be delighted if cousin Chander, alleged Cricketer of the Year, decided he'd had enough for one match.
Thanks, Grockle for the post on the Durham site.I had already read your prose on this site but sharing it with all up here is most gracious.I was hoping to visit Taunton for some of the game but sadly domestic issues( family sickness) have intervened.Another year I hope.
This afternoon will, I suspect,indeed be the defining session of the game.It is interesting to read your apprehension about your skipper's decision to bat first.Perhaps he was hoping for a similar Banger display to the one he gave us at the Riverside. I still feel that the answer lies in the spin as Harmy is less likely to be as effective in the second innings on a dry Taunton track.
Without prejudging matters take note of the Durham batting display at Trent Bridge a few weeks ago.Snails have been known to progress quicker when the situation demands it.
This afternoon will, I suspect,indeed be the defining session of the game.It is interesting to read your apprehension about your skipper's decision to bat first.Perhaps he was hoping for a similar Banger display to the one he gave us at the Riverside. I still feel that the answer lies in the spin as Harmy is less likely to be as effective in the second innings on a dry Taunton track.
Without prejudging matters take note of the Durham batting display at Trent Bridge a few weeks ago.Snails have been known to progress quicker when the situation demands it.
Nice words Southwood,you've summed it up perfectly.
I don't think speed is in the minds of the Durham lads this afternoon,if they get the batting points it's mission accomplished.
You Durham boys look out though,this could change very quickly.We're all on the case now.
It's intriguing.
Unless you don't like four day cricket and then of course it's boring.
I don't think speed is in the minds of the Durham lads this afternoon,if they get the batting points it's mission accomplished.
You Durham boys look out though,this could change very quickly.We're all on the case now.
It's intriguing.
Unless you don't like four day cricket and then of course it's boring.
I wonder if the two current snails have put together one of the longest partnerships (in minutes) against us this season - or does it just feel like it?
Durham have specialised in intrigue this season.The examples are too numerous to list but that is what cricket is about, n'est ce pas?
The 4 day stuff is my game ,but the 40/50over stuff provides the mix of skill,experience and tactics instantly and can often be entertaining for those short on attention span. Do not mention T20.
The 4 day stuff is my game ,but the 40/50over stuff provides the mix of skill,experience and tactics instantly and can often be entertaining for those short on attention span. Do not mention T20.
Southwood - as I said yesterday I believe that dry tracks are prone to becoming increasingly uneven. That's why I'm apprehensive about facing Harmy in the 2nd dig. More so, even, that in the first (now that I know that the pitch was not starting damp, which was what our Director of Cricket had let us to believe would be the case.)
Even their trails go faster than they do...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I'm afraid the MKM selection is appearing to not be working for the reasons, I assume, that I outlined earlier - not enough runs on the board and not enough trust in him to bowl very tightly in defending a poor total.
Even if there was some cunning reason not to pick Caddy for this one, it certainly looks as though we would have been better off with a Neil Edwards or an Arul Suppiah, rather than MKM.
It was dissappointing to read, in the Times, that we gave serveral wickets away with rash shots (apparently) when we batted yesterday.
I feel sure that Durham's adhesive approach is appropriate on this kind of surface.
I'm also fairly sure that their approach will attract unfavourable comment from a certain Mr Langer after the game. But that doesn't mean that they have got things wrong.
Even if there was some cunning reason not to pick Caddy for this one, it certainly looks as though we would have been better off with a Neil Edwards or an Arul Suppiah, rather than MKM.
It was dissappointing to read, in the Times, that we gave serveral wickets away with rash shots (apparently) when we batted yesterday.
I feel sure that Durham's adhesive approach is appropriate on this kind of surface.
I'm also fairly sure that their approach will attract unfavourable comment from a certain Mr Langer after the game. But that doesn't mean that they have got things wrong.
I'd be interested to know if Wes and Willo look like taking wickets - while their economy rates are great, we're not making much headway, and they've both bowled a very long spell.
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa.
Even their trails go faster than they do...
It is feasible, that Durham, having gained max bowling points are taking no chances, thereby restricting our points, knowing that a draw is the most likely outcome. They could keep plodding along at 2 per over, gaining batting points tomorrow.
A dry track may become uneven but you do not have to bat last on it.
Unless the Durham snails can accumulate a decent total I am apprehensive about their prospects to chase down a target on the last afternoon.Anyway,you have a much more versatile attack of pace,swing and 3 kinds of spin.Durham are too reliant on pace and ,unless Benkenstein has read the track better than Langer,may be too predictable next time around.But they never give up.
To echo Big Jim ,it is intriguing,especially as Di Venuto and Chanderpaul both owe big scores after poor performances recently.They are playing for the CC title which makes this match all the more intriguing for both sides.
Unless the Durham snails can accumulate a decent total I am apprehensive about their prospects to chase down a target on the last afternoon.Anyway,you have a much more versatile attack of pace,swing and 3 kinds of spin.Durham are too reliant on pace and ,unless Benkenstein has read the track better than Langer,may be too predictable next time around.But they never give up.
To echo Big Jim ,it is intriguing,especially as Di Venuto and Chanderpaul both owe big scores after poor performances recently.They are playing for the CC title which makes this match all the more intriguing for both sides.
"I'd be interested to know if Wes and Willo look like taking wickets - while their economy rates are great, we're not making much headway, and they've both bowled a very long spell."
I suspect, SP, that we have decided to match attrition with attrition. That is, they are trying to deny us bowling points and we are trying to deny them batting points. After all, at the current rate of progress it is surely not impossible that they might fail to get to 400 in 130 overs? And it's looking probable that we will not get full bowling points, to be frank.
I suspect, SP, that we have decided to match attrition with attrition. That is, they are trying to deny us bowling points and we are trying to deny them batting points. After all, at the current rate of progress it is surely not impossible that they might fail to get to 400 in 130 overs? And it's looking probable that we will not get full bowling points, to be frank.
Some pretty heavy cloud cover moving in from the channel.
It may well get broken up as it passes over the Quantocks but it may also drop a little bit of mositure on the wicket and make swing bowling more favourable.
It may well get broken up as it passes over the Quantocks but it may also drop a little bit of mositure on the wicket and make swing bowling more favourable.
yes a bit of appliaction was needed yesterday and the running was shocking on more than one occasion
I'll be there in a bit but it's not looking exactly dangerous to predict a draw rather than any kind of Somerset victory. The spinner plan doesn't seem have worked because Wes has bowled 17 (not our known wicket taking spinner) and MM has bowled 2 for 8 (I assume the plan was that he would take stuff). That leaves us seriously lacking on a pitch where good seamers have taken stumps out of the ground.
Ho Hum.
Ho Hum.
The bat first and play the spinners does seem to have been a rather strange policy.
It's obvious that the skipper thought we could boss this one with the bat and then try and clean up with the twirlers.
As Grockle rightly says......ho hum.
It's obvious that the skipper thought we could boss this one with the bat and then try and clean up with the twirlers.
As Grockle rightly says......ho hum.
Looked a poor strategy on paper. Has not worked on grass.
As FE hinted we can only hope that the side effect is that a FURIOUS Andrew Richard Caddick will eviscerate the Yorkies at North Marine Road.
As FE hinted we can only hope that the side effect is that a FURIOUS Andrew Richard Caddick will eviscerate the Yorkies at North Marine Road.
But really rather annoyed with it to be honest. Not helpful to the team to have a specialist bowler who is only entrusted with two overs.
And, I'm bound to ask - how helpful is it likely to be for MKM to pick him and then give him 2 overs on a dry pitch??
[shaking head]
And, I'm bound to ask - how helpful is it likely to be for MKM to pick him and then give him 2 overs on a dry pitch??
[shaking head]
And now it looks like they are going to cut loose and be in position to have Harmy win it tomorrow (unless we bat very well.)
For goodness sake!
They're not even ahead yet, with just over a day to go, and you've already got us facing an uphill struggle to save the game.
Give me strength!
Durham will not want to bat again - fact! There is nothing to be gained by them in pulling out with any less than a 200 lead, so that won't happen before lunch. It's hardly likley before tea.
And if we can't last two sessions on a pitch that they've just made 220 for 2 on then we frankly don't deserve to win the championship.
They're not even ahead yet, with just over a day to go, and you've already got us facing an uphill struggle to save the game.
Give me strength!
Durham will not want to bat again - fact! There is nothing to be gained by them in pulling out with any less than a 200 lead, so that won't happen before lunch. It's hardly likley before tea.
And if we can't last two sessions on a pitch that they've just made 220 for 2 on then we frankly don't deserve to win the championship.
What I really do not understand is this;
One might infer from the team selection and pitch preparation for this game that Justin Langer did not believe that we could beat Durham on anything other than a turning track?
Let’s be clear, here, we did NOT prepare an extra-dry pitch by accident. If the pitch had started damp? Yeah, that could have been an accident caused by all the bad weather. But we must have deliberately strived for a very dry pitch?
But why on earth would Langer believe this? We went up to Durham’s own pitch and had the better of a rain affected game which we may well have won but for the rain. And we have the same personnel available for this game (sans Craig) as we had for that one.
Baffling. I really worry that Justin Langer seems to be the kind of guy who enjoys making odd decisions for the sake of it – presumably in the hope that he will be hailed as some kind of genius if they go right. I detect a similar problem in some of the extraordinary field placings that we’ve seen in the short game.
One might infer from the team selection and pitch preparation for this game that Justin Langer did not believe that we could beat Durham on anything other than a turning track?
Let’s be clear, here, we did NOT prepare an extra-dry pitch by accident. If the pitch had started damp? Yeah, that could have been an accident caused by all the bad weather. But we must have deliberately strived for a very dry pitch?
But why on earth would Langer believe this? We went up to Durham’s own pitch and had the better of a rain affected game which we may well have won but for the rain. And we have the same personnel available for this game (sans Craig) as we had for that one.
Baffling. I really worry that Justin Langer seems to be the kind of guy who enjoys making odd decisions for the sake of it – presumably in the hope that he will be hailed as some kind of genius if they go right. I detect a similar problem in some of the extraordinary field placings that we’ve seen in the short game.
"Durham will not want to bat again - fact! There is nothing to be gained by them in pulling out with any less than a 200 lead."
Except a possible win, you mean?
Sure, orthodoxy might dictate that Durham would be reluctant to bat again on a dry pitch.
However, wouldn't the same orthodoxy suggest that our spinners should be taking some wickets?
If I'm Durham, I look at how few wickets we've managed to take and I think that I'd take a lead of 125 and then have Harmison fire away. After all, we only made 224 first time around and that depended largely on one guy. If I'm Durham, if I can rush us out, I'm not worried about being left with with 70 or 80 to make at the end.
Except a possible win, you mean?
Sure, orthodoxy might dictate that Durham would be reluctant to bat again on a dry pitch.
However, wouldn't the same orthodoxy suggest that our spinners should be taking some wickets?
If I'm Durham, I look at how few wickets we've managed to take and I think that I'd take a lead of 125 and then have Harmison fire away. After all, we only made 224 first time around and that depended largely on one guy. If I'm Durham, if I can rush us out, I'm not worried about being left with with 70 or 80 to make at the end.
If they lose, they could be pretty much out of the title race. If they fail to win, they almost certainly won't be. Make the game safe (and get max batting points), and only then try for the unlikely win. IMHO that has to be Durham's philosophy.
Edit. And the pace at which skipper Benkenstein appears to be batting suggests that it probably is.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:17:47:34 by Frome Exile.
Edit. And the pace at which skipper Benkenstein appears to be batting suggests that it probably is.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:17:47:34 by Frome Exile.
I think Frome Exile has a point.
Durham would not want to bat again but I think they will want a lead greater than 125,if they get the chance,esp as there are showers forecast this evening( radar shows it is raining lightly now in the Taunton area).
Cook/Benkenstein will take a draw but would prefer to put some pressure on to try to extract a win.
They will be quite happy to unleash Harmy tomoorow afternoon but watch out for Davies and Thorp with Wiseman in support.
Durham would not want to bat again but I think they will want a lead greater than 125,if they get the chance,esp as there are showers forecast this evening( radar shows it is raining lightly now in the Taunton area).
Cook/Benkenstein will take a draw but would prefer to put some pressure on to try to extract a win.
They will be quite happy to unleash Harmy tomoorow afternoon but watch out for Davies and Thorp with Wiseman in support.
Durham will declare when they get to 400 or as soon as 13o overs are up, which ever is the sooner.
Absolutely no sense in delaying it longer as they need as much time to try and get ten wickets as possible.
Therefore im guessing we'll need to bat for around 60 overs tomorrow weather permitting.
Realy hope we can pick up some wickets in the morning but worst case scenario (providing we get the draw) is Durham 12 points (if they make 400 in 130) and us 6 points.
So worst case i make table tomorrow at 6om
1 - Somerset - 14 - 158
2 - Durham - 14 - 157
3 - Notts - 14 - 156
Absolutely no sense in delaying it longer as they need as much time to try and get ten wickets as possible.
Therefore im guessing we'll need to bat for around 60 overs tomorrow weather permitting.
Realy hope we can pick up some wickets in the morning but worst case scenario (providing we get the draw) is Durham 12 points (if they make 400 in 130) and us 6 points.
So worst case i make table tomorrow at 6om
1 - Somerset - 14 - 158
2 - Durham - 14 - 157
3 - Notts - 14 - 156
Not the best of two days but there is always tomorrow.
We need to explode onto that field tomorrow like our lives depended on it,bowl like the wind and cement maximum bowling points.
There is still plenty in this match for us.
Let's make sure we get it.
We need to explode onto that field tomorrow like our lives depended on it,bowl like the wind and cement maximum bowling points.
There is still plenty in this match for us.
Let's make sure we get it.
We've definitely been second-best in this game. Really need a good wicket-filled 15-20 overs in the morning or we could be in deep trouble. Trying to hold out for 60 overs against Harmy, Wiseman & Co could be tough tomorrow afternoon.
Something I don’t say very often watching cricket but I was bored today it’s a good job the building site added another interest.
Due to lack of activity I have only chosen three photos for today.
S Chanderpaul bld Willoughby
I think there was at least two chances missed, this one was missed by Trescothick to dismiss Di Venuto, I couldn’t see if it was easy or not from where I was sat.
This is Graham Burgess last umpiring match at Taunton before he retires; it looks like he suffers with his back because he leaned on the stumps several times.
I wish him a long and happy retirement.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:20:57:56 by Mike BOS.
Due to lack of activity I have only chosen three photos for today.
S Chanderpaul bld Willoughby
I think there was at least two chances missed, this one was missed by Trescothick to dismiss Di Venuto, I couldn’t see if it was easy or not from where I was sat.
This is Graham Burgess last umpiring match at Taunton before he retires; it looks like he suffers with his back because he leaned on the stumps several times.
I wish him a long and happy retirement.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:11:20:57:56 by Mike BOS.
Great pics, Mike, thanks. I must be 20 years younger than Budgie and I've done that a few times!
Mr Frost did say it was going to be hard to get the stumps out of the ground tonight.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
As I've said in the Day 3 update. MM was simply a passenger today. He bowled 2 overs before lunch for 2 and 6 - one boundary. Did his captain have so little faith in him that he thought he'd get murdered? What did those two overs show that suggested that we would be foolish to give him more ball time?
It seems that the strategy was to get maximum bowling points and then twirl them out or to a draw with a low score. Failed at the first hurdle and no thought about what if it went wrong.
We have a weakened seam attack on a wicket where seam will be the only thing that gets you victims. Why didn't Caddick play insted of Wes? If the plan was to high score surely you expected that to come from numbers 1 to 6 so why play an extra batsman? If Wes was played as a bowler expected to bowl 17 overs then it was a strategy that has been obvious by its absence in the past 5 months.
I see no logic or sense in this plan. Luckily it may not destroy our hopes of a first title but it certainly hasn't bolstered the morale of the side or given us points that would have given us confidence going to Scarborough.
One of the press lads summed it up " we were trying to be too clever".
FE is probably right. Durham would like to be 401 for 5 just after lunch and will then have nothing to lose in setting attacking fields and seeing what Harmy can do. We need to bat out the last one and whatever sessions and take the points. We, of course would like to see them 401 for 9 or all out for less than 350....300 would be even better.
So BJ is also right. Big wicket spell in the morning.
Then after about 5:30 tomorrow we need a deluge for 14 days!!
It seems that the strategy was to get maximum bowling points and then twirl them out or to a draw with a low score. Failed at the first hurdle and no thought about what if it went wrong.
We have a weakened seam attack on a wicket where seam will be the only thing that gets you victims. Why didn't Caddick play insted of Wes? If the plan was to high score surely you expected that to come from numbers 1 to 6 so why play an extra batsman? If Wes was played as a bowler expected to bowl 17 overs then it was a strategy that has been obvious by its absence in the past 5 months.
I see no logic or sense in this plan. Luckily it may not destroy our hopes of a first title but it certainly hasn't bolstered the morale of the side or given us points that would have given us confidence going to Scarborough.
One of the press lads summed it up " we were trying to be too clever".
FE is probably right. Durham would like to be 401 for 5 just after lunch and will then have nothing to lose in setting attacking fields and seeing what Harmy can do. We need to bat out the last one and whatever sessions and take the points. We, of course would like to see them 401 for 9 or all out for less than 350....300 would be even better.
So BJ is also right. Big wicket spell in the morning.
Then after about 5:30 tomorrow we need a deluge for 14 days!!
As longv as we don't lose, a fact made more possible by Durham's slow batting, then the last 2 games will be fascinating. I do wonder if when durham try to quicken a little to get to 400 in their 130 overs a wicket or 2 might tumble, but knowing life it will probably be Mustard's day for a bright and breezy one.
I have to agree with other posters, we have (JL has BR has???) tried to be too clever by half.
I have to agree with other posters, we have (JL has BR has???) tried to be too clever by half.
For all JL's strange decisions, he hasn't made the blindingly obvious one...............
Mike - thanks, as always for the photo.
Based purely on the photo that you took, I would guess that Banger's catch would not have been especially easy because it appears - from Di Venuto's body position, that he has essayed an attacking stroke to leg - as opposed to having been deceived/befuddled by a bowler. I'd guess the catch arrived at a rate of knots?
Based purely on the photo that you took, I would guess that Banger's catch would not have been especially easy because it appears - from Di Venuto's body position, that he has essayed an attacking stroke to leg - as opposed to having been deceived/befuddled by a bowler. I'd guess the catch arrived at a rate of knots?
Southwood - I will certainly be looking out for Mark Davies. He is a tremendous weapon.
I find it ironic that the two guys - other than Harmy - in whom England were once interested - namely Onions and Plunkett do not merit a place even in the Durham team anymore. And let's be clear - I'm not querying the Durham team selection, it is extremely obvious from the numbers this season that Thorpe and Davies should be playing ahead of them as, in fact, they are.
I find it ironic that the two guys - other than Harmy - in whom England were once interested - namely Onions and Plunkett do not merit a place even in the Durham team anymore. And let's be clear - I'm not querying the Durham team selection, it is extremely obvious from the numbers this season that Thorpe and Davies should be playing ahead of them as, in fact, they are.
As I said I wasn't sure on the Trescothick catch, with my knowledge of photos it looks like it may still have a distance to travel and may be dipping, it could have been low down and to his right.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:07:32:58 by Mike BOS.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:07:32:58 by Mike BOS.
I think geaordie moonraker has made an excellent point, but perhaps hasn't made it strongly enough. Durham have put themselves in the position of having to accelerate considerably in order to get to 400 in 130 overs. They've gone at 2.7 rpo, and need to step that up to 3.9. If we can get that over 4 with a tight openeing spell, there's every chance of wickets.
I hope Grockle is at least partly joking about the 14-day deluge. I really want us to roll over the Yorkies, to avenge our only loss and give us the same number of wins as Notts in case things get tight! So an oasis of dryness (if you'll pardon the reversed metaphor!) at Scarborough would do me fine!
I hope Grockle is at least partly joking about the 14-day deluge. I really want us to roll over the Yorkies, to avenge our only loss and give us the same number of wins as Notts in case things get tight! So an oasis of dryness (if you'll pardon the reversed metaphor!) at Scarborough would do me fine!
It would be perfectly reasonable for Durham to declare this morning, particularly if they start losing wickets, to stop us getting any more bonus points. We may even get bowled out very cheaply, such must be our low confidence, judging by some broadsheet newspaper reports. Durham cannot lose, so what's to stop them believing they can win.
Quote:Botham
Durham cannot lose
Of course they can. Any side with Marcus Trescothick, Justin Langer, Ian Blackwell, Peter Trego in it is capable of making 150-200 in 50 overs on our pitch. That could then leave Durham batting last, and they could lose.
It's unlikely, but it's possible; which is why I'm convinced Mr. Benkenstein won't be in the mood to turn down batting points before then attempting to win.
Declare now and win - 19 pts - unlikely and high risk
Bat to 400 and win - 22 pts - unlikely but virtually zero risk
Bat to 400 and draw - 12 pts
Bat to 400 and lose - 8 pts
Declare now and lose - 5 pts
It's a no-brainer. By surrendering 7 of their first innings wickets gratis, they would be doing a third of our job of bowling them out twice, for us. They'd be bringing their own defeat 7 20ths nearer. You'd want a pretty strong chance of victory before you'd risk those odds.
Aside from which, if the Umpires determine that any declaration is designed purely to deny us points, Durham would be punished.
wsm fan is the most likely to be correct, though. They'll want to declare after 130 overs, when no more points will be available, which should be right around lunchtime. But if we bowl well, they should still be short of the 400, and possibly even the 350, which might persuade them to go on into the afternoon for a more intimidating lead.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:09:22:44 by Frome Exile.
Quote:Frome ExileQuote:Botham
Durham cannot lose
Aside from which, if the Umpires determine that any declaration is designed purely to deny us points, Durham would be punished.
Given our most recent form and Durham's best chance of winning is to declare early, it would be difficult for the umpires to make such a judgement and for it to be upheld.
But their best chance of winning isn't to declare early; that's the point. Unless of course you think that they are going to bowl us out for 40!
I don't know about that, FE.
Sure, Durham could bat on to a lead of, say, 175 or so before they declare. Indeed, I suspect that they will do what you say they should do, out of caution.
HOWEVER - psychologically, I think there's big difference between them leaving us only 40 or so overs to survive at the end of the day as against, getting us back out there with, say, 72 overs to go.
If they have a lead of, say, 100 and leave us 72 overs, then that puts us under pressure to bat for a minimum of 60 overs , as opposed to only having to hang on for 40 overs.
If I was in charge of Durham, I would declare about 100 on and get us back out there and put us under pressure.
Sure, Durham could bat on to a lead of, say, 175 or so before they declare. Indeed, I suspect that they will do what you say they should do, out of caution.
HOWEVER - psychologically, I think there's big difference between them leaving us only 40 or so overs to survive at the end of the day as against, getting us back out there with, say, 72 overs to go.
If they have a lead of, say, 100 and leave us 72 overs, then that puts us under pressure to bat for a minimum of 60 overs , as opposed to only having to hang on for 40 overs.
If I was in charge of Durham, I would declare about 100 on and get us back out there and put us under pressure.
"Declare now and win - 19 pts - unlikely and high risk."
High risk in what sense, FE?
The only 'risk,' that I see is that they would, of course, forfeit batting points that were on the table.
Also, I find it hugely improbable that Durham would be punished if they declare. It would hardly be difficult for them to argue that they were declaring in order to push for the win?
High risk in what sense, FE?
The only 'risk,' that I see is that they would, of course, forfeit batting points that were on the table.
Also, I find it hugely improbable that Durham would be punished if they declare. It would hardly be difficult for them to argue that they were declaring in order to push for the win?
The earlier they declare, the more time they have to bowl us out, leaving them knowing exactly what they need to do to win. Makes perfect sense to me.
I almost went back and edited "high" to "some". And it was in response to Botham's scenario in which they declare now, on their overnight score, only 41 ahead. That would leave a real possibility that they could end up having to face the final 40 overs 125-150 behind. That would be a significant risk.
And the punishment line was again in response to
Edit: Without wishing to be confrontational, AG, can I ask whether you've been skim-reading again? I have already conceded that 130 overs is the most likely declaration point, and that that may well leave them short of the 200 lead I mentioned yesterday.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:09:59:17 by Frome Exile.
And the punishment line was again in response to
Quote:Botham
It would be perfectly reasonable for Durham to declare this morning, particularly if they start losing wickets, to stop us getting any more bonus points.
Edit: Without wishing to be confrontational, AG, can I ask whether you've been skim-reading again? I have already conceded that 130 overs is the most likely declaration point, and that that may well leave them short of the 200 lead I mentioned yesterday.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:09:59:17 by Frome Exile.
No, not skim-reading, FE.
130 overs would mean 35 overs for them today, I think. Unless they lose early wickets then I think they'll be closer to your previous 200 lead than they will to the lead of 100 or so at which I would declare, if I were them.
Reports suggest there's not much in the track - only slow turn and they also say we're playing with a particularly short boundary on one side.
130 overs would mean 35 overs for them today, I think. Unless they lose early wickets then I think they'll be closer to your previous 200 lead than they will to the lead of 100 or so at which I would declare, if I were them.
Reports suggest there's not much in the track - only slow turn and they also say we're playing with a particularly short boundary on one side.
Quote:130 overs would mean 35 overs for them today, I think. Unless they lose early wickets then I think they'll be closer to your previous 200 lead than they will to the lead of 100 or so at which I would declare, if I were them.
Only if they are allowed to accelerate significantly, as discussed several posts ago. At their current rate of 2.7 rpo they'll be on a lead of about 135 at 130 overs. To get to 400, they need 3.9 an over.
Presumably they are playing with the same boundaries (short or otherwise) which have been in effect for the first three days?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:10:14:06 by Frome Exile.
Quote:Frome Exile
Botham for Durham Captain September 12th 2008
My first decision will be at what point I introduce ftm!
Yes, of course, FE - I know they won't get a big lead in 35 overs if they just bat at the run-rate for the innings as a whole (2.7) But what was the run-rate over, say, the most recent 20 or 25 overs of the innings? Appreciably better than 2.7, I would guess?
The other shoe has fallen!!
We've made up for losing Zander to run out by getting Di Venuto the same way!
We've made up for losing Zander to run out by getting Di Venuto the same way!
Exactly the start we wanted. Good tight stuff with their run rate dropping and now Di Venuto gone. Come on lads! Run through 'em now!
They're obviously going for 400, Di Venuto having allowed himself to be run out, knowing the longer he stayed in the less likely they would be to achieve that target.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
They were 184-2 off 75 overs according to the Guardian blog; so their run rate from there to the close was 3.95 and this morning's has been 2.6.
On a sunnier note, what an absolutely lovely photo of Graham Burgess, MikeB!
I hope there will be some way of preserving it on this site in a special gallery - and what about asking SCCC to commission David Foot to write an article on our quintessential Somerset here for next year's handbook, featuring that very same picture?
In May this year I was able to celebrate the 60th anniversary of my first encounter with Graham - at Hindhayes School, Street.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:21:13 by Loyal of Lhasa..
I hope there will be some way of preserving it on this site in a special gallery - and what about asking SCCC to commission David Foot to write an article on our quintessential Somerset here for next year's handbook, featuring that very same picture?
In May this year I was able to celebrate the 60th anniversary of my first encounter with Graham - at Hindhayes School, Street.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:21:13 by Loyal of Lhasa..
This is the interesting part. Harmison jnr is not noted for his quick scoring.
A post on the Durham site from BristolRob questioned the description of part time bowler,presumably applied to Wes Durston.
His LVCC figures for this season bear that out.His only spell has been in this match.
W J Durston (Somerset) 17.0 2 48 0 0.0 0-0 0 0.
Not bad economy despite Di Venuto and Chanderpaul's circumspection.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:16:01 by southwood.
A post on the Durham site from BristolRob questioned the description of part time bowler,presumably applied to Wes Durston.
His LVCC figures for this season bear that out.His only spell has been in this match.
W J Durston (Somerset) 17.0 2 48 0 0.0 0-0 0 0.
Not bad economy despite Di Venuto and Chanderpaul's circumspection.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:16:01 by southwood.
... and another. We're on a roll now.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Indeed. Trim them up, whack a quick 200, and it's game on for Blackwell and Munday to win it for us!
Baldrick is behind all this...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Well that's 2 wickets gone. Durham have scored 25 runs off 10.3 overs. They need 110 off 24 which is nearly 4.5. If we manage to get Mustard and Wiseman then Durham will struggle for 5 points-at the moment they are struggling for the 3rd althouigh even at my most optimistic I can't see us denying them that one.
Were you doing the cleaning at Hindhayes when you bumped into Mr Burgess LoL?
It is a brillaint picture,yet another stunner from Mike.
All going to plan this morning.
More explosions please boys.
It is a brillaint picture,yet another stunner from Mike.
All going to plan this morning.
More explosions please boys.
To take up AGod's point about the omission of Onions and Plunkett,on page 10,it is not entirely surprising.
Plunkett has not been very consistent this season and has bowled better in the short form games.He was injured early on in the season and,had the Taunton track been 'damp' as Brian Rose suggested at the start,he would probably have played.
Onions is also carrying the after effects of a heel injury which probably will not clear up until the close season.Likewise he has lacked the penetration he showed before he was injured.Geoff Cook said that he preferred to leave him at home to regain his bowling rhythm and accuracy that earned him the 'one to watch' prediction at the start of the season.
Fortunately, the stable of pace bowlers is well stocked with thoroughbreds,both home grown and imported.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:35:35 by southwood.
Plunkett has not been very consistent this season and has bowled better in the short form games.He was injured early on in the season and,had the Taunton track been 'damp' as Brian Rose suggested at the start,he would probably have played.
Onions is also carrying the after effects of a heel injury which probably will not clear up until the close season.Likewise he has lacked the penetration he showed before he was injured.Geoff Cook said that he preferred to leave him at home to regain his bowling rhythm and accuracy that earned him the 'one to watch' prediction at the start of the season.
Fortunately, the stable of pace bowlers is well stocked with thoroughbreds,both home grown and imported.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:35:35 by southwood.
Yes,we've got the same problem with pace bowlers Southwood.
Overflowing with them we are.
Overflowing I tell you.
If Mr Onions fancies a spell down West he's more than welcome.
Or Mr Davies.
Or Mr Plunkett.
Or....
Overflowing with them we are.
Overflowing I tell you.
If Mr Onions fancies a spell down West he's more than welcome.
Or Mr Davies.
Or Mr Plunkett.
Or....
Definitely our morning so far! That's two bowling points bagged. This four-day stuff is SO exciting.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:43:18 by Loyal of Lhasa..
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:11:43:18 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Great stuff, Alfie. Glad that the "breezy one" from Mustard didn't emerge.
Keep going lads.
Keep going lads.
20 overs left to get three more tailenders - this is SO much more exciting than 50-over cricket!
This is what would have happened if the snails had been less cautious.That well known phenomena - A Durham collapse.
Keep an eye on events at The Oval, as I warned a couple of days ago. We seriously need Surrey to bat for the rest of the day.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Benkenstein and Wiseman having a bit of a dart for it now - they need 68 off 17 overs for 5 pts and to put the pressure on our batters this afternoon.
Wiseman is having a dart .Benkenstein has scored 1 run in the last 15 mins.
What's gone wrong? Munday is bowling just when a bit of slogging is bound to happen.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Isn't that one of the situations in which he and Blackwell are most likely to strike?
It may prove to have been a tad early with 37 now needed off 10 for the final point: but I can kind of see the logic.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:12:23:11 by Frome Exile.
It may prove to have been a tad early with 37 now needed off 10 for the final point: but I can kind of see the logic.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:12:12:23:11 by Frome Exile.
I do not think that this game is likely to prove very helpful to MKM. Largely ignored during the 'meat,' of the innings and then on during the slog. I dislike him bowling in situations where he may be encouraged to bowl flat stuff. From what I saw against SA, MKM carries no menace when he fails to get the ball above the eye-line of the batsmen.
So. They have seven overs after lunch to get 23 runs. Willoughby and Thomas to open up then, presumably.
I think the lads have done really well to prevent the acceleration which they surely must have been after, and to help minimise the number of overs we will have to face.
What will it be? We've had 27 this morning. So 54-7-2 (for the changeover) is 45: plus a few, potentially, because of the minimum number in the last hour. 50 overs to secure the draw?
I think the lads have done really well to prevent the acceleration which they surely must have been after, and to help minimise the number of overs we will have to face.
What will it be? We've had 27 this morning. So 54-7-2 (for the changeover) is 45: plus a few, potentially, because of the minimum number in the last hour. 50 overs to secure the draw?
Just catching up with events after arriving in UK on Tuesday to a bucket load of rain ! Day 1 rained off & days 2, 3 & 4 (am) = family duties.
Hope to get to the ground this pm. Not really sure what has been going on re tactics etc.- especially re MM/AC etc..
We seem to have lost the 'm' in our cricket recently. Hope we can find/regain it this afternoon & set up a better couple of weeks ahead.
Grizzzly
Hope to get to the ground this pm. Not really sure what has been going on re tactics etc.- especially re MM/AC etc..
We seem to have lost the 'm' in our cricket recently. Hope we can find/regain it this afternoon & set up a better couple of weeks ahead.
Grizzzly
... and about time too - which is no criticism of Mr Munday himself.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
If I were a Durham supporter (which I'm definitely not, despite having been born in the eponymous city), I'd say my side had paced their innings extraordinarily well.
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
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Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
So there it is then. No third bowling point, and 177 to make them bat again.
Guardian blog says Tres has been off the field for the majority of the morning with a migraine. I see he's opened but facing Harmison in such a state can't be easy.
Exactly LOL- just what I have posted on the Durham site. Indeed it is only the second max bonus points of this campaign. Failed by 2 runs against Surrey at Guildford.
And the difference between our respective counties is now only 2 points.
Unless the Ashington Express in on the mainline I think this will be a draw now,judging by the explosive start from Langer.
And the difference between our respective counties is now only 2 points.
Unless the Ashington Express in on the mainline I think this will be a draw now,judging by the explosive start from Langer.
Tres gone. Hildreth in at three. Good move?
Keep the more dour de Bruyn up our sleeves for his stickability?
Keep the more dour de Bruyn up our sleeves for his stickability?
We should try and keep the runs flowing, as it's our best chance of saving the game, rather than trying to shut up shop, which we're not too good at.
I haven't looked at the scorecard so events may already have proved otherwise, but I would certainly have brought out Zander at three.
I would guess that he probably has a better record vs Durham this season than any other batsman in the land (in first-class cricket)
I would guess that he probably has a better record vs Durham this season than any other batsman in the land (in first-class cricket)
Everything in the garden was Rosey, at lunchtime, as I sat in the garden with Rosy. Now it's peeing doing again and thunder is in the air. The rainfall radar also shows a lot of rain approaching London, so the weather may still play a big part.
I think mention should be made of how well Charl has done in this one. Times reports that he bowled superbly and his economy rate also suggests a first-rate performance.
Looking at that scorecard now and seeing how easy batting appears to be I get more and more confused by the minute.
Why on earth did we bat first?
I really can't see the logic.
In all my years of watching the game I thought I'd seen it all.
Obviously not.
Why on earth did we bat first?
I really can't see the logic.
In all my years of watching the game I thought I'd seen it all.
Obviously not.
supposedly the pitch was abnormally dry, Jim.
Quite how they "achieved," that in the prevailing weather conditions is another matter..
Quite how they "achieved," that in the prevailing weather conditions is another matter..
111-1 at tea, good effort from James and Justin (I wonder if he's a bit angry cos he thinks he got it worng at the start of the match, or at his spinners failing to get wickets?).
Anyone know how many overs left?
Anyone know how many overs left?
Anybody present see the groundstaff with hairdryers on the morning in question?
When I passed the ground on Tuesday afternoon I had a look in and everything appeared to be a little damp.
Just a balls up I think.
When I passed the ground on Tuesday afternoon I had a look in and everything appeared to be a little damp.
Just a balls up I think.
It says a lot for the character of Mr. Langer that when the chips are down (quite possibly because he dropped them with the wrong decision on Wednesday morning), he has dug in and done most of the job personally. He's just gone past 1000 championship runs for the season, too. Well played, skip!
And the economy rates of the Durham bowlers (albeit with more attacking fields, no doubt) show what a good containing job our boys did.
And the economy rates of the Durham bowlers (albeit with more attacking fields, no doubt) show what a good containing job our boys did.
Hants are looking favourites for top spot tonight. Surrey areslowly sinking at 148 -8
Probably the best way to tackle the deficit was to score quickly and it also shows why sides are reluctant to set us a target. Why couldn't it have been the 1st innings though?
Declare now and bowl them all out for three - it's obvious.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Right lads........(and lasses!)............we're in front.
Now..........how big a lead do we need before we stick 'em in and go for the win?
Now..........how big a lead do we need before we stick 'em in and go for the win?
Handshakes all round.
Well played Durham; the moral victors no doubt.
But isn't it all cooking up nicely?
Well played Durham; the moral victors no doubt.
But isn't it all cooking up nicely?
Yes, moral victory to Durham. They can't moan about the rain on day one, though, because there's every chance we'd have won at Chester LS, had not the game been affected by rain.
An underwhelming overall performance from our boys with only Charl, Alfonso, Zander and Langer (the batsman, not the captain) emerging with much credit.
We don't have much momentum but I think the trampoline at North Marine Road should suit us.
An underwhelming overall performance from our boys with only Charl, Alfonso, Zander and Langer (the batsman, not the captain) emerging with much credit.
We don't have much momentum but I think the trampoline at North Marine Road should suit us.
I think, given his season overall, that Hildreth's innings today is not without merit, AG.
Yes, Botham. Hants will lead us by a point having played one more. Durham will be three points behind us, and Notts a further one.
Realistically, it's difficult to feel confident that this will not be decided by the weather, which is a crying shame.
Honours even for the season in the LVCC. A pity both matches were rain affected but that is the rotten English summer.
To paraphrase Shaun Pollock,that well known Durham bowler - You only have 2 seasons in England- A cold wet winter and a slightly warmer wet winter.
To paraphrase Shaun Pollock,that well known Durham bowler - You only have 2 seasons in England- A cold wet winter and a slightly warmer wet winter.
Perhaps it's like that up North, I don't know?
Truth is that, down South, it's more common, of late, to have a cold, dry winter followed by a wet, warm winter.
Truth is that, down South, it's more common, of late, to have a cold, dry winter followed by a wet, warm winter.
Well, I got to the ground for a brief session & a half. So much for watching much of SCCC this year !
Arrived just in time to see Banger edge one to get out for 6, but that aside batting looked pretty straightforward (albeit JL played a bit of a sloppy shot to get out after a nice innings of 44).
Justin played admirably & made it look pretty easy in reaching a ton. Good for him. Whatever the debate about some of his tactics this year, he is pretty gritty.
Mixed feelings with the ground development. Nice vantage points from new elevated stands, & the retirement residences will clearly be a wonderful place to live for the fortunate few. That being said, it did feel a bit like the ground had lost a bit of its character. Maybe that's a temporary thing pending final completion of all the building work. Hope so.
As for the Championship, well - maybe a little surprisingly -we are clearly still in the hunt & as BR says on the official site, we are capable of so much more. If we can turn it back on for the last two games that would be wonderful - even if I won't be here to see it !
Grizzzly
Arrived just in time to see Banger edge one to get out for 6, but that aside batting looked pretty straightforward (albeit JL played a bit of a sloppy shot to get out after a nice innings of 44).
Justin played admirably & made it look pretty easy in reaching a ton. Good for him. Whatever the debate about some of his tactics this year, he is pretty gritty.
Mixed feelings with the ground development. Nice vantage points from new elevated stands, & the retirement residences will clearly be a wonderful place to live for the fortunate few. That being said, it did feel a bit like the ground had lost a bit of its character. Maybe that's a temporary thing pending final completion of all the building work. Hope so.
As for the Championship, well - maybe a little surprisingly -we are clearly still in the hunt & as BR says on the official site, we are capable of so much more. If we can turn it back on for the last two games that would be wonderful - even if I won't be here to see it !
Grizzzly
We were supposed to be gettinga Gimlett Mound, with nice landscaping, trees etc, but I believe this has been changed to a mound of concrete. If so, I don't know why. Perhaps a recent visitor could confirm?
second best here but still in prime position.
next weeks round of games is HUGE.
yorks will be after a result im sure given their position so we need to be as positive as we can, realy cant see 2 draws being enough so we HAVE to win at least one.
Durham are home and are certain to produce a seamer/result wicket so we need to go for it.
Shame Notts get to play Surrey next week but hopefully the Oval will produce plenty of roads this time.
Come on lads lets get ourselves in pole position prior to the Lancs game and then it will be in our hands.
Lets all get behind Langer and the boys and leave the criticism until the end of the season, if indeed it is needed.
next weeks round of games is HUGE.
yorks will be after a result im sure given their position so we need to be as positive as we can, realy cant see 2 draws being enough so we HAVE to win at least one.
Durham are home and are certain to produce a seamer/result wicket so we need to go for it.
Shame Notts get to play Surrey next week but hopefully the Oval will produce plenty of roads this time.
Come on lads lets get ourselves in pole position prior to the Lancs game and then it will be in our hands.
Lets all get behind Langer and the boys and leave the criticism until the end of the season, if indeed it is needed.
Hmm that was a funny one. Well done JL for stepping up to the plate.Whatever else you think this guy is a toughie. There isn't really a 'but' (from me anyway) at this point however I would like to add an 'and' ...given that he's probably not an un-thoughtful kind of bloke, I was musing on the decision to bat first, amid all the discussion on Wednesday and I thought of a possible different line. Maybe he thought, " it's possibly going to be less than 3 days we end up playing so how about if we bat first, giving ourselves first go at 5 batting points while they can only go for 3". It works as long as we bat up to our capabilities and don't get caught on a dodgy wicket, which I haven't heard it was. It's a thought anyway. Problem was we didn't get the first bit right.
I quite like the look of our final fixtures. Both against teams who can't be cautious if they have any chance of surviving. It's compelling stuff this 4 day cricket. My train ticket is booked to be down for the last 2 days against Lancy. Any thoughts on flags or badges to advertise ourselves
to other Grocklers? Maybe a maroon carnation??
I quite like the look of our final fixtures. Both against teams who can't be cautious if they have any chance of surviving. It's compelling stuff this 4 day cricket. My train ticket is booked to be down for the last 2 days against Lancy. Any thoughts on flags or badges to advertise ourselves
to other Grocklers? Maybe a maroon carnation??
I'm sure Langer backed the team to get to 400, and picked Munday (as well as Wes and Ian) to go with Charl, Alfonso and Trego to bowl Durham out twice - IF there was that much play. Back on Weds morning, I don't think JL or anyone else expected 3 fairly full days' play - or that we would bat so poorly on Wednesday - that's where it fell apart.
Anyway, we're still in the best position - 44 pts from here wins us our first ever Championship!
Anyway, we're still in the best position - 44 pts from here wins us our first ever Championship!
In terms of the final home game, Streeter, perhaps a pre-arranged meeting point (not somewhere popular with all and sundry would be the call?)
As for Scarborough, I don't know, if I can make it, I would be more than happy to swap mobile numbers with one and all.
Checked the met office forecast, but only runs to Tuesday. And not exactly settled and glorious then. (But Sunday will apparently be glorious there, not that it's any use to us.)
As for Scarborough, I don't know, if I can make it, I would be more than happy to swap mobile numbers with one and all.
Checked the met office forecast, but only runs to Tuesday. And not exactly settled and glorious then. (But Sunday will apparently be glorious there, not that it's any use to us.)
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