Somerset
And so we are on the brink...
Another year another hope
By Grockle
March 12 2012
This time last year we were also hoping for the promise of Ajantha Mendis and his unpredictable, unreadable bowling. We wanted the guys to get off to a real start... and the rest is history. What have we got coming this year?
The end of March welcomes in the first cricket season since 1994 that I won't be party to in Taunton. Somerset are front runners in the competitions but need to prove they can 'kill' opponents and start a season before the middle of April.
There are new options for the side in the bowling department, new internationals covering for other new internationals and players with things to prove to themselves and the patient South Western public. International commitments may or may not alter the make-up of the side and we may need a third keeper to cover the loss of our first two. It's all good clean fun.
So, El Capitain Trescothick will be playing in an ankle brace and will have new resources included in a side that will vary in membership by date (as usual) as well as by form as the season spreads it's wings.
Arul Suppiah did not have a great 2011 with the bat but impressed on more than one occasion with the ball and holds the world record T20 bowling figures. He may find Chris Jones targetting his spot by early June if he doesn't hit his straps early. Nick "Mr Media" Compton will be hoping to consilidate his middle order role after a better second season than his first. A bit of speed will help NC. James Hildreth is in need of another 2010 but reverted back to an inconsistent summer last year. He is starting to look at captaincy options and may be of great use to hispresent boss at the start of the season while the usual VC is not present. He may find a higher level of competition from a certain Mr Alex Barrow
The glove issue? Craig Kieswetter is probably the first choice when not opening the England short game and his colleague Jos Buttler may be taking over that role OR going with his partner to help the national side sort out their one day and T20 work. The will Steve Snell be in the side once more? Personally I hope so. Pete Trego will also be eyeing that captaincy spot as he continues to work on his 'allrounder' label with consistency in both fields. Craig Meschede and Lewis Gregory will be asking him harder and harder questions about his number one spot at the county.
Spin? George Dockrell, Max Waller and that Suppiah guy are pushing for inclusion but it may be the fight for pace at the start of the season. Steve Kirby will lead and will want the "newbie" Vernon Philander to hit the ground running and plough out some stumps!.. Gemal Hussain, Adam Dibble and the men further down this list will be in support
No early Alf or Kartik (no Kartik at all this year) but what is new there and by the time the VC and the other 'newbies' - the Morkel boy (for the rest of the summer) and Chris Gayle (for the T20 - no Keiron this time) get here some things will have been decided including the form of some players I suppose.
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 12/03/2012 19:07
Grockles.com
12/03/2012 19:07
12/03/2012 19:07
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:30:07:40:49 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:30:07:40:49 by Grockle.
I have been informed that Steve Snell has np plans to return to Taunton this season and he's looking to play his club cricket "further afield" to Taunton.
I don't think there will be any middle or late Kartik either - will there, or have I missed something?
Yes I want success for BR and his boys, particularly in the CC.
BUT MOST OF ALL, I would wish to see EVERY player picked for us TRY (may not always succeed) but TRY their very best to bat as well as possible AND always make themselves difficult to remove by the opposition, field as if their lives depended on it AND the bowlers both pace and spinners, to be confident when practising their art, in the knowledge that only balls aimed at the wicket can get a batter out bowled, lbw or caught!!!.
BUT never ever should we have the disgrace of seeing a Somerset side roll over as they did early season in 2011 against Warwickshire.
Assuming they have some recording of it, that Saturday morning innings should be played to the side every morning at breakfast, to remind them what is totally unacceptable, certainly to the true supporters, as well as the management no doubt.
BUT MOST OF ALL, I would wish to see EVERY player picked for us TRY (may not always succeed) but TRY their very best to bat as well as possible AND always make themselves difficult to remove by the opposition, field as if their lives depended on it AND the bowlers both pace and spinners, to be confident when practising their art, in the knowledge that only balls aimed at the wicket can get a batter out bowled, lbw or caught!!!.
BUT never ever should we have the disgrace of seeing a Somerset side roll over as they did early season in 2011 against Warwickshire.
Assuming they have some recording of it, that Saturday morning innings should be played to the side every morning at breakfast, to remind them what is totally unacceptable, certainly to the true supporters, as well as the management no doubt.
There is no inference that there will be any Kartik at all Bobstan and now I've finished the bit I typed in a hurry to get the site back in active mode I hope that is much clearer for you :-)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:13:10:35:14 by Grockle.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:13:10:35:14 by Grockle.
Well, hopefully, Old Boy, a more testing period of pre-season preparation should help us avoid being caught completely cold at the start of the new season, as we were by Warks.
One also assumes that if Philander is available for opening day, he won't bowl a zillion no-balls and generally be deposited to all parts a la Mendis.
One also assumes that if Philander is available for opening day, he won't bowl a zillion no-balls and generally be deposited to all parts a la Mendis.
Besides the no balls I think Mendis took some wickets and did a semi fair job in that first match AG. It was later that his lack of obvious guile got him sent on his way by batsman and county selectors alike.
To be fair to the man he was dragged out of the heat of Columbo, stuck on a plane, pulled off it at Heathrow and plonked on a pitch some 20 odd hours later. Though the 12 odd no balls was still a joke.
Let's hope there's a little more preparation for VP. Is he one of the players in your picture elsewhere Mike? I'm not sure what he looks like to be honest.
To be fair to the man he was dragged out of the heat of Columbo, stuck on a plane, pulled off it at Heathrow and plonked on a pitch some 20 odd hours later. Though the 12 odd no balls was still a joke.
Let's hope there's a little more preparation for VP. Is he one of the players in your picture elsewhere Mike? I'm not sure what he looks like to be honest.
Grockle.Albie Morkel and Chris Gayle are both only here for the T20.At present no overseas player for the second half of the season.Maybe we'll go with what we've got?
Rose is looking for one Nelliec.
I would suspect that if JB and Ck are away with England for much of the second half all it would take is one injury to a big player to leave us well short (look at the end of last season).
To do without would be folly IMO.
I would suspect that if JB and Ck are away with England for much of the second half all it would take is one injury to a big player to leave us well short (look at the end of last season).
To do without would be folly IMO.
If Brian is making a contingency for being without both of Craig K and Jos at the same time and IF (I haven't looked at the schedule) that is something that is more likely to be more of a problem in the second half of the season;
Then one rather wonders whether Brian might target some kind of keeper-batsman signing for the season's second half?
It would seem to be logical under those circumstances?
Wonder what the international schedule is? If free, then Sangakkara would be a potentially wonderful pick-up?
No "Akmals," please, Brian......
Then one rather wonders whether Brian might target some kind of keeper-batsman signing for the season's second half?
It would seem to be logical under those circumstances?
Wonder what the international schedule is? If free, then Sangakkara would be a potentially wonderful pick-up?
No "Akmals," please, Brian......
p.s. Grockle, if memory serves, I think most (possibly all?) of Mendis's wickets in that first innings occurred on the second day of that game. And quite a lot of damage had been done on day one, as I recall...
Certainly, not all his fault in terms of the bowling performance, by any manner of means.
And then views from the ground suggested that however ordinary the bowling was, the batting in that game was far, far worse.
So certainly not citing Mendis as the main cause of the loss/embarrassment...... simply citing Philander playing in Mendis's stead as being, hopefully, an area from which we should get a much better return.
Certainly, not all his fault in terms of the bowling performance, by any manner of means.
And then views from the ground suggested that however ordinary the bowling was, the batting in that game was far, far worse.
So certainly not citing Mendis as the main cause of the loss/embarrassment...... simply citing Philander playing in Mendis's stead as being, hopefully, an area from which we should get a much better return.
So defensive AG.
He certainly wasn't the worse thing on the pitch in that game and the bowling was not the main problem - though the lack of penetration became an issue during the season. The batting WAS truly awful.
Not a thing we want to happen two seasons running.
He certainly wasn't the worse thing on the pitch in that game and the bowling was not the main problem - though the lack of penetration became an issue during the season. The batting WAS truly awful.
Not a thing we want to happen two seasons running.
Let the sap rise gently over there chaps.
And may SCCC perform admirably throughout 2012, starting from day one !
Grizzzly
And may SCCC perform admirably throughout 2012, starting from day one !
Grizzzly
I believe we will be mid table in 4 day cricket,probably better in the one day formats. Can always be wrong.
Win, lose or draw I just can't wait for it to start.
It has been a long winter, and whilst the rugby has been breathtaking it'll be lovely to feel the warmth of the sun on our backs once again.
There's nothing quite like the cricket season, the joy and happiness and the sense of unity it brings.
Bring it on.
It has been a long winter, and whilst the rugby has been breathtaking it'll be lovely to feel the warmth of the sun on our backs once again.
There's nothing quite like the cricket season, the joy and happiness and the sense of unity it brings.
Bring it on.
Quite right, Big Jim.
Plus I believe that Somerset will win the County Championship.
I must point out that I have believed this every March and April since 1949. Very few Julys though if the truth be told.
Plus I believe that Somerset will win the County Championship.
I must point out that I have believed this every March and April since 1949. Very few Julys though if the truth be told.
Given our problems taking wickets last season I am baffled how we have ended up with a squad that is undercooked in the bowling department.
Even with Philander who is a great signing we need either Dibble, Hussain or both to take a major step forward, not to say our two young spinners.
If anyone gets injured we could be severely exposed.
RVDM not coming is a bonus as we need a seamer bowler for the second half of the season.
I'm really worried for us in the CC. I think a club needs five specialist seam bowlers to rotate through the season with three playing each game.
I would say now we have three and a half at best. Problem.
Even with Philander who is a great signing we need either Dibble, Hussain or both to take a major step forward, not to say our two young spinners.
If anyone gets injured we could be severely exposed.
RVDM not coming is a bonus as we need a seamer bowler for the second half of the season.
I'm really worried for us in the CC. I think a club needs five specialist seam bowlers to rotate through the season with three playing each game.
I would say now we have three and a half at best. Problem.
I agree with you about RVDM not coming, KT. Good news, I think. However, the bonus that you think will come from it in the seam department will certainly not obtain if, as is reported, R T Ponting will be the new signing.
As to how it is that we appear to still lack depth in the pace bowling department, I'm not sure it's such a great mystery?
Lack of a bottomless pit of money, I'd suggest? Presence of a salary cap? And, I assume, very significant amounts of money being invested in our T20 side as opposed to the CC side?
Personally, if there was a decent bowler that we could have signed permanently for our CC set-up, then I would definitely have preferred that we do that, as opposed to buying in overseas players for T20.
As to how it is that we appear to still lack depth in the pace bowling department, I'm not sure it's such a great mystery?
Lack of a bottomless pit of money, I'd suggest? Presence of a salary cap? And, I assume, very significant amounts of money being invested in our T20 side as opposed to the CC side?
Personally, if there was a decent bowler that we could have signed permanently for our CC set-up, then I would definitely have preferred that we do that, as opposed to buying in overseas players for T20.
Yep, that is not encouraging, We have not invested in the squad other than in T20,which is why I believe we will be Mid table at best, We could well struggle to bowl teams out regularly and the batting needs to improve substantially taking injuries and representative call-ups into account, things could be difficult.
You are absolutely spot – on, Kentish Townie.
On paper, at the present time, Somerset’s bowling resources look even thinner this year than they did last year. I would go as far as to say that for a side to be successful in County Championship cricket, they need a squad of 6 or 7 seam bowlers who are able to hold their own in the first team at any given moment in time, when called upon to do so. The strength of any team must surely lie in the depth of its reserves.
I hope that either Dibble or Hussain take a major step forward this season, but I am far from confident that they will.
I personally, AGod, would look firstly at the strength of our coaching set - up for bowlers, through the various county age – groups, then the Academy, Second XI and up to the First Team.
We have not produced many home – grown bowlers of our own for far too long, and no one individual at the present time can be held culpable for that.
Peter Trego is probably our most successful home – produced (and I do not necessarily restrict that to those born in Somerset) bowler within the last ten years, and whilst I am aware that he should be regarded as a batting all – rounder, sadly he has never taken 5 or more wickets in an innings in the Championship.
It is not my intention by mentioning Peter to malign him in any way, because I regard him as a good county professional, but when a club has relied for far too long on Kolpaks, overseas signings, those with a British Passport etc. as well as a number of players who have been signed from other counties (some of them being a complete disaster) for your bowling attack, then surely one has to look at the wider picture and ask the question, why can’t we produce our own bowlers?
Perhaps some think that we can, in which case I must beg to differ.
On paper, at the present time, Somerset’s bowling resources look even thinner this year than they did last year. I would go as far as to say that for a side to be successful in County Championship cricket, they need a squad of 6 or 7 seam bowlers who are able to hold their own in the first team at any given moment in time, when called upon to do so. The strength of any team must surely lie in the depth of its reserves.
I hope that either Dibble or Hussain take a major step forward this season, but I am far from confident that they will.
Quote:AGod
As to how it is that we appear to still lack depth in the pace bowling department, I'm not sure it's such a great mystery?
Lack of a bottomless pit of money, I'd suggest? Presence of a salary cap? And, I assume, very significant amounts of money being invested in our T20 side as opposed to the CC side?
I personally, AGod, would look firstly at the strength of our coaching set - up for bowlers, through the various county age – groups, then the Academy, Second XI and up to the First Team.
We have not produced many home – grown bowlers of our own for far too long, and no one individual at the present time can be held culpable for that.
Peter Trego is probably our most successful home – produced (and I do not necessarily restrict that to those born in Somerset) bowler within the last ten years, and whilst I am aware that he should be regarded as a batting all – rounder, sadly he has never taken 5 or more wickets in an innings in the Championship.
It is not my intention by mentioning Peter to malign him in any way, because I regard him as a good county professional, but when a club has relied for far too long on Kolpaks, overseas signings, those with a British Passport etc. as well as a number of players who have been signed from other counties (some of them being a complete disaster) for your bowling attack, then surely one has to look at the wider picture and ask the question, why can’t we produce our own bowlers?
Perhaps some think that we can, in which case I must beg to differ.
"The strength of any team must surely lie in the depth of its reserves."
Well, Clarence, I would say the strength of a team lies in the strength of the first XI on the park in any given game. And whether, and to what extent, the strength of a squad will be tested depends mainly on sheer luck regarding such things as injuries, loss of form, international call-ups etc etc.
I think most squads in the CC, these days, lack much in the way of strength in depth.
I would certainly accept that last season may give rise to legitimate questions as to whether our squad is a little more thin than most, though?
And I don't confine that question to the bowling side of the equation.
To an extent, I think we are where we are, in part, because we have very highly thought of younger players such as Jos and Craig K and I suspect that the club prefers to keep money from its playing budget in reserve in order to ward off possible approaches for guys like that, from the likes of Warks and Surrey.
Well, Clarence, I would say the strength of a team lies in the strength of the first XI on the park in any given game. And whether, and to what extent, the strength of a squad will be tested depends mainly on sheer luck regarding such things as injuries, loss of form, international call-ups etc etc.
I think most squads in the CC, these days, lack much in the way of strength in depth.
I would certainly accept that last season may give rise to legitimate questions as to whether our squad is a little more thin than most, though?
And I don't confine that question to the bowling side of the equation.
To an extent, I think we are where we are, in part, because we have very highly thought of younger players such as Jos and Craig K and I suspect that the club prefers to keep money from its playing budget in reserve in order to ward off possible approaches for guys like that, from the likes of Warks and Surrey.
Quote:AGod
"The strength of any team must surely lie in the depth of its reserves."
Well, Clarence, I would say the strength of a team lies in the strength of the first XI on the park in any given game. And whether, and to what extent, the strength of a squad will be tested depends mainly on sheer luck regarding such things as injuries, loss of form, international call-ups etc etc.
I think most squads in the CC, these days, lack much in the way of strength in depth.
Well, AGod, I interpret that as you being in agreement with my statement.
Should there be "such things as injuries, loss of form, international call-ups etc etc", then the team in question surely can not be as strong as it was prior to those incidents, unless there is an equally strong reserve depth of talent to call upon in order to replace those who are injured, out of form or called - up for international duty.
It's common sense to me.
Given that we have secured the (non-T20) services (at I am sure not insignificant cost) of the hottest emerging talent in world cricket, I find the suggestion that "we have not invested in the squad other than in T20" to be churlish in the extreme.
But that's just an opinion, of course.
But that's just an opinion, of course.
Starting bowlers
Kirby
Dibble
Hussain
Trego
Philander
Gregory
Meschede
Waller
Dockrell
Suppiah
Think that's more than 3 and a half
Of them four are batsmen as well which does allow some variation and a wider bowling base.
We don't know how strong a line up it is but how much weaker is it than our starting line up last year?
Have to agree about the concern about depth and if this lot don't cut it then the only new addition for the second half of the season in one dayers and CC is at the expense of possible our most potent weapon and a simple swop with Thomas.
But at some time we had to put faith in the boys coming through FROM OUR COACHING SYSTEM (Gregory, Dibble, Meschede, Waller) and let them put it on the line.
I'm not sure where some of you have been for the past couple of years but there ain't a lot out there to provide this killer punch you think we lack and if we don't give the younger boys their heads then what the hell is the point of any kind of coaching process.
As far as I can see our bowling setup includes 60% homegrown talent and another 20% looking to us for development of the talent they have and some are writing it off before it bowls in 2012 along with the coaches who got them to this stage before they've proved or disproved their ability. It's by no means definite that they have the punch we need but it may be all we have either way so you are gonna have to "suck it up" and watch what their is and hope they show their best and that it is better than you are giving them credit for.
They will have the Somerset shirt on and there is no 'cavalry' unless Rose has something up his sleeve for June onwards I'm afraid boys and girls.
Kirby
Dibble
Hussain
Trego
Philander
Gregory
Meschede
Waller
Dockrell
Suppiah
Think that's more than 3 and a half
Of them four are batsmen as well which does allow some variation and a wider bowling base.
We don't know how strong a line up it is but how much weaker is it than our starting line up last year?
Have to agree about the concern about depth and if this lot don't cut it then the only new addition for the second half of the season in one dayers and CC is at the expense of possible our most potent weapon and a simple swop with Thomas.
But at some time we had to put faith in the boys coming through FROM OUR COACHING SYSTEM (Gregory, Dibble, Meschede, Waller) and let them put it on the line.
I'm not sure where some of you have been for the past couple of years but there ain't a lot out there to provide this killer punch you think we lack and if we don't give the younger boys their heads then what the hell is the point of any kind of coaching process.
As far as I can see our bowling setup includes 60% homegrown talent and another 20% looking to us for development of the talent they have and some are writing it off before it bowls in 2012 along with the coaches who got them to this stage before they've proved or disproved their ability. It's by no means definite that they have the punch we need but it may be all we have either way so you are gonna have to "suck it up" and watch what their is and hope they show their best and that it is better than you are giving them credit for.
They will have the Somerset shirt on and there is no 'cavalry' unless Rose has something up his sleeve for June onwards I'm afraid boys and girls.
Quote:Grockle
But at some time we had to put faith in the boys coming through FROM OUR COACHING SYSTEM (Gregory, Dibble, Meschede, Waller) and let them put it on the line.
I'm not sure where some of you have been for the past couple of years but there ain't a lot out there to provide this killer punch you think we lack and if we don't give the younger boys their heads then what the hell is the point of any kind of coaching process.
Agree with every word Grockle. Regular posters will remember that what you say has been my continuing mantra for at least 2/3 years. What is the point of a cricket academy unless we are prepared to let the lads prove to themselves and the supporters whether they have what it takes.
The alternative is to save money by abolishing the academy and using the money to buy in a united nations team. We might win something earlier than expected, but it won't be Somerset CCC!
Lets look at the batting/bowling comparison. Our first choice batting line up is:
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Kieswetter
Trego.
I would suggest this one of the stronger lineups in the CC. Crucially we have three young up and coming players in reserve.
Jones
Barrow
Meschede
Our bowling for the start of the season is:
Philander
Kirby
Dibble/Hussain
Trego.
Waller/Dockrell.
My point is beyond these names there is no backup. Should one seamer, Hussain it seems, get injured, or another perform below par there is simply no other option.
For Grockle to suggest that somehow Trego, Gregory or Meschede are good enough to take the place of a specialist seamer is fantasy. PT is a capable all rounder/fourth seamer but no more.
In summary we are at least one specialist seamer short and it's hard to see us prospering with that.
Trescothick
Suppiah
Compton
Hildreth
Buttler
Kieswetter
Trego.
I would suggest this one of the stronger lineups in the CC. Crucially we have three young up and coming players in reserve.
Jones
Barrow
Meschede
Our bowling for the start of the season is:
Philander
Kirby
Dibble/Hussain
Trego.
Waller/Dockrell.
My point is beyond these names there is no backup. Should one seamer, Hussain it seems, get injured, or another perform below par there is simply no other option.
For Grockle to suggest that somehow Trego, Gregory or Meschede are good enough to take the place of a specialist seamer is fantasy. PT is a capable all rounder/fourth seamer but no more.
In summary we are at least one specialist seamer short and it's hard to see us prospering with that.
You mention Gregory in your post, but he appears on neither of your lists: and he deserves a place, as back-up at least, on both.
I suggested nothing of the sort KT. I suggested that TWO of them may play in the batting line-up therefore providing variation and breadth of options
You also seem to discount the use of Suppiah providing the possibility of playing BOTH Dibble and Hussain.
I take your point about lack of depth. Please give us the names of the many teams that you know who have such depth in their sides...isn't this a common problem and the reason why you have to rely on back-up seamers and spinning batsmen?
I'm sure Peter and Lewis will be very pleased to hear that a supporter views their ability to make a significant contribution in a first class game as "fantasy" before they have bowled a ball in anger in one in 2012.
You also seem to discount the use of Suppiah providing the possibility of playing BOTH Dibble and Hussain.
I take your point about lack of depth. Please give us the names of the many teams that you know who have such depth in their sides...isn't this a common problem and the reason why you have to rely on back-up seamers and spinning batsmen?
I'm sure Peter and Lewis will be very pleased to hear that a supporter views their ability to make a significant contribution in a first class game as "fantasy" before they have bowled a ball in anger in one in 2012.
Cheer up all you doom and gloom merchants.Today I witnessed the answer to the bowling problems you think we'll have.Captain Marvel aka Marcus Trescothick was bowling in the nets.
Alex Barrow is listed by CricInfo as a w/k, but they've been known to be wrong. Might he be next after CK and JB?
Alex was listed as a keeper because in there wisdom the club thought that despite having no keeping experience he could step in to replace Jos or Craig.Despite his small frame Alex is a competant all round sportsman,who had to choose between cricket and rugby as his career.He has never kept at scool or at club (Bath)level.Now that Regan may be available for 2nds,unless called up for 1sts he no longer be required there either.
Grizzly Tres is not gobby enough to be a modern day keeper.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:23:01:33:23 by BristolRob .
Grizzly Tres is not gobby enough to be a modern day keeper.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:23:01:33:23 by BristolRob .
You're right, Rob.
We need a quiet, demure old-fashioned type keeper in the Godfrey Evans mould. Oh...
We need a quiet, demure old-fashioned type keeper in the Godfrey Evans mould. Oh...
It's been a while since Marcus has bent his back with the red pill. What does he bowl these days. I was a witness of the Trescothick Aussie hattrick.... brilliant.
He's an international bowler you know ;-)
He's an international bowler you know ;-)
I told you Rob not to start speculations like that just because he bowled at 90mph in the nets yesterday doesn’t mean he is taking up bowling again.
Quote:Mike TA1
I told you Rob not to start speculations like that just because he bowled at 90mph in the nets yesterday doesn’t mean he is taking up bowling again.
I should think not.
He has obviously lost several yards in pace since he last performed.
Quote:BristolRob
Cheer up all you doom and gloom merchants.Today I witnessed the answer to the bowling problems you think we'll have.Captain Marvel aka Marcus Trescothick was bowling in the nets.
Really?
If he was coming off more than one pace, then that is indeed very good news. Not because it matters a fig in terms of bowling, but rather because it must surely indicate considerable confidence in that ankle of his?
I see Philander dominated New Zealand again.
He is now the fastest man to 50 wickets in Test matches for the past 116 years.
The cricinfo report made me laugh as it said he bowled "very sharply," on an "impeccable off-stump line," and then the author seemed surprised that New Zealand "have still not devised a plan to deal with him."
I wonder what plan they think would work against such bowling? By definition, the line means you have to play almost all the time. So extra caution should make little difference. Extra aggression? If you are an absolute top drawer player maybe it would be worth trying to hit him off his game. But it seems pretty unlikely that your average Test player would succeed with such a tactic.
He is now the fastest man to 50 wickets in Test matches for the past 116 years.
The cricinfo report made me laugh as it said he bowled "very sharply," on an "impeccable off-stump line," and then the author seemed surprised that New Zealand "have still not devised a plan to deal with him."
I wonder what plan they think would work against such bowling? By definition, the line means you have to play almost all the time. So extra caution should make little difference. Extra aggression? If you are an absolute top drawer player maybe it would be worth trying to hit him off his game. But it seems pretty unlikely that your average Test player would succeed with such a tactic.
Yes AG - Very good news for SCCC!
Hope to see the man in action here very soon. Could give our season a real good kick-off.
Hope to see the man in action here very soon. Could give our season a real good kick-off.
George Dobell excellent as always
[www.espncricinfo.com]
99/100, losing just one mark because I disagree with him about the Rose Bowl pitch
though I'm tempted to reinstate that mark as he doesn't tip us to win the CC or mention our superlative top six.
[www.espncricinfo.com]
99/100, losing just one mark because I disagree with him about the Rose Bowl pitch
though I'm tempted to reinstate that mark as he doesn't tip us to win the CC or mention our superlative top six.
I take it that we have still to receive our CL payment?
I wonder if George's comments about the 'latest figures showing no profit accrues from taking place in the CL,' is based mainly on the fact that only one English side once (us) has ever got very far? Or whether it's more about the fact that recent payments that were due have still not been received?
I wonder if George's comments about the 'latest figures showing no profit accrues from taking place in the CL,' is based mainly on the fact that only one English side once (us) has ever got very far? Or whether it's more about the fact that recent payments that were due have still not been received?
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