Somerset
The Tourists - Pakistan at Taunton
By Grockle et al
July 3 2016
Peter Trego captains a young and old Somerset eleven against this year's second tourists today at Taunton. Some are getting their second half CC1 legs in gear and some are looking to take a chance to come into consideration.
Cloudy at 9:30 but brilliant sunshine an hour later. The Side is presently;
Trescothick, Hose, Rouse, Hildreth, Trego (capt), Barrow(w), Davey, Bess, Leach, Groenewald, van Meekeren (9)
Nothing like the scorecard
Pakistan are;
Hafeez, Masood, A. Ali, Y Khan, Misbah, Shafiq, Ahmed, Amir, S.Khan, Shah, R Ali
Pakistan won the toss and will bat in what is being expected to be a first class game. Last time they were here Pete refused to allow it to be 12/13 a side match because Lewis' figures would not have been counted had he let that happen.
Interesting side for us with everyone called up getting on the pitch.
Josh Davey opens at the New Pavilion end and seemed to have Hafeez plumb but there was a slight tickle. Van Meekeren takes the first at the River - he has a strange final step before delivery, it looks like he's gone over on his ankle but he produces a fair first over as well. By the end of the third they have 3 runs on the board.
Solid start from the front 2 bowlers but it's nothing spectacular. Meekeren seems to know what he's doing but he's not exactly ripped up the stumps with his first spell. Tim takes over from the River just after Josh is taken for consecutive sixes by Hafeez at the end of the 9th.
A few good balls are going through but the first real chance is a dropped caught and bowled off Masood by Josh Davey he got both hands on it but fell away from it and grounded the ball. 36 on the board. Davey has worked hard and he has Masood all ends up with the 4th ball of the 15th but he fails to hit it. Groenewald changes ends and nearly gets a result with his second ball from the New Pavilion but the ball might have been going down but it was very close. Van Meekeren returns at the River and bowls Hafeez in his first over who simply doesn't get there and he clilps the top of off for 20, 44 for 1.
Apologies for a break in continuity but I had to say hello to a remarkably trim looking Tractor for half hour or so but the bowlers kept the Pakistan men in check with Dom Bess getting to very respectabke overs in before the linch break at 79 for 1 off 30 overs with Azhar on 17 and Masood on 35. A decent morning, quite a few chances and possibly a couple of very close decisions that could have gone the other way with referral systems. Josh Davey particularly worked very hard and was unlucky. A good long spell which he coped with after injury without problem.
Dom Bess is chosen to open after lunch from the New Pavilion with 'The Meerkat' (it has to be surely) opening from the River. Josh Davey takes over at the New Pavilion and is once again very unlucky, a possible drop by Barrow down the legside which Masood (on 39 at the time) probably did not hit and a couple of very good balls that the Pakistanis could not get near. But once again van Meerkeren is the man as he gets Azhar to get an edge on one that Barrow does well to catch at full dive. Good ball which the Pakistani had to play but which went away from him. 100 for 2 at the end of the 40th.
At 112 Masood goes to 50 with an off drive off Josh (42.1 overs). The half ton came off 122 balls with 7 fours. Pete comes on to try his hand for a second spell in the 43rd but it is Tim who sets up Masood in the 47th and has him plumb LBW with his second ball. Misbah then arrives and is caught by Rouse in the slips first ball and it is 132 for 4. Shafiq is the next man in and manages to survive the over.
Jack Leach comes on for his first spell with the 48th trying to tie down the internationals who reach 148 by the 50th. In the 55th Younis gets away with a difficult chance to the outstretched hand of Banger at second slip. He may have got a finger or two to it...very difficult chance. Josh comes back at the New Pavilion for the 57th and has Younis in all sorts of trouble immediately. The first ball went right through him and the second ball he completely lost but he survives and so just before Tea we go to spin at both ends with the return of Dom Bess at the New Pavilion end and Tea comes with 181 for 4 to Pakistan. Younis has 32 and Shafiq has 20.
From here Younis Khan takes the game and his partner forward and we start to see what a good batsman he is. There are chances and decent balls but the two men move Pakistan past 200 and speedily towards 300 without too much trouble. The best 'chance' probably was an edge at 296 which evaded the diving Barrow's gloves off the luckless Davey once again. Was it a real chance? Well it did carry but it was very wide of the keeper - you would probably say the best glovemen would have made more of it but it would have been a very good catch.
300 comes up in the 85th and Younis looks completely on for a hundred tonight with ablut 30 minutes to go. However, Shafiq is not going to get his as Dominic Bess takes a diving catch at point off Jack Leach to send him on his way for 80 after a partnership of 179 with the score on 311. The very next ball ,his replacement Sarfraz nearly falls as MT desparingly dives after a wide one at slip.
Meanwhile Yousif moves towards a hundred but fails to get there as Sarfraz blocks the last over and he is left stranded on 99 at 324 for 5 at the end of the day.
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 03/07/2016 10:52
Grockles.com
03/07/2016 10:52
03/07/2016 10:52
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:07:10:25:05 by Grockle.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:07:10:25:05 by Grockle.
The Devon Cricket website is reporting that 18 year old Dom Bess has been named in the squad of 13 to face the tourists in the three day match starting tomorrow.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:22:19:10 by Grockle.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:22:19:10 by Grockle.
Brilliant, more than one of our legends have announced themselves in the tourist match so who knows. Hope Tom is Able and that Tresco and Rogers take the opportunity to get some middle time.
Surprised that Chris Rogers is not in the Squad for this game.
Surely he needs some time in the middle.
But good to see some other names being given an opportunity.
Surely he needs some time in the middle.
But good to see some other names being given an opportunity.
I hope Somerset insist on it being an 11-a-side match rather than the 12/13/14 players affair that these tourist matches can become so those getting a chance to play for Somerset get recognition in the first-class stats.
Yes, Roger - swings And roundabouts.
Great news re: VM. He should replace Cove PDQ in our T20 side, IMO.
Might as well cancel Arafat's loan.
Great news re: VM. He should replace Cove PDQ in our T20 side, IMO.
Might as well cancel Arafat's loan.
It is being billed as young and old combination. Van M will almost definitely play, Bess is certainly in with a chance as well as Rouse I heard. Maybe Rogers is giving his place up for others like Tom to get some time though I can see the point that the man isn't in the greatest form and could do with some time.
Because of Amir there is expected to be some press interest though they may be disappointed with the facility for the written press which is decidedly smaller than the press box it replaced.
Because of Amir there is expected to be some press interest though they may be disappointed with the facility for the written press which is decidedly smaller than the press box it replaced.
Well no point in paying him if you aren't going to pick him though maybe they think he may have a role in the 50 over stuff - more what they brought him over for. Seems either at the end of his career or massively out of form though so poor investment overall.
He hasn't played any 50 over stuff though only t20. Will that change now cos he been rubbish at t20 . I would doubt it
Yes but I think they thought he would play In Them all and not one over the other
He must need rest . He's 38 going on 39 and played a couple of innings in a month - shattered
If Craig Meschede was considered to be "one too many of a certain type of player", and thus “surplus to requirements”, why have we signed Van Meekeren?
He would appear to fall into the same category, and is untried at this level.
He would appear to fall into the same category, and is untried at this level.
Ah but said Matthew prob realises he had made mistake re said Craig clarence. As you say why?
Meschede wanted guarantees that he would get regular first team cricket, but Maynard could not guarantee him this. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but maybe he regrets letting him leave. However, player would have had final say and made the decision to leave for the benefit of his career.
The team aganst Pakistan is a most exciting team with so many having a lot to play for. I wish I was there
It's pretty simple guys. At the point where Mesch wanted what we could not provide him he was surplus - too similar to what we already had and no descernable forward progress in a year towards something better at the time (has there been any since?).
Van Meekeren may now provide what CM couldn't so they've signed him to see if he has the difference we need NOW. If he hasn't I'm sure he'll not stay beyond the period as CM didn't
I don't think MM thinks he made a mistake and although it is unfortunate in Mesch's case I personally think he was right then - though it was more Craig's lack of forward progress than MM and is still correct now. We'll be back on Mark Lathwell and Wes soon.
Get over it guys. It happens.
Van Meekeren may now provide what CM couldn't so they've signed him to see if he has the difference we need NOW. If he hasn't I'm sure he'll not stay beyond the period as CM didn't
I don't think MM thinks he made a mistake and although it is unfortunate in Mesch's case I personally think he was right then - though it was more Craig's lack of forward progress than MM and is still correct now. We'll be back on Mark Lathwell and Wes soon.
Get over it guys. It happens.
Excited to see what he has. He did very well at T20 World Cup so that may be a good sign.
Meschede was delusional - thought he was a top six batsman. He never was and probably never will be. He did have something with the ball but if he's not followed through with it then perhaps it's not because of injury but because he is more interested in developing his batting.? He made a couple of tons at 8 for Glam so they agreed to give him a few games in the top six but he did nada with those chances.
The strange thing about Meschede is that he has worse bowling figures in CC2 than he did in CC1. Allenby has what you'd expect - far, far worse figures in CC1 than CC2 with both bat and ball. Because of those two tons at number 8, Meschede does have better batting figures in CC2 than CC1 which is what one would expect.
Meschede was delusional - thought he was a top six batsman. He never was and probably never will be. He did have something with the ball but if he's not followed through with it then perhaps it's not because of injury but because he is more interested in developing his batting.? He made a couple of tons at 8 for Glam so they agreed to give him a few games in the top six but he did nada with those chances.
The strange thing about Meschede is that he has worse bowling figures in CC2 than he did in CC1. Allenby has what you'd expect - far, far worse figures in CC1 than CC2 with both bat and ball. Because of those two tons at number 8, Meschede does have better batting figures in CC2 than CC1 which is what one would expect.
You're always asking for proof.
So, what proof do you have that Meschede wanted something that we could not provide? What is different about Van Meekeren compared to Gregory, Trego, the Overtons, Josh Davey and of course the departed Meschede? Can he add anything different? Somerset have tried and trialled a number of so called pacemen in the 2's this season but nobody has turned in good figures.
Good luck to the bloke anyway. He will need it against a touring side on the bowler's graveyard that is Taunton.
A glass half - empty or a glass half - full?
Regardless, both glasses need filling up.
So, what proof do you have that Meschede wanted something that we could not provide? What is different about Van Meekeren compared to Gregory, Trego, the Overtons, Josh Davey and of course the departed Meschede? Can he add anything different? Somerset have tried and trialled a number of so called pacemen in the 2's this season but nobody has turned in good figures.
Good luck to the bloke anyway. He will need it against a touring side on the bowler's graveyard that is Taunton.
A glass half - empty or a glass half - full?
Regardless, both glasses need filling up.
Tom.
The information provided by the club (and the player I believe) when he left AND when the deal with Glamorgan was sorted a year before? It was the reason given for why Mesch was going to Glamorgan and as he didn't say that was wrong you could assume that it probably was right?
Do you know of alternative reasons/evidence? If so please provide it and it can be discussed.
I have no idea about Van M - but I suppose that is why you pick him to play in tourist games and sign him so you can do that? I may be wrong. I don't think I said he was different I think I suggested that trying him out was a way of seeing if he had something.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:21:08:29 by Grockle.
The information provided by the club (and the player I believe) when he left AND when the deal with Glamorgan was sorted a year before? It was the reason given for why Mesch was going to Glamorgan and as he didn't say that was wrong you could assume that it probably was right?
Do you know of alternative reasons/evidence? If so please provide it and it can be discussed.
I have no idea about Van M - but I suppose that is why you pick him to play in tourist games and sign him so you can do that? I may be wrong. I don't think I said he was different I think I suggested that trying him out was a way of seeing if he had something.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:21:08:29 by Grockle.
Give Pakistan players a pat on the back today agreeing to spent time on the outfield with school children, they really enjoyed batting and bowling with the players watching.
They were willing to sign autographs and have photos taken with the children.
They were willing to sign autographs and have photos taken with the children.
Wasn't Meschede actively quoted as saying that he wanted 'regular first-team cricket.'
Maybe the poorer bowling form could be the reason we mentioned yesterday AG. That the injury (which was serious) had an effect and his bowling ability has been diminished because of it.
That was after the loan AG. Before that it was to give him eXperience so we would get benefit when He returned. Nash said it lavender said it and so did Matt. Turned out it was all politician type speak !!!
Experience of batting higher up the order which is what he did (at least at first)? Being a more active part of a bowling attack? Do you mean that kind of 'political speak' about experience you are referring to Ron?
It went well at first I believe.
If it was 'political speak' was it because we wanted to get rid of him? If so why did he come back - I certainly didn't expect that.
Didn't we offer him terms when he returned? Why would we do that if we were covering up something else by sending him away?
You really are looking for far more than there is here.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:21:18:23 by Grockle.
It went well at first I believe.
If it was 'political speak' was it because we wanted to get rid of him? If so why did he come back - I certainly didn't expect that.
Didn't we offer him terms when he returned? Why would we do that if we were covering up something else by sending him away?
You really are looking for far more than there is here.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:21:18:23 by Grockle.
"Wasn't Meschede actively quoted as saying that he wanted 'regular first-team cricket."
Well, wouldn't you expect that from a professional cricketer? When we take a new kid onto the Academy, don't they all express a wish to play Second XI cricket and to break PDQ into the Firsts?
That is ambition. It is not offered up as an ultimatum.
Is anyone implying that Meschede would not sign another contract with Somerset unless Matthew Maynard said - "If you sign for us, I will guarantee you playing in the First XI for all CC matches in the first half of the season"? Well, are they?
Maynard would appear, according to the club's website at the time, to have said exactly that to Ryan Davies before obtaining his signature to join us.
I have a feeling that in time that will prove to be another mistake, but there we go.
Well, wouldn't you expect that from a professional cricketer? When we take a new kid onto the Academy, don't they all express a wish to play Second XI cricket and to break PDQ into the Firsts?
That is ambition. It is not offered up as an ultimatum.
Is anyone implying that Meschede would not sign another contract with Somerset unless Matthew Maynard said - "If you sign for us, I will guarantee you playing in the First XI for all CC matches in the first half of the season"? Well, are they?
Maynard would appear, according to the club's website at the time, to have said exactly that to Ryan Davies before obtaining his signature to join us.
I have a feeling that in time that will prove to be another mistake, but there we go.
He was still under contract so new terms werent necessary . First it was a loan they told us for our benefit then he left citing as AG said he'd wanted a permanent place that's all fact . I'm not making more if it dear boy, Leave it here eh.? But you won't .
I left it a long time ago "dear boy". I didn't bring this up. It's nagging you not me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:21:53:53 by Grockle.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:02:21:53:53 by Grockle.
Personally, from the announced squad, I'd like to see Roelof and TG ommitted from this one.
Unless we plan to play VDM in our next CC game then I could see little point in selecting him for this one? TG might as well have extra rest and then hopefully less need to rotate him later on.
Abell needs a knock. Let's get a look at Hose in FC cricket. Let's give Bess and Rouse the opportunity. We should look at Josh D in another first-class match. Obvs we want to look at Van M.
Tres, Hildreth and Trego should be sufficient, experienced player wise.
Unless we plan to play VDM in our next CC game then I could see little point in selecting him for this one? TG might as well have extra rest and then hopefully less need to rotate him later on.
Abell needs a knock. Let's get a look at Hose in FC cricket. Let's give Bess and Rouse the opportunity. We should look at Josh D in another first-class match. Obvs we want to look at Van M.
Tres, Hildreth and Trego should be sufficient, experienced player wise.
Well it is certainly an interesting squad. Lewis started with Pakistan so let's hope someone can go on from here.
I'd sound one note of caution - against over-interpreting what our seamers do in this one. Pak batsmen probably rusty and often struggle in English conditions anyway.... We may well find that the Pak batting line-up will be inferior - in English conditions - to many CC1 batting line-ups.
On the other hand, even allowing for rustiness, Pak are usually a cracker-jack bowling outfit so should be a strong test, IMO, for whichever of Abell, Hose and Rouse get to play.
On the other hand, even allowing for rustiness, Pak are usually a cracker-jack bowling outfit so should be a strong test, IMO, for whichever of Abell, Hose and Rouse get to play.
Pakistan players have been practising for several days in Taunton, prior to yesterday at the county ground they have been at the Taunton Vale ground.
I hope Yasir Shah plays as that should richly entertain the crowd.
It's a bit of a shame that we're not giving Waller a go.
It's a bit of a shame that we're not giving Waller a go.
Few scorecards so can't tell you anything at all at the moment other than Amir will play. Pete will probably captain...... No idea about anything else yet.
Clarence, what I've seen of Davies makes me think that he's a very good prospect. Why do you think that recruiting him may turn out to be a mistake?
Full-strength Pak team including Misbsh, Younis, Amir and Yasir Shah.
Pak win toss and bat.
Adam Hose plays for us, as does Dom Bess (who should sue Maynard for the Batty comparison!). Tim Rouse and Paul Van Meekeren also play.
Pak win toss and bat.
Adam Hose plays for us, as does Dom Bess (who should sue Maynard for the Batty comparison!). Tim Rouse and Paul Van Meekeren also play.
Don't know where this disappeared to
Tres
Hose
Rouse
Hildreth
Trego
Barrow
Davey
Bess
Leach
Groenewald
Van Meekeren
Tres
Hose
Rouse
Hildreth
Trego
Barrow
Davey
Bess
Leach
Groenewald
Van Meekeren
On the reply it seems he did hit it....overthrows were given as runs so that was the umpire's decision. Van Meekeren kind of drops his trailing leg as he delivers so it looks like he's lost it on every ball but he looks OK. Davey is pretty straight at the start.
Pakistani XI
Hafeez
Masood
Azhar Ali
Younis Khan
Misbah ul Haq (c)
Shafiq
Sarfraz
Amir
Sohail Khan
Yasir Shah
Rahat Ali
There won't be many matches where Tres is not the oldest player on the field. Nobbut a youngster compared to Misbah at 42!
Hafeez
Masood
Azhar Ali
Younis Khan
Misbah ul Haq (c)
Shafiq
Sarfraz
Amir
Sohail Khan
Yasir Shah
Rahat Ali
There won't be many matches where Tres is not the oldest player on the field. Nobbut a youngster compared to Misbah at 42!
Josh has dropped Maqsood at 36. Got both hands to it but was going the wrong way and it went down...
I think I shall have to take a break from looking at this site two or three times a day, for more times than not I get a message about a script error (a message I only get on Grockles on my present and previous computer) that not only freezes the site but closes access to other sites and to all other facilities.
I'll try again in a fortnight and see if the problem has been rectified.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I'll try again in a fortnight and see if the problem has been rectified.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I've sent this to the Techies..... if they can suggest something I'll be in touch LoL
Dom Bess got a couple of overs in before lunch, looked very competent and was treated with respect by both batsman.
According to the reports you'll hear that Masood was dropped by Barrow down the leg side. According to the replay it seemed highly unlikely that he hit it but he would have been out had Barrow caught it. It was very wide outside leg and Alex did very well to get there at all.
Tim gets Masood lbw plumb 132 for 3. Set him up by pulling him into line and then fired one low.
True. Josh Davey has been very unlucky all the way through but the other two have benefitted and taken advantage. Jack has just bowled the 50th 148 for 4
Dominic Bess takes a diving catch at point off Jack Leach. Shafiq goes at 311 for 80 after a stand of 179 and Sarfraz was nearly caught off his first ball by Trescothick.
Younis finishes on 99 after Dom Bess takes him out while trying to run a single in an effort to get to a ball. Sarfraz then blocks the over out.
Day one photos of the Somerset v Pakistan match.
The pitch being a long way over on the east side of the square it was not easy to see from my position if this shout for lbw against Mohammad Hafeez was close or not.
It is always good to see a new player for the first time, you never know if Paul van Meekeren will have a future with Somerset.
Mohammad Hafeez hitting one of his two six's.
Was this a miss by Alex Barrow? I don't know but Shan Masood looked a bit concerned.
It must have been good to get your first wicket, I am sure Paul van Meekeren thought so when he bowled Mohammad Hafeez.
another first for me seeing Dom Bess bowling.
This looks like a good height ball for Alex Barrow to catch Azah Ali off the bowling of Paul van Meekeren.
Although Younis Khan batted very well today (99*) he does get his legs in a funny shape sometimes.
Shan Masood played some nice shots like this hit for four runs.
Shan Masoon was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Tim Groenewald.
Asad Shafiq hit a good 80 with ten fours, this is one of them.
There was no atmosphere on playing field, I do miss players shouting encouragement to other players.
The pitch being a long way over on the east side of the square it was not easy to see from my position if this shout for lbw against Mohammad Hafeez was close or not.
It is always good to see a new player for the first time, you never know if Paul van Meekeren will have a future with Somerset.
Mohammad Hafeez hitting one of his two six's.
Was this a miss by Alex Barrow? I don't know but Shan Masood looked a bit concerned.
It must have been good to get your first wicket, I am sure Paul van Meekeren thought so when he bowled Mohammad Hafeez.
another first for me seeing Dom Bess bowling.
This looks like a good height ball for Alex Barrow to catch Azah Ali off the bowling of Paul van Meekeren.
Although Younis Khan batted very well today (99*) he does get his legs in a funny shape sometimes.
Shan Masood played some nice shots like this hit for four runs.
Shan Masoon was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Tim Groenewald.
Asad Shafiq hit a good 80 with ten fours, this is one of them.
There was no atmosphere on playing field, I do miss players shouting encouragement to other players.
A press release from the club today stating that all T20 home games have been sold out
Somerset County Cricket Club is both proud and delighted to announce that our home NatWest T20 Blast match against the Kent Spitfires on Thursday July 7th has now sold out, making history both locally and nationally in the T20 competition.
Since the competition’s inception in 2003, T20 cricket has been incredibly popular with supporters at the Cooper Associates County Ground but this is the first year the Club has reached a sell out for every game. With an increased capacity of 7,669 for 2016, over 54,000 spectators will have come through the gates to support the team.
The demand for tickets has been phenomenal with most of the matches selling out over six weeks in advance and causing a knock on effect on Membership with Platinum Membership selling out for the first time ever too.
Jez Curwin, Head of Commercial Operations is delighted with his teams’ off-field performance this year. “As a Club we set ourselves challenging targets but we have surpassed all of these this year," he said. "I am immensely proud of how the Commercial Team has worked over the last couple of years to get us to this point. This is the result of three years’ work, sustainable planning and strategy meaning that cricket in Taunton is in great health moving forward.
We have really focused on creating a “sold out” culture which has meant that supporters have had to buy early to avoid disappointment. Given the traditional vagaries of the English weather this has allowed the Club to disregard the unpredictability of walk up sales.
“The draw of Chris Gayle clearly helps but we then have to put on a show and it’s a collective effort from all those involved with the Club to ensure that we provide as great a day as possible across all the formats. We have implemented a new ticket system, brought in a new PA and sound system specifically for NatWest T20 Blast matches plus all F+B is now by our in-house catering team, providing a consistency of delivery. All of which has helped create a fantastic atmosphere.
"Finally I have to say a huge thank you to our fantastic Members and Supporters as this is their Club and they are the reason why we are constantly striving to improve what we do because, as with all leisure activities, they do have a choice as to where they spend their money.”
Somerset County Cricket Club is both proud and delighted to announce that our home NatWest T20 Blast match against the Kent Spitfires on Thursday July 7th has now sold out, making history both locally and nationally in the T20 competition.
Since the competition’s inception in 2003, T20 cricket has been incredibly popular with supporters at the Cooper Associates County Ground but this is the first year the Club has reached a sell out for every game. With an increased capacity of 7,669 for 2016, over 54,000 spectators will have come through the gates to support the team.
The demand for tickets has been phenomenal with most of the matches selling out over six weeks in advance and causing a knock on effect on Membership with Platinum Membership selling out for the first time ever too.
Jez Curwin, Head of Commercial Operations is delighted with his teams’ off-field performance this year. “As a Club we set ourselves challenging targets but we have surpassed all of these this year," he said. "I am immensely proud of how the Commercial Team has worked over the last couple of years to get us to this point. This is the result of three years’ work, sustainable planning and strategy meaning that cricket in Taunton is in great health moving forward.
We have really focused on creating a “sold out” culture which has meant that supporters have had to buy early to avoid disappointment. Given the traditional vagaries of the English weather this has allowed the Club to disregard the unpredictability of walk up sales.
“The draw of Chris Gayle clearly helps but we then have to put on a show and it’s a collective effort from all those involved with the Club to ensure that we provide as great a day as possible across all the formats. We have implemented a new ticket system, brought in a new PA and sound system specifically for NatWest T20 Blast matches plus all F+B is now by our in-house catering team, providing a consistency of delivery. All of which has helped create a fantastic atmosphere.
"Finally I have to say a huge thank you to our fantastic Members and Supporters as this is their Club and they are the reason why we are constantly striving to improve what we do because, as with all leisure activities, they do have a choice as to where they spend their money.”
Well done to Younis Khan for his ton and then Jack and (finally) Josh for the early wickets.
Good to see Josh get some deserved reward.
How on earth has the club managed to sell out all the home T20 games even though the side is nothing to write home about? Did some punters not pay attention and assume that Gayle (around whom pretty much all the marketing seemed to be based) was here for the duration of the tournament? Or is the cider really that good!?
How on earth has the club managed to sell out all the home T20 games even though the side is nothing to write home about? Did some punters not pay attention and assume that Gayle (around whom pretty much all the marketing seemed to be based) was here for the duration of the tournament? Or is the cider really that good!?
I thought Tim Rouse was usually a middle-order batsman?
Pretty big ask at 3 vs Mohammad Amir!!
Should we assume (from his absence) that Tom Abell remains unfit with his back injury?
Pretty big ask at 3 vs Mohammad Amir!!
Should we assume (from his absence) that Tom Abell remains unfit with his back injury?
Amir, unsurprisingly, a cut above, by the sounds.
I suspect he will dominate Cook in the Tests like he did last time he was here.
At least Hose was in there long enough that he might have learned something whilst he was there.
I suspect he will dominate Cook in the Tests like he did last time he was here.
At least Hose was in there long enough that he might have learned something whilst he was there.
No doubt, Pakistan will bat again, but we have a rather large tail (to put it mildly) in this one especially if they put Yasir Shah onto bowl against it...
Quote:AGod
I'd sound one note of caution - against over-interpreting what our seamers do in this one. Pak batsmen probably rusty and often struggle in English conditions anyway.... We may well find that the Pak batting line-up will be inferior - in English conditions - to many CC1 batting line-ups.
On the other hand, even allowing for rustiness, Pak are usually a cracker-jack bowling outfit so should be a strong test, IMO, for whichever of Abell, Hose and Rouse get to play.
An intriguing post in a couple of ways - for one thing, Taunton is suddenly a greentop? Hardly the popular view (ask Tom Seymour).
All the same, it's good to be kept informed not merely as to what is going to happen, but to why we shouldn't pay any attention to it when it does.
It doesn't have to be a green-top does it, Mikeindex?
Pakistan's batsmen usually struggle against swing as well and orthodox swing is generally believed to be more about what is above the pitch than growing out of it.
It sounds like overhead conditions favoured the ball this morning, and Pak did not get very far with the bat (runs relative to wickets wise) before giving up and electing to have a bowl.
Pakistan's batsmen usually struggle against swing as well and orthodox swing is generally believed to be more about what is above the pitch than growing out of it.
It sounds like overhead conditions favoured the ball this morning, and Pak did not get very far with the bat (runs relative to wickets wise) before giving up and electing to have a bowl.
Well … I think if you're taking it for granted that a pace attack comprising one chap on his third county with a career average of 30+ and two others who've played one Championship match between them will do well against a top six totalling 67 Test centuries, you're kind of assuming a degree of help from the conditions.
According to the radio, they didn’t exactly “give up and elect to have a bowl” as there was already an agreement in place that each first innings would be limited to 100 overs (maybe some people retained memories of 1967).
I’m guessing this is an informal arrangement as otherwise it might have affected the match’s first-class status, but the commentators were clearly well aware of it.
According to the radio, they didn’t exactly “give up and elect to have a bowl” as there was already an agreement in place that each first innings would be limited to 100 overs (maybe some people retained memories of 1967).
I’m guessing this is an informal arrangement as otherwise it might have affected the match’s first-class status, but the commentators were clearly well aware of it.
The commentators also said that it wasn't the case at all that Pakistan were 'just hitting out and perishing that way.' They said that all the wickets this morning were to balls that were too good for the batsmen.
Regardless I wasn't "taking it for granted," that we would do well. I simply said that Pak may struggle due to combo of rustiness and not usually being very good in English conditions. At the time that I posted I did not know that it was going to be a lovely sunny day in Taunton (yesterday I mean).
Regardless I wasn't "taking it for granted," that we would do well. I simply said that Pak may struggle due to combo of rustiness and not usually being very good in English conditions. At the time that I posted I did not know that it was going to be a lovely sunny day in Taunton (yesterday I mean).
I don't think Pakistan needed to worry very much about putting a 'cap,' of 100 overs on the Somerset innings..
I never implied for a moment that the Pakistan batsmen were 'just hitting out and perishing that way' (which mystifies me all the more as to why you put it in quotes).
Your message unmistakably implied a) that Somerset's quicker bowlers were likely to do well against the Pakistan top six and b) that such success should not be misinterpreted.
But I'm sure you weren't wrong. Any apparent incongruity was the fault of the players, or possibly the sun.
Jack Leach being interviewed on radio as I write. Sounds like a sensible and realistic young man, ill at ease in front of a microphone (complete reverse of my son, the other J. Leach) but gaining in confidence as he goes.
I liked hearing him link his county successes to the Baker Cup, as local club cricket will always be the first source of top players no matter how much fuss is made of age-group XIs and Academies - e.g. the kid from Glastonbury we got lumbered with as reserve WK in 2010 (let alone the kid from Stogumber who debuted for us in 1936).
Your message unmistakably implied a) that Somerset's quicker bowlers were likely to do well against the Pakistan top six and b) that such success should not be misinterpreted.
But I'm sure you weren't wrong. Any apparent incongruity was the fault of the players, or possibly the sun.
Jack Leach being interviewed on radio as I write. Sounds like a sensible and realistic young man, ill at ease in front of a microphone (complete reverse of my son, the other J. Leach) but gaining in confidence as he goes.
I liked hearing him link his county successes to the Baker Cup, as local club cricket will always be the first source of top players no matter how much fuss is made of age-group XIs and Academies - e.g. the kid from Glastonbury we got lumbered with as reserve WK in 2010 (let alone the kid from Stogumber who debuted for us in 1936).
Day two photos.
What can you say except it looked like boys against men, except for one or two players.
James Hildreth looked the class batsman that he is, he made the other look like novices.
I want to give two bowlers a mention, Josh Davey and new man Paul van Meekeren both bowled balls that troubled the batsman.
Welcome back to first class cricket Mohammad Amir, he lasted two balls then edged a ball to Alex Barrow off the bowling of Josh Davey.
When we needed Marcus Trescothick to stay in so the younger players could play under his guidance he was out to an all too familiar shot, caught by Sarfraz Ahmed bld Mohammad Amir.
Adam Hose found out what fast bowling feels like when he was bowled by Mohammad Amir.
Even Peter Trego couldn't handle Mohammad Amir's bowling.
If James Hildreth can do it so should some of the other batsman.
I feel sorry for Alex Barrow when things go against you all the time, he must be thinking I can't get nothing right when batting. Leaving the ball is a no no when facing a bowler like Rahat Ali.
Tim Groenewald didn't do a lot better out lbw to Sohail Khan.
It is not all bad news Mohammad Hafeez was caught by Alex Barrow off the bowling of Josh Davey. He wasn't happy about being given out.
It wasn't all doom and gloom the sun was out some of the time.
What can you say except it looked like boys against men, except for one or two players.
James Hildreth looked the class batsman that he is, he made the other look like novices.
I want to give two bowlers a mention, Josh Davey and new man Paul van Meekeren both bowled balls that troubled the batsman.
Welcome back to first class cricket Mohammad Amir, he lasted two balls then edged a ball to Alex Barrow off the bowling of Josh Davey.
When we needed Marcus Trescothick to stay in so the younger players could play under his guidance he was out to an all too familiar shot, caught by Sarfraz Ahmed bld Mohammad Amir.
Adam Hose found out what fast bowling feels like when he was bowled by Mohammad Amir.
Even Peter Trego couldn't handle Mohammad Amir's bowling.
If James Hildreth can do it so should some of the other batsman.
I feel sorry for Alex Barrow when things go against you all the time, he must be thinking I can't get nothing right when batting. Leaving the ball is a no no when facing a bowler like Rahat Ali.
Tim Groenewald didn't do a lot better out lbw to Sohail Khan.
It is not all bad news Mohammad Hafeez was caught by Alex Barrow off the bowling of Josh Davey. He wasn't happy about being given out.
It wasn't all doom and gloom the sun was out some of the time.
Thanks Mike - good to hear about Davey and VM. We may have some reasonable options in reserve.*
Two good wickets for Leachy, by the looks, too.
*What has become of Ben Green? Is he injured? Has he been in education? Barely seems to have featured in the seconds etc?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:04:22:02:18 by AGod.
Two good wickets for Leachy, by the looks, too.
*What has become of Ben Green? Is he injured? Has he been in education? Barely seems to have featured in the seconds etc?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:04:22:02:18 by AGod.
Oh, by the way, MikeIndex:
a) 'Implied,' and 'took for granted,' are not equivalent in meaning.
b) At the time of my post I was thinking that Pakistan might well use this first game to audition several candidates for potential vacancies in their team, rather than picking guys that are nailed onto play in the Tests, such as Younis and Misbah. Those two have scored the vast majority of the number o centuries that you quoted to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:04:22:01:14 by AGod.
a) 'Implied,' and 'took for granted,' are not equivalent in meaning.
b) At the time of my post I was thinking that Pakistan might well use this first game to audition several candidates for potential vacancies in their team, rather than picking guys that are nailed onto play in the Tests, such as Younis and Misbah. Those two have scored the vast majority of the number o centuries that you quoted to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:04:22:01:14 by AGod.
...... "let alone the kid from Stogumber who debuted for us in 1936".
"The kid", Mike Index, whom many regard as Somerset's best ever English batsman, was actually from Bicknoller and debuted for us in 1935.
"The kid", Mike Index, whom many regard as Somerset's best ever English batsman, was actually from Bicknoller and debuted for us in 1935.
He was born in Bicknoller CP - there seems to be some local argument about where he felt he came from. No idea what it is all about myself.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [
I think to be fair to Tresco with his 'all too familiar shot,' it was apparently a cracker-jack of a delivery, or so Leachy claimed on commentary. Said they'd all seen it on the TV. Said it moved twice - in and then out - so presumably it swung into Tres and then cut away from him off the seam. If it was even half as good a delivery as the way it was described then he probably "did well," to nick it.
Such deliveries are not that unusual - what is fairly unusual is somebody actually nicking one of them - Marcus must have got his bat very, very close to the spot where the ball pitched as it swung into him i.e almost blocked the ball on the full, I would think, for it then to have caught the edge as it then seamed away from him.
I see MT is suggesting that Amir is now an even better bowler than before.. that he is swinging it so very late and has probably gained in pace since he last played the game. Apparently, Peter Trego also got something unplayable.
[www.skysports.com]
The ball that Tres got occurs after about 15 seconds of this video.
It isn't a good enough picture to really see the late swing, as such, but you can see that the ball was clearly angling in to Tres (though not really the actual swing vs coming in with the natural angle) and then you can see the ball move away from him.
The ball that Tres got occurs after about 15 seconds of this video.
It isn't a good enough picture to really see the late swing, as such, but you can see that the ball was clearly angling in to Tres (though not really the actual swing vs coming in with the natural angle) and then you can see the ball move away from him.
He was an excellent young prospect. So sad he got involved in Pakistani cricketing politics and corruption but I suppose it is difficult not to if you are new and want to make your name in a sport that can mean the difference between affluence and poverty for so many.
I'm not sure we should be looking at Josh Davey as a 'reserve' for future matches, he went through people a considerable number of times, was much straighter than I remember him from last year and bowled with vim and vigour all of the first day. He is usually a luckier bowler than he was on Sunday - he gets wickets off some inferior balls and bowls wicket taking deliveries. I'd say he was significant in this game against a strong international line-up
I'm not sure we should be looking at Josh Davey as a 'reserve' for future matches, he went through people a considerable number of times, was much straighter than I remember him from last year and bowled with vim and vigour all of the first day. He is usually a luckier bowler than he was on Sunday - he gets wickets off some inferior balls and bowls wicket taking deliveries. I'd say he was significant in this game against a strong international line-up
And as for Mr Hose?
Good luck with that, Adam (later in the same video).
That's bowling that is surely better by a factor of a high number than anything that Adam is liable to have faced before. Certainly, that's what AH's reaction to the delivery seemed to imply, anyway.
Good luck with that, Adam (later in the same video).
That's bowling that is surely better by a factor of a high number than anything that Adam is liable to have faced before. Certainly, that's what AH's reaction to the delivery seemed to imply, anyway.
Good, Grockle. Glad to hear that.
Perhaps we should not be looking at him as a reserve however, it appears to me that - thus far - that is how MM appears to have looked at him, given that we have been operating a four man rotation in terms of the three (main) seamer places and Josh has not been a part of it.
Has Josh done enough in this match to "crack the rotation," i.e for the rotation to now become a five-man thing from this point forward?
We shall see what Mr Maynard decides...
Perhaps we should not be looking at him as a reserve however, it appears to me that - thus far - that is how MM appears to have looked at him, given that we have been operating a four man rotation in terms of the three (main) seamer places and Josh has not been a part of it.
Has Josh done enough in this match to "crack the rotation," i.e for the rotation to now become a five-man thing from this point forward?
We shall see what Mr Maynard decides...
Declaration within the next 20 minutes or so, I would imagine?
I'd guess they will want to give Yasir Shah a longer bowl second time around, so may bowl Amir for less time at our top order to try to ensure there are more wickets still to be taken by other bowlers.
I'd guess they will want to give Yasir Shah a longer bowl second time around, so may bowl Amir for less time at our top order to try to ensure there are more wickets still to be taken by other bowlers.
is this all about Pakistan or can we maybe resist a bit better wearing the Somerset colours
A bit better, perhaps, but probably only if they decide to give whatever 5th/6th bowling options that they have in their team a bit of an extended bowl.
The first, I would guess, of 5-7 wickets that Yasir Shah will take this afternoon.
At least Hose faced a reasonable number of deliveries again so will have had a look at some very good bowling.
At least Hose faced a reasonable number of deliveries again so will have had a look at some very good bowling.
This sounds quite good from Rouse, particularly batting out the over after the blow to the head.
Although we put out a not very strong team against the touring side, which seems to be the fashion these days, we do seem to have a proper cricket match going on. I dislike the matches which are nothing more than than an extended practice session.
And it hasn't taken Marcus long to work out how to deal with Mr Amir!!!
And it hasn't taken Marcus long to work out how to deal with Mr Amir!!!
Rouse and Bess both, surely, very encouraging today?
Add to that good reports on Davey/Van Meekeren and this seems to have been a thoroughly worthwhile and beneficial exercise for SCCC and a draw is a very creditable result indeed, IMO.
Add to that good reports on Davey/Van Meekeren and this seems to have been a thoroughly worthwhile and beneficial exercise for SCCC and a draw is a very creditable result indeed, IMO.
Yes, I agree with all that AG.
It was a very creditable performance from all our debutants.
It was a very creditable performance from all our debutants.
If anyone finds it, can we all have a look at the replay of the ball that Alex Barrow supposedly 'kneed' for four.
He ran the first only to see the umpire giving him out LBW as the ball sped to the boundary seemingly off his bat but according to the official off his pad. He had a bit of a chat with the umpire before he left - weird.
He ran the first only to see the umpire giving him out LBW as the ball sped to the boundary seemingly off his bat but according to the official off his pad. He had a bit of a chat with the umpire before he left - weird.
Day three photos.
If Pakistan had declared overnight they would have won the match.
Today turned out better to watch than I thought it would. It was more useful to the first time players in the team having to try and play out a draw.
Pakistan do have a good team it will be interesting to see how England play against them.
Asad Shafiq sweeping against the spinner.
A great knock from Marcus today, he had his luck like this edge that went through the slips, and he played and missed a few shot.
Take nothing away from the rest of the innings it was GREAT.
This photo shows how much trouble Adam Hose had facing Mohammad Amir.
Yasir Shah was the bowler that got Adam Hose out lbw. He was a long way down the pitch.
Tim Rouse showed his skills scoring 41 off 94 balls.
We were all concerned when Adam Hose got hit on the back of the head, he must have said something funny that had them all smiling even a Pakistan players gave him a hug. He didn't look like he was hurt just needed a new helmet.
To finish the photos, player of the day Marcus Trescothick playing a sweep shot.
If Pakistan had declared overnight they would have won the match.
Today turned out better to watch than I thought it would. It was more useful to the first time players in the team having to try and play out a draw.
Pakistan do have a good team it will be interesting to see how England play against them.
Asad Shafiq sweeping against the spinner.
A great knock from Marcus today, he had his luck like this edge that went through the slips, and he played and missed a few shot.
Take nothing away from the rest of the innings it was GREAT.
This photo shows how much trouble Adam Hose had facing Mohammad Amir.
Yasir Shah was the bowler that got Adam Hose out lbw. He was a long way down the pitch.
Tim Rouse showed his skills scoring 41 off 94 balls.
We were all concerned when Adam Hose got hit on the back of the head, he must have said something funny that had them all smiling even a Pakistan players gave him a hug. He didn't look like he was hurt just needed a new helmet.
To finish the photos, player of the day Marcus Trescothick playing a sweep shot.
Stephen Lamb? If he is a commentator then unless they have finally set up the ambient mikes in the media area (they weren't there last week) then he'll have heard nothing. We can't even hear the announcer with the door shut and we are next door to him looking through a window.
For what it is worth, we were sitting under the electronic scoreboard and heard ONE noise - sort of 'batty' noise. But I haven't seen a replay. However, must have been a hell of a fast ball to go to the scoreboard boundary off the pad or it was a bloody big edge after the pad he hid his bat behind. He also drove the ball through the covers with his pad it seems.
Anyway he's out in the book.
For what it is worth, we were sitting under the electronic scoreboard and heard ONE noise - sort of 'batty' noise. But I haven't seen a replay. However, must have been a hell of a fast ball to go to the scoreboard boundary off the pad or it was a bloody big edge after the pad he hid his bat behind. He also drove the ball through the covers with his pad it seems.
Anyway he's out in the book.
He was in the Somerset Stand at the time - gave his view later, when he went back on commentary.
Simon Mann said the TV replay was 'inconclusive.'
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:05:23:10:07 by AGod.
Simon Mann said the TV replay was 'inconclusive.'
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:05:23:10:07 by AGod.
Managed to see some of this match and enjoyed some good cricket.. Positives.. Bess did well, Rouse looked comfortable and the new chap Van M showed potential . I thought Barrow, looked pretty good behind the stumps and Tres was classic best. The umpiring was weak though. A couple of dubious decisions and constant appealing by the Pakistan team was shameful. The decision to give the young keeper Bsrrrow out was a shocker.. I see some comments on here stating inconclusive ... Not the people I conversed with..the evidence is conclusive.. Ball driven for four through the covers as Grockle says!
If it's inconclusive surely it had to be not out. Umpires giving in to constant appealing. I saw a couple of Somerset lbw appeals on first day which were every bit as out as some awarded to Pakistan . Umps will need to be stronger than this
When Alex played the shot I said two noises to somebody sat next to me, I have no way of knowing from my angle what was first, bat or pad!
For the avoidance of doubt it was the TV replays (to which the umpires would have had no access) which were described as inconclusive.
That being the case it seems fairly obvious that what did not happen was that Alex simply drove the ball for four with ball not hitting pad at all. After all such an eventuality would have been obvious on the TV replay
The question is which came first - bat or pad?
Either he nicked it into his pads or he hit it after it hit his pads.
That being the case it seems fairly obvious that what did not happen was that Alex simply drove the ball for four with ball not hitting pad at all. After all such an eventuality would have been obvious on the TV replay
The question is which came first - bat or pad?
Either he nicked it into his pads or he hit it after it hit his pads.
Yay let's analyse it to death while stating the glaringly obvious.
I'm happy with a video 'inconclusive' Cheers all
I'm happy with a video 'inconclusive' Cheers all
If you'd bothered to read the posts above (or maybe you did but didn't get them) you'd see that a poster above is stating the opposite to what you are claiming is "the obvious."
Poster Justin is saying that the evidence is conclusive and that Barrow simply hit it through the covers for four.
I would say that maybe the 'heat is getting to you,' but then you're not in Oman at the moment and I don't have an alternative explanation.
Hopefully, you will feel better in the morning.
Poster Justin is saying that the evidence is conclusive and that Barrow simply hit it through the covers for four.
I would say that maybe the 'heat is getting to you,' but then you're not in Oman at the moment and I don't have an alternative explanation.
Hopefully, you will feel better in the morning.
Perhaps we should set up an Enquiry, or is it Inquiry. 
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:06:11:51:46 by Roger ivanhoe.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:07:06:11:51:46 by Roger ivanhoe.
[www.youtube.com]
The incident occurs at 3:40 on this video.
My opinion?
a) I think the ball hits the pad before it hits the bat.
b) BUT, I think Alex was struck outside the line of off-stick whilst essaying a shot.
Therefore, the correct decision should have been to reject the appeal.
(I think the position of the Pak keeper is another clue to the line of the ball - he seems quite a way over outside off).
The incident occurs at 3:40 on this video.
My opinion?
a) I think the ball hits the pad before it hits the bat.
b) BUT, I think Alex was struck outside the line of off-stick whilst essaying a shot.
Therefore, the correct decision should have been to reject the appeal.
(I think the position of the Pak keeper is another clue to the line of the ball - he seems quite a way over outside off).
And therefore, based on that expert analysis....oh nothing changes and Alex is still out. Having now had a look...it seems 'inconclusive' but on replay which the umpire doesn't get.
It seemed daft because of where the ball ended up but he was given out - so he's out. Thanks for the extra traffic - pointless though most of it was.
It seemed daft because of where the ball ended up but he was given out - so he's out. Thanks for the extra traffic - pointless though most of it was.
My impression from the two and a bit days I saw of this match is that Pakistan are going to be a far more competitive opponent fro England during the latter pat of our summer. Considering Somerset only played 5 first team regulars in this match - two of them bowlers - I think the team put up an admirable performance. None of the bowlers let the side down and Jack made a decent impression in front of several of the national papers' correspondents which isn't a bad thing.
The batting line up in the first innings came up against a young bowler who, had not events intervened, would probably have two hundred Test wickets to his name and would likely be in the top 20 bowlers in the world if not higher. He was bowling in conditions which assisted him, knowing that he needed to put in a performance to assure himself of a place in the Pakistan Test team come next Thursday. The result was an awesome demonstration of swing bowling with the new ball. Those that managed by good judgement or luck in timing avoided facing him were met by probably the best legspinner in the world today.
In the second innings, in less bowler-friendly conditions and built around a tour de force by Marcus (oh how I hope there are many more inings like this before we have to contemplate #Trexit) the team knuckled down and resisted the force of Pakistan seeking a morale-boosting victory in their tour opener. Yes there was vigorous and over-optimistic appealing at times, something that seems endemic in subcontinent teams and which I expect the international umpires to take steps to suppress in the coming series.
It should be a well-matched series. The firepower of the pace attacks of both teams is similar - indeed, Pakistan may have the upper hand here if Anderson is not deemed fit to start at Lord's next week; or even if he is, as he will be rusty. Both batting line ups have their frailties. Pakistan undoubtably has the better spin attack, whilst England hae the advantage of a much stronger tail to their batting order. My final observation during the Taunton match was that this Pakistan side despite the pre-tour camps and work they have been doing still appear to be overall a poor fielding team and in tight matches this may be a deciding factor.
Here's hoping for sunny days and big crowds at all the matches, not just the London ones.
The batting line up in the first innings came up against a young bowler who, had not events intervened, would probably have two hundred Test wickets to his name and would likely be in the top 20 bowlers in the world if not higher. He was bowling in conditions which assisted him, knowing that he needed to put in a performance to assure himself of a place in the Pakistan Test team come next Thursday. The result was an awesome demonstration of swing bowling with the new ball. Those that managed by good judgement or luck in timing avoided facing him were met by probably the best legspinner in the world today.
In the second innings, in less bowler-friendly conditions and built around a tour de force by Marcus (oh how I hope there are many more inings like this before we have to contemplate #Trexit) the team knuckled down and resisted the force of Pakistan seeking a morale-boosting victory in their tour opener. Yes there was vigorous and over-optimistic appealing at times, something that seems endemic in subcontinent teams and which I expect the international umpires to take steps to suppress in the coming series.
It should be a well-matched series. The firepower of the pace attacks of both teams is similar - indeed, Pakistan may have the upper hand here if Anderson is not deemed fit to start at Lord's next week; or even if he is, as he will be rusty. Both batting line ups have their frailties. Pakistan undoubtably has the better spin attack, whilst England hae the advantage of a much stronger tail to their batting order. My final observation during the Taunton match was that this Pakistan side despite the pre-tour camps and work they have been doing still appear to be overall a poor fielding team and in tight matches this may be a deciding factor.
Here's hoping for sunny days and big crowds at all the matches, not just the London ones.
"Jack made a decent impression in front of several of the national papers' correspondents which isn't a bad thing."
Has Jack Leach received favourable reviews in the Press based on his performances in this match? I don't recall seeing one in my paper.
Has Jack Leach received favourable reviews in the Press based on his performances in this match? I don't recall seeing one in my paper.
My expectation, Bagpuss, is that umpires are most unlikely to act over excessive appealing in the Test series.
However, I consider that Messrs Broad and Anderson will appeal as vociferously and frequently as any Pakistani anyway.
However, I consider that Messrs Broad and Anderson will appeal as vociferously and frequently as any Pakistani anyway.
I have not read all the relevant aticles CP, but if you want anecdotes a couple I spoke did comment.
I see Sussex have a former Windies U-19 bowler, by the name of Jofra Archer, who has played vs Pakistan in the current tour match and posted very impressive figures - 4 for 49 off 22 overs.
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