Somerset 2016

Tresco steps down from captaincy. Rogers takes over. Good news.

It was runs that Rogers is remembered for at Lord's rather than his captaincy but Somerset have looked for a few seasons like they need a new leader. Seems a very sensible move.

Evens after day 1 I guess. Facing Onions and Rushworth in early April quite challenging. Weather going to influence I think.

Durham are very fortunate that Team England have not got their claws into Rushworth - probably one of the top 4 seamers in the country.

At least we've avoided the follow on...

Yesterday I thought we might be the Leicester of this year...today I'm thinking we might be the Leicester of last year. We rarely start a season well.

Might get a draw I reckon http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2650628

just looked at the score
looks like we are praying for rain
if not i think we have had it

Fear not - you have Rogers now. Believe me, he is quite capable of batting through several sessions as he proved many times for Middx.

Spying mission on Middx v Warks done. Great 1st session for home team and almost chanceless ton for Robson. 4 hours for 1st wkt to fall then Compton goes 1st ball as Warks keep it tight in 2nd session. Game evening out. Both teams look strong in their respective roles today. It will be a challenge for Somerset this season, but then we.
 are always saying that.

I didn't want to land you in it on here, but can I assume that you have bought that Middx season ticket then?

Yep, easy access from work and home, great value, Lords is a lovely place to watch cricket from, Pavilion is full of nooks and crannys. Had the new members tour today before the game, several bars,in the Long Room when the players walked past. Quite busy today, look forward to a weekday afternoon when I can explore properly, probably Mon and Tues of the Somerset game.

Suffice to say, Bas was appalled when I gave him the news of your defection. I would avoid him at your next City match...

Lol defection is perhaps too extreme. I'll be there with my Somerset tie in the Pavilion next month giving it large.

One does not give it large in the Lord's pavilion...

Gerry, I trust that as a Middlesex member you didn't venture to the Oval today. It must have been freezing!

Too right, been to the Oval before when it was 9 degrees, and I didnt think today was going to better yesterday ! Starting the rain dance yet again......

Comfortably Middlesexs day. Great bowling by Murtagh. No one looked comfortable. Trego and Gregory tidy batting without being in contol or increasing run rate. Then, our bowling, Hmmm, Robson and Gubbins rarely in trouble. So scenario cd be that Middx well ahead in 24 hours and we start rain dancing yet again.

Thanks for the update. I trust you behaved yourself in the home members' area...

Yep, nothing to get too excited about ! Even tried out all the pavilion bars to change our luck, no joy, but more fun ! Back tomorrow, could be that not enough time left in the game for either side and rain forecast for Wed. Third of games played after this.

Better day for Somerset, Leach and Groenwald the pick. Fielding was alert, denied Robson opportunities for his 100 and generally kept it tight. Pitch still looks good. Middlesex might have cracked on or even boldly declared, but instead plodded on for a slim lead. Somerset need to knuckle down for crease occupation tomorrow as neither side seem to be good enough across the disciplines to force a win here. Anyway work will deny me the denouement tomorrow.

12 draws from 12 matches played makes our teams look like Italian football 60s vintage! Hildreth and Trego certainly had fine games with the bat as did Rogers and Gubbins. I've got a nasty feeling both teams could face a late summer relegation scrap if wins continue to evade them.

Agreed. Surrey and Hants to keep us company.

Marvellous Somerset recovery for a vital win. Long journey back for Mr.Batty to ponder his huge cock up not to enforce the follow on.

Yes, following that on Cricinfo during the last few overs was incredibly tense stuff. I believe there are just as many close finishes in the Championship as the limited overs stuff - it's a really great competition.

(I see the forecast for Northwood is not good today, but Mx have 2 days to finish off Hants)