Somerset 2021

Somerset's top order batting is woeful  - https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/highest_career_batting_average.html?class=4;id=2021;team=1384;type=year - need a Joe Root and Alastair Cook.

Weather forecast is mostly dry with some sunny intervals for tomorrow, maybe one shower around midday,  so with target well within 3 an over  a case of déjà vu?

Anthony Gibson, the Somerset commentator who talks a lot of sense, thinks it could be very close tomorrow. But despite the wicket at the end I can’t see us winning from here. Another pathetic batting display has left Murtagh and co with too few runs to defend. Here’s hoping for a miracle similar to Somerset’s at Lord’s...

At 95/2 we were certainly favourites. Hildy showing his class and then his inconsistency. Couple of early wickets tomorrow could set the jitters going. One thing for sure, it won't be an easy watch !

Can not help thinking that the loss of Lewis Gregory might prove to be the difference. His replacement failed to score or take a wicket yesterday.

Would Gregory be allowed to return if the 2nd test has confirmed as negative?

If they are using the Lateral Flow Test (LFT) with its known inaccuracies perhaps the Middx bowlers' tests could be shown to have false negatives?

Peter Newman wrote:Can not help thinking that the loss of Lewis Gregory might prove to be the difference. His replacement failed to score or take a wicket yesterday.  

Would Gregory be allowed to return if the 2nd test has confirmed as negative?

Nope, once you've been Covid subbed you're out of the game.

After 5 matches there are only 2 Somerset batsmen in the top 50 averages. Although this is probably a true reflection of performances what is more surprising is that only 2 bowlers are in the top 50.
How have Somerset won 4 of these matches!!

Well three of them have been against the clubs who finished 8th and 10th in Division 2 in 2019.

Of the three teams who have beaten us Gloucestershire have impressed me the most.

Peter Newman wrote:After 5 matches there are only 2 Somerset  batsmen in the top 50 averages. Although this is probably a true reflection of performances what is more surprising is that only 2 bowlers are in the top 50.
How have Somerset won 4 of these matches!!

Overton and Davey have taken 52 of the potential 100 wickets available, so doesn't leave too many left !

Permission to gloat...

https://www.middlesexccc.com/fixtures/results/2021/05/10/middlesex-second-xi-v-somerset-2nd-xi?id=1014

comrade powell wrote:Permission to gloat...

https://www.middlesexccc.com/fixtures/results/2021/05/10/middlesex-second-xi-v-somerset-2nd-xi?id=1014

Given Middx strength not surprising. Finn Helm, Sowter and Eskinazi getting a run out. We had...Brooks.

The whingers on the Somerset forum would question Brooks being a strength. A pity as he was once a very fine player.

Certainly did well last season with the bat, but injury has hampered his return this season. 3 year contract expires this season, and at 37 that will surely be it.

Anyway, your lot can help us with a win v. Hampshire, if they can get their batting heads down.

Come on Middx. but expect a draw or Middx batting collapse.

The big game starts next Thursday in Bristol.

Batting collapse duly delivered! Going to be tight deciding those top two places. Looks like you’ll only take nine points from this round. Think you may need to beat Glos next week.

Fortunately for the others Abbas is only available for one more match so you’ll not face him at Taunton. He and Abbot were at times unplayable in the Lord’s gloom.

comrade powell wrote:Batting collapse duly delivered! Going to be tight deciding those top two places. Looks like you’ll only take nine points from this round. Think you may need to beat Glos next week.

Fortunately for the others Abbas is only available for one more match so you’ll not face him at Taunton. He and Abbot were at times unplayable in the Lord’s gloom.

Lords gloom, Taunton pitches zzzzzzz.......

Taunton pitches? Surely those eight points won’t come back to haunt you....

Rain to save Glos.

...and Surrey

comrade powell wrote:...and Surrey

Hmm!  With the mini collapse maybe Middx were saved?     

Without the loss of those five overs we would most probably have won.

Go Surrey!    Another 150 runs should ensure not losing.  

Glos batting collapse, on course for an innings defeat.

Good result for Somerset, Gloucestershire muck up their game in hand, and Surrey now played a game more. All to play for v Hampshire. Hope we don't feel the loss of Craig and Jack to Test duty.