Sellsy's Sunday Supplement - on a Monday!

England’s one day form seems to ask more questions than ones being answered, after another away drubbing, this time 5-0 by India, in India. The all of a sudden they have a comfortable T20 win against the same opposition, why?

England are ranked No. 1 in both Test cricket and T20 cricket, plus they are the current T20 World Champions, but they just cannot get it together in ODI’s, especially abroad. Michael Vaughan, to his credit, summed it up quite nicely, we prepare green pitches at home to make it friendly for our seamer’s to get results at home and when we go abroad, we come up against different pitches, i.e. India full of spin and in Australia, pace and bounce.

If we have any ambitions of winning the next World Cup we need to get ready now and prepare pitches in our country which will be like the ones in Australia and New Zealand where it will be staged in 2015.

Andy Flower has already indicated that there will be changes in the ODI side, in both the batting and bowling department, plus the fielding needs to be sharper (three things fundamentally wrong with English one day cricket – they can’t bat, can’t bowl and cant field, to quote a infamous article written by Martin Johnson).

The first thing I would look at is the wicket-keeping position. Somerset’s Craig Kieswetter currently has the gloves and to be fair, he has a bit of a torrid time behind the timber dropping catches, missing a run out, only his batting (just), has kept him in the side, but can you afford to drop catches.

Jonny Bairstow, another keeper, is also in the side, with Jos “one of our own” Buttler travelling with touring party. Surely this hasn’t helped Craig putting adding pressure on him to perform. The answer – make a decision on who’s number one and for how long, and then take the pressure away from him, by not selecting other keepers.

I can also see this problem happening at Somerset, even Marcus Trescothick says he is dreading the day when Jos will come up to him and says that he wants to be first choice behind the stumps. An abundance of riches perhaps?

Batting – a lot of questions, Kevin Pietersen is one, another is Ian Bell, were do England play him? Can England afford to have Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott in the same side? Why is Ravi Bopara still playing for England? Surely there is a better batsman / bowler than Samit Patel. I could go on, loads of questions and not enough answers.

Bowling – Will James Anderson still feature in four years time when the next World Cup I upon us? Can they afford to take a risk on him? He was rested for this tour to India, and it shows how sorely missed he is. My view is that he needs to play in 2015 and lead the attack, so resting was a good decision, but we need him to keep playing ODI’s, as I can’t see much else at the moment, apart from Tim Bresnan and Steve Finn (both have shown a bit of character during this recent series, with Bresnan being fined for his conduct).

After this series against India, England have a rest until next year then they go to the middle east and play Pakistan in four Test matches, four ODI’s and three T20. Then onto Sri Lanka just for two Tests, so let’s see who is selected for what and where. Might come up with my own ideas for next week!

Last weeks AGM was fairly quick, lasted about 90 minutes, and I would like to congratulate Steve Easden on becoming the nest 1^st XI captain, with Neil Buller stepping up to vice-captain. Carl Woodley retains the 2md XI captaincy, with Dave “Rabbit” Rowsell talking over as his vice. Well done to you all, looks like a fresh young set-up.

Ok, a bit late this week, been away in Sheffield all weekend. Has anyone heard of a MCV? Well on the train journey up to Sheffield, the announcer on the train said about refreshments can be obtained from the MCV or Mobile Catering Van! Couldn’t believe what he was hearing, so when he came round to inspect tickets I had to ask.

The explanation, it was just him and a coupe of colleagues chatting in their canteen about the news that they were getting rid off the buffet coach and they are to provide a hostess trolley, however the management didn’t want to call it a trolley as it sounds too much like a supermarket. These guys took it on themselves to rename it a MCV just for a crack and he thanked me for listening to his announcement: “at least some one does” he said!

Anyway, it’s 5.10 in the morning, time for work, back to normal next week!

Sellsy's Sunday Supplement

What do you believe in the papers? Answer: Not much.

It was reported this week that Surrey are close to securing the singing of Murali Kartik, the former Somerset left-arm spinner, as an overseas player for the 2012 season. After he played his last game for Somerset in the Champions League it was reported via another media source that Murali has played his last game, not only for Somerset, but in County Cricket and he will return to play cricket in his native India.

So who do you believe? What has changed? Did anything change? What has attracted Murali to the multi-million, mega-bucks spending Surrey, whose salary bill remains the largest in the county game? Who is the Chief Executive of Surrey who likes to wave his cheque book at any county player who does well? Why did Rory Hamilton-Brown leave Sussex for name your price Surrey? Answers on a postcard please to Jack Rich, who told me the other night that this would happen and I didn’t believe him! What does a 16 year old kid know anyway?

2012 will be another exciting season for Somerset, especially as Craig Kieswetter is doing his best not to be England’s Number One ODI wicket-keeper, after a not so convincing start to the England tour of India. My membership renewal reminder hit the doormat this past week. I would like to thank Somerset for not hiking up the prices for next season - it may have been tempting; I’m pretty sure I’ll get value for money next summer. I may do another bet on Somerset as well!

Glamorgan have re-signed Simon Jones for the umpteenth time, a forgotten man from the 2005 winning Ashes side. His reverse swing was the difference between the two sides as England won the Ashes for the first time for 20+ years. It was sad to see his career blighted by injuries as he could have made a massive impact on the world scene. The guy is all muscle, having seen him in his Speedos in a pool in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was diving into the pool like an Olympic diver, and I was doing my bombs, a bit like Peter Kay!

So England are 3-0 down against India in a five match one day series and are playing the fourth ODI today, (if you have forgotten, as there is a little thing called the Rugby World Cup Final going on!).

This has been a noticeably bad-tempered series for England, with Tim Bresnan being fined for snatching his cap out of the umpires’ hand, I think more out of frustration than rudeness. MS Dhoni has stirred up the hornets nest a little as well by saying how undisciplined England are, with some sledging going on, (coming from him!). But coach, Andy Flower, has defended their attitude. Batsman Jonathan Trott has suggested that the problem may be that England have not been doing the basics well enough.

Over Stowey have their AGM tonight (Sunday), I do hope it is a quick one, somehow I think not. As AGM’s go I think Stowey have the longest I know of, it will start at about 7.30 and time it will finish I will probably go straight to work, as I start at 6am. If only they could be like the skittles league AGM, one only lasted 10 minutes, or even our own skittles team annual meeting, can last up to all of two minutes, with the quickest being 30 seconds. Oh well, lets see what happens, I am sure a lot will be said and not acted on!

A bit off fall out form last week’s Presentation Evening, Spud did forget what I asked him last week, so had to remind him on Friday. Plus the golf I played the morning after could only best be described as Chinese water torture, don’t mind an odd game, but with a stinker of a hangover, never again.

One last thing, if you are a Somerset supporter and need a bit of cheering up, here is a clip from the 2001 C&G Cup Final. What ever happened to Scott Boswell? http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=mZtLJbC42e4

Well, it’s 10.57, time for a pint I think.

Sellsy's Sunday Supplement

How and why am I writing this at this time in the morning, especially after last night?

Over Stowey Cricket Club held their annual presentation evening last night, and what a night, so it is beyond belief I’m doing this at this time of the morning, and I’m due on the first tee at 8.50! Why?

So what happened last night, well firstly the Chairman, Phil Rich, was unable to attend, under the knife I believe having a new (reinforced) knee, so Ashley done his speech and things ran quite smoothly. Do wish Phil a speedy recovery, and hope to see him dominating bowlers as he used to.

After an excellent four course dinner, there were some speeches followed by some awards and then talking rubbish in the bar afterwards. There were a lot of awards handed out last night, of which only one of my predictions was correct, but we all have our own opinions I suppose.

So who did win what? I can only just remember, good job I wrote it all down so I wouldn’t forget.

To start a special presentation was given to Elsie, for her services as a tea lady over the past 50 years, some flowers and a framed photograph, presented by her son Jack; then we had these:

• Doreen Prowse Cup – Highest Club Score:
  Simon Pickard
• Clive Bellamy Shield – 1^st XI Batting Average:
  Andrew Jeanes
• Sarah Connolly Shield – 2^nd XI Batting Average:
  Simon Pickard
• Pete Sells Trophy – Best Club Bowling:
  Lee Villis
• John Biffen Memorial Trophy – 1^st XI Bowling Average:
  Barrie Buller
• Ancient Mariner Shield – 2^nd XI Bowling Average:
  Julian Pocock
• Wyn Easden Shield – Most Improved Young Player:
  Jack Rich
• Most Improved Club Player:
  Micheal Barrow
• 1^st XI Player of the Year:
  Neil Buller
• 2^nd XI Player of the Year:
  Ben Enever
• Vicky and Roy Turner Shield – Clubman:
  Anthony Thomas
• Players Player:
  Phil Simms

And the booby prize – Hole in the Hand Award: Rhys Satchell

A great night had by all, great food and good company, I wonder if Spud will remember what I asked him last night!!!!!!!

Oh yes, the first tee at 8.50. Start of a stag day, my future brother-in-law, should of know better last night after having my fifth double G&T, could be a long 18 holes.

Great news from the County Ground that Roelof Van Der Merwe will return as Somerset’s overseas player for the 2012 campaign (1^st June onwards), replacing Murali Kartik. Kieron Pollard will also return for the T20 campaign.

Thank you Murali for giving us here in Somerset your wonderful service, shame we couldn’t quite give you some winners medals in return, oh so close.

Now excuse me for getting excited, but the batting order for the T20 competition looks a bit awesome, Trescothick and Kiewsetter top open, Trego three, Van Der Merwe four, Buttler five, Pollard six and still need to fit in the likes of Hildreth and Compton. Just hope they have enough balls at the County Ground, can see a lot going in the River Tone! Must remember to park my car a distance from the ground as it might not be safe!

So who will Somerset draft in for April and May? Personally I think we are still lacking a quick strike bowler, but with the IPL being played during that period it will be difficult to get hold of someone as I’m sure they would have been snapped up by one of the franchises.

Dale Steyn is rated the number one bowler in the world at the moment, somehow I don’t think he will be available as Deccan’s money will have its say. So the next best ranked overseas player? Morne Morkel. But again the IPL will be first pickings as he is contracted to Delhi.

The next best is Mitchell Johnson and he has no associations to any of the IPL franchises, is he worth a punt? Maybe as the Aussies have no international fixtures after March, plus the fact they are in England in June 2012 it may suit Johnson (or any Aussie in fact), to get used to the English conditions before their ODI’s against England.

Now don’t get me wrong here, I am not a great lover of Johnson, or any Aussie in fact, however, if it is to help Somerset win that elusive you know what, he may be the right choice.

Another alternative is to get a batsman. Will Ricky Ponting be available? We shall see know doubt. As I said, the Aussies have no internationals between March and June, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see an influx of our antipodean friends in the counties in the early parts of the 2012 county season.

Somerset have now returned from the Champions League tournament in India, now it’s time to have a break and party I expect! Craig and Jos will have to wait for their well earned rest as they are representing England in India, plus Pete Trego is off to Hong Kong for the world six-a-side tournament. Lewis Gregory described their feat in the CL as a humongous achievement (used last night in my speech), which it certainly was and it was very enjoyable to have a season extended by another month.

The coverage of the Champions League in the national papers have been shocking to say the least, with odd paragraph here and there in the qualities, thankfully we have the locals to give us the latest from India and also the web. Plus Eurosport came up trumps with the TV coverage. Perhaps this tournament, with all the prize money at stake didn’t quite strike home with the national media because it’s Somerset?

Did anyone see England play India in an ODI on Friday? Well you didn’t see the first two and a bit overs. There was a blackout of live feed out if India due to a dispute over payments from the broadcaster to the government agency responsible for up linking live telecasts out of India. What an absolute shambles.

All that can be heard was David Lloyd commentating down a phone line. When we got live pictures we couldn’t have the Sky TV commentators, as, according to a Sky source, they were awaiting government clearances before being able to broadcast live out of India.

Cricket in India is an absolute passion to say the least, with over one billion people claiming to be Sachin Tendulkar’s number one fan. With all these fanatical people, there is a lot of money to be exploited out of the game and there are ‘people’ in India (and elsewhere) who are willing to do this. The match fixing scandal being played out in court is another prime example.

The way England played I wish there was no TV coverage at all. Sloppy in the field, too many wides and a batting display which was not up to the mark. Let’s see what happens in the second ODI.

Sellsy's Sunday Supplement

Lillee, caught Willey, bowled Dilley! A genuine dismissal and is probably the foremost thing I will remember the late Graham Dilley by.

His death this week came as a great surprise to nearly everyone in the cricketing world, as he was such a young age, 52, and it seems his illness was very short and sudden.

That infamous line of: Lillee, caught Willey, bowled Dilley came in the first Ashes Test of the 1979 /80 in Perth, which England went on to lose the Test and the Series.

Just two years later Dilley would be remembered for his batting heroics rather than his bowling in the infamous Ashes Test match of Headingley 1981, where Ian Botham and Bob Willis stole the headlines.

When Dilley Joined Botham at the crease England were still 92 runs behind Australia’s first innings total, with only three wickets remaining. But once at the crease he instantly attempted to attack the bowling, missing more than he was hitting; when he finally thumped the balls through the covers, Botham just laughed out loud.

Dilley started to believe in himself and started to play full-blooded drives, pulls and cuts and he was even out-scoring Botham at one stage. Botham made no bones about it: Dilley’s batting made him believe that a reversal of fortunes might be achieved.

When England were eventually all out, Dilley contributing 56, Australia were set 130 to win and were bundled out for 111. Dilley’s bowling played no part, but he did, however, take a brilliant catch at fine leg to remove the dangerous Rob Marsh. Ironically Dilley was not selected for the next Test!

Dilley was selected for the Ashes tour of 1986/87, where the newspaper correspondent, Martin Johnson, famously wrote: there are three things fundamentally wrong with this England side: they can’t bat, can’t bowl and they can’t field! England went on to retain The Ashes 2-1, and Dilley took 16 crucial wickets in the four Tests he played.

Dilley has always been a favourite in our household, especially as my father was a Man of Kent, and his batting on that day in 1981 my father was leaping out of his seat with ever ball he smashed to the boundary, shouting: “Pica, Pica, Pica!!!!” Even my good friend, Red Card Bungle, had a lot of good things to say about Dilley. For someone whose cricketing knowledge is limited (“Why don’t they just smash the thing!” when a Test is looking to be saved!), his knowledge of Dilley was impressive.

For the nearly forgotten man of Headingley, you will be remembered in this part of The West Country.

Somerset’s adventures in the Champions League are now over; where they lost in the semi-finals to the Mumbai Indians by the narrow margin of 10 runs. With the best part of a million dollars banked, Somerset can be extremely proud of their achievements.

With victories over Auckland, Kolkata (twice) and Warriors, Somerset topped their group; however they could not find an answer for the accuracy and pace of Lasith Malinga in the semis.

Malinga’s action just doesn’t look right, and the majority of the Somerset top order would off never faced anything like that. So not just his pace and accuracy, the surprise factor meant he was somewhat unplayable. The look on Peter Trego’s face after he was cleaned bowled said it all - and I thought he edged it! The defining moment of the semi was when Jos “I’ll get you” Buttler thumped the ball straight at Craig Keiswetter and smashed him right on the forearm. Instead of going for a boundary, Craig was crippled, Jos was bowled next ball and all the momentum was lost.

Somerset, you have done is proud again this season. The journey started in the Caribbean in the early parts of 2011, and has finished by putting yourselves on the world cricketing map thanks to a wonderful performance in the Champions League. The nearly men once again, however, enjoy the winter break (apart from Carig and Jos who have a small matter of England duty to fulfil) and I’ll look forward in renewing my membership for 2012.

Two major events are happening this week. Firstly the ODI’s start against India on Friday at Hyderabad and secondly it’s Over Stowey’s annual presentation evening on Saturday.

England warmed up with a scrappy 56 run win over a Hyderabad Cricket Association XI on Saturday. Bopara topped scored so it must have been a poor effort with the bat. However Steve Finn took a hat-trick to wrap up the HCA’s innings which ensured England’s victory.

So who’s going to win what at the presentation evening? With averages and individual performances already good as known, I will stick my neck out for the rest:

Players Player:                     Carl Woodley

1^st  Team Player:                 Neil Buller

2^nd Team Player:                 Rhys Satchell

Young Player:                       Lee Villis

Clubman:                               Elsie Rich

Hole in the Hand:                 Carl Woodley wants it so bad, so will it be him?

I said I will stick my neck out, and of course these are only my opinions, plus I do know who is going the win the Hole in the Hand award, as I present the trophy, the rest is just guess work.

Anyway, its 10.57, time for a pint and I’ll see you next week up the Social Club when all will be revealed.

Sellsy's Sunday Supplement

Did you know Somerset have a world record holder amongst them, in the form of Arul Suppiah? Back in the summer Arul, in a T20 match against Glamorgan, took six wickets for only five runs. Well Arul, talk us through your over against Kolkata last week!

I believe it went something like this: 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5 wides, dot ball (phew!). 30 of his only over, our world record holder got smashed all round Hyderabad, no respect from the Kolkata batsmen, I ask you.

Anyway, it didn’t matter, I expect Somerset were giving them a few runs to make the run chase a bit challenging, which The Set timed to perfection. Ruelof van der Merwe paving the way with a hard hitting 73 of 53 balls, Somerset won with two balls to spare.

Somerset was due to play South Australia on Saturday, but boy did it rain, I was so looking forward to an afternoon watching Somerset in my arm chair. Oh well, one more point, and still in second place in the league table.

A couple of things which was noted, despite the rain: The toss was made; the Aussies won it and decided to field. The TV guy’s interviewed Alfonso, asked him about his team selection, and he said live on Indian TV, that Lewis Gregory has Delhi Belly!! One strange thing which I have never seen before was that on Cricinfo. It said that the match was abandoned with the toss being made; now I have never heard that before.

Somerset’s Nick Compton has been a busy boy while he is not scoring runs in the middle; he has found another niche with a camcorder. Compo’s Clips, as it has been called, has given us supporters a great insight in what goes on behind the scenes at Somerset, and, for me, it has been compulsive viewing.

To view this click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/SomersetCricket The latest features Steve ‘Tango’ Kirby in India, which is quite amusing. However the insight into the T20 Finals Day at Edgbaston was compelling to say the least, seeing Kieron Pollard singing the Blackbird song with some bemusement on face is something to look out for. Good work there by Compo.

Going back to Suppiah he really and truly became a member of the 20 club, a club which was formed by the cricketers of Over Stowey. Where, as the name implies, if you get smacked for 20 or more of an over, you automatically become a member of this prestigious club. Many a Stowey cricketer are members, including myself and that was the last time I brought myself on for the last over an innings!

The saddest news I heard this week is that of our Chairman at Over Stowey, Phil Rich, looks like he is going to miss the presentation evening in a few weeks time, due to having a much needed operation on his knee.

So who is going to step into his shoes and do his speech? Now, call me a traditionalist, surely this is where the Vice-Chairman should step up to the plate? So who is the VC of Stowey? Oh no, it’s Sorty! Can someone else do it instead? Please!!!!!!!

So England have decided to rest Jimmy Anderson for their tour of India, but have recalled Kevin Pietersen. Strange decision to rest Jimmy as he is bang in form, however with all that cricket and touring he has done over the past twelve months, they have their reasons.

As for KP, why is he an enigma? Great player, again another player right in form, scoring runs for fun during the summer, England rest him and now he is back on the plane to India.

It is good to see the likes of Jonathan Bairstow, Chris Woakes and Stuart Meaker getting involved with this England squad, and with our Jos Buttler and Nottingham’s Alex Hales joining the party for the T20, it shows that England have a lot of very gifted young talent emerging. Just need to get rid of Ravi Bopara!

With these players and the likes of James Harris, Tom Maynard, James Taylor and Scott Borthwick all being named in the England Performance Programme, following England over the next few years could be quite exciting. Just need Ben Stokes to get fit! I might try to pick the next England squad for the next World Cup, something for next week perhaps?

One final thing, good luck to my cousin Jamie, who is doing a fundraising run over the next week or so; believe its 160 miles in 10 days. Good luck Jim, look forward to you updates!

Anyway, 10.57, time to cool down with a pint, as it’s far too hot for October!