Sellsy's Sunday Supplement

Since my major announcement last week that I’m on the comeback trail, I have been inundated with good luck messages; actually they wanted to know where I can get a wider bat from!

Well I weighed in at a staggering 16st 8lb and Gary, who is attempting to do the same thing, weighed in at 15st 9lb. We are not going to look at the scales again for another fortnight, so will update you then on our progress. White wine and soda is not the most tasteful drink, so I did have a drop of cider last night, it was Wassailing you know, and do regret it quite a bit this morning!

Apart from that news, not a lot has happened this week. Chris Gayle signed for Somerset for the T20 campaign, replacing Kieron Pollard who is on tour in the UK with the West Indies. Not a bad replacement I suppose.

Somerset’s top order does look a bit scary, but who will open the batting? Will Marcus drop down the order? Will he even play? One thing Gayle does bring to the side is a little more strength in the bowling department, but we shall see. No doubt there will be injuries, England call up’s, plus players will be rested, but with everyone available it may become a bit of a selection headache for Brian Rose and Andy Hurry.

On the subject of bowling strength, I see Somerset’s George Dockrell dismissed Kevin Pietersen, while he represented an ICC Combined Associate and Affiliate XI against the English tourists in a warm up game, before the Test series start against Pakistan this week. Trouble with left arm spinners eh Kev?

If you look at Dockers statistics, he has played quite a few games on the international scene for Ireland, with a very health average, not bad for a 19 year old; will he be Somerset’s number one spinner this forthcoming season?

The Somerset boys are back in training, as I notice the snack shop Pain et Vin, is busier than usual, but I expect it is all healthy stuff they are snacking on, just like yours truly.

England start the first Test on Tuesday against Pakistan in Dubai, their first Test series since becoming the number one Test side in the world, and this won’t be easy. Since the match fixing scandal Pakistan have regrouped and have become a bit of a force to reckon with, especially at the their adopted home in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Off spinner Saeed Ajmal could be the danger man for Pakistan, as he has claimed to of developed a new delivery called the ‘teesra’. Ajmal has told the local press that this delivery would “drive England to distraction,” we shall see I suppose.

In the most recent warm up game, England spinner Monty Panesar has increased his chances of selection by taking eight wickets in the match and thus helping England to win by 100 runs.

I can see England starting with two spinners on Tuesday in Monty and Graeme Swann and changing the formula which has worked so well for them over the past two years or so, we shall see.

The bigger problem at the moment seems to be in the batting. Only Alastair Cook making any notable runs, the rest look like they are still enjoying their Christmas pudding.

I still think England will win the series, but it isn’t going to be easy.

It was sad to learn this week that a former Over Stowey cricketer, Tony ‘Dixie’ Rich, had died. I have great memories of Dixie playing for Stowey, and he served me well during my spell as 2^nd XI captain.

The sort of guy I could just chuck the ball to and get 12 overs on the bounce for next to no runs, and picking up a few wickets in the process. Plus he was a hard hitting middle order batsman, with his one handed six being a bit of trademark shot.

Well, that’s about it for now, it is 10.57, time for a massive hangover cure, as that Rich’s cider seemed to had it’s effect on me last night, but a cracking night Wassailing!