Sellsy's Monday Supplement (SMS)

Not wanting to sound like Geoff Boycott the dropping of Samit Patel for the fourth Test against India was something I predicted in my blog last week. Plus in a roundabout way I also suggested that England should pick Joe Root as his replacement. So the news which broke in the early hours on Thursday morning came as no real surprise to me as it did to some of the experts in the media.

Root’s contribution in England’s first innings turned the games in the tourist’s favour, not only the runs scored but taking time out of the game ensuring that Test would be a draw, thus a series victory for England.

Root will now be in touring party to go to New Zealand where I am sure he will continue his role in the number six batting position and if he does well he we no doubt put pressure on Nick Compton to open the innings, something he already does for his county Yorkshire. Compo will also go to NZ as first choice opener with Captain Cook, rightly deserved with a good debut series averaging just under 35. How long he can stay as first choice opener will be intriguing indeed, especially for us Somerset supporters keen for Compo to succeed.

The majority of the Test squad will now fly home, with only a handful of them being picked for the T20 matches starting on Thursday. There may be a few sore heads on that plane back to Heathrow. Well done to you all and hopefully I will see Compo at The County Ground before Christmas to give him my congratulations.

Coming right down back to earth the West Somerset Cricket League fixtures are out for the 2013 season. Over Stowey 1^st XI start their Division Two campaign with a home fixture against Roadwater, however the fixture on June 22^nd will be the most anticipated when Stowey travel to Bishops Hull. The fixture last season was somewhat tainted and with comments made at the league AGM it seems that the value of the spirit of the game is completely lost by Hull. I could go on, but it is just my opinion, not that off Over Stowey.

A nice short one tonight and that will be it from me until the New Year. Have a good festive season, I know I will!

Right, 7.57, time for a few Thatchers before skittles.