Sellsy's Monday Supplement

The criticism flying around Captain Alastair Cook seems to be, in my eyes, very unfair indeed. Should he of made New Zealand follow-on? Should he off declared earlier? Has he looked at the weather forecast? Is he getting too defensive? I could go on and on, but I think the words printed and said are very harsh. In ten years time when reflecting on this series result it will say 2-0 to England, not whether he should off declared, made NZ follow on etc.

If I was Cook I would be quite happy with that type of criticism, not that he takes much notice in what is printed, as England are not losing Test matches if they were every aspect of his captaincy would be scrutinised to the finest detail, so if that is the best they can do, well, the critics have to justify their salary I suppose.

With the series already won and an impending back-to-back Ashes series coming up, some cynics even suggested that England were giving time at the crease to the likes of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow so as to get them used to batting at the highest level. That is not for me and it sounds a bit stupid, winning the Test match is upmost in their minds, whether they would have done the same against Australia, I don’t know. But Australia is a five Test series, and if England were 1 up and this was the final Test they would be batting as long as they could!

At present England are not performing as strong as they like with the bat and I know the opening position of Somerset's Nick Compton is under debate as we speak, but who will take his place, or will they go with a settle side. Added to that problem we have Kevin Pietersen coming back from injury very soon.

Talking of Somerset, what is going on? Losing to Sussex within two days, making only 184 runs in two innings and no one scoring above 30. Then to cap of a very trying week, losing to Leicestershire in the 40 over competition after posting a massive 323, by six wickets.

Again people have their own opinion, a very delicate mixture of an ageing side with too many inexperienced youngsters, no strike bowler are a couple I have heard recently. For me a lack of confidence is running through the side, especially the batting in the longer version of the game. I wonder if we would be talking about this if Somerset secured fixture over Warwickshire a few weeks ago.

Anyway, they still have my strong support,this week thay have Yorkshire in a four day game, followed by Glamorgan on Sunday, then a trip to Lord's on Tuesday next week for a floodlit game against Middlesex in the YB40. Come on Somerset!!!!!!!!

Anyway, 5.57, time for a Thatchers or two in The Cottage.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

After the doom and gloom over last weeks heavy defeat, Over Stowey's 1st XI bounced back in style with their first victory of the campaign, beating Morebath at the weekend by some 100 runs.

Not to be out done, the 2nd XI also won at the weekend, beating Crowcombe, with Nick Rich doing the damage with bat and ball.

The only down side to it all was that I was unable to see and celebrate these victories, as my hay fever had got the better of me. In fact if I did make it to the ground to watch I wouldn't of been able to see it as my eyes were so puffed up.

Stowey's under-11's started the ball rolling at the weekend, with victory on Friday night away at Wiveliscombe. Now these under 11's are the most successful side to represent Over Stowey so far this season.

So keeping the success theme going, what went wrong with Stuart Broad on Sunday? What was that all about? Absolute carnage and victory for England in the first Test at Lord's. Just goes to show what can be done when a wicket is prepared that has "something in it" you get an exciting game of Test cricket. None of this bat first, score 600, then the other side bats they score 550, and the game is then destined for a draw.

Somerset's victory over Middlesex on Sunday in the YB40 trophy eased the pain somewhat of the defeat against the same county in the County Championship. After five games in the County Chmpionship, the trophy that nearly all Somerset supporters want to win, they are yet to register a victory. I know they have come close a few times, especially against Warwickshire, unfortunately close is not a win.

However there are positives you can from the latest match and the most obvious one is the bowling performance of Jamie Overton who took seven wickets in the match, six which was in the first innings.

Oh well, Sussex next, and they look strong batting, so should be enthralling to watch, but unfortunately I will not be travelling down to Horsham.

Anyway, 5.57, time for a Thatchers or two in The Cottage.

Sellsy' Monday Supplement

A tale of two batsmen. One on the tip of everyone’s tongue, the other quietly going about his county cricket business.

Jos Buttler, the next Kevin Pietersen as one TV commentator mentioned on Saturday while playing against Yorkshire. Another, Bob Willis, was almost excited about him, saying he should be in the England Test squad now. I have no doubt he will be playing cricket for England in all three formats of the game very soon, maybe this summer, especially if he keeps up the performances he has produced so far this summer, not only in the short format of the game but in the four day game as well, making some telling runs down the order.

He has a great eye for the ball, sees it very late and has quick hands. A clean striker of the ball and find gaps in the field that make bowlers seethe with anger, just ask Ryan Sidebottom. At 22 years, he has a long international future ahead of him; England's gain, but unfortunately Somerset's loss.

The other, James Hildreth, the forgotten man of English cricket. Not only forgotten, but probably the unluckiest player on the circuit not to receive a full England Test cap. Hildy is only 28, and made his first class debut some 10 years ago and only has to look at his Somerset colleague, Nick Compton, to show it is never too late to get your England call-up.

Hildy has just passed 10,000 first class runs in the recent game against Yorkshire, a milestone in anyone’s book, but still has some way to beat Harold Gimblett.

Keep going James, I am hopeful, as much as you are, that you will get your just deserves and a Test cap or two.

Somerset's County Championship season has got off to the best start that we could of hoped for, but it is early days, a couple of wins and we will be right amongst them, hopefully with a positive result against current leaders, Middlesex which starts on Wednesday. In recent weeks, Somerset was lucky to have the rain on their side against Yorkshire, but how did they could no quite bowl out Warwickshire on the final day, leaving them a bit frustrated I am sure. Taking 20 wickets is very key; you need to do it to win matches.

As for the YB40, well, it has just been a joy to watch at the moment, may it continue all the way to Lord's.

From one extreme to Over Stowey, not the greatest of starts from the village, admittedly there have been some tough games to start; at least they don't have to travel to Stogumber again this season.

Stowey's season has already been hampered by injuries. The 1st XI two opening bowlers got injured playing golf (some alien sport played with a little white ball (WTF?)) and now have a keeping crisis with Stowey's number one being rushed to hospital after the game against Stogumber on Saturday. And with fitness worries over the chairman and a couple from the 2nd team, I may be in jeopardy in being called up to play. I am 42 on the pecking order; surely you have enough fit players without me?

I suppose if I had a fitness test I would more and likely fail it anyway, I don't think I would trouble the fitness instructor fitness sheet!

Next up for Stowey a trip to Crowcombe for the 2nd XI, while the 1st team entertain Morebath, best of luck, even though a trip to the Carew Arms seems inviting!

Anyway, 5.57, time for a Thatchers or two in The Cottage.