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.
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