Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Is this the most important week in Somerset’s season thus far? After the disappointment in losing against Derbyshire in the County Championship last week, Somerset have two massive games this week, starting with a YB40 semi-final against Nottinghamshire today, well in about 10 minutes, followed by a must win County Championship against Surrey.

Two victories this week may still not be enough to save their season, but will go some way in repairing in it.

I am not one to have a Spanish Inquisition in to why Somerset lost against Derby last week, unlike some others on the social media websites; in fact they nearly turned the game around on its head and forced victory. This shows some good fighting spirit, which they will need over the coming weeks, but the damage was done in the first innings.

Marcus showed some great faith in his side in winning the toss and deciding to bat. The old adage in sticking a side in during the month of September was thrown out of the window, but instead, get a big score in the first innings and let the spinners do the work, especially a quality spinner in the guise of Piyush Chawla.

Steve Waugh, who was one of the best captains in the modern era even though he is an Aussie, always backed his team – ok he did have a bunch of world class players at his disposal, but they still had to come up with the goods. I remember one Test in India, it was a misty morning, perfect for bowling, Waugh won the toss and batted, which bemused nearly every expert, critic alike. But Waugh knew two things. One, get through the first session, the sun will break through and it would be wonderful batting conditions. And secondly, the pitch will deteriorate quickly and would be perfect for spin; who did Waugh have in his side, Shane Warne. Runs vital, batting first vital, and it worked, the Aussies won.

That game against Derby, I believed Somerset had done enough in the second innings to win the game. However it took a world class player, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, to dent Somerset’s victory march and lead Derbyshire to a vital win, just.

Ok, tonight’s match and a trip to Lord’s to face Glamorgan in the final beckons. Pete Trego and Steve Kirby back from injury, Jamie Overton released by England (Jos Buttler isn’t, what’s the difference?), nearly at full strength. Nottinghamshire are favourite to win according to the bookmakers, so were Hampshire on Saturday, no pressure there then.

So a long afternoon is assured, ebbs and flows no doubt, and the final few overs of the game will be bowled while I am playing skittles, oh Skygo, how I do like you as an app.

Right, 4.00, time for you know what, come on Somerset!