Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Before I start this week my thoughts go to the family off Derbyshire’s Tom Poynton who was involved in a fatal car crash on Friday where his father killed. Such a tragedy on the eve of the County Championship season just puts things into perspective.

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The wait is almost over, Somerset start their County Championship campaign on Sunday when they host Yorkshire, so do we wish to believe that this will be Somerset’s year? Let’s blooming well hope so.

Well for all those who have parted with some well earned cash for my annual bet, thank you. Those who didn’t well, we will see if you are right to keep the monies in your pocket or not. I must admit I nearly put it all on for Somerset to win everything, but each-way will suffice, how difficult can it be to just to get to a final or two and then we’ll be quid’s in.

So who will be in Somerset’s line-up on Sunday? Well the University game which started today will hopefully give us some indication on the starting line-up, but who’s available, who’s fit, can we take 20 wickets?

So my punt is the following: Trescothick, Jones, Compton, Hildreth, Kieswetter, Trego, Meschede, Thomas, Overton, Overton and Dockrell. But what do I know? Lewis Gregory has shown a lot of promise pre-season, Jack Leach seems to improving leaps and bounds, Johnann Myburgh is a season campaigner, and don’t forget Alviro Petersen has to come in to the equation once he arrives.

And then how can we forget the whole-hearted Steve Kirby, who I believe is on the treatment table at the moment, plus he is preparing for the quiz night in aid of the recent flood victims. Then there are the likes of Alex Barrow, Adam Dibble, James Regan and Max Waller, all will be looking to push for a starting place in the first XI.

However, there is one player who I will keep a close eye on this season, and he is yet to make any sort of 1^st team appearances. This youngster scored in excess of 1,000 runs for the 2^nd XI last year, and surely a good start for the second string will not be ignored by the Somerset hierarchy. Tom Abell had a fantastic second half to the 2013 season. Jason Kerr, who was last season Academy Director and now 1^st XI bowling coach, knows all about Tom and his ability. Let’s see what happens eh?

Anyway, time for a cider me thinks, see you at the County Ground later in the week.