Sellsy's Monday Supplement

The news of Nick Compton being left out of the England side to play Essex filtered through as I pressed the button to publish my SMS last Monday; or as one Australian newspaper put it, "Dumped England opener.....!" A week has now surpassed and Compo has responded in the way he knows best, scoring runs and against Australia.

The interview he gave the BBC over the weekend shows what a true professional he is. "It's been a tough week but you have to dust yourself off," he said. "There's no point crying over spilt milk - as much as it was upsetting and a bit of a shock, it's nice to play the Australians and get a crack at them." He went on to say: "I still want to keep myself in the frame and you can only do that by scoring runs. Playing in the Ashes would be the pinnacle for any England cricketer."

Compton also praised Joe Root, "We all know what a good talent Joe is and how well he has taken to international cricket. He's a good lad and I wish him well," he said.

For me there are two ways to look at this. From Compo's point of view he is still wanting to play for England, and feels a little unjust, like most of us, he has been left out of the England side.

However, with my Somerset hat on, he'll be back scoring runs for the County, which are desperately needed in the County Championship, and with the likes of Craig Kieswetter and Jos Buttler returning already the Somerset batting line-up looks stronger.

Whatever happens over the next few months for Compo, I wish him much success either if he is playing for England or Somerset (and now even Worcester this week!).

The four day game against Australia ended up with the Aussies winning comfortably by six wickets. It was a good run out for the Aussie batters and bowlers, but on day one, up until the second new ball was taken it looked like a different story. Somerset was cruising at about 280-2. I had to leave at about then as I needed to get home (well back to the Cottage Inn if the truth is known), so in a 30 minute journey Somerset were all out for 320, so what happened, well I saw quite a few noughts against the home team batsmen.

Peter Trego teeing off late on Friday evening was a bit of a highlight, getting his eye in for the T20 season Pete? Now that was a joy to watch.

Yes, the 2013 T20 competition is now up and fully running, with Somerset entering the fray this Friday evening when they host neighbours Gloucestershire. So what is going to happen this season for the mighty Set? Well the bookies have already made them favourites to win the competition, so no pressure there then. All the smart arse experts are predicting Somerset will come runners-up again. Not funny anymore as we heard the same jokes last season and guess what, even though Somerset got to finals day, they didn't come runners-up, they didn't win it either losing in the Semis, so there you bunch off know-alls!

Well one sure thing about this Friday's encounter is that it will be busy at the County Ground, so it looks like I will be buying four pints a time!

From T20 cricket to six-a-side. Over Stowey hold their annual Charity Cricket Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Disco, bar and barbecue on the Saturday evening, with the six-a-side on the Sunday. In recent years (apart from last year when it rained for a month) this event has been good fun, so we have booked the weather and let's have a good weekend.

Stowey will still be playing cricket, with the 2nd playing at home on the Saturday, whereas the 1st team travel to Roadwater, surely we are not at the half way stage of the season all ready?

Ok, 5.27, time for a Thatchers before the skittles meeting.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

After years of turmoil, humiliation, drubbings in the hands of Australian cricket, is this new recent dawn becoming a wonderful time for English cricket? Especially those who have followed England to all corners of the world and especially down under to see them get humiliated.

Those dark days of 5-0 drubbings, three captains in a series, Derek Pringle opening the bowling etc., are becoming a distant memory, especially now that England have won three out of the last four Ashes series.

Whereas England have gone from strength to strength since the 2005 Ashes series victory, the Aussies have somewhat plummeted. Their aura has evaporated, no longer can they chuck the ball to Warne or McGrath for some quick wickets, no longer have they a wicketkeeping batsman who can come in to bat and just take the game away from the fielding side, no longer does the top order send a shiver through your spine and wonder where the next wicket is coming from.

The sacking of Micky Arthur came as no surprise; the only surprise is that it took Cricket Australia so long to do it. 16 days before an Ashes Series, surely the South African should have walked straight after their humiliation in India, not only because of the 4-0 drubbing but the homework saga to go with it as well.

It is easy for us English to kick a 'kangaroo' while he is down, but don't you just love it.

Darren Lehmann has been appointed as Arthur's successor; at least they have chosen an Australian who knows a thing or two about what it means to wear a baggy green, as it seems this current bunch don’t.

Should us English take heed of these developments? Can this wounded kangaroo bounce back? (The best I could do, I promise!). Well it has put some extra spice into the Ashes, the series is almost upon us, and some might even say that it is here now! Come on England, put the knife in, surely those Aussies can’t get up from this, can they?

Now that's enough for now about Australia, I am sure it will be some kind of media circus on Wednesday when the mighty Somerset take on the Aussies.

Today's blog was going to be all about the history of Somerset playing Australia, but it seems my idea has been hijacked by the Somerset website, anyway how was they to know and I was going to do a different slant on things anyway, so there!

On the subject of Somerset, a first County Championship win today, hurrah! With a lot of time taken out of the game due to weather and Derbyshire only just starting their second innings a draw seemed favourite, especially as today was the fourth and final day. But Somerset went through the hosts batting and with 145 to win; the mighty Set knocked them off with four wickets remaining. At last, and now it is T20 season!!!!!

Yasir Arafat has joined the county as Somerset’s second overseas player for the T20, a useful all rounder, but more off T20 in a few weeks time.

So see you on Wednesday at the County gGound for the even more anticipated game against the Aussies, shall we dare mention the name of David Warner or even Ricky Ponting, who cares, lets enjoy the four days and see Nick Compton putting them to the sword and a timely selection reminder!

 

Anyway, it's 5.32, time for a Thatchers before an evening meal at my sisters, scrum yum!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

I go away on holiday for one week and certain things do hit the fan while I am away, so where do I start? 

Firstly, David Warner. An Aussie smacks a Pom in a Walkabout bar, not really news there, apart it was an Aussie cricketer having a pop at little Joe Root for wearing a fake beard! Someone should of told Warner that Root is a Yorkshireman, and they are made of stern stuff. For me a storm in teacup, his apologised, and has got a ban, lets move on. The English crowd will certainly let Warner know what they think during the upcoming Ashes series, now that will be punishment enough. 

One more thing on this, I do think the ECB let the news of this incident leak out so that it coincided with the Aussies match against New Zealand, so it muck up their preparations somewhat, well done the ECB and in an Ashes year! 

Secondly, Bob Willis. I think the former England Captain has been itching to say something for years, but has been somewhat restrained by Sky. But the all hell was let loose when he somewhat implied that the English bowlers tamper with the ball to make it swing, reverse swing etc. Of course this was denied by the English, but does Bob have a point?  

Anyway that’s beside the point, I was pleased to hear a Sky pundit give strong / radical point of view, rather than towing the company line, how refreshing, better than being part of a self-congratuly former England captain club. Apart from Ian Botham off course, bet he was loving what Willis said. 

I do like Bob Willis as a pundit and commentator, and one of my particular favourite bits of commentary was when England toured Sri Lanka some 15 years ago. Ashley Giles was bowling, the delivery went so wide Willis said: “that was utter rubbish!” 

Thirdly, Essex. All out for 20, LMAO! 

Fourthly, Australia. All out for 65. LMFAO! I do believe Michael Vaughan tweeted that it was a good score in Cardiff for a Tuesday....... on a golf course! This reminds me of the under prepared English sides who used to tour down under; you know the ones, can’t bat, can’t bowl, can’t field....... but be aware of a wounded animal, they will fight, especially for that little urn! 

Anyway, back to some proper cricket, Over Stowey! A great performance by the 1^st team on Saturday saw them win by a hefty 150 runs, in fact it was over so quickly that I didn’t have time to finish my third can of Thatchers, let alone going out to umpire. Well played Micheal Barrow, five wickets and he bought a jug back at the club. I do believe there are some other cricketers who owe a jug or two! 

Ok, that’s it for now, look out for an Aussie special in a few weeks time, when the mighty Somerset take on the tourist in a four day warm-up match starting a week on Wednesday, can’t wait, but will it last four days? But first up for Somerset a County Championship game against Derbyshire, surely they will……..I think you know what I mean. 

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

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Martin Guptill's innings on Sunday was an absolute joy to watch. His 189 not out included 19 fours and two maximums and the last ten overs saw him with Brendon McCullum just literary take the England bowling attack apart scoring 132 in the last ten overs.

One person’s good fortune was another’s bad fortune, with Jonathan Trott spilling a straight forward catch, as internationals go, on just 13. I also believe that Guptill was dropped early in his innings at Lord's on Friday as well! Catches win matches; well at least Trott made some amends by scoring a near run a ball century, but little compensation as the game and the series was effectively over as soon as New Zealand posted a record-breaking 359-3.

In scoring his 189 not out Guptill equalled Viv Richards record for the highest innings against England in an ODI. And then, off course, there were questions all around the media whose innings was the better. The answer for me will always be Sir Viv's. His innings that day was just phenomenal, purely as the West Indies were in all sorts of trouble, one stage at 98-6 and later at 166-9. They went on to score 272 without losing another wicket, with the number 11 Michael Holding giving Sir Viv able support, scoring 12 not out, incidentally the third highest score of the innings.

From these match winning innings to another, Craig Meschede with his 40 not out off 23 balls against Glamorgan on Sunday. Somerset seemed to be cruising at 142-2 chasing 246 for victory. However the Set lost four quick wickets for just 19 runs, changing the complex of the game somewhat.

Meschede, along with Alex Barrow, Max Waller and some very indifferent bowling knocked off the 85 runs needed. The 33rd over being the turning point and swinging the game back in Somerset's favour. Simon Jones, the former England and Ashes hero, went for 26, have you no respect Craig? Quality!

Four wins out off five now for Somerset in the YB40, sitting 2nd in the table with a game in hand over Gloucestershire. So next up for Somerset, a live on TV YB40 game against Middlesex at Lord's then a County Championship game against Durham at Taunton. Come on Somerset, let's win a game or two in the County Championship, we do have Nick Compton back to help booster the batting!

Ok, more match winning scores to let you know. Over Stowey had a good weekend, with both the 1st ad 2nd XI winning on Saturday. Nick rich plundered the runs against Brompton Ralph for the seconds, smashing 72. He even got off the mark with a six! Then Carl Woodley took over with the ball, showing the youngsters how to bowl, taking four wickets in quick succession and Stowey ran out winners by 20 runs.

For the first team, Andrew Simpson-Parker top scored with a majestic 60 against Bagborough on Saturday, one shot clearing the garage and landing in the field over the road, fetch he! Then the skipper Neil Buller had an inspired spell of bowling going through the middle order of Bagborough, taking four wickets (jug avoidance) for next to nothing and triggering a run out. Stowey went on to win by 70 runs. Highlight of the game, Phil Rich bowling to Martin King!

Am on Holiday next week, in Cornwall, so no SMS until the week after. Tell me, where are Somerset playing next week?

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

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.