Sellsy's Monday Supplement

As batting performance go, Aaron Finch’s 156 was one of the most remarkable I have seen for some time. It was just literally raining sixes, as he smashed 14 maximums in total – and quite disappointedly I didn’t see one being caught by a spectator.

For once in my cricketing life I felt myself semi-cheering on that Aussie for him to hit a double century – the games effectively lost anyway.

I suppose we had to let the Aussies win one token match this summer, a T20 match is not a bad one to lose, especially the way just took the English bowling apart – Joe Root’s over didn’t quite go to plan, only 27 came off it. And why oh why do England still pick Ravi Bopara? Poor bowling, with painful batting, he is just not good enough to play for England; there are much better players out in the Shires who can do far better than Bopara, to be fair it is not exactly difficult.

So England wrap up the Ashes Test series with a draw at the Oval and thus retaining the Urn by three Tests to nil. Some might say that the score flattered England a bit, but for me England were the better team by far in all departments. Thoughts now turn to the trip down under and who will be in the touring party. Somehow I can’t see Simon Kerrigan making the trip, perhaps time back in the Lions will suit him while he get his confidence back. England will need to take another spinner to back up Graeme Swann, but who Monty? Treadwell?

The top five batsmen we saw at the Oval will be the same for the first Test in Brisbane, but who will go in at number six? Recall for Jonny Bairstow? Keep with Chris Woakes? Or take a punt on Gary Ballance.

The three mentioned should go on the plane, but Ballance is guy who has been scoring a shed load off runs for both Yorkshire and the Lions. His opportunity surely must come this winter. It is also healthy to have competition like this, not only for the number six slot, but also to keep the top five on their toes.

With regards to the seamers, I just hope Tim Bresnan is back fit, he is the perfect foil for Jimmy Anderson and we can then drop Stuart Broad (only a personal thing). Chris Tremlett should also be on the plane along with Graham Onions.

But anyway, just my thoughts, there are still four weeks of the County Championship season left, and Somerset have some must win games coming up if they remain in Division One. They have three games left, Derbyshire this week, followed by Surrey and then Nottinghamshire in the last week of the season.

With Somerset hammering Middlesex last week, a much needed win, victory over the bottom two sides over the next two weeks surely should be enough to keep them up. However both Derby and Surrey are also fighting for their lives, so there should be interesting cricket being played over the next few weeks. Another factor is that Somerset will be without both Jamie Overton and Jos Buttler, as they have been selected to play for England in the One Day Series against Ireland and Australia. Good luck to you both, but I wish they had a Somerset shirt on instead of an England one.

In the middle of all this County Championship action Somerset has a YB40 semi-final coming up against Nottinghamshire next Monday evening. Nervous times ahead, just try being a Somerset supporter, they certainly put you through the emotions somewhat.

It is really difficult to comprehend that the 2013 season is nearly over; Over Stowey has just one game left to play and that will be that for the year. It feels like the season has only just started. We do have a few things to look forward to: presentation evening, AGM to name just two.

Oh well, it is skittles season now, and guess what we start tonight. So at 5.27, time for a warm up pint before the trip to Stogumber.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

I have heard some reasons before for non-selection, but, to quote: “the club’s insurance won’t cover you!” is one I have never heard before.

 

Having made myself available for the first time this season for Over Stowey’s home fixture against Buckland St Mary I found out that I wasn’t picked for the reason stated by the club’s Chairman. Ok, admittedly I am nowhere near match fit (to be fair not even fit), plus there was an abundance of players to choose from, I was somewhat bemused or even amused by the above reason.

A couple of pints of cider later I was soon laughing about it and I wondered if there are any other bizarre reasons why players have not been picked? Something to look up over the coming weeks. But hey, both Over Stowey games were called off at the weekend, so it didn’t really matter anyway.

One thing I found quite unbelievable at the weekend is how many league games Over Stowey have left, three for the 1^st XI, and just two for the 2^nd’s. Where has the season gone? It feels like it has only just started, thankfully a lot more games have been played this season, and the club managed to hold its annual outdoor fund raising event plus hold the League KO Cup Final. So, yes, a lot of cricket played, probably that’s why it went past so quick.

Off course Somerset play on right until the end of September, a very crucial period indeed. Survival in the County Championship must be paramount and there are still five games to be played, starting tomorrow away to Warwickshire. I know they have a chance to reach a Lord’s final, and I expect they would like to win every game they play – winning becomes a habit – but surely priority must be given to County Championship. The signing off Indian leg spinning all rounder Piyush Chawle may help, he needs to hit the ground running and take hatful of wickets asap, but has his visa been granted? I suppose victory against Gloucestershire next Monday may be a welcome distraction, and that will be enough to see Somerset through to the semis.

On the subject of finals, well done to Northamptonshire who won the T20 final on Saturday, destroying, in fact hammering Surrey late on Saturday night. What was even more pleasing was to see Jade ‘Girls Name’ Dernbach being smashed all around Birmingham by David Willey, Alex Wakely and former Somerset player Cameron White.

I am surprised Willey hasn’t been called up by England, however what he said about Dernbach after made me smile. To quote: “I don’t particularly like the bloke; he made an idiot of himself.” Yes we agree here in Somerset.

It’s well known that I, along with quite a few Somerset supporters, am not great fans of Surrey. Pinching our CEO, the manner that they beat us in the Lord’s final a couple of seasons ago, Gareth Batty and the one that really gets my goat is the deserter Zander de Bruyn.

The 2010 season is one I would never forget, Somerset going in to the last game off the season needing a win to make sure of their first County Championship, but du Bruyn buggered off to South Africa to play in some Mickey Mouse competition. ZDB had the knack of picking up wickets when it mattered and it showed that was sorely missed during the second innings against Durham, when not only did Durham score runs, they also took tome out off the game. Eventually Durham was all out, leaving the mighty Set an impossible target to chase down as they didn’t have enough overs or time to win. With that Nottinghamshire won the league by virtue of winning more games.

Ok, 7.50, time for a cider.  I think not, am on a diet!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Hearing that Gareth Batty has been banned for the T20 finals made my pretty dour week a bit happier. Serves him right, giving Pete Trego a volley of abuse, for no reason, when he dismissed him during the T20 quarter-finals when Surrey hosted Somerset.

Well done to the ECB as well, the code of conduct is there for a reason, just hope now they get sentimental and award him with a medal, that’s of course if Surrey reach the final. I do have this uneasy feeling that they will win the competition; their bowling attack may be a bit to good for Michael Carberry & Co.

Somerset bounced back from that disappointment by hammering Gloucestershire on Sunday in the 40 over competition. The might Set chased down 234 to win, with seven overs to spare. The inform Craig Kieswetter smashing 126 not out, which included ten 4’s and 6 6’s. With three games left in the competition Somerset are now sitting pretty at the top of the table. An away game against Glamorgan tonight, (typical Kieswetter out cheaply), then home on Thursday against Yorkshire and the finally on the Bank Holiday Monday an away trip against Gloucestershire. Come on Somerset, a home semi-final would be great, but I have a feeling it will be another nail-biter!

The County Championship and survival in Division One is still paramount. Five games remaining, two off which are at home – against Surrey and Derbyshire – and I think they need to win at least three off them, and not lose against Surrey, I wonder if Batty will play? More twitchy bum time I think, especially now Abdur Rehman will be missing as he is on tour with Pakistan and Jos Buttler along with Jamie Overton will be representing England Lions. Anyway, what would you choose? A win at Lord’s in the 40 over competition or survival in Division One? I know what I would choose.

Well done To Micheal Barrow and Jack Rich who both played in LMS (Last Man Standing) with a Somerset contingent on Friday at Minehead CC. The likes of Pete Trego, Steve Kirby played. I am told that Jack smacked a six and four off the bowling of a Somerset player!

Their experienced inspired Over Stowey to victory on Saturday as they beat Churchinford by 140 runs, with Micheal taking five wickets. Stowey are in a comfortable third place in the league, so well done to them.

Stowey hosted Finals Day on Sunday where the Hinkley Point Cup and the West Somerset League Cup was contested. Well done to Stogumber 2^nd’s and Bishops Hull 1^st’s who won the cups respectively. A good show was put on bys Stowey and I am sure they won’t be far behind in being selected next season to hold the finals. Well doen to all those who helped, great effort.

England, looks like they are going to wrap up the series, I always said Stuart Broad was a good bowler, perhaps he read my blog last week!

Ok, 7.27, time to celebrate the Ashes. There is a pint on Thatchers with my name on it, on the bat at The Cottage.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

One thing which makes cricket nearly completely different from other sports is that it is very much weather dependant. With the English weather so unpredictable and changeable who knows what will happen on the morning of a match.

On Sunday evening every forecast I read, saw or heard said that Manchester will have rain all day, even the forecast on Monday morning said there will be no chance of play today; so I check Cricinfo at about 11.45 and guess what there is play, and Cook was out cheaply as the Australians declared overnight. Since the players have been on and off, two more wickets fell, and at 4.40 the match was abandoned and the Ashes are retained! Wait ‘til the winter me thinks!

Also the local forecast said there will be rain in Taunton for most of Monday, so as I travel into the County Town, with my wet weather clothes, expecting the rain to be lashing down, what am I greeted with? Sun! So much so that Somerset resumed their innings dead on 11.00, and by 11.02 they were all out! Eventually the rain did come, and did it come down ay about tea time, the outfield became a lake and the game ended in a draw, with Somerset on 141-2 following on.

Both the games at Old Trafford and the one at Taunton had similar scenarios, two teams trying to bat out the day to save the game. The way it should be, not having the weather to help them secure a draw. I am sure this is the way all players want to play cricket at this level, so as to “test” their skill, patience and cricketing ability.

On the subject of ability, why is Stuart Broad still playing Test cricket for England, saying that, any form of cricket for England? When was the last time he has done something spectacular to win a game? The only thing he has done is to score a few runs with the bat and not walk. And to be fair, he is not in the side to score masses of runs, that is the job of the top seven; he is there to take wickets.

Broad has only taken six wickets so far this series - that is one wicket per innings - at 52. Whereas the likes of Swann and Anderson have taken a hatful of wickets at about 25 a piece. Time for Broad to go back into the Shires, and give someone like Chris Tremlett the job of knocking over the Aussies.

On the subject of scrutiny Jonny Bairstow name has been mentioned in the unpopular press about his place in the side. See their point, 17 Test match innings and still yet to hit a ton, and he hasn’t done much in this Test match either.

Somehow I think will keep Bairstow and Broad in the squad, especially Broad, but why?

Ok, enough of that, T20 quarter-final day on Tuesday, where the mighty Somerset taken on Surrey “we buy anyone” Toffs! Tough one to call this, like most T20 games, somehow I think who ever comes out top between the Surrey bowlers and the Somerset batsmen will win. Jade “girl’s name” Dernbach has got a bit predictable, but still dangerous when he gets it right. Anyhow, the bookies make Somerset favourite, so Rose and Crown on Tuesday afternoon, with my prayer mat.

Somerset contracts have also been in the news recently, speculation about Compton and Buttler off course, but it is great to see the likes of Chris Jones and Tom Abell amongst others signing deals, but what does the future hold for the club? Much discussion was had the other evening at Phil’s birthday party, everyone I spoke to had their own point of view, but the first thing they need to worry about is staying in the 1^st Division, and keeping hold of some key players. We don’t want an exodus like Leicester and Derby had in recent years, that won’t happen anyway, young talent, new blood and some old heads is a great combination. What ever happens, my support will be there as always, come on Somerset.

Enough of that and back to rain. Over Stowey’s big event where they were due to hold the West Somerset League Finals Day on Sunday had to be abandoned due to the weather. The club will get another chance this Sunday, so fingers crossed for some great weather this time. On the pitch, Phil Rich rolled backed the years scoring 93 against Bagborough on Saturday. I am told that 97% of his runs came in boundaries, but hey, well done Chairman.

Ok, 5.27, time to celebrate the Ashes. There is a pint on Thatchers with my name on it, on the bat at The Cottage.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Everyone remembers bad hotels they have stayed in, Over Stowey had a shocker when touring Cornwall a couple of years ago, one of the touring party was trying to get himself arrested so he could upgrade to a prison cell!

But it seems that the Somerset squad, so I’ve reliably informed, had somewhat of a “Fawlty Towers” before their T20 fixture against Worcestershire! After trouncing Gloucestershire on Friday evening, the squad stayed overnight in a local hotel before travelling up to Worcester. I am led to believe that the air conditioning was broken and it was the local area for gangs of seagulls, squawking ‘til the early hours of the morning.

I am not one looking for excuses, but Somerset did look a bit tired in the field against Worcester on Saturday, and their bowling lacked the penetration which we have witnessed over the previous weeks. That defeat on Saturday was somewhat disappointing; it was only the big hitting of Andre Russell (think he was targeting the ice-cream van) which helped secure victory for the home side; however victory on Tuesday away at Warwickshire will secure Somerset’s place in the quarter-finals.

Fortunately some sanity returns to cricket towards the end of the week, Somerset start a County Championship game on Friday when they entertain Nottinghamshire, a game they need something from, a win would be nice. Plus it’s the third Ashes Test from Old Trafford starting on Thursday.

James Taylor now looks likely to replace Kevin Pietersen, if he not fit to play, after a magnificent hundred against the Aussies for Sussex; why not just play the extra batsman and drop Stuart Broad who has done nothing. England could play two seamers in Jimmy Anderson and Tim Bresnan, ably supported by the spin off Graeme Swann and Joe Root - just a thought!

Steve Finn has been rested by England, which could do him more good than harm; put his feet up for a few weeks and take stock of the situation. For me he is a quality bowler, just needs confidence, a lot of it.

Australia have selection issues themselves, but who really cares? They need to find some decent batsmen and some decent bowlers, not a big ask, surely? The warm up match against Sussex showed us little really, except they can bat against some friendly bowling, but they couldn’t roll Sussex over could they?

On to matters quite local. Over Stowey had a complete washout over the weekend, hardly surprising, the weather was a bit wet at the weekend. It did surprise me, however, that there were a handful of games played in the West Somerset League at the weekend, how did that happen? And another surprise is that Over Stowey 2nds travelled all the way to Wiveliscombe in the torrential rain to get there and say that the game was off. Apparently the Wivey captain even inspected the wicket in the pouring rain.

Over Stowey host the West Somerset League Finals Day on Sunday, just hope the weather is set fair for then. Ashbrittle plays Bishops Hull 2nd XI in the Hinkley Point Cup, while in the West Somerset League Cup Timberscombe take on Bishops Hull 1^st XI. Let’s hope for a great day, with the game being played in the right spirit. I know for sure which teams I shall be supporting on Sunday.

Lastly, my best wishes go to Katie and Steve, a horrendous few days for you both and your families, capped off by a prick on Saturday evening. Take care, and I know all from Over Stowey CC wish you well.

Right, 5.27, Thatchers Time. And please don’t have a go at the gateman on Sunday, I’, only doing my job!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Has anyone seen an "out of control" wardrobe? Thought not. That is how one cricketing commentator described the legendry Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes at the weekend. I have my own ways of describing Merv; bristling, vocal, showman to be polite. Anyway, he seemed full of himself during the second Ashes Test when the camera focused on him within the crowd.

Merv features in one of my favourite cricketing stories, which also involved Javed Miandad. Merv bowling to Javed in the heat of Karachi, Merv giving Javed the odd verbal or two, when Javed snapped saying "why don't you go back to Melbourne you great big bus conductor!"

This got Merv a bit wild and the next ball he yorked Javed, stumps flying everywhere, with this Merv went "Ding, Ding, tickets please!"

Anyway, I was going to write about what is happening at Somerset and Jos Buttler. Since my last supplement a lot has been said, written and discussed. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and the social networks have been buzzing with people’s thoughts, some good, some not so. For me, now, it is results on the pitch that matter and staying in Division One of the County Championship. In other words time for Andy Hurry and David Nosworthy to start earning their "crust" and get Somerset back to winning ways (two wins on Friday and Sunday helped).

Other issues, like the Buttler situation, needs to be dealt with internally and out of the eyes of the media, as this could lead to more speculation, discussions etc, instead of talking about what is happening on the pitch. Surely Chris Jones will play four day cricket for the rest of the season.

More intriguingly, has anyone any idea who is going to replace Kevin Pietersen at number four for England? We had this discussion on Saturday evening at Over Stowey Social Club, and we struggled to put three names in to the hat. Do England have succession planning? I suppose it's called "The Lions", or will they look at averages, or even runs scored this season. It is difficult to say who will be picked, but here are some ideas:

Gary Ballance

Michael Carberry

Varun Chopra

James Taylor

Jos Buttler

We have week off now until the next Ashes Test, so will Australia bounce back? Will KP be fit? Will England win again?

And on the subject of winning, both Stowey sides won again. They are now sitting quite comfortably in the league in their respected divisions. But more importantly, Stowey’s Under-11’s had a cracking season, finishing fourth in a very strong division, so well played to them

Ok, 5.57, time for a Thatchers or two, only to cool down of course

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

What a great summer of sport we are already having, and its not even an Olympic year. Justin Rose winning the US Open, Murray winning at Wimbledon (so what, I've seen Exeter City win at Wimbledon), the Lions hammering the Aussies down under, to name just three.

But these are just a warm-up, a little aperitif, a bit of appetiser before the highlight of the summer, in fact the biggest thing in world sport.... The Ashes.

The first Ashes Test starts on Wednesday at Trent Bridge and I can't wait, in fact I am on tender hooks somewhat. The bookies have England red hot favourites to win the series and retain The Ashes at 2/5 on, which is understandable with all the shenanigans going on within the Aussie camp - David Warner, homeworkgate, changing of head coach etc., but as I have said previously, beware of the wounded Kangaroo, they will bounce back. Somehow I think we are in for a bit of a shock in how close this series will be. England will still win, but not by the margins some experts might say, even the great Ian Botham has predicted a 5-0 whitewash in both series. 3-1 is the favourite with the bookies, however I think it will be closer, something like 2-1 with two drawn Test's and can get that at 14-1.

The Aussies have done well since appointing Darren Lehmann, winning both their warm-up games, closely against Somerset and not so close against Worcestershire, with all players either scoring runs or taking wickets. And it has seemed to gone quiet on the scandal front, closing ranks, being good boys I expect and talking positively about cricket. I just wonder how these underdogs will react and play from Wednesday. The countdown is on.

Now on to Somerset and their T20 campaign, a 100% winning start to the competition. A victory over Gloucestershire on Friday evening was followed by another win against Northamptonshire on Sunday. The game on Friday was something to behold, a huge excitable (cider-fuelled) crowd, plenty of runs and a game which could off gone either way. In the end Somerset new boy Yasir Arafat smashed the winning runs with a ball to spare. Victory over our nearest rivals and revenge from last year’s defeat.

I missed the game on Sunday, but reports say that most of the spectators had one eye on Wimbledon, but hey, Somerset ran out winners, this time a bit more comfortably, seven balls to spare.

Next up, a County Championship game against Sussex, then more T20 this weekend; Glamorgan away, followed by another home game against Worcestershire on Sunday.

The form of Tres has worried some locals recently, three ducks in his last three innings is not pleasing reading for the faithful and for him no doubt. All quality players go through difficult phases, and these type of players come back with a bang, and I have no doubt Marcus will soon be back knocking up the runs in familiar style very soon. Don't forget form is temporary, class will always tell at the end!

Law 42 (fair and unfair play) came into question at the weekend when Over Stowey hosted their annual six-a-side competition. Two aspects of this law, the first being bowling of high pitched balls and the second a bowler attempting to run out the non-striker before delivery. I do think that more cricketers should read and understand the rules of the game, especially captains, and then there would no doubt about decisions. However, more importantly the six-a-side was played within the spirit of the game, something that all cricketers, whatever standard, strive for.

Congratulations to the Holford All Stars who won the competition, especially to young Taylor Buller who scored some magnificent runs, how many balls did he lose?

He’s uncle, Barrie was in good form with the ball for Stowey, who won their league match against second in the league Roadwater on Saturday. Well done to them, I understand it was a good run chase. Unlike the game at Stogumber, where the home team scored 300+ for one wicket and a few of the Bishops Hull side, including their captain, drove off at tea and not to be seen again. Now where is the spirit there?

Ok, 5.27, time for a Thatchers or two, not here next week, holiday, but have my Sky Go app ready for The Ashes!