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.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Two weeks gone and two games played in the County Championship this season, and what have we learnt so far? Middlesex have hit the ground running, Somerset have picked up their first batting points and Peter Trego has had two first ballers in the first innings in the two County games Somerset have played.

I am not going to say Alviro Petersen is the answer to Somerset supporters prayers, but what a fantastic debut by him. A ton in the first innings and narrowly missing out on another in the second, plus he completely overshadowed his South African captain Graeme Smith, well done Alviro.

As there will be no SMS for the next two weeks due to holiday, a bank holiday and my birthday - incidentally falls on the bank holiday weekend - what is in stall for the mighty Set?

First up is Somerset's first home game of the season, where they take on County Champions Warwickshire in front of the TV cameras - what a time for Pete to make a third consecutive County Championship golden duck, come on Pete smack them around the park! Am not saying this is a must win game already, but come on lads, think about my bet!

Next is a University game against Cardiff, then they face the Unicorns in a YB40 game here at Taunton to celebrate my birthday - so if you see me, don’t ignore me and walk straight pass me, a nice hello then a trip to the bar, mine's a pint of Thatchers!

After, a trip to Yorkshire for a Championship game and then a YB40 game. By then Somerset will be sitting pretty at the top of both competitions, let's hope so anyway!

In the mean time Over Stowey enters the fray, with all teams kicking-off their respective campaigns from Friday May 3rd. Good luck to all those involved with Stowey, no doubt the cider tent will be up at the ground at some stage during the first two weekends.

One last thing before I sign off for two weeks, the cricketers from Stowey are holding a duck race at the Stowey May Fair on May the 4th (be with you!). So come along and buy a duck, how apt for cricket, I wonder if Pete Trego would like to buy one, any golden ones going on sale?

Well, 6.57, time for skittles and a Thatchers or two.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Looking at the social media since Somerset lost their opening game of the County Championship I think enough has been said about the defeat to Durham, so it's time to move on.

I do think what some people have been saying are somewhat out of order, and as for the abusive language being used, well, should you be allowed near any cricket ground, let alone the County Ground?

Ok, I was disappointed as any Somerset supporter, the fact of the matter is that it is not our define right to win matches - we must earn that win. There is another side out there who also want to play and win, they are not going roll over and let us. Anyway, what do you expect with Division One County Championship cricket?

Next up for Somerset is Surrey All Stars, Graeme Smith et al at the Oval. Surrey was without a match in the first set of County Championship matches, and no doubt they will want to hit the ground running when they take on the mighty Set on Wednesday.

After the first round of matches in Division One, what does it tell us? Well it looks as if batting was quite difficult, all bar one side picked up maximum bowling points and with a possible 40 batting points available to be picked up in the four games, only 14 was achieved. Does that tell you something about playing in April?

Back to Over Stowey, well meeting tomorrow night, and did you see them in the Bridgwater Mercury, wow, what a smart bunch we have!

Ok, just a short one this week, things to do, cider to drink, it is 6.57 and time for skittles.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement (SMS)

Would you believe the cricket season starts in earnest on Wednesday when the mighty Somerset travel north to play Durham in their first County Championship match of the season. For those of you who keep a keen eye on the weather it is blooming freezing out and I hear it has been a bit grim up north as well!

It has been so cold that I haven't even ventured over to watch the mighty 'Set' in any of their warm up games, apart from the odd stroll through the ground after I had finished work. Hopefully the time Somerset play their first home match on April 25th the sun will be belting down its rays to warm us all up.

So who will feature in Somerset's line-up to face Durham? Will Compo play? When does Alviro Petersen arrive? Did anybody actually go and watch any of the warm-ups? If so, how cold was it? With all these unanswered questions, plus more like: will I eventually go to the bookies and pick up money on Somerset winning the County Championship? We are in for another rollercoaster season I am sure.

The volunteers from Over Stowey have been hard at it recently getting the ground ready for the new season. Despite the cold weather it was good to see people, young and old, at the ground over the weekend, rolling up their sleeves and doing whatever to help.

I did contribute some what, as I picked up a handful of twigs which were lying about on the outfield, while others were hard at it mowing, rolling, painting, sweeping etc; I believe I contributed in some small way.

Stowey’s season starts in just under four weeks time, and I have a bit of a dilemma; should I start to get a little fit, knock the woodworm out of my bat and scrape the mushrooms of my boots and make myself available for the second team. Or shall I just go to the opticians, to get my eyes tested and do a spot of umpiring, decisions, decisions, what do I do?

Anyway, for the final part of Sellsy’s Further Adventures in New Zealand. Last week I left it as when Marcus was been stared at by the huge grizzly type Kiwi whose (unknown at the time) wife he was talking too. As I entered the bar area Marcus called me over and introduced me to this lady and with the same breath the big grizzly Kiwi came over and introduced himself as Bob Coonis, the former New Zealand Test player, and then summariser for NZTV and in the same breath he introduced his wife to us. Marcus got up shook his hand, made a light joke of the matter and we started to get on like a proverbial house on fire. Drinks were bought, conversations about cricket, the trip around New Zealand and then the topic came up about tomorrows One Day International at Eden Park.

Marcus quipped up “Sellsy has one,” he said, “but I can’t get my hands on one.”

 

“Don’t worry about that mate,” Bob replied, “have a couple of these and you can sell your ticket on the gate!”

Bob was holding up a couple of press passes, which entitled us to access anywhere in the ground. Stunned, we didn’t know what to say, so we bought him a few more drinks, thanked him over and over again and we thought we better retire to bed, it was 2.30 in the morning, had to be up early in the morning for breakfast and the game you. I wonder if he did ever mention us on NZTV.

Waking up next morning and going to breakfast was a bit of a dilemma, as were on the 22^nd floor, and it seemed last night we got the lift to my room on the one which goes outside the hotel, but when the lift doors opened to take us down, we took one look at it and opted for the lift which goes inside the building, we were somewhat worse for wear.

After breakfast we hopped in a cab, he drove us to Eden Park clutching the two press passes, discussing how genuine they were, plus I had my Barmy Army t-shirt on, so I didn’t quite look like press, especially with the mother of all hangovers.

“Oh well” Marcus said, “let’s see if they work.” We walked up to the one of the gates, flashed our press passes, and we were stopped. “Where did you get those from mate?” asked the gateman. “Bob Coonis” Marcus replies.

“Bob Coonis?” the gateman questioned and at time we began to fear the worse, “that bloke prints his bloody own!” That was it, our entry was blocked and there was no way in getting in as had just sold my ticket. “Only kidding,” said the gateman, “just wanted to see your faces. In you go.”

What a relief and in we went. I could go on, a lot more stories about cricket in New Zealand; perhaps I will write about it one day!

Anyway, it’s 6.57, time for skittles and a nice pint of Thatchers Cider or two!!!!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Alastair Cook, won the toss and stuck New Zealand in to bat, on hindsight not the wisest decision he had made during his tenure as England captain.

To be fair to Captain Cook (how apt and we have the Aussies coming over this summer), along with the English hierarchy Andy Flower, David Saker et al, would of looked at the pitch and thought things through quite thoroughly before making any decision in what to do in the event of winning the toss.

If you look at the previous two Test matches the pitches had got easier to bat on as the game went on, giving bowlers no hope and the batsmen being allowed to score freely, hence two draws. Was this another factor which influenced their decision?

Looking at the English bowlers on Sunday night they looked well below par, not firing on all four and as a unit they looked ordinary. A result of a long winter or are they woefully unprepared, could be either, but only one warm up game before the first Test? You make your own conclusions.

With a day to go and England still 400 runs in arrears, but more importantly only six wickets left England are staring down the barrel somewhat. If we take the runs out of the equation, are England good enough to hold out all day to earn a draw or will I be going to bed early? We shall see.

Good news coming out of the County Ground this past week is that Nick Compton will be available for selection in Somerset's first batch of fixtures, and with Alfonso Thomas ruling himself out of the IPL, the mighty Set look strong for the first part of the season, just hope they can stay injury free.

They should be playing some warm-up games this past week, but rain intervened against Worcester, and against Gloucester it was blooming freezing but the game went ahead.

Anyway, back to my “Further Adventures of My Tour of New Zealand.” I did meet up with Marcus that evening in the hotel bar, after a few minutes these blokes started too turn up whose faces I recognised, well in fact the English cricket squad who were of to some reception in the city. After a chat with Nick Knight and Mike Atherton we decided to have a trip around the bars of downtown Auckland to blow the froth of a few, two Englishmen having a quiet drink abroad, yeah right!

First bar, live music and great fun with the locals. Second bar a “bucks” night was going on, yes we got involved in some pranks with the posse and crawl around a few more bars ensued.

About midnight we headed back for the hotel, I had to change my shirt, so after a trip to the 22^nd floor and back Marcus was chatting at the bar to an attractive middle aged lady, but he was getting some funny looks from this guy from the other end of the bar with a massive moustache.

What happened next was quite extraordinary to say the least.

Find out more next week, as it’s 6.57, time for a few pints of Thatchers and skittles!