The morning was wet and cold and not at all cricketing weather and the forecast for Taunton in Somerset, as everywhere else, suggested heavy rain around 3 in the afternoon. The match was interesting because Somerset had a strong batting side, especially at home whereas the Durham strength has become its bowlers, especially with Steve Harmison playing for the team.
Sky had decided not to have the usual match preface and we joined the coverage as Durham opened the batting at 11 am, having been put in by Somerset. Although the pitch was being described as ideal for bowlers with some grass and overcast conditions, Somerset started without the kind of attacking field which the decision to bat second indicated. This puzzled the TV commentary especially when all four pace bowlers failed to impress
My eyesight depends on strong lens and with the speed of bowlers seeing the ball from a stand or even at the boundary edge is a problem for me, so watching the close up on TV for a County game is something of a luxury.
I have never visited the Somerset ground and which is in the process of development. This morning a new stand was opened which includes several tiers of what I presumed were hospitality boxes and a new purpose designed Player’s Pavilion is under construction. I must say that the new stand is the most unattractive. There also appeared to be a dearth of spectators, surprising given the performance of the county last season and the visit of the current champions.
Later the commentators explained that although the tiers above the stand looked like hospitality boxes they were retirement flats with balconies overlooking the playing areas. It was also evident that spectators were not yet being allowed into the new stand which stretches one side of ground and which has been created to provide for the increased attendance as Somerset are hosting the Women’s 20 20 World Cup this summer. With the new stand the capacity has reached 10000, still poor by grounds now holding test matches but with the potential to increase to 15000 with additional temporary seating. It also emerged that the present chairman of the English Test and County Cricket Board is the former chairman of the Somerset Club. Wheels within wheels. The problem is that Somerset’s cricketing square has been the most placid. In the first championship game also held at the ground the visitors also batted first and scored 500 runs but Somerset then scored 672 for 4 with one player getting 303 runs before the retirement. Needless to add the match ended in a draw.
For this match the wicket was tinged with green and with early morning, early season, dampness it was expected that a good pace attack might gain early wickets. This may have been the reasoning behind the decision to ask Durham to bat first when the toss was won, fearing what the Durham bowlers might have been able to achieve.
However it was a great risk given, as I have reported that all Durham’s batsmen have been performing well and this is how it worked out during the first hour and a half. Somerset without Andrew Caddick and two others of their main bowlers are not fit, failed to make effective use of the new ball and Di Venuto carried on from where he left off against Yorkshire with his 140 as he raced to another 50, looking all set for a century before he fell to a good ball which swung in so that a stroke became necessary but with insufficient time to control, he gave a catch to first slip, who failed to hold but managed to direct towards an alert Marcus Trescothick. He made 53 and Stoneman who had taken his time was joined by Captain Will Smith.
Last season in the day night Pro 40 game I has watched Marcus Trescothick score a magnificent quick time 124. The championship game at Durham had been disappointing with Somerset batting first and scoring 352 and then Durham were all out for 100 less. Somerset declared at 192, setting Durham 300 but give them inadequate time and the match was drawn. Their South African overseas batsman Zander De Bruyn amd 120 and Hildreth scored 100 runs in his two innings. Trescothick managed only 60 runs in his two. Di Venuto 40 and 42 Stoneman 53 and 1, Blenkenstein 21 and 50 and Plunket were the main Durham Scorers. Ian Blackwell then with Somerset only managed 46 but took 3 wickets. In the return match at Taunton captain Justin Langer, an Australian former Test Player scored 31 and 109 Dr Bruyn 76 in one innings while Di Venuto 135, Blenkenstein 62 and Chanderpaul 93. In a rain affected game Somerset had only managed 224 runs to the Durham 400. These personal performances had a bearing on what happened on this first day.
Whatever Somerset’s 39 year old Captain had say over the lunch break, his team returned to the square with new found resolve and accuracy and Durham quickly lost Smith for 7 and Stoneman for 38. And indeed the position could have become concerning as three good chances were put down. However former Captain Blenkenstein and Graham Muchall got their heads down and raised the total by a hundred runs by teatime with both completing half centuries.
In the background lunchtime chat reference was made that the selectors are meeting today to chose the team for the first test with Harmison and Onions in contention and Plunkett has already been selected for the A side which plays against West Indies at Derby on Thursday. Plunkett’s involvement to led Matthew Claydon taking his place in an otherwise changed side from that which played against Yorkshire. Matthew although born in Australia and played cricket there is not regarded as an overseas player because his parents hold British passports. In the same way Venuto qualified as an European player because of Italian background although his experience was also in Australia.
The Sky commentators were full of praise for Durham‘s achievement last season in winning the Championship and for their approach this year in which they could have selected an additional overseas player but have decided to give county players and others from the UK the opportunity to play in the opening four day games. Obviously if several players are selected for England in addition to Paul Collingwood and with the conclusion of the Indian 20 20 league competition in South Africa, it is also possible they are waiting to see how things go before offering a contract for the rest of the season. There was a special feature in which all the main bowlers were given their opportunity to talk about their approach and enthusiasm for playing for Durham which the commentary team said was a model which other clubs should emulate, in terms of bringing forward local players.
Another aspect in the way pitches have developed in the UK. There has been deliberate policy to create wickets which lasted for four or five days for the championship and Tests because of commercial considerations. This has however resulted in boring draws which in the medium term could turn the public away given the commercial success the 20 20 format and with the World competition being held in the UK as well as the IPL and other tournaments taking place around the world. One development designed to ensure players also concentrate on the four day game is that the ECB has raised the end of season prize money five fold. Whereas last season Durham Players shared £70000 between them and the club was given £30000, this year on offer is £350000 and £15000. This could account for the Yorkshire approach, that given the vagaries of the weather, gaining a draw and first innings bonus points could make the difference in winning the championship or coming second or third.
The third wicket stand between Blenkenstein and Graham Muchall was ended at 285 with Graham out for 68. The Ina Blackwell joined Blenkenstein at the crease to rapturous applause from the home side spectators which had grown during the morning as the weather forecast of heavy rain proved false and a sun tan lotion and ice creams were a requirement for the afternoon as well as morning.
Again Sky provided insight into why Ian had left Somerset towards suddenly at the end of the season after being with them for six years. Ian appeared in excellent form and raced to 50 in 50 balls and together with Blenkenstein who reached his century after tea, they looked as if the would continue until the close of play. Then Ian made a mistake and to the delight of the home team, but not their spectators he was out for 50. Night watchman Graham Onions then was out for 0 and the day closed with Durham 372 for six and with the prospect of reaching 400 and five bonus batting points. However with rain forecast especially for Thursday it may be necessary for Durham to declare and test their bowlers against Somerset’s batting strength if they are to have any prospect of winning. If as expected Harmison and Onions are recalled to the Test squad then this will be added incentive for them both to perform well in this match. Tomorrow is going to be an important day.
Sky had decided not to have the usual match preface and we joined the coverage as Durham opened the batting at 11 am, having been put in by Somerset. Although the pitch was being described as ideal for bowlers with some grass and overcast conditions, Somerset started without the kind of attacking field which the decision to bat second indicated. This puzzled the TV commentary especially when all four pace bowlers failed to impress
My eyesight depends on strong lens and with the speed of bowlers seeing the ball from a stand or even at the boundary edge is a problem for me, so watching the close up on TV for a County game is something of a luxury.
I have never visited the Somerset ground and which is in the process of development. This morning a new stand was opened which includes several tiers of what I presumed were hospitality boxes and a new purpose designed Player’s Pavilion is under construction. I must say that the new stand is the most unattractive. There also appeared to be a dearth of spectators, surprising given the performance of the county last season and the visit of the current champions.
Later the commentators explained that although the tiers above the stand looked like hospitality boxes they were retirement flats with balconies overlooking the playing areas. It was also evident that spectators were not yet being allowed into the new stand which stretches one side of ground and which has been created to provide for the increased attendance as Somerset are hosting the Women’s 20 20 World Cup this summer. With the new stand the capacity has reached 10000, still poor by grounds now holding test matches but with the potential to increase to 15000 with additional temporary seating. It also emerged that the present chairman of the English Test and County Cricket Board is the former chairman of the Somerset Club. Wheels within wheels. The problem is that Somerset’s cricketing square has been the most placid. In the first championship game also held at the ground the visitors also batted first and scored 500 runs but Somerset then scored 672 for 4 with one player getting 303 runs before the retirement. Needless to add the match ended in a draw.
For this match the wicket was tinged with green and with early morning, early season, dampness it was expected that a good pace attack might gain early wickets. This may have been the reasoning behind the decision to ask Durham to bat first when the toss was won, fearing what the Durham bowlers might have been able to achieve.
However it was a great risk given, as I have reported that all Durham’s batsmen have been performing well and this is how it worked out during the first hour and a half. Somerset without Andrew Caddick and two others of their main bowlers are not fit, failed to make effective use of the new ball and Di Venuto carried on from where he left off against Yorkshire with his 140 as he raced to another 50, looking all set for a century before he fell to a good ball which swung in so that a stroke became necessary but with insufficient time to control, he gave a catch to first slip, who failed to hold but managed to direct towards an alert Marcus Trescothick. He made 53 and Stoneman who had taken his time was joined by Captain Will Smith.
Last season in the day night Pro 40 game I has watched Marcus Trescothick score a magnificent quick time 124. The championship game at Durham had been disappointing with Somerset batting first and scoring 352 and then Durham were all out for 100 less. Somerset declared at 192, setting Durham 300 but give them inadequate time and the match was drawn. Their South African overseas batsman Zander De Bruyn amd 120 and Hildreth scored 100 runs in his two innings. Trescothick managed only 60 runs in his two. Di Venuto 40 and 42 Stoneman 53 and 1, Blenkenstein 21 and 50 and Plunket were the main Durham Scorers. Ian Blackwell then with Somerset only managed 46 but took 3 wickets. In the return match at Taunton captain Justin Langer, an Australian former Test Player scored 31 and 109 Dr Bruyn 76 in one innings while Di Venuto 135, Blenkenstein 62 and Chanderpaul 93. In a rain affected game Somerset had only managed 224 runs to the Durham 400. These personal performances had a bearing on what happened on this first day.
Whatever Somerset’s 39 year old Captain had say over the lunch break, his team returned to the square with new found resolve and accuracy and Durham quickly lost Smith for 7 and Stoneman for 38. And indeed the position could have become concerning as three good chances were put down. However former Captain Blenkenstein and Graham Muchall got their heads down and raised the total by a hundred runs by teatime with both completing half centuries.
In the background lunchtime chat reference was made that the selectors are meeting today to chose the team for the first test with Harmison and Onions in contention and Plunkett has already been selected for the A side which plays against West Indies at Derby on Thursday. Plunkett’s involvement to led Matthew Claydon taking his place in an otherwise changed side from that which played against Yorkshire. Matthew although born in Australia and played cricket there is not regarded as an overseas player because his parents hold British passports. In the same way Venuto qualified as an European player because of Italian background although his experience was also in Australia.
The Sky commentators were full of praise for Durham‘s achievement last season in winning the Championship and for their approach this year in which they could have selected an additional overseas player but have decided to give county players and others from the UK the opportunity to play in the opening four day games. Obviously if several players are selected for England in addition to Paul Collingwood and with the conclusion of the Indian 20 20 league competition in South Africa, it is also possible they are waiting to see how things go before offering a contract for the rest of the season. There was a special feature in which all the main bowlers were given their opportunity to talk about their approach and enthusiasm for playing for Durham which the commentary team said was a model which other clubs should emulate, in terms of bringing forward local players.
Another aspect in the way pitches have developed in the UK. There has been deliberate policy to create wickets which lasted for four or five days for the championship and Tests because of commercial considerations. This has however resulted in boring draws which in the medium term could turn the public away given the commercial success the 20 20 format and with the World competition being held in the UK as well as the IPL and other tournaments taking place around the world. One development designed to ensure players also concentrate on the four day game is that the ECB has raised the end of season prize money five fold. Whereas last season Durham Players shared £70000 between them and the club was given £30000, this year on offer is £350000 and £15000. This could account for the Yorkshire approach, that given the vagaries of the weather, gaining a draw and first innings bonus points could make the difference in winning the championship or coming second or third.
The third wicket stand between Blenkenstein and Graham Muchall was ended at 285 with Graham out for 68. The Ina Blackwell joined Blenkenstein at the crease to rapturous applause from the home side spectators which had grown during the morning as the weather forecast of heavy rain proved false and a sun tan lotion and ice creams were a requirement for the afternoon as well as morning.
Again Sky provided insight into why Ian had left Somerset towards suddenly at the end of the season after being with them for six years. Ian appeared in excellent form and raced to 50 in 50 balls and together with Blenkenstein who reached his century after tea, they looked as if the would continue until the close of play. Then Ian made a mistake and to the delight of the home team, but not their spectators he was out for 50. Night watchman Graham Onions then was out for 0 and the day closed with Durham 372 for six and with the prospect of reaching 400 and five bonus batting points. However with rain forecast especially for Thursday it may be necessary for Durham to declare and test their bowlers against Somerset’s batting strength if they are to have any prospect of winning. If as expected Harmison and Onions are recalled to the Test squad then this will be added incentive for them both to perform well in this match. Tomorrow is going to be an important day.
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