Indeed. When on form, I would take our bowling attack over theirs any day of the week (clearly they're hugely hampered by having Ball injured - and naturally no Broad). So getting a decent score on the board was always likely to put us in a good position. And whilst 277 might not be a serious score, it's still decent enough. Especially for us. Especially after having been put in. Especially having not batted against the red ball for weeks.
Although whilst I'm a very happy bunny right now, Patel and Mullaney are arguably their best two batters. 29-4 could yet be 229-4.
From an neutral POV, Somerset had a reasonable day, whilst Surrey have had a comparatively difficult one by their standards. Why Somerset? They have never won the County Championship so it would be great for them and their supporters to finally break that duck.
My favourite Somerset player…. Caddick? Made bowling look so easy!!! Do you remember Bill Alley, an Aussie who popped into your county in the early 60s?
Of course, but no one will ever compare with the trio of Botham, Richards, and Garner, assisted by the likes of Marks and Roebuck, who made Somerset the one-day kings in the 80’s!
Garner was absolutely menacing with the new ball in hand. As for Richards, it has to be toss-up between him and Ponting for the best number 3 ever. I think we will have Ponting at 3, and Richards at 4, Lara at 5. As for the opening pair, Des Haynes and Graham Gooch!! Number 6 ….. so many!! It has to be Gary Sobers who could bowl seam and spin so effectively. Botham, Flintoff Imran Khan and Kallis are nearly as good though. Number 7, the Oz wicketkeeper, Gilchrist. Number 8 Warne, number 9 Murali, 10 …. McGrath and 11.... Lillee/Marshall.
Just got back from the ground. Safe to say that Notts' bowling hasn't caused us many problems, particularly Vince.
I'm very pleased about the Donald signing by the way. He's slightly lost his way, form wise, in recent times. But he's still very young. Significant upgrade on Weatherley, in all formats.
100s for Moeen and Vince. Golden duck for Malan. All will be interested in how serious Bairstow's injury is.
Blimey, not even Hants can cock it up from this position with the weather forecast set fair, can they?
