Decent enough day. It's pretty safe to say that Somerset will come away with a first innings lead, but any extra runs which we can add will be a bonus. Especially if we can get 21 extra runs in the first 8 overs tomorrow (or failing that, not lose a wicket in those 8 overs - or even better, do both). Alsop is clearly in great discomfort. But equally, the medical side must be happy that he won't make the injury any worse - and he has come in ahead of Fidel. The problem for Alsop - not to mention Crane and Fidel - is that Somerset will obviously open the bowling with Overton tomorrow. Presumably Gregory too.
Equally it would be nice for Jamie to roll over Alsop and Fidel in the first 8 overs, to add maximum bowling points to the maximum batting points! Somerset’s day, just about.
Weirdly, I don't mind that session. Implies that the pitch is still flat, which therefore increases the chances of us being able to bat out a draw. As well as possibly scaring Somerset into batting longer time than they ideally would want to - which in turn also increases the chances of us being able to bat out a draw. Essex continuing their run as the form side in the division.
Roles reversed for India. Now it's their turn to finish probably 30 to 40 runs short of what they'd have been targeting after their first wicket partnership here. Rather than putting themselves into a great position, they've left the door ajar. That said, on a used wicket and with their bowling attack, I'd back them to defend it.
4 overs to see off tonight. 100 to see off in the innings. As I said earlier, I think the flatness of the pitch has meant that Somerset have batted on longer than they'd have wanted to. (Plus the risk, albeit a fairly remote one, that Rilee goes wild tomorrow for a sustained period of time.)
Here we go then, probably the most important innings for both teams this season so far (including the Lords Final).
Ordinarily I'd always advocate a nightwatchman in these circumstances. However in this case, I think I'd rather risk losing Soames than risk losing Crane.
If we had a decent opening pair, and a not injured Alsop, I'd be backing us to get a draw. But as it is, Somerset have to be quite big favourites. They'll be kicking themselves if they don't win.
