272-4 off 96 overs at close. A major recovery from 220-0. The only game not to be affected by rain today which, given the forecast, is a surprise in itself.
Really confused as to why Zak Crawley isn’t available, Dan Lawrence for Essex was in the same position and is playing today. Would have thought Zak would be chomping at a bit to play today. Strange decision
I would imagine that he is trying to protect his England position such as it is. The less games facing the new red ball in optimum bowling conditions the better it is for him. Lawrence doesn't bat up top so has the luxury of someone else seeing off the new ball. Lawrence may also feel that he has to show decent form to secure that number 4 slot especially if Pope shows some early season form. Crawley may also want to have a week of training with RTD to iron out those technical issues.
I mentioned the comparison of Bird to last year's overseas, Miguel Cummins and as I didn't want to do Cummins a disservice I have double checked his stats and they were a mind blowing 6-662. To put that in perspective, the returns of our other main bowlers were Stevens (39-725), Milnes (32-687), Gilchrist (30-620), Quinn (18-413), Stewart (17-384) and Podmore (12-419). Even the rookie Jas Singh picked up one more wicket than Cummins and at a cost of 522 less runs!!!
The likes of Quinn, Stewart and Podmore probably have every right to question why they were kept out of the side, at times, by Cummins but a county is probably "pot committed" to play an overseas player come what may. I also suspect that this signing was made out of desperation - he was signed just three weeks before the start of the season as opposed to Henry being snapped up last November and Bird (currently 3-66) in early February.
A certain football club close to our hearts could learn from the need to make an early move for players!
We're watching now from the comfort of the sofa ... but have turned the heating to 8C and have the doors and windows wide open to re-create yesterday's experience.
At lunch I intend to charge Mrs Rudd £2.50 for her tea, while I enjoy a 330mL Budweiser at £4.80.
Joe Weatherly 157no for Hampshire against Somerset. Where did that come from, as he's done nothing in his career up to now (including his loan spell with Kent)
A very good response from Compton (47* off 111) and Muyeye (43* off 78) although the latter didn't look totally comfortable handling the short stuff at times.
Comments
257/3
Slight sleet now.
257-3
262-4
262/4
Best buy a hot water bottle & a couple of blankets if you are....
Heroes indeed !
Another day like today and one of us would be forced to do the "I'm just going outside. I may be some time" routine.
Cook was superb today. No frills, no fuss. 20-something at lunch, then he just got on with it.
I wish Zak Crawley etc would take it all in. It's just what's needed at Test level.
Highlight of the day was Darren Stevens attempting to wipe the umpire's glasses after a missed lbw appeal.
Anyway, a decent first hour tomorrow, followed by a cool (very cool) 500+ from the boys and we'll be sitting pretty on Sunday.
288-5
The likes of Quinn, Stewart and Podmore probably have every right to question why they were kept out of the side, at times, by Cummins but a county is probably "pot committed" to play an overseas player come what may. I also suspect that this signing was made out of desperation - he was signed just three weeks before the start of the season as opposed to Henry being snapped up last November and Bird (currently 3-66) in early February.
A certain football club close to our hearts could learn from the need to make an early move for players!
353-6 now.
At lunch I intend to charge Mrs Rudd £2.50 for her tea, while I enjoy a 330mL Budweiser at £4.80.
We haven't batted against Messrs Porter, Cook (S), Snater and Steketee yet!
2nd wicket for Quinn
Commentators indicating that Denly won't bat in the match due to his hamstring injury
DBD LBW 11
Compton 23*
122-1 (33) at close