Biggest session of the season coming up in the morning and I genuinely don’t think that’s overstating it.
Was delighted when we had them 84-7 and wasn’t too alarmed when they were able to add 87 for the last three wickets because of Vic’s words regarding the pitch.
Craig Overton was impressive in both of his spells and looked like he could get a wicket at any point, but our innings and the ebb and flow was quite bizarre. They got absolute gift to start (Lees) followed by two fairly ordinary new ball dismissals and we were reeling, but when Bedders and Robinson came together it looked more and more like Vic Demain was bang on about the pitch because batting looked so serene.
Then the floodlights came on.
Olly Robinson suddenly couldn’t lay bat on ball, I think he played and missed at 4 deliveries of Overton’s over and then managed to connect with one from Ball in the next only to guide it into the keepers gloves. Stokes got a decent ball which swung late, or maybe just appeared to with the angle - nobody is as frustrated as me about his three innings for us so far - but I do sympathise somewhat with the situations he’s found himself in. When you consider some of the decks we’ve had this year, it almost seems unfair that he should come in and have to bat on the pitches he has done so far. Clark was a bit twitchy, but his dismissal was an absolute disgrace. I was fuming. AND, for the naysayers (he’ll be along shortly I bet) given my earlier comments about the early Ben Raine shout, I think I have license. What’s more, there was a big appeal by Overton shortly after which looked much closer that wasn’t given when I was certain the finger was going to be lifted. I think GMN1F’s analysis is right, half the time they’re just guessing. That’s as kind as I can be about them.
From a position of strength at 133-3, just 38 behind, suddenly we lost 3-28. That’s what I consider the bizarre aspect. Despite winning the toss and profiting early on with the conditions and likely moisture in the pitch, I feel like Mother Nature has totally shafted us with the late murk which allowed the floodlights to come on and completely change the game. I mentioned earlier my feelings on that, but I just pray that we don’t lose this game (as we did at Essex in the Covid season) off the back of the artificial light gifting Somerset an undeserved way back into the game. I mentioned Overton’s brilliance earlier, but Ball looked absolutely ordinary in his first spell, as did Davey and Gregory - but suddenly when the lights came on Ball was looking like prime Jimmy Anderson. That’s no coincidence. Some may think it harsh, but there’s no way his bowling deserves figures of 3-fer. Atleast not when you consider that Overton only has 2.
So onto the importance of the morning, if Bedders can martial the tail I see plenty of hope to buy into the notion of a lead approaching three figures. Parky showed great composure and maturity (and quite a solid technique) to see us to the Close - I’d love to see him stick around tomorrow. After that, there’s no reason why Raine and Coggers can’t add 20 apiece. They’re more than capable.
Obviously we shall see, I’d take 250 right now, but the concern of course is that we’ll be skittled before midday. Hope we can guard against that.
Ha’way Durham!