It's incredible to think that we are where we are on this game whilst missing 4 first team players (S.Curran, T, Curran, Roy & Foakes) to fall ups and Stoneman to 'Family issues.
This is effectively our second string with the likes of Harinath, Patel, Pope and Jacks not likely to get in the side if everyone was fit and available. Yet all of them has made a significant contribution to this game. Madness.
Now I don't want to get carried away - I'm sure this will come back to bite me if it doesn't materialise, but.....
I really think we are good enough to win the championship this year.
The signs are there - winning games, looks like we are finally ending the Guildford curse.
It's not just the strength of the squad but also the strength in depth we have that is mad. The character of the squad is impressive to. There is not one player who has played that hasn't stepped up and played that key innings or bowled that key spell. We have a number of game changers and the perfect blend of youth and experience which is allowing our young players to thrive - to the point where they are very much leading the side now.
The fact that some very good players (Batty TC Roy Pillans etc) haven't been called on yet is a testament to how well those in the side are doing.
The coaches and captain seem to have got the environment and setup bang on.
Geoff Arnold was a great bowler when I first watched Surrey. A fantastic bowling coach now. He was sitting high up behind the bowler yesterday and confirmed the ball was swinging. (Count the LBWs in the 6 wickets.)
Geoff Arnold was a great bowler when I first watched Surrey. A fantastic bowling coach now. He was sitting high up behind the bowler yesterday and confirmed the ball was swinging. (Count the LBWs in the 6 wickets.)
First thing Patel said in his interview was to mention the work Arnold had done with him. Clearly a great coach and the bowling has been much more effective this year.
Jack Leech is injured and so will not bat. So that wicket is essentially the 7th. 3 more to get for the win.
Somerset saying Max Waller will replace him as the concussion replacement, so I imagine he'll bat instead.
Apparently they tried to use Van Der Mewe instead but we're refused because he isn't a like for like replacement. Rightly so as VDM is the one who hit 170 not out against us last year in the ODC. Can properly bat. They were simply trying it on with that one. Can't replace a bowler with a batsman. Glad the rules are in place to stop them.
Anyway who cares. We are top of the league!!!!!!!!!
What a win and a number of very good performances.
We keep winning inside 3 days which goes a long way towards helping us stay fit. That extra day of rest must be useful.
Comments
This is effectively our second string with the likes of Harinath, Patel, Pope and Jacks not likely to get in the side if everyone was fit and available. Yet all of them has made a significant contribution to this game. Madness.
I really think we are good enough to win the championship this year.
The signs are there - winning games, looks like we are finally ending the Guildford curse.
It's not just the strength of the squad but also the strength in depth we have that is mad. The character of the squad is impressive to. There is not one player who has played that hasn't stepped up and played that key innings or bowled that key spell. We have a number of game changers and the perfect blend of youth and experience which is allowing our young players to thrive - to the point where they are very much leading the side now.
The fact that some very good players (Batty TC Roy Pillans etc) haven't been called on yet is a testament to how well those in the side are doing.
The coaches and captain seem to have got the environment and setup bang on.
Kumar who?
18-1
Byrom c Jacks b Morkel 19
33-3
40-4
70-5
121-6
145-7
Somerset trail by 131
Groenewald b Dernbach 0
Waller c Pope b Morkel 0
Somerset 210 all out - Surrey win by an innings and 69 runs.
I could get used to this!
Anyway who cares. We are top of the league!!!!!!!!!
What a win and a number of very good performances.
We keep winning inside 3 days which goes a long way towards helping us stay fit. That extra day of rest must be useful.
3 of our 4 wins have been by an innings. Very impressive.
Apparently Patel is the fastest (in terms of balls bowled) to 5 wickets ever. In the entire history of cricket!! Madness.
Yorkshire win the toss and will bat first.
The only change sees Stoneman come in for Harinath.
6-1
51-2
107-3