Following the opening game of the season ending in a disappointing draw for Somerset against Worcestershire, questions are already being asked: is the Somerset bowling attack good enough to see the county side challenge for the county championship title this season?
My thoughts after Worcestershire batted throughout the final day, were that although I believe Somerset have more strength in their batting line-up, such a placid and flat wicket with very little bounce or turn on a fourth day is hardly likely to help their cause.
The other talking point amongst supporters who have played their cricket over the years and become avid supporters, is: how much longer will the county championship under its present four-day format continue to exist?
My guess is five to ten years at most, but former Millfield coach Gerry Wilson’s thoughts are that this will be the final season under its present format.
He is not alone as former outstanding club players Chris Tinnion, Gilbert Wall and Graham Parker all believe that the franchises and their money will see county cricket and red ball disappear within three years.
I’m not quite sure about that as Test cricket with a red ball is still very much a part of our international culture.
Somerset, Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire are the only three counties never to have been crowned champions, but my belief is that this year could be their year.
Admittedly on paper, reigning champions Surrey are the over-riding favourites once again, but I still believe, if Matt Henry returns then Somerset stand every chance.
My one main concern is that the likes of Tom Banton and James Rew could possibly get England call-ups and you cannot rule that out in the future. They are both good enough, as are both Archie Vaughan and Kasey Aldridge, although they are possible long shots.
Leading racehorse trainer Michael Blake makes a very good point: “If any of those players you mentioned got selected, who would they replace as Banton and Rew bat four and five, but for England those places are currently held down by new England captain Harry Brook, plus Joe Root and wicket-keeper Jamie Smith being in the mix”.
He is absolutely right. I know for several seasons I have been campaigning for Tom Abell to be part of the England set-up, but as Michael Blake quite rightly states, England, like all county sides nowadays, appear to have their best players batting three, four or five. An interesting observation, and he makes a very good point.
Somerset now travel to Sussex on Friday and with the expected inclusion of South African Dwaine Pretorius, that should strengthen the bowling line-up.
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