Return to Form.

Somerset finally returned to winning ways at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Tuesday the 7th of May, following three defeats in a row. The victory over Surrey by 5 wickets means that we qualify for a quarter final play-off against Worcestershire at New Road on Friday.

Dean Elgar made 64, and the ever reliable Ben Foakes,46 in an inadequate total of 289 that Somerset surpassed with 26 balls to spare thanks to 93 from James Hildreth and fifties from Bartlett and Banton. The Overton’s were the twin destroyers of Surrey’s batting, sharing 7 wickets.

The preceding Sunday at the same ground was a very different affair with Somerset losing to Hampshire by 7 wickets. After winning the toss and batting first, the hosts were dismissed for just 216. Most of the batsmen made starts but were unable to capitalise. In reply Hampshire made light work of the meagre total, chasing it down with 18.3 overs to spare, with fifties from Markram, Donald and Northeast.

Somerset were also outplayed by Middlesex at the Radlett ground on May the 1st. 106 from Sam Robson and 90 from Nick Gubbins enabled the hosts to post a record total of 346-6. The Somerset chase never got going. Only Azhar Ali (46) and a last wicket stand of 50 between Groenewald and Davey provided any resistance in a total of 246.

In other news relevant to Somerset and England, Jofra Archer is dominating the headlines. Opinion is divided on whether he should be included in England’s World Cup squad. Current England bowlers and several pundits have expressed concerns that it would upset a successful dynamic, while others are keen for him to be included, including Andrew Flintoff who says he would ‘drop anyone’ for Archer.

Personally I would pick him as his talent is undeniable. His pace, ability to bowl slower balls and yorkers at will are match winning ingredients. Minor jiggling should do little to upset a winning formula and actually stimulate healthy competition in the bowling department. We shall see. What does everyone else think?