I wouldn't have thought so Lickey but then they do have some decent players in their seconds! Players who will definitely feature in first XI when they lose some to England.

Somewhat surprised by the changes, I have to say. You would've thought Simmons and Johal need as much game time as possible.

Presumably referring to Miles, Garrett and Johal?

Miles is a major disappointment in that he had great red ball form two years ago but struggled last year and this game would suggest it could be a similar story this year.

Garrett - unfortunately I don't think I've ever been convinced he has enough.

Johal has had flashes and I'm hoping still can provide more.

Still not sure which way H Brookes is going, there is definitely talent there.

And Simmons has shown promise at least.

All out for 64, whoops

Whilst it's true that we have less players in the Hundred squads than we did last year, there is still potential for others to be called up (thinking of Miles at least last year) when there are injuries/international call ups to current squads.

Re Mousley, based on his early form it looks like he may be starting in CC and T20 games so actually should be getting enough experience.

Atm we seem to be losing about the right amount of players that we can still field a decent 50 over team, but also give some youngsters a chance.

Second XI finally get their season under way on day 2 after the first day of this was also washed out.

Team as follows: A Khan, H Shaikh, CG Benjamin*, EA Brookes, DA Khan, GW Maddy†, DR Briggs, CN Miles, HJH Brookes, CB Simmons, MS Johal, GA Garrett

Somerset 118/5. 3 for H Brookes and 2 for Simmons.

Not sure whether Miles has been injured recently but he's struggled so far. Good to see Briggs bowling though.

Game at Portland Road v Somerset seemingly didn't get going today. Pitch still affected by recent weather I assume?

Hose already been dropped from the Worcestershire red ball team: https://wccc.co.uk/hose-included-in-second-squad-for-lancashire-encounter/

Wasn't that the reason he went there?

I was unfortunate enough to make the trip down to Canterbury for the T20 quarter final defeat a couple of years back. A section of their fans were awful!

Also when Durham took their final wicket against Worcestershire yesterday, their players celebrated wildly too - as well they might. I think I would be more annoyed if the players didn't celebrate! Players like Hassan Ali bring something extra to the game.

That was fun - I'd just lost all hope when the 9th went down.

Excited by our chances this year. Still got Norwell and Briggs to come back.

The key will be if our openers can maintain form.

He's now only 16 off his first class best.

If I recall from two years ago he tended to be out soon after he reached his hundred.

With no overseas yet for Kent, Gilchrist - one of their main line seamers - injured and now Quinn seemingly injured, this feels like a chance for us to post a big score.

Decent start as well so just have to hope the weather doesn't impact this game too much.

Mine has now arrived

Also still not had mine yet

I think Somerset will go down based on last season and that. We would've beaten them over four days, I'm pretty sure.

I'm hoping/assuming the extra bonus point we allowed them has no impact due to our loftier ambitions.

mad - I see what you're saying with the 'kids' but surely there's a point where have have to accept them (and readily) as first team players

I think Somerset will go down based on last season and that. We would've beaten them over four days, I'm pretty sure.

I'm hoping/assuming the extra bonus point we allowed them has no impact due to our loftier ambitions.

mad - I see what you're saying with the 'kids' but surely there's a point where have have to accept them (and readily) as first team players

It really does dampen enthusiasm for the upcoming season because it suggests the problems from last season (Davies ever presence, strange selections from Robinson etc.) will be here again this season.

As mentioned above Davies walks around like he owns the place already, and to me the way he has to direct at least one fielder in between every ball is an undermining of the captain.

Not happy with this at all.

Any scorecards available for these two games, or just the reports?

Would just like to add my thanks to the effort that goes into running this forum. Massively appreciate it!

I remember we played against Yorkshire a few years back in the T20's and he did absolutely nothing for them.

So although he will be good in the sense he should get a few more bums on seats, I agree we should await his contribution.

Maybe we will benefit from the batting points change on the basis we will still be scoring nil but other teams will be scoring less!