Read Vic Marks's report from Lord's
Stumps! Somerset 301. Essex 0-0
The batsmen had just about reached the edge of the pitch before the umpires called it a day. I’m not surprised, it’s growing increasingly murky out there. A fascinating day’s cricket, if again truncated by the pesky rain. Essex know their first target is 301 -with three day’s left anything’s possible. But I think 300 plus against Somerset’s attack will be tricky - though, of course, SirAlastair. That’s it from me, thanks for all the emails and chatter. See you tomorrow!
The players come on and now they go off again....
It's brisk out there at Lord's. pic.twitter.com/bfXdeZ2F2u
— tanya aldred (@tjaldred) September 24, 2020
Weather watch
“Hi Tanya,” writes Andrew Cosgrove.
“I’ve just seen the tweet from @christhechoir (99th over)
They say they’d like to see Essex batting tomorrow on a nice sunny day - are they looking at a different forecast from me? It looks like rain all day from what I can see.”
The Met Office seems to suggest it will be dry by 11.
Cressida!
Romeo says, “Tanya, tell Cressida the Sky YouTube works in France and may well do in Brazil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mCxCeS6xhk”
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Somerset 301 all out
The new ball did its job there as the game moved on rapidly in an hour and a quarter, Somerset losing 5-35. Essex will have three overs to face in the gloom. Don’t go away!
WICKET! Brooks b Harmer 0
First ball! Through the gate!
WICKET! Leach lbw Harmer 3
A consolation prize for Harmer as Leach is caught puzzling over his positioning.
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101st over: Somerset 297-8 (Leach 3, Davey 17) Davey has an eye for the loose ball, and ticks Porter off his pads with a heck of a clatter.
A lovely letter from Cressida Evans. “Long time fan, first time writer, out of huge frustration that the BBC 5live coverage of the Women’s Int ODIs and the Bob Willis Final are geoblocked for those of us who live abroad. I spoke to Adam Collins about this the other day and he didn’t know why it was, although he was clear it wasn’t the fault of the BBC.
“So, does that mean we lay the blame at the foot of the ECB then? I get so frustrated that cricket administrators don’t seem to want people who live outside the UK to actually watch their game. You’d think they’d want to support/increase their fan base wouldn’t you? Although thinking of the patronizing cock up of the Hundred (women can’t count up to six an over), perhaps not! I would pay to watch/listen if I could, but no such access exists. Friends here in Brazil who follow US sports, pay a fee and log on to watch.
“Any idea who I can talk to about this? A few years ago I wrote to the ECB and Sky and basically got polite and disinterested rebuttals. All help/ideas from you or the OBO hive mind gratefully received. I follow the lovely Guerillas usually but they are focused on the IPL, so no joy.”
And come on Somerset! Beijos from Brazil.”
Cressida, I’m afraid I don’t know but I’ll look into it.
Here’s Vic’s piece on Dean Jones, written amidst the mustard debris.
99th over: Somerset 296-8 (Leach 2, Davey 13) The tops of the trees are still visible above the Compton stand in case anyone was wondering. Some ponderings about whether Essex really want another wicket or two tonight. I think that first-innings lead rule means they do.
If you were an opening bat under a skier, you'd be at least half wanting to drop it.
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) September 24, 2020
97th over: Somerset 292-8 (Leach 2, Davey 11) Sweetest sound of the day, Davey whips Porter square, and the ball disappears out of my sight lines in front of the Tavern boxes. A Jack in a box snap to be boxed up and unwrapped in midwinter.
95th over: Somerset 282-8 (Leach 1, Davey 2) Sprinted singles the name of the game for these two. Leach, in only his second match for Somerset this season, walks out to bat in the gloom at Lord’s in September. Still, he has pretty happy memories of this ground.
WICKET! Gregory lbw Cook 8
And just as he was warming up as well! Two balls after a sensational six off his legs, Gregory winds up to go again and is lbw to Cook who now has five wickets.
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93rd over: Somerset 271-7 (Davey 0, Gregory 1) Your little reminder that first innings must conclude after 120 overs - so 27 left to bat out. I can’t see Gregory hanging around just to prod about though.
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WICKET! Byrom lbw Cook 117
And again! Byrom crunched on the pad and that is the end of a wonderful innings. The Somerset players, clad in woolly hats and big jackets, applaud him off the field as he climbs the steps on the left hand side of the pavilion and past the Somerset enclave.
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91st over: Somerset 266-6 (Byrom 113, Gregory 0) That wicket felt like it was coming all over, Porter fast and true. A crucial partnership of 127 for the sixth wicket.
WICKET! Overton lbw Porter 66
Four balls in and the new ball does the business! Overton hit on the front foot not far out of his crease.
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The new ball is taken (Somerset 266-5)
Jamie Porter has it, his run-up starting on the edge of the shadows at the pavilion end.
88th over: Somerset 264-5 (Byrom 112, C Overton 65) Overton prods the pitch with what looks for all the world like a toy spade, but is actually his bat. When he bends his knee to stretch forward to Harmer, he eats up a quarter of the pitch. Imagine being that tall - life must be so different up there. The new ball is due in two overs.
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86th over: Somerset 260-5 (Byrom 111, C Overton 62) Essex all eager in the field, lots of encouragement and hand clapping. Byrom and Overton knock Harmer and Walter for largely untroubled singles.
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Strange to stand in the silence of Lord’s and watch the players come out - Essex straight through the pavilion gate, the umpires from the left of the building, and the batsmen from the right. Like a strange sort of dance. Simon Harmer has the ball.
The Essex bowlers are out on the field, going through their paces. How perfect for the seamers - put in a quick shift then feet up for a couple of hours. Play to start in ten mins.
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Restart at 4.30!
Stay with us!
Thanks to PJ below the line for the news that Warwickshire have parted with Liam Banks, and Sussex have shipped out Luke Wells and Harry Finch. Glamorgan have released Owen Morgan, Kieran Bull and Connor Brown, and Notts Chris Nash. Then Tom Taylor has moved to Northants and Jamie Overton to Surrey. Does anyone have news on any other releases or transfers?
Tea: Somerset 250-5 (Byrom 105, C Overton 58)
Raining again I’m afraid.
The Lord’s announcer clears his throat to say that if there is no further rain, play will resume at 3.45pm.
Lots of love for poor Dean Jones on social media from all round the cricketing family.
Absolutely heartbreaking news about Dean Jones passing away.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020
A wonderful soul taken away too soon. Had the opportunity to play against him during my first tour of Australia.
May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his loved ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/u6oEY1h7zz
The sudden demise of @ProfDeano is a huge loss for the cricketing fraternity.ACB extends deep condolences to his family & friends.Jones was a passionate fan of Afghan Cricket which was evident when he visited Afghanistan for Shpageeza 2017.His memories will be cherished forever. pic.twitter.com/x5WZKMtcy3
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 24, 2020
Below is a brilliant interview that Don McRae did with Hashim Amla back in 2008 after Jones had lost his job on commentary after referring to him as “the terrorist.”
Jones, who apologised to Amla and on air, went on to coach in the Pakistan Super League and was in India as a commentator for the IPL when he died.
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This doesn’t seem the most opportune time to write this, as autumn does exactly what it says on the tin here at Lord’s, but wonderful to see more than 300 Olympic and Paralympic athletes sign a petition to Boris Johnson calling for a green recovery. Time , hopefully, for cricketers to make a stance.
Wow! What an amazing team of athletes have signed this letter to Boris Johnson calling for a green recovery - from @SteveRedgrave5 and @Mo_Farah to @BeckAdlington. Now for a cricket list, starting with @harbhajan_singh, @ShaneWarne and @Tammy_Beaumont. https://t.co/nMhZtuZ2Yp
— TheNextTest (@TheNextTest) September 23, 2020
I’m afraid to report the covers are being rolled out again, a clever method that involves three men walking backwards pulling string as a white plastic carpet is unveiled in front of them.
The super sopper is out and an array of hosepipes and brown legs and ankle socks busy about. But the weather app is not hopeful, it is promising more rain and not far away.
A nice touch this by Warwickshire:
NEWS | Warwickshire CCC's Official Charity the @EdgbastonFDN has made a fitting tribute to the late Edgbaston tour guide and friend of the Club Rick Coleman by naming him as the Community Hero for 2020.
— Warwickshire CCC 🏏 (@WarwickshireCCC) September 24, 2020
📝 https://t.co/vWHRrcaxac
🐻#YouBears pic.twitter.com/I0WTsPOGAw
An interesting suggestion flying around that the Championship should remain the Championship, and the Bob Willis Trophy a season flagship last hurrah.
Thoughtful from Gary Naylor:
I'm always affected more than I expect by the death of sports stars @tjaldred.
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) September 24, 2020
It's the visible parallels with our own lives - the passage to adulthood,, the successes and failures, the mistakes made, the compromises and compensations of middle age and beyond.
RIP Dean Jones https://t.co/MM5cAfzFvn
I just found Vic in his box typing a Dean Jones tribute. On his desk, a pot of mustard and a bottle of hand sanitiser. Outside the groundstaff are valiantly mopping and drying.
I don’t think this is wishful thinking, the covers seem to be glistening in a sliver of sunlight though, having typed that, the groundsmen now peg the sheeets in as if for the long haul. “I think Somerset are fairly safe for that first innings lead already, says Simon Porter, jinxing for all he’s worth. “Essex mustered 6 batting points from their 5 games this season. Their (our) only hope is (as has happened quite regularly recently) that the bowlers perform outstandingly well in the second innings and we manage to chase a decent total.”
Very special moment for @EddieByrom 👏👏👏👏#WeAreSomerset #BWTfinal #SOMvESS pic.twitter.com/2q9y8SDLS3
— Somerset Cricket 🏏 (@SomersetCCC) September 24, 2020
Rain watch: Andrew Cosgrove has good news. “If this rain is the same rain that passed over South London not long ago, it will be very heavy but only last about 10 minutes. So hopefully we’ll be back up playing again before too long.”
RAIN! 84th over: Somerset 255-5 (Byrom 109, C Overton 59)
Proper hosing it down now.
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83rd over: Somerset 250-5 (Byrom 105, C Overton 58) The sun has now disappeared, the patch of blue moving swiftly above the North Gate and beyond, and thick, grey, pillows of cloud switch into its place. Simon Harmer bowls his first post-lunch over which Overton prods uneasily at.
An Essex man speaks: Simon Porter’s taps from the heart. “In reply to Geoff, it is my understanding that should the game be drawn, in whatever fashion, the team with a first innings lead will be declared winners. Unfortunately for Essex it looks increasingly likely that may be to Somerset’s advantage.”
A happy moment:
Very special moment for @EddieByrom 👏👏👏👏#WeAreSomerset #BWTfinal #SOMvESS pic.twitter.com/2q9y8SDLS3
— Somerset Cricket 🏏 (@SomersetCCC) September 24, 2020
81st over: Somerset 250-5 (Byrom 105, C Overton 58) Tis sunny now and the long limbs of the floodlights appear as shadows on the delicious looking grass. You could make a nice soup from it. Byrom briefly troubled by a snifter from Porter but it billows over Alastair Cook’s head.
Do email me your thoughts at the usual address tanya.aldred.freelance@theguardian.com or twitter if you’d prefer @tjaldred.
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79th over: Somerset 245-5 (Byrom 105, C Overton 54) That was Byrom’s first hundred against a county. What a time to do it! He grew up in Zimbabwe but came over to the UK as a late teenager to finish his education. He and Overton have now put on over a hundred for the sixth wicket. And I was dubious that they’d need that fifth day...
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A hundred for Eddie Byrom!
And with an on drive, he’s done it!. His third first class hundred, at his first appearance at Lord’s; he punches the air in delight as whoops from his teammates sitting on the dressing-room balcony and in the pavilion seats echo round the ground. Applause from Essex too.
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The hover cover is pushed to its resting place by the media centre. “Good morning Tanya.” Good afternoon Geoff, sorry your email has been waiting a while. “All too easy to picture how this will finish: final session; Essex hanging on grimly at nine down and fifty behind with half an hour left. Then the heavens open, ending play and leaving Essex as champions courtesy of their two run first-innings lead. No Somerset supporters are the least surprised.”
Courage!
So in the box, where there is a shortage of milk but plenty of coffee, they tell me Overton should have been out twice, and that Harmer was bowling pretty well but was being attacked as much as possible by Overton and Byrom. The sun is out but the covers are still on. Precautionary. I think. Ah, that’s the Lord’s bell. Tolls for thee, etc.
More on the death of Dean Jones.
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Lunch: 77 overs Somerset 233-5 (Byrom 97, C Overton 51)
Thanks for your patience! Lord’s is looking magnificent in its autumn-ness and the new stands rise like huge ocean liners either side of the media centre.
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61st over: Somerset 187-5 (Byrom 78, C Overton 26) Essex leak a third boundary in a row as Beard over pitches and Overton casually shoves him to square leg! Next ball he survives an lbw shout that looked close enough to plague the umpire’s dreams.
I’ve now got to get from Euston to Lord’s so bear with us....
60th over: Somerset 178-5 (Byrom 77, C Overton 18) That’s enough of that Craig! Westley turns to Harmer and gives Porter a deserved rest. But, whadda you know, Byrom makes whoopee, thrashing his fifth and sixth balls to the boundary.
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58th over: Somerset 162-5 (Byrom 67, C Overton 13) Overton doing what Overton does, swings at Beard and gets a thick edge to the third man boundary. They all pause for a sanitation and drinks break.
RIP Dean Jones
Very sad news from Mumbai where Dean Jones has died at the age of 59.
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56th over: Somerset 155-5 (Byrom 65, C Overton 8) Westley feels the need for a change and Porter’s morning’s toil is done for now. Beard bustles in and has Byrom playing and missing straight away, before Overton edges him through the slips for four. Byrom stings Porter through mid-on the first ball of the next over.
54th over: Somerset 145-5 (Byrom 58, C Overton 4) Overton, huge, it feels like he could reach one of those enormous arms down to scratch his ankles without bending his knee, turns Porter off his ankles for four. There is now an established pattern to this innings: tight, miserly, bowling broken up either by wickets or booming boundaries.
52nd over: Somerset 139-5 (Byrom 57, C Overton 0) In an act of great self restraint, Craig Overton plays out the four remaining balls of Cook’s over. Somerset need to ensure they reach 200 by slog or by stroke.
WICKET! Davies c Wheater b S Cook 27
Well deserved! Davies has a vague poke and edges into the hands of Wheater.
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50th over: Somerset 138-4 (Byrom 56, Davies 27) And then quite suddenly (just like Us), one got Better and the other got Wuss. Porter bowled five dots and beat the bat, Cook overpitched, Byrom hit him full and fat.
48th over: Somerset 132-4 (Byrom 52, Davies 25) It’s a novella of two ends. Yet another maiden for Cook (20-8-38-2) while Porter leaks two fours, Davies sliding him through the slips before cover driving to the ropes next ball.
46th over: Somerset 124-4 (Byrom 52, Davies 17) And they start where they left off yesterday, a miserly maiden from Sam Cook and a lone boundary from Davies who slides Porter through third man.
Those streams in full
Tune in via the BBC Sport website, BBC iplayer and the Sky Sports Cricket YouTube channel. See links below:
“Good morning from a gloriously sunny Lord’s” @norcrosscricket welcomes listeners to the second day of the #BobWillisTrophy Final.
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 24, 2020
🎧LISTEN on 5 Live Sports Extra
🎥WATCH on @BBCSport website & app.
💻FOLLOW https://t.co/C8G7aEru5D#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/Uk2sYtp9Bp
☀️ Glorious at Lord’s @Athersmike has his fishing cap on, and we’re live on our YouTube channel, click on the link!
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 24, 2020
📺 https://t.co/Ce08dGbbsM pic.twitter.com/h3BHowlpWQ
The players are out and Jamie Porter has the ball in his hand...
Gary Naylor is in combative mood and I haven’t had a coffee yet.
Good point about the ECB settling the structure of next season in order to sell memberships @tjaldred.
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) September 24, 2020
Maybe they should ask that customer base what they would like to see? Though they might not like what they will hear.
I agree for sure but I think this year they are constrained by time. They’ve set up this Professional Game Group to assess the options (chief execs from Notts, Sussex, Durham and Surrey) and then the agreed proposal needs to be passed by the county chairmen by a majority of two thirds. And then it returns to the fixture dept at ECB towers. They definitely need to do a public/ PCA consultation before making any permanent changes.
An early email zips in, bright and breezy, from Paul McIntyre.
“I’m sure you’ve seen the comments from Rod Bransgrove and Tom Abell. I very much support them. The ECB needs to explain publicly the rationale for any proposals to change to the Championship and not hide behind Covid. The champions should, in normal times, be the team that does best over the whole season. And Covid should not be the pretext for reducing the number of matches, unless it is absolutely necessary: we should not be planning on that basis.
“I do feel that part of the ECB’s problem, as far as many cricket fans are concerned, is their practice of airing proposals in media briefing instead of publishing them so that there can be a proper debate.”
For those who weren’t here yesterday, Bransgrove spoke to Cricinfo about the future of the Championship - he’s in favour - and was backed up by young Somerset captain Tom Abell, who said:
“In the immediate future, it’s obviously very special to be involved in a Lord’s final given the Covid situation. It’s as good as we possibly could have had. But personally, I’m a big advocate of of the County Championship. Over the course of 14 or 16 games, the best team will often prevail and I think that’s the way it should be.”
To be fair to the ECB, I think they are trying to find a solution for next year as soon as possible - the sooner the counties can agree on something the better as they are aiming to get the fixtures out for early November - when counties can start to sell memberships to try and improve their financial situation in the current troublesome climate.
Preamble
Hello from somewhere outside Stoke on Trent where the sun is on the rise and autumn has taken a temporary back step into the cupboard. That’s a convoluted way of saying updates during the first session may be somewhat haphazard - but I’m sure we’ll muddle through.
Vic has filed his weather report from NW8: “Blue sky outside the window..prospects good...play extended to 6pm...breezy...extra sweater may be a good idea. Though not necessarily on the sofa.”
The day has been stretched somewhat after yesterday’s rain. Weather permitting, and it looks as if it will, there should be 98 overs. The three sessions will run 10-30-12.30, 13.20-15.30 and 15.50-18.00. Close of play will be 6pm or the completion of the overs, whichever is the later.
Here is Vic’s little bit of perfection on yesterday’s play.
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