PHILINFRANCE

Before our (@TomF's) current favourite player, Simon Harmer, took over the mantle, the proud holder of that title was one Gareth Batty. Gareth has been in the news today, and fair play to him, and to Surrey's victorious captain, Rory Burns. Quite a long read, but well worth it. Gareth Batty warns against 'celebrity cricket' as county restructuring looms over Surrey's title triumph Proposed reduction of top-flight Championship matches would be damaging, says Surrey coach. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/county-championship-2022-gareth-batty-warns-against-celebrity-cricket-as-county-restructuring-looms-over-surrey-s-ti-1336034

Par for the course, I’m afraid. This was the same poster who had it on good authority that Semenyo’s recent injury was invented in cahoots with the Ghanaian team and a local journalist, and that he was, in fact, fit, but sent home to be wrapped up in cotton ‘wall’ in order to be sold in the recent transfer window.

With the benefit of a few minutes hindsight, I think you might be correct ?. How we have missed COVE.

So, Somerset have not enforced the follow on. I am not sure whether that is simply to ensure they get at least a draw, or whether they are not convinced their injured bowlers (Gregory, COVE and, as was hinted at yesterday, Tom L) are up to bowling all day, even if Northants did require more than four an over. Tom Abell is already out, by the way.

Ah, uncovered pitches and Derek Underwood. Those were the days. https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1226514/deadly-venom--the-terror-of-derek-underwood

David Willey be coming back to them next season. Whilst he is perhaps getting on a bit now - he will be 33 next season - he can only strengthen them in both red and white ball cricket, as long as he doesn't bugger off to The 100.

I noticed that. Poor old Josh Cobb got the treatment one would expect, but I must say I was impressed with Emilio Gay - 4 overs, 0 for 14.

As @TomF says, CricInfo tables show bonus points earned, adjusted at the end of each completed innings, with an * indicating the match is still in progress - interestingly, we are the only Division One match still in progress, after only three days! It was mentioned by @ralphindevon that bonus points are only awarded for first innings scores, within the first 110 overs, but does he or anybody else know why this system was introduced to replace the old system, whereby bonus points were awarded for a first innings lead?

Another 8 points, so 14 in total, which would leave us 17 points ahead of Warwickshire - Glos are now already down. Of equal importance, we would also be 3 points ahead of Kent, who we play next week, meaning a draw would probably leave us safe whatever Warwickshire do in their final match.

Glos just 10 runs needed - but only three wickets left, with two new batsmen....

I said in an earlier post, yesterday or Monday, that I could see no logic in the ECB forbidding Jack Leach from playing, although I must admit I thought it was just the ECB behaving with their customary selfishness. It appears from Jack's appearance with Peter Trego that I was being unduly harsh. In other news, Kent have just beaten Hampshire.

Concerning a possible follow on - still a few wickets to take mind, with only 50 runs to play with - did I understand correctly that there is some prospect of rain on Friday in Taunton?

You have lost me there.

COVE was obviously listening to you.

240, still more than 100 runs away. In the meantime, our neighbours are doing their best to help us - Warwickshire now three down in their second innings.

COVE has now bowled the grand total of nine overs - and taken three wickets!

I missed that as I was concentrating on your comment suggesting both sides looked as if they were playing for a draw. Re. COVE not playing for a few (6/7) weeks, I really do not understand the logic of just keeping him sitting around in the pavilion, which is almost as bad as depriving Jack Leach of any cricket for the rest of the season.

I am not so sure. Northants two down already.

Happy Days. Essex all out for 59 - lost by 39. What an absolute disgrace, though.

I was just about to post exactly the same!

How very interesting - Falco Subbuteo, Eurasian Hobby, bird of prey (Thank You Google). I studied Latin in school, and I am surprised it was never mentioned as a number of us were keen subbuteo players. Upon reflection, this was a long time ago, so it may well have been mentioned and I have simply forgotten.

Indeed, so a desperate, hard fought draw at best.

Hmmm, I’m not so sure. I read some years ago that Bobby and his brother would be playing outside most nights, frequently after dark, practicing by kicking the ball against the wall etc. Today, or even just fifty years later, the neighbours would be screaming blue murder and they would probably be issued with ASBOs ?.

Quite possibly, but Manchester City’s team would be strengthened due to a number of world class foreign players, whereas England would be restricted to, well, English players ?.

Assuming, of course, that Bath win their replay away to Hartley Wintney - 0-0 at halftime.