Really nice to see Phil Hughes becoming suitably accustomed to English conditions, should be no lack of confidence there when we get underway in Cardiff. Or is it an England masterstroke, we would generally have known very little about Hughes, apart from seeing him in action in the series in South Africa, but now under the very watchful eye of skipper Andrew Strauss, who batted with him for a long time today, he must have a much better idea of Hughes' strengths and weaknesses. Never doubted the ECB's school of thought!
Handy little partnerships throughout the Gloucester innings means that honours were probably even on the opening day with Northants, after a maiden first-class half century from Ian Saxelby at number 9 frustrated the home side. Good effort from Dave Wigley, 4-68, but nothing from Monty to strengthen his shouts for an international call, as yet.
Decent effort from Durham on what seems a typical Taunton road, with a mediocre attack for Somerset. 500ish must be the target with Mustard to come, and then I expect Durham to create one or two more opportunities with their attack. Can they force a win ? Umlikely if Trescothick, Langer, Hildreth, etc bat anything like. Inserting Durham seems an unusual ploy.
Jaques Rudolph and Joe Sayers got Yorks off to a steady, if unspectacular, start. But all eyes tomorrow will be on Michael Vaughan, no question.
