*** Official *** County Cricket 2020

[Tom Flint]

Essex were on top, until Overton came out to bat. There have been 2 really close (bad) umpiring calls early in this partnership, but since then craig has upped the scoring rate and somerset now dominating. Byrom has played very well none of the chances has been against him but this is his first score over 50 this year so great time to find form. Still chance for Essex to open this game up I wouldn't put it past harmer and co to take quick wickets and bowl somerset out for a reasonable score just over 300.
Although they can hold a bat all the way down with Gregory in next and leach at 11

 

[Tom Flint]

This could well be the last time Alistair cook plays live on tv in a competitive game. Hope to see him at the ground next year but making the most of today incase we cant

 

[Tom Flint]

Never thought I'd hear craig Overton compared to Jeff thomson

 

[tony p]

Sir Alistair Cook currently 123no, can still bat a bit, he should keep on playing while he still enjoys it.

 

[Tom Flint]

Hes been class since lunch. Leach gifted him a full toss when on 99

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Saw some of this earlier and he was batting really well. Middled several cover drives in non-archetypal Cook fashion.

 

[Tom Flint]

Here comes the inevitable spate of wickets

 

[grecian]

****ing retire already.

 

[Tom Flint]

Why wasnt wheater trying to score runs in the last 4 overs there. Still had a wicket in the hut

 

[tony p]

Should be a good finish, weather permitting.

Somerset lead by 191 with 3 wickets left. Would either score a quick 20 runs or declare overnight. No point batting on to long and having Essex 8 or 9 wickets down at the end.
You need 10 wickets, give yourself the best chance.
If Essex score the runs, so be it. If they get Cook for less than 30, Essex may get the wobbles.

 

[wpdavid]

So what happens if the match is drawn? Do Essex win by virtue of their first innings lead or does it go back to their group results?

 

[tony p]

So what happens if the match is drawn? Do Essex win by virtue of their first innings lead or does it go back to their group results?

If it's a draw, and because Essex lead on the first innings they are the winners.

 

[wpdavid]

If it's a draw, and because Essex lead on the first innings they are the winners.

Thanks. Let's hope that the weather doesn't intervene.

 

[Tom Flint]

It's doubt its going to rain but it's very overcast. Somerset will be confident looking out the windows this morning

 

[theegyptian]

Cook didn't seem to like that decision. Somerset certainly haven't been short of an appeal when Cook is on strike.

Would it be better if after 5 days if it was drawn the title was shared?

I haven't thought too much about it but those sheffield shield or indian finals are often terrible. 500 in 200 overs v 550 in 225 overs.

Team winning on first innings sucks. IF you can't get a result in 5 days then so be it.

 

[Spikey]

Cook's "If I just look down and not at the umpire I can't be given out" tactic was very good

 

[Tom Flint]

There were lots of good good appeals but a couple of terrible ones from the keeper and slips for caught behind when he was no where near it. Definately trying to convince the umpire by weight of appeals

 

[grecian]

Could get interesting...

 

[Jack1]

Good game so far. I still don’t agree with the forceful declaration at 120 overs in a five day game. Essex should have been allowed to keep batting.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Still time for a grandstand finish? I hope so, the tournament deserves it. That from an Essex fan too.