Shame he couldn't make the ton. He never did quite show up when he needed to

I jest. A fine career.

Also, Dan Moriarty has taken the last 7 Sussex wickets to fall... That makes 13 wickets (and counting) in two first class matches so far. Gawd I hope he switches allegiance to England... He was born in Reigate but played youth cricket for South Africa...

He wants to get into coaching now so wouldn't be surprised to see him in some sort of batting coach role for England in a few years time.

Virdi has just taken 3 and Sussex are in the middle of an embarrassing batting performance. 67/2 after 16 overs. Pathetic really after two high first innings scores.

Worcestershire now 58/2 chasing 245. That could be a cracking finish to that game but I expect Somerset to triumph as the wickets will fall in a flurry tomorrow.

The final is a 5 day game at Lords starting on the 23rd September. If Somerset make it though then you've got two very strong bowling attacks against two batting line ups that really haven't produced so that game will be over inside 3 days. Hopefully they produce a road otherwise it will be over in a hurry.

Looking worryingly like Surrey might actually win a game

11 wicket haul for Moriarty... Still one to get

The batting could still let you down although the line up is looking a lot stronger with Burns, Amla and Foakes in it.

Indeed. Still wouldn't even put a fiver on us chasing a sub-150 score to be honest!

Still, potentially two bright young spinners for England's future (assuming Moriarty does convert). I have to say, I know England has been in search of young spinners since Swann retired, but I wasn't expecting Surrey to be the place where two came through.

He wants to get into coaching now so wouldn't be surprised to see him in some sort of batting coach role for England in a few years time.
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If he can teach everyone to play the cover drive in the way he did then I'm all for it

comment by Amanda Hugginkiss (U11574)
posted 3 hours, 37 minutes ago
Indeed. Still wouldn't even put a fiver on us chasing a sub-150 score to be honest!

Still, potentially two bright young spinners for England's future (assuming Moriarty does convert). I have to say, I know England has been in search of young spinners since Swann retired, but I wasn't expecting Surrey to be the place where two came through.
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There's some good spinners around at the moment all of whom I'd say are better spinners than Bess. Virdi is definitely one of them and he should be someone England are looking to take with them on the next tour.

Worcestershire 7 down now with 112 still needed. Looks like another collapse for them and it will be Somerset vs Essex in the final.

Somerset in the final, their bowling has been lethal. 200 is the highest score anyone managed against them albeit their group wasn't the strongest, that's still a very good effort.

If both teams batsmen can show up then it should be a good final. If Lawrence can get some runs against a potent attack in a big game then it will give the selectors a reminder of what he's capable of.

150 runs in the match for Rory Burns, 100 for Will Jacks (not out in both innings) and 50+ for Ben Foakes (not out in second innings). And of course two terrific performances from young spinners.

Grasping at straws in a terrible summer but that's the best result Surrey have had all summer

It's great that we can actually watch this final on the BBC website. Although the commentary is a second or two ahead of the video which is a little annoying.

It's been a good start for Essex who will be pleased with early wickets having put them in and getting Lammonby early. The big issue is that the lower order and tail have been very good at getting Somerset out of trouble this year.

I swear about half of Somerset's runs have been edges to 3rd man. It's been poor captaincy from Westley not to have a 3rd man more often, Abell will see how this has gone and probably put two down there considering how much the ball is moving.

Feels like an even contest at the moment but Essex have been poor with the bat all summer and Somerset have been very good with the ball.

This Cook chap looks pretty decent. Against a formidable attack that has been averaging something like 13 per wicket this summer.

Hopefully England take a look at Sam Cook soon but he's likely to be the next Porter who is the next Rushworth taking stacks of wickets in County cricket but never seen as quick enough to make the step up.

Chef 2.0!

It's weird that express pace is still seen as the benchmark for England consideration considering none of our most successful bowlers have it. Even Chris Woakes has improved since dropping his pace down again.

I get it, we want pace for away Ashes series, but even then it doesn't really mean much if we only have one super quickie. We'd still be well short of Australia's options.

it was obviously the right time in his mind to retire however you have to feel he had more years in him doing bits for England. a shame to see him not play longer with a better opening partner in tests

comment by Phenom - least knowledgeable spurs poster 2019/20 (U20037)
posted 19 seconds ago
it was obviously the right time in his mind to retire however you have to feel he had more years in him doing bits for England. a shame to see him not play longer with a better opening partner in tests
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^just seen A Cook with 135

It's a shame Westley has gone negative here. Should have come out and looked to get the last few wickets cheaply and have fewer runs to chase down. Should always look to be positive and now I worry we are going to be too negative when batting against a decent attack with Leach bowling too ultra attacking fields.

Awesome innings from Cook, just a shame no one else other than Westley really chipped in. Today could be a day for Dan Lawrence to show his quality though.

comment by Phenom - least knowledgeable spurs poster 2019/20 (U20037)
posted 1 day, 20 hours ago
it was obviously the right time in his mind to retire however you have to feel he had more years in him doing bits for England. a shame to see him not play longer with a better opening partner in tests
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Wisden said before this game that he's been averaging 51 for Essex since he retired.

Mentally as you say it was the right decision, but ability wise he'd definitely still be good enough for test cricket.

Morning all. Cricket's back!

And Surrey off to a solid start as Rory Burns falls for 4, albeit he was just pipped to being the first wicket to fall in the 2021 summer

Burns and Stoneman both fall cheaply. Amla and Pope now in, and Ollie Pope is doing his usual trick for Surrey: scoring more runs at a higher run rate than any other bat in the side, basically making it look like he's playing on a different pitch to everyone else.

I just hope he can get a consistent run with no injuries and bring his insane ability to Test cricket at some point.

Mockers as Pope is out for 22

Afternoon matey boy

Masters today as well, what a day.