It is not easy going into a competition when you have three toally inexperienced batsmen, plus your two senior batters underperforming, and consistantly getting out to poor shot selection. Senior experienced players are meant to provide leadership and set an example to the younger, less experienced members of the team. Can you honestly say that was the case this season?

Ed Barnard was carrying a greater load this season, and apart from Kai Smith, Michael Booth and OHD didn't really have anyone else in the side he could be sure would deliver a good performance every game. He showed great leadership qualities throughoutthe competition, and would, in the opinion of many, be an excellent club and team captain going forwards. Ideally from Today.

Final averages after game 8

https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

The figures show some "senior" players did not contribute as much as would be expected from experienced players. The video clips of dismissals on Nv Play also show the nature of dismissal, and that in many cases they were playing shots that were totally inappropriate for the game situation.

Some of our "specialist" batsmen should be ashamed of their lack of performance during the competition.

Averages after todays game

https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

Ed would be a very wise choice as club captain, good to see that people away from our club can see that.

Live scores link

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m6d58e908-2ed7-46ce-a535-fe860938da68

Averages after game 6

https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

Very good to see Kai smith at the top of the batting averages, and leading run scorer.

Averages after game 5 https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

Kai Smith is our most consitant batsman in the competition so far. It is good to see his confidence growing every game, in all aspects of his game.
It was also good to see other members of the team make positive contributions too, but the problem of getting out by playing shots that are totally inppropriate for the game situation remains.

Following the defeat on Friday, this has become a "must win" game at Taunton, while somerset are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their club, in front of a totally sold out, all ticket, crowd.

Averages after game 4 https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

I'd expect Bamber and Booth to return, which will strengthen the bowling. Sadly, unless Sam Hain is allowed to play, there is no alternative to, what has been a barely adequate, batting line up.

Live scores link https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#mdc1d3e72-bee1-4c03-b55f-429e54297b4c

Averages after game 4

https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

we are in great danger of losing this game, after some very poor shots by experienced players.

Has been named as captain for the england T20 tour of Ireland.

Perhaps the other counties were wrong? but they had their own reasons for deciding not to offer a contract, based on the evidence before them at the time.

Yes he has played some good innings this season, hopefully he can continue to do so on a regular basis, we need reliable players in the team.

Zen is 27, almost 28, remember he was rejected by 12 counties, they can not all have been wrong when they decided not to sign him.

Same squad as Wednesday.
Some of the batsmen still have not contributed to an acceptable level.

Average from first two games https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#mf36e1a2f-fcf3-46f1-97b2-c5341254f8fe

A key factor with Taz is that is economy rate is very good for his style of bowling, by not bowling loose balls every over he maintains pressure on the batsman.
For him to develop more it would be a good idea for him to spend the winter playing a lot of cricket overseas in a country with good facilities for developing spin bowlers, possibly a winter in Sri Lanka would be the best option.

Updated averages after todays game

https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025

I think the team changes were justified and worked well. Taz was excelent and a good list A debut for Adam Sylvester.

Stress fracture I think, which would stop him bowling but not fielding

Lintott's economy rate justifies his omission.

Stats for the first two games

https://countycrickethub.net/team-averages.html?teamid=16&comp=2&year=2025