Surrey v Somerset, County Championship Division 1, The Oval, April 21st to 24th
While some may think Somerset’s decision to give Jason Kerr a new two year contract recently was misguided it demonstrates that the hierarchy within the club value the importance of providing parity and certainty on the playing side. Kerr is fortunate to have the support of the powers that be at a time like this and will know all too well that he needs to repay the faith shown to him in spades.
But now he needs to do to others as he has had done to himself and come out and back Tom Abell publicly. I am sure Tom has received all the support possible within the dressing room but Kerr and Andy Hurry need to make their voices heard in support of the skipper for the Somerset squad, supporters and the wider cricketing public.
It is not a case of “there is no one else to lead the side” it is absolute. Abell is a superb captain, wise beyond his years and has evolved into a shrewd tactician as well as being an inspirational leader. There is no one better in English domestic cricket.
What I would ask Jason and Andy to do is sit the skipper down on the way to The Oval on Wednesday and ask him to say honestly where he wants to bat. I hope he says he wants to open but whatever is his preference we then build the side around that. Tom if you are reading this please be honest if you are asked, and if you aren’t start he conversation. The time for you putting others ahead of you in not now. You are our best player and should bat where you want.
A trip to The Oval this current run of low scores began last July would be a neat place to flip the trend of low scores. One thing is for sure Surrey, who beat Hampshire by an innings last week will be looking to bat once and bat big. Nothing less than a significant first innings will do.
Time to convert words into runs.
