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Greg impressed with Second XI Form
Somerset Second XI Coach, Greg Kennis has been impressed with the manner in which his side has started the T20 competition.
Somerset currently sit top of the Central Group with 12 points from their seven matches.
What’s even more impressive is that two of those seven games were rained off meaning that Somerset have won all five matches that they’ve played so far.
We caught up with Greg today to discuss the team’s form so far.
“It’s been impressive,” he said. “They’ve played some really smart cricket with both bat and ball. When you’re bowling the opposition out it T20 cricket it gives you more chance of winning than of not.
“We had a good period of training before the competition started which meant that we were able to get some really good practice in. That meant that we were able to hit the ground running and the guys are very clear on the way that they want to play.
“The way that the Second XI competition works means that players get the opportunity to get some game time ahead of the Vitality Blast, but it’s not just those players who have impressed so far. It’s been really pleasing to see Sonny Baker back and raring to go and he’s been well supported by the rest of the bowling unit, whether that be Kasey Aldridge or Alfie Ogborne.
“That’s one of the most pleasing things from my point of view. These guys were playing for us last year and they’re a year older with a year’s more experience behind them. We’ve definitely seen that so far this season. The players have developed over the last 12 months and are therefore in a position to be a bit more consistent out there on the field.”
Greg believes that the structure of the Second XI fixtures, which now mirror those of the First XI, has been beneficial.
“The fixtures being aligned enables the players to work on their skills in blocks and I think we’re seeing the benefits of that.”
How important would it be for Somerset to qualify for finals day?
“We’re seeing players taking the opportunity to develop their skills, and hopefully we can continue to do that. To have the experience of reaching a finals day and the pressures that come with that would be an experience which would stand them in good stead. It’s a testament to the Club that we’ve managed to keep a pretty set side throughout the competition so far due to the strength that we’ve got within the squad. The Somerset Vitality Blast side is a very difficult team to force your way in to, but we’ve got players who are putting in some good performances and aren’t too far away from consideration for being selected.”
