County Championship Preview: Lancashire v Somerset

County Championship Preview: Lancashire v Somerset

THE MATCH

Somerset travel to Emirates Old Trafford this week to take on Lancashire in the LV= Insurance County Championship First Division.

Day one of this fixture is tomorrow (Thursday May 11th).

SCHEDULED HOURS OF PLAY:

Morning session: 11am to 1pm
Afternoon session: 1:40pm to 3:40pm
Evening session: 4pm to 6pm

HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?

You can also keep up to date using our dedicated Match Centre this website and on our Twitter feed.

MATCH CENTRE

In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.

THE OPPOSITION

LANCASHIRE

Captain: Keaton Jennings
Head Coach: Glen Chapple
2022 finish: Second (Division One)
2022 highest run-scorer: Keaton Jennings (1,233)
2022 highest wicket-taker: Tom Bailey (52)

Key winter moves: Lancashire have raided New Zealand for two overseas signings, bringing in former and current international all-rounders Colin de Grandhomme and Daryl Mitchell. Retired Black Cap de Grandhomme starts the season before current Kiwi star Mitchell’s first of four games is on May 11. At that time, the county will have three overseas players available, including former captain Dane Vilas and de Grandhomme as cover. The trio will also be available for the Vitality Blast.

Player to watch: Tom Hartley, the 23-year-old son of 1974 European Championship 4x400m gold medalist Bill, is a rapidly developing left-arm spinner who is not too shabby with the bat – as a pre-season T20 century in Dubai showed. He took eight wickets in that aforementioned win over Surrey and toured Sri Lanka with the England Lions in January and February. Seriously challenging Matthew Parkinson for role of senior spinner.

TEAM NEWS

Matt Henry is in contention to make his debut, whilst Steve Davies, George Bartlett and Josh Davey return to the squad. Lewis Gregory is rested for this fixture.

The Somerset squad for this fixture is: Tom Abell, Kasey Aldridge, George Bartlett, Josh Davey, Steve Davies, Lewis Goldsworthy, Matt Henry, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, James Rew and Peter Siddle.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Ahead of the match, Somerset Head Coach, Jason Kerr said: “I felt that we had opportunities to secure the win against Northants last week because we played some really good cricket. If we continue in that vein, then a win is just around the corner.

“Matt Henry is in line to make his debut and he brings a wealth of experience and skill. His arrival means that we can rest Lewis Gregory because he’s put a huge amount of effort into the first four games. Matt has been brilliant around the group since his arrival and has fitted in really well.

“It’s important that we continue to focus on the process. I felt that we were outstanding for elements of the Northants game. It’s been tough at the top of the order with the new ball, but that’s been the same across the whole country. The weather we’ve all had has affected the surfaces and how quickly they change.

“If we can keep delivering our skills, then I’m sure we can secure that first win.”

CLASSIC MATCH

For today’s classic match we head back to 1963.

It was a County Championship match at Old Trafford that saw a big Somerset win and an incredible performance with the ball from one Somerset bowler in particular.

Lancashire Captain, Ken Grieves won the toss and elected to bat first.

However, Ken Palmer ripped through the homes batters to finish with seven for 36 as Lancashire were dismissed for just 62.

Palmer also made 45 as the visitors replied with a total of 249 all out.

He then claimed another four wickets as Lancashire were dismissed for 123 as Somerset claimed victory by an innings an 64 runs in just two days.

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