Are The Tough Times For Somerset Really Over?

Somerset Hang On 

Somerset County Cricket club’s relatively audacious style of play this season saw them hang on to their division 1 status, though they left it rather late. It was only Derbyshire’s demolition by Warwickshire in their final match that saw Somerset (and Nottinghamshire) safe from relegation.

Specialists In? 

Somerset players, and director of cricket Dave Nosworthy, have come in for some criticism this year, but now safety is assured things may be a little more relaxed at Taunton’s County Ground next year.

“Our style is very adventurous and positive, but it's a high risk” he said after the match. “It's something we're going to look at in the off-season and we're looking for specialist coaches to assist us.”

Better Next Year? 

Somerset collapsed slightly during that final match after it was confirmed that Derbyshire had been relegated. The dangers of focusing too much on radio news of your rival’s scoreline were once again highlighted, although in this case at least the news was true.

Global Coach

The county’s previous director of cricket, Brian Rose, was a Somerset man through and through. Rose spent eighteen years playing for the club, including a successful stint as captain, and took on the director’s role in 2005. Initially things went well, with the Twenty20 cup and promotion to Division One being highlights. Rose, however, was the first to admit it when the game was up. He retired in 2012, opening the door for South African coach Nosworthy.

Nosworthy, born on Christmas Day 1967, was a reasonably good batsman in his day, but really came into his own with coaching jobs at various clubs in South Africa and Canterbury in New Zealand. After leading Canterbury to success in a variety of competitions he returned home to take charge at Johannesburg’s Highveld Lions. His experience coaching all over the world ought to give Somerset fans hope for an improved performance next year.

The Trescothick Question 

Perhaps the main issue that needs ironing out before next season is the position of captain Marcus Trescothick. By some measures, Trescothick has had his worst season since 1998, but insists he’s still up to the task, still enjoying his cricket, and is in no mood to relinquish the captaincy – positive words for Somerset fans.