Smith fit for season opener

Captain Graeme Smith has been named in a 13 man squad to take on Somerset in the opening Championship game of the season, starting at the Kia Oval tomorrow. 

There were slight doubts over the fitness of Smith, after he missed South Africa's last ODI against Pakistan last month with recurrence of an ankle injury, on which he had surgery on last year. But, that seems to be ok at the moment, because if it wasn't, I don't think he would be risked in case he badly damaged his ankle, which could leave him out of action for months. 

Here is the squad in full:

G. Smith (C)

R. Burns

A. Harinath

V. Solanki

Z. de Bruyn

S. Davies

G. Wilson

G. Batty

S. Meaker

J. Dernbach 

G. Keedy

C. Tremlett

T. Linley

As you can see, there is no place for Jason Roy, with de Bruyn’s all-round abilities and Wilson’s pre-season form preferred over the inconsistency that Roy provides in this format of the game. He, and many others, will be disappointed that de Bruyn has been picked ahead of him, considering the elder hasn’t played since February. I’m glad to see Wilson in the squad however, as his form of last season in List A cricket, and what he has shown over the last month in pre-season, has warranted selection in the squad at least. The experience of Vikram Solanki has also been chosen ahead of Roy, even though Roy had a better pre- season than the former Worcestershire batsman, who will have to hit the ground running if he wants to keep his place in the side, with Roy desperate to win his place back.

Another notable absentee is that of Jon Lewis. Early season conditions do suit his style of bowling, as was shown at the beginning of last year, but the pace of Jade Dernbach and guile of the Viscount is preferred over the 38 year old. I would have certainly named Lewis in the squad, as he can also add vital runs down the order, with him being our leading run scorer in the Championship well into May last year. But, we shouldn’t be relying on a number 9 to get us runs, and the batsman before need to take some responsibility.

It’s good to see faith kept in Arun Harinath at number 3, after he impressed towards the end of the last campaign, but I believe that he needs to have a good year this year to cement a place in the side. Rory Burns will open up with the skipper of course, after also having a good end to last season, and many have tipped him to be one to watch this year.

The make- up of the side is still in question. At the AGM last night, it was reported that Adams said that an extra batsman would play this week, supposedly meaning that Batty wouldn’t be at number 7. Therefore, I think the top 7 of the list above will be the top 7 that takes to the field tomorrow, with Wilson batting at 7.

If we are presuming that will be the case, then Adams has the option of playing 2 spinners, in Batty and Keedy, and two seamers, with de Bruyn as a 5^th choice. Or, play 3 seamers, and 1 spinner (possibly Keedy as Somerset have lots of right handed batsman) and de Bruyn once again as a 5^th choice. I personally would go down the 3 seamers, 1 spinner route, with Tremlett, Meaker and Dernbach as my 3 seamers. However, I have a feeling that Adams will pick both Keedy and Batty because when Keedy was signed, he said he would play both in every LVCC game at the Oval. He could change his mind, but I think that it is unlikely.

 

Therefore, I think the 2 seamers that will be picked are Meaker and, if fit, Tremlett, with de Bruyn supporting them. Meaker is our most consistent Championship bowler, so should always be picked in my opinion, and on his day, Tremlett can be one of the most terrifying bowler’s in world cricket. Whether he has enough overs under his belt is another question, and I’m sure Adams and Smith will wait until tomorrow morning before deciding is he is ready for First Class action.

Somerset are fresh off the back of a 48 run defeat to Durham last week, but just the fact that they have played a game may mean that they are that little bit sharper at the beginning of tomorrow’s game. They also have arguably one of the best top 7’s in county cricket, with it likely to be: Trescothick, Peterson, Compton, Hildreth, Kieswetter, Buttler, Trego. That is a superb batting line up, and they are no mugs with the ball either, with Trego already hitting his straps last week against Durham.

Tomorrow is the start of a new era for Surrey County Cricket Club, with one of the great Test captains taking charge of our club for the first time. Don’t expect miracles straight away, because that would be silly, but things are definitely looking rosier at the Oval, and a good season is on the horizon. Come on the Rey!!