I have every admiration possible for an England legend, but I wish he’d just resume his commentating career after today. Essex’s game to lose now, for sure. Still, new ball due soon, let’s see.
The thing I don't like about the winners being the team the that lead after the first innings in the event of a draw is that it gives Essex no incentive to go for a win on the final day if they are leading.
Essex are a damn good side and i am sure they would like to win the title in style, unlike others, principally Middlesex and Yorkshire who colluded to ensure oñe of them got the title back in 2016 in artificial circumstances on the final afternoon. Since then, my support for Middlesex has disappeared. Having said that, I would love Somerset to win but I have huge respect for Essex, who unlike Surrey, do not plunder riches from other counties.
Big wicket for Somerset, they need to rip though the rest of the Essex side now before they lead. Come on Somerset.
I'm fine with it. Both sides knew the tie-breaker from the outset. And it adds an extra intrigue to the first innings'. Assuming that Essex do get in front, it's up to Somerset to take the title from them. But the door has just opened ajar...
It's just not a fitting way to end the season in my view it will be much more interesting if Somerset lead....Cook out now....
Very finely balanced, the odds still favour Essex, though, even if they are bowled out for less than the Somerset score. As I said, the key is how well Somerset can bat in their second innings because at the beginning of that innings, Essex are like vipers and can have their opponents 5 wickets down for very little on the scoreboard.
Well maybe not that exciting!... Essex have been lucky though Somerset were trying a bit too hard. And now they get a wicket!...
I fail to see the logic of a 120 over limit in a 5 day match. Even though I’m a Somerset fan, Essex could have punished us with another 50 or so from the last 2 wickets. As it is, we know we have to win, which if we can a lead of 250 or so today, we still can.
It's Covid regulations though isn't it?, to my mind Essex missed a chance to make it harder for Somerset to win by not scoring quicker today knowing that they could've been not out at the end of the innings. Anyway it's made it an interesting contest with Somerset still well in with a chance to win it.
Excellent ton from Lammonby, Somerset do exploit the rich pool of talent from the neighbouring God's own county well.
Talking of Somerset's riches, where would they be if they had managed to hold on to Buttler, Bess, Overton, Davies, Hess. And the exodus continúes. Hope they find good replacements to win a long overdue Championship next season.
It's a case of stick or twist for Somerset in these last 20 overs tonight, do they play safe or push the boat out and try to set Essex a challenging target.