Somerset: Bowler and Harden likely to hold key (1 Apr 1998)

1 April 1998

Somerset: Bowler and Harden likely to hold key

By David Green

SOMERSET, one of the more fancied sides before last year's campaign, disappointed themselves and their supporters, failing to take winning opportunities in key matches both in championship and one-day competitions.

Hopes of success raised by the acquisition as cricket director of Dermot Reeve, a proven winner with Warwickshire, ebbed away, though in fairness to Somerset and to Reeve they had a miserable time with injuries.

Their new captain Peter Bowler, normally one of the most consistent players around, was troubled with back problems and rarely did himself justice.

Richard Harden, another immensely reliable player, started the season in prolific form but then broke the same finger three times; the Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, a key player for them, was handicapped by worn joints in both knees.

Things look considerably brighter this time round. Bowler had a successful operation on his back and is looking forward to making a lot of runs in 1998 and forcing those who wrote him off to eat their words.

Harden's right index finger has also fully recovered and his characteristic brand of obduracy and pugnacity will be most welcome, for instability among their top four batsmen was one of Somerset's biggest problems last season.

Mark Lathwell and Marcus Trescothick, whose quite manifest talents as openers seemed likely at one time to render Somerset impressive service well into the 21st century, both had moderate seasons.

One area where Somerset should be particularly strong is in the lower middle order where last year Graham Rose (848 championship runs, average 53) and Rob Turner (946, average 47), both batted with boldness and resolve, frequently at moments of crisis.

Somerset's bowling, impressive at first glance, will be rather thinner than their batting, particularly since Andrew Caddick, their spearhead with the new ball, is likely to miss a number of games through international calls.

Still, Rose can be counted on for wholehearted performances both with the new and older ball. Though 33, he continues to develop his skills and last season added a lavish inswinger to his more usual movement away from the right-hander.

Kevin Shine, after a stuttering career with Hampshire and Middlesex, showed signs last season at the age of 28 of fulfilling his considerable promise. He tired in August, mentally as much as anything, but should be stronger for the experience.

Mushtaq has bowled well in Tests this winter and much will again be expected of him, though his early season availability is uncertain.

With their lack of depth in bowling a possible handicap, Somerset seem unlikely to challenge for the championship but, as Reeve is considering playing in some one-day matches, they might be worth a modest wager over one of the shorter distances.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)