January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Cup Match/Somerset
Durham eager to make his mark as captain
Durham eager to make his mark as captain
Last season's thrashing on their home turf has prompted a change of captaincy and veteran spinner Hasan Durham will lead the team this time around.
Like St. George's they've made just two changes from last year but chairman of selectors Mark Trott believes this could still be their year.
Here, with comments from Trott. We profile the Somerset class of 2007...
We've included a spot for you to fill in this year's Cup Match stats.
Hasan Durham
Season Stats: 19 wickets at 11.58 AVG, 102 runs, 35* HS, 25.5AVG
Cup Match stats: 109 runs, 52* HS, 10.99 AVG/32 wickets, 27.56 average
Wily left-arm spinner Durham takes over at the helm this year after more than a decade of service in the west-end cause.
He's an experienced and respected leader as well as a dangerous bowler who can take wickets in any conditions. He's one of the all-time leading wicket-takers in Cup Match and will want to lead from the front by claiming more scalps this year.
"He's played at the highest level for Bermuda. He's battle weary and he's seen it all. The occasion shouldn't phase him."
Durham's '07 scores:
Janeiro Tucker
Season Stats: 154 runs, 46HS, 38.5AVG/ 12 wickets at 11.33AVG
Cup Match stats: 873 runs, 186 HS, 51.36 AVG/12 wickets, 36.83 average
Will he play or won't he? It's been the big question in the run up to Cup Match and the answer - a decisive yes - will have Somerset fans breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Tucker was upset about the way the club handled its decision to replace him as captain and was not going to play. But after clear-the-air talks he's back where he belongs and destined to be a central figure in this season's Cup Match.
"He's Mr. Cup Match. When people travel to St. George's to watch Cup Match they're going to watch players like Janeiro Tucker. He loves the occasion, he loves the crowd, he's pumped up and ready to go."
Tucker's '07 scores:
Dwayne Leverock
Season Stats: 8 wickets at 16.5 AVG/ 184 runs, 100*HS, 184AVG
Cup Match stats: 199 runs, 33 HS, 14.22 AVG/33 wickets, 32.18 AVG
After a quiet couple of Cup Matches by his high standards, Sluggo will have a more attacking role to play this time around.
A national hero thanks to his exploits on the international stage, Trott is looking for him to be a key man in the Somerset attack.
"We know he is the master container, His economy rate is unbelievable but we want him to cut loose and be that match-winning, wicket-taking bowler we know he can be.
"One thing is for sure he won't run away from the big occasion."
Leverock's '07 scores:
Malachi Jones
Season Stats: 131 runs, 73HS, 32.75 AVG/ 2 wickets at 86
Cup Match stats: 42 runs, 36*, 42.00 AVG/2 wickets, 28.50 average
It's amazing to think that when Jones was selected as a colt this time last year it seemed like a gamble.
Since making his debut Jones' rise to stardom has continued unabated. He's gone on to play for Bermuda in the World Cup to be vice-captain of the under-19s and was, no doubt, one of the first names on the team-sheet this time around.
He's developing into an exciting pace bowler and a genuine prospect with the bat.
"Looking at it now it seems like he's been around forever. He's taken his cricket to another level over the past year.
Jones' '07 scores:
Jacobi Robinson
Season Stats: 348 runs, 107*HS, 87AVG/ 12 wickets at 20.33
Cup Match stats: 15 runs, 7 HS, 3.75 AVG/15 wickets, 29.80 average
Promoted to vice-captain and tipped as a future leader of the team, Robinson comes into this year's classic in some of the best form of his life.
He has excelled in domestic cricket, particularly with the bat, and is a capable pacer who could be deployed as an opener or first-change seam bowler.
"He's starting to show the promise that we all knew he had. That's something that comes with maturity. This could be a break-out year for him."
Robinson's '07scores:
Azeem Pitcher
Season Stats: 133 runs, 50HS, 16.62 AVG
Cup Match stats: 49 runs, 29 HS, 12.25 AVG
One of the best fielders on display at this year's classic Pitcher has so far failed to deliver on his enormous potential with the bat.
He's had a patchy season on the domestic front, but retains his place, by virtue of his talent.
"He has had a bit of a slow start this season but he has got such talent. I believe he just needs one big score to convince himself of the ability he does have."
Pitcher's '07 scores:
Jekon Edness
Season Stats: 99 runs, 44HS, 33 AVG
Cup Match stats: 23 runs, 17 HS, 11.50 AVG
Wicketkeeper
A talented young cricketer who has taken over behind the stumps for the national team following Dean Minors' retirement.
Edness has always been lauded for his glovework but he's improving as a batsman and is fast becoming a genuine all-round option. He's honed his skills at the academy in Cardiff and returned to the island last month to post some impressive numbers in domestic cricket for Somerset.
"He's a quiet guy an his personality reminds me of his dad, Anthony 'Porky' Manders - another Somerset wicket-keeper. He just goes about his business and does the job without any fuss."
Edness' '07 scores:
Kevin Hurdle
Season Stats: 115runs, 42* HS, 57.5AVG/ 14 wickets at 13.93AVG
Cup Match stats: 21 runs, 9 HS, 5.25 AVG/ 9 wickets, 16.78 AVG
Back in the fray after missing out last year, Hurdle is a big threat with the new ball. He struggled with his rhythm at times during the World Cup, but also showed what a fiery, aggressive opener he can be - most notably when shaking up Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya with a knuckle crunching short delivery.
"He needs to bring that same type of game this weekend," said Trott. "He's a match-winner on his day."
Hurdle's '07 scores:
Stephen Outerbridge
Season Stats: 194runs, 106HS, 97AVG
Cup Match stats: 126 runs, 54 HS, 31.50 AVG
A batsman of genuine class and style, Outerbridge is now looked on as one of the key players in the Somerset team. He has been promoted to vice captain of the national team, where he has consistently impressed with his attitude and ability. A stylish left-hander he has yet to post the big scores in the big games but those in the know have little doubt that a big innings is just around the corner.
"He's starting to show the fruits of being away on the BCB scholarship in the U.K. He loves the big occasion and we're definiltely looking at him as a long-term option.
Outerbridge's '07 scores:
Dean Stephens
Season Stats: 323 runs, 89*HS, 53.83AVG/ 8 wickets at 20.25 AVG
Cup Match stats: 21 runs, 21 HS, 21.00 AVG/3 wickets, 23.33 average
The Devonshire Rec skipper showed his ability with the bat once again scoring a fine half-century in the final trial game on Saturday. Also a dangerous left-arm bowler, he adds variety to Somerset's seam attack.
He's led Rec with distinction for the last few years and has developed a reputation as the sort of player who can change a game in the space of a few overs.
"He's like those cars that can go from nought-to-sixty in the space of a few seconds. He can change the flow of a match.
"I wouldn't say he's in the same class as Janeiro Tucker but he's moving into that realm. He just needs to show he can be a match-winner on the big-stage.
Stephen's '07 scores:
Derrick Brangman
Season Stats: 128 runs HS 112*, 21.33AVG/ 16 wickets at 10.88
Colt
Devonshire Rec youngster Brangman is the only Colt in the Somerset side and is being tipped for big things.
He played a classy innings in the trial game on Saturday, scoring an aggressive 56 at a crucial moment for his side. He's also been in fine form with the ball this season and will be used as a back up spinner.
"We had a look at him last year and he didn't quite make it but he has shown this year the talent and ability that he does have.
"I think it has helped being coached by his father at Devonshire Rec."
Brangman's '07 scores:
All player photos are by Ras Mykkal. Season stats from Bermuda Cricket Board. Cup Match stats by Lorenzo Tucker.[[In-content Ad]]
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