Somerset are strong

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1: Somerset skipper Jekon Edness believes his side has the talent to take the Cup away from St George’s.

Edness took over as Somerset’s skipper in 2011 and is a year wiser in how to cover the Red and Blue in glory.

“My team is a very strong one. We’re very balanced — we have the bowlers, batsmen and fielders — we have a person for every situation.”

All the hype and buzz can create a scintillating atmosphere and Edness said having a year’s experience as captain will help him.

“I’ll try to remain calm at all times. Last year was definitely a learning experience.”

He said having Somerset bowled out for 90 in the first innings left him “flustered but seeing how the game turned around and we almost won gives me a lot of confidence going into this year.

“Even if our backs are against the wall, the game is never over.

“Hopefully, this year we can turn it around and take a victory.”

Focused

He said having Mr Cup Match, Janeiro Tucker back in the fold is reassuring but everyone of Somerset’s squad can be a game-changer.

“It’s just a matter of our guys putting their heads down and batting or staying focused and bowling.”

Edness said playing at Somerset give his side an advantage because they know the conditions of the field better than St George’s.

“I love playing at Somerset. It’s my favourite ground to play cricket on in Bermuda. I’ll be comfortable playing on it and it adds a sense of confidence of playing at home.”

He said not having the Cup leads to high expectations out west “but that’s all part and parcel of playing sports and being a leader of a team. I have to deal with the pressure of high expectations. I’m sure it’s going to bring the best out of me over the next two days.”

He said Terryn Fray and Chris Douglas will open the batting for Somerset.

“Chris has been in excellent form and Terryn has been in good form as well. They complement each other with Chris being the aggressor and Terryn can stay there and everyone can bat around him.”

As might be expected, Edness gets a lot of advice from former Cup Match players and the public.

“I hear everyone but I pick and choose what to take on board. I can’t listen to everyone because that becomes an overload and takes away from my plan.”

Edness says his pre-Cup Match ritual includes checking into the hotel as soon as possible and relaxing.

“The following two days will be strenuous so I just want to put my feet up and chill out.”