Somerset make the most of derby day

SAM DALLING AT TAUNTON: Gloucestershire are beaten by seven runs in a thrilling encounter which sums up what the T20 Blast is all about, and more

It turned on a moment. The West Country derby was evenly poised. Sure, Gloucestershire needed 90 from 45 balls. Daunting at most grounds but at Taunton? Not much above par.

Ben Green was struck hard down the ground by Jack Taylor. Rilee Rossouw stuck out a hand. Many felt it was more hope than expectation. He didn’t. Elevated from the ground, the ball stuck fast. The Marcus Trescothick Stand rejoiced as one, sending fists into the air.

Despite Ryan Higgins and Benny Howell’s best efforts, momentum was with Somerset. With Zak Chappell at eight, Gloucestershire’s tail was elongated. And so it proved.

The penultimate over was exceptional from Peter Siddle. With 30 required. and Higgins and Howell still at the crease, an away win was still possible. Three wickets and just three runs later, the game was done.

With Craig Overton and Josh Davey both out under concussion protocols, Siddle was the natural leader. A cursory glance at his T20 numbers might lead one to conclude he is relatively inexperienced in this format.

^{Peter Siddle continued his remarkable recent T20 form (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

But being contracted by Cricket Australia limits one's availability. The last three Big Bash seasons have brought Siddle 68 wickets, including a tournament-best 30 last year. And his brain - he skippered Adelaide Strikers in the absence of Alex Carey and Travis Head - is invaluable.

A come-from-behind victory if ever there was one. Three overs in, Gloucestershire, having won the toss, had Somerset 4 for 1 after three overs: the stuff of T20 dreams. The Taunton crowd, sweating already in the heat, were dripping. Over before it had barely begun, or so it seemed.

Mohammad Amir was exceptional on his T20 debut for Gloucestershire, starting with a wicket maiden. Will Smeed was twice beaten on the outside before a nip-backer saw him edge behind. A wicket maiden first up: welcome to the derby. Hush descended.

But Rossouw, as he does, belted Somerset towards respectability. He has quickly become adored in these parts. He might not have the stardust of some immediate predecessors - think Devon Conway, Babar Azam - but his consistency has been remarkable. Likewise his strike rate: 352 runs at 184.

"This was everything T20 should be: warmth, merriment, and a carnival atmosphere. Brilliant cricket, played by some of the best"

An avid gamer, almost to professional levels, these days cricket is his priority. And some of his strokes belong in virtual reality. The sound is crisp off the bat, echoing as if to laugh at the bowler.

And following a dubious dismissal in the previous home game against Kent, Roussow might have felt he was due one. His 50 came off just 33 balls, having started with seven dots. A lesson in not panicking, in making the most of being in. Eighteen were taken off Higgins’ first, slower balls twice sailing over the scoreboard. It was Higgins’ only appearance with the ball.

But Howell is a master of his craft. It had already proved a contest within the game, Rossouw dancing as Howell approached. On 54, he chipped Howell straight to Jack Taylor.

At 98 for 5 at that point, Somerset were still well sub-par. Now, the question asked most often is how players adjust between formats so quickly. Lewis Gregory answered by following up a first-class hundred on Wednesday (June 15) with a rapid 60 not out. A score of 184 for 6 was respectable.

Ryan Higgins kept Gloucestershire in the contest (Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Gloucestershire started brilliantly, Miles Hammond - who earlier took an unbelievable catch at long-on to remove a startled Green - and James Bracey going along serenely. But from such a strong start, they stuttered. Hammond went first. Then Bracey and Glenn Phillips fell in short order, Ian Cockbain and Taylor following.

Howell and Higgins threatened to make it a tense finale but in the end, the home fans were rocking. This was everything T20 should be: warmth, merriment, and a carnival atmosphere. Brilliant cricket, played by some of the best.

Nevertheless, there was a slightly sad tinge to the end.

There is an edge to sporting crowds these days, a sense of arrogance, and a lack of self-awareness. Long after the players had departed, several spectators ran for the square and had to be wrestled to the floor. It might seem small, but it is happening way too frequently. Drink, enjoy yourselves, even. But behave yourselves, too.

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