T20 Blast bite-size preview: Somerset

Cricket365
May 15, 2014

Somerset have participated in the Champions League Twenty20, so know what it takes to star on the big stage. Having been there and done that all before, now is their time to reap the rewards.

Brief Overview: Somerset have participated in the Champions League Twenty20, so know what it takes to star on the big stage. Having been there and done that all before, now is their time to reap the rewards.

Venue: The most south-westerly of England's first-class venue, the County Ground in Taunton has kept plenty of character despite extensive renovations. The ground was circled by a greyhound track before its removal in the 1970s. The towers of St James', St. George's and St. Mary's churches rise behind the pavilion – and the Quantock Hills overlook.

Batsman To Watch: Wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter may be out of the England loop for now, but he's a destructive batsman who can take a game away from the opposition with inventive strokeplay.

Bowler To Watch: The South African-born Craig Meschede was impressive in patches during the 2014 Friends Life t20 – and is thus primed for a solid stretch of consistency this year.

Overseas Signings: Journeyman Dirk Nannes will bolster the Somerset attack. The former Netherlands and Australia all-rounder was in negotiations with the Leicestershire Lightning, but those fell through.

Know Your Mascot: Stumpy – some sort of maroon dragon thingy – "had a great day at Taunton Rececourse, clapping home the participants in the Taunton Flyer Charity Bike Ride recently," according the peculiar mascot's Facebook profile.

Cricket365's Prediction: Losing finalist.