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Australia will host Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 international at Geelong’s Kardinia Park in February, after the ground was confirmed as the 11th venue in Australia currently accredited to host international cricket

Brydon Coverdale08-Aug-2016

Australia will host Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 international at Geelong’s Kardinia Park in February, after the ground was confirmed as the 11th venue in Australia currently accredited to host international cricket.Geelong, Melbourne and Adelaide have been named as the venues for three T20Is between Australia and Sri Lanka, to be held from February 17 to 22. The fixtures will all be played as double-headers, with the men’s games preceded by women’s T20Is between Australia and New Zealand.The decision to take international cricket involving Australia beyond the state and territory capitals is almost unprecedented. Test matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Cairns during the southern winters of 2003 and 2004 are the only other occasions when Australia have played official international matches outside the capital cities.Regional venues were used for some neutral games during the 1992 World Cup, while Launceston, Devonport and Townsville have also hosted official international matches that did not involve Australia. Kardinia Park – known as Simonds Stadium for sponsorship reasons – will be the 21st ground in Australia to host international men’s cricket.Kardinia Park had a taste of elite cricket last summer when the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades played a warm-up match there ahead of the BBL campaign. That game was followed a week later by West Indies playing a two-day practice match there against a Victoria XI ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.In order to meet ICC standards for the size of international venues, the pitch orientation at Kardinia Park has been altered to slightly off the square, for the traditional configuration at the ground meant some boundaries were too short. Cricket Australia’s chief executive officer James Sutherland said given the ground met requirements, he was pleased to take international cricket to Geelong.”We’re committed to taking the game to as many parts of the country as possible and we continue to work with regional areas around Australia on how we can make this happen,” Sutherland said. “Geelong proved its capability to host cricket last summer with a successful BBL exhibition match between the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades attracting more than 10,000 people.”We’re really looking forward to the people of the Geelong region and beyond packing out the stadium and supporting the women’s and men’s national sides.”Despite the off-field facilities at Kardinia Park being of high quality and the dimensions meeting international standards, the prospects of the venue being used as a second first-class ground for Victoria appear limited. Tony Dodemaide, the Cricket Victoria CEO, said the cost of installing drop-in pitches and preparing the multi-sport ground (home of AFL team the Geelong Cats) for cricket was more feasible for international games.As preparation for the T20I series, Sri Lanka will play the annual Prime Minister’s XI match as a T20 game on February 15 at Manuka Oval in Canberra.Cricket Australia has also announced that an agreement has been reached for Adelaide Oval to host an international cricket fixture on Australia Day every summer for the next five years. For some years the tradition was to hold a match in Adelaide on January 26, but in recent summers such a fixture had not always eventuated.”We’ve been working closely with the South Australian Government and SACA to secure marquee matches in the state long term and we’d like to thank both parties for their support,” Sutherland said. “We’re pleased to be able to announce today that Adelaide Oval will host an International Australia Day cricket fixture for the next five years.”

Donald Carr, the former Derbyshire and England batsman who went on to become one of the most prominent administrators of the post-war era, has died at the age of 89

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jun-2016Donald Carr, the former Derbyshire and England batsman who went on to become one of the most prominent administrators of the post-war era, has died at the age of 89.In a first-class career that spanned from 1945 to 1968, Carr scored nearly 20,000 runs and claimed 328 wickets with his left-arm spin for Oxford University, Derbyshire and England, whom he captained at Madras in 1951-52 in his second and final appearance.He also played in the third “Victory Test” against Australia in 1945, alongside the likes of Len Hutton, Wally Hammond, Cyril Washbrook and Bill Edrich, and was a notable footballer too, winning his Blue at Oxford, and playing in front of 100,000 people at Wembley in two Amateur Cup final appearances for Pegasus in the 1950s.Carr captained Derbyshire between 1955 and 1962, and was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1960.However, it was his subsequent career in administration for which Carr will be remembered. He was assistant secretary of MCC from 1962 to 1974, during which time he was privy to one of the most contentious moments in cricket history, the omission and subsequent selection of Basil D’Oliveira for the tour of South Africa in 1968. He went on to become secretary of the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB) and the Cricket Council until 1986.”Cricket has lost one of its greatest friends,” said Colin Graves, the ECB chairman. “Someone who gave a lifetime of service to our game; as a cricketer, a captain, a club secretary, an England tour manager, and, of course, as a senior administrator – serving MCC and the TCCB with distinction in a leadership role as the game moved into the modern, professional era; and always meeting the many difficult challenges he faced during this period with his customary good humour and charm.”This is deeply sad news for all Donald’s many cricketing friends and former colleagues and team-mates across the domestic and international game. He will be hugely missed by those who worked and played with him and we send our condolences and sympathies to all in the Carr family.”The President of MCC, Roger Knight, said: “Donald’s career in cricket, especially at Lord’s, is unlikely ever to be surpassed. As a cricketer, he captained both his university and his county, and after turning to administration became Assistant Secretary (Cricket) of MCC, and Secretary of the Cricket Council and of TCCB from their formation in 1974.”His period of office included the supervision of the first three World Cups in England, the advent of one-day cricket and the introduction of sponsorship in the professional game.”Donald’s commitment to cricket, his skills – both on the field and in the committee room – spanned more than 40 years, from his first-class debut in 1945, for England against Australia in the Victory “Test” at Lord’s, to his retirement in 1986.”He also served on MCC committees, on the Middlesex committee and as captain of Cross Arrows Cricket Club. He will be deeply and sorely missed across the cricket world.”The MCC flag, over the Main Ground, and the Cross Arrows flag, over the Nursery Ground, have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to a man who devoted so much of his life to the game.”

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is personally waiting for Julian Nagelsmann to show an interest in joining Spurs, according to reports.

Could Nagelsmann join Spurs?

The former Bayern Munich boss, after being relieved of his duties last week, has been linked with taking the Spurs managerial post this summer – with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel stepping into his shoes in Bavaria.

Now out-of-work and readily available, Nagelsmann stands out as a prestigious new candidate to take the reins in north London with Levy actually eyeing him back in 2021. The 35-year-old was a target to replace Jose Mourinho back then and reports suggest Tottenham see an opportunity to go back in for one of European football's most exciting young coaches. Sky Sports claim an approach has been made by the Premier League top four hopefuls as Levy begins work on finding a replacement for Conte.

The Italian parted company with Spurs by mutual consent earlier this week, tasking Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason with guiding the club to Champions League qualification. Nagelsmann is seen as a top candidate by Levy and co, joining the growing list of prestigious candidates alongside Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique among others.

Now, a report by The Daily Mail has an update on Tottenham's chances of hiring the German, with Levy personally waiting to see if Nagelsmann is in fact interested in making a move to Hotspur Way.

The Mail add that contact has been made with the former RB Leipzig boss as Levy weighs up his chances of hiring him, especially considering the possible interest of other big clubs. Indeed, Tottenham aren't the only interested party when it comes to Nagelsmann, as both Real Madrid and Chelsea are currently monitoring developments.

Is Nagelsmann perfect for Spurs?

We believe the manager's new-found availability should be a big draw for Spurs and arguably puts him out in front with the likes of Pochettino. Nagelsmann encourages an intense, high-pressing and entertaining brand of football which could be a breath of fresh air to supporters who are yearning for a departure from the more pragmatic styles of Conte, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo in recent years.

BBC Sport Writer Raj Chohan, writing on Twitter, recently gave an insight into Nagelsmann's tactical attacking, stating:

"No Lewa replacement led Nagelsmann to plan a 4-2-2-2 in pre-season with a Mané-Gnabry front 2. This pair’s obvious decline then forced him to abandon. He did excellent to then re-shape the attack around a hold-up 9 like Choupo. His methods of coaching an attack are outstanding."

Going by claims like this, he could be exactly what Spurs need, but the competition for his signature may well be fierce.

Back in 2009, an Arsenal youth side containing a spritely Jack Wilshere lifted the FA Youth Cup, defeating Liverpool by a 4-1 margin. Typically, Wilshere was a scorer on that evening, finding the back of the net courtesy of a penalty as he drove his teammates to success.The career that would fall upon the midfielder’s shoulders after that was extraordinary. He would go on to boss one of the best Barcelona teams we’ve seen in the Champions League as a teenager, but that was about as good as it got for the now 31-year-old.Nearly 14 years on, Wilshere has retired after an injury-ravaged career that saw him never reach his true potential.However, the former England international would prefer us to now focus on the positives. Last week, the gifted technician spoke of rediscovering his love for football.How has he done that? Well, by coaching Arsenal’s U18s. Wilshere was only ever going to land back at Arsenal but few would have predicted the roaring success he’d turn out to be behind the scenes.Now firmly involved in the academy set-up, the Stevenage-born hero took charge of his first game against non-league Hendon last summer. Fast forward several months and he’s now dining out at the Emirates, aptly guiding the club to another FA Youth Cup final.

They have achieved that feat in some style, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring a last-gasp extra-time winner against Manchester City at the Emirates a matter of days ago. The teenager lept the highest from a ball into the area and found the net in the dying seconds of the tie.

How poignant it would be if they were to now win that final. A key part of that has been wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri who will no doubt take most of the attention in the side, but there is a Wilshere-esque talent just lying in wait for Arsenal; Bradley Ibrahim.

Who is Bradley Ibrahim?

The 18-year-old is highly rated by those at Arsenal having trained among the senior team and been named on the bench during two Europa League clashes this term.

Described as an ‘an energetic box-to-box midfielder’ and a ‘tireless holding midfielder’ by the club’s website it’s clear to see where the comparisons to Wilshere come in.

Like his coach, Ibrahim is an able ball carrier while his passing range from deep is arguably what sets him apart from his peers.

His 81% pass success in the EFL Trophy, as per Sofascore, this term outlines the teen as someone who is calm in possession, while he is particularly good in front of the back four, maintaining a pass accuracy of 94% inside his own half.

The highly-gifted starlet’s range of passing was on full display in that semi-final win over Manchester City a few days ago, with scout Jacek Kulig going as far as to suggest he was sending “long diagonals like prime Xavi.”

That said, there is a physicality to Ibrahim’s game which suggests he could be like Thomas Partey too, having won two ground duels per game in the EFL Trophy.

Indeed, there are plenty of similarities between the two, with the Ghanaian notably adept at evading the press, bullying opponents and spraying cross-field passes.

It’s unlikely the FA Youth Cup star will ultimately rival Partey for a place but there is every reason to believe that Charlie Patino should be looking over his shoulder.

The Blackpool loanee is the current darling of the Arsenal academy and has been tipped for big things after scoring on his senior debut in last season’s Carabao Cup.

Indeed, after scoring three times and laying on four assists for the Tangerines this term, the 19-year-old has impressed a great deal after finally being handed regular senior minutes.

As such, it feels like there will be a place ready and waiting for him in the first team next term. He will likely now face competition from young Ibrahim, however, a combative presence who is learning from one of the best to come through Hale End and progressing at a rapid rate.

Whatever way you look at it, the future seems incredibly bright for the centre of Arsenal’s midfield.

Inter Miami may be forced to sell players in the next week to fall in line with roster compliance ahead of the 2024 MLS season deadline.

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• Miami must sell players before Feb 20
• Should increase allocation money or shed salary
• Several players have been put on the market

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the Herons urgently need to secure more allocation money and/or reduce salary expenditures to ensure compliance with MLS roster regulations. Key players such as Gregore, Jean Mota, DeAndre Yedlin, Robert Taylor, and Sergii Kryvstov are reportedly available for transfer or trade, as Inter Miami aims to make the necessary outgoing moves to meet MLS roster requirements. Additionally, it is expected that the club will part ways with Coco Jean, potentially through a transfer, trade, or contract termination.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While MLS has not yet announced specific roster rules and regulations for the 2024 season, it is known that in 2023, the salary budget for the senior roster was a base of $5.21 million (£4m). Designated players (DPs) impact the salary cap differently, with a fixed maximum budget charge. Allocation money, including General Allocation Money (GAM) and Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), plays a crucial role in managing player contracts and salary expenditures.

  The exact amount of allocation money required by Inter Miami remains undisclosed, and it is uncertain how much the club has left from previous years or borrowed from the future.

  A senior-ranked official told The Athletic: "They are screwed. Trust me.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Inter Miami have made notable signings in the offseason, including legendary striker Luis Suarez, Julian Gressel, Nicolas Freire on loan from Pumas, and highly-rated Argentine youth international midfielder Federico Redondo. However, the club also made moves to generate allocation money, such as trading Kamal Miller to Portland and Chris McVey to D.C. United, and transferring Nicolas Stefanelli abroad.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Inter Miami may explore transferring players abroad, such as Gregore or Mota to the Brazilian league, who could potentially fetch significant fees to be converted into allocation money. As the season opener approaches against Real Salt Lake on February 21, Inter Miami's management faces a race against time to navigate the complexities of MLS roster regulations and ensure the team's compliance for a successful campaign. Needless to say, the club's strategic decisions in the coming days will have significant implications for the new season.

Cricket South Africa has issued an apology to Cricket Australia after two CSA officials were photographed posing with fans, who were wearing Sonny Bill Williams masks at St George’s Park

Firdose Moonda10-Mar-20180:49

Start of Warner-de Kock clash revealed

Cricket South Africa has issued an apology to Cricket Australia after two CSA officials were photographed posing with fans, who were wearing Sonny Bill Williams masks at St George’s Park.Clive Eksteen, a former left-arm spinner and CSA’s head of commercial, and Altaaf Kazi, CSA’s head of media and communication, posed for a picture with three fans wearing masks on the first day of the Test. The photo was shared on social media and then picked up by the , who wrote that the Australian team were “outraged.” CSA said it would follow its “normal internal processes,” with regards to Eksteen and Kazi, which will likely begin with an internal investigation. They have been asked to return to Johannesburg, where CSA’s head office is located.”On behalf of CSA I extend my sincere apologies to the Board of Cricket Australia, its officials, team management, players and their families,” CSA president, Chris Nenzani said.”Cricket Australia spoke to Cricket South Africa officials yesterday to express disappointment with this matter and events that unfolded off-field Friday at St George’s Park,” a CA spokesman said. “CA appreciates the swift response, including the sincere apology from CSA, and the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.”The Williams’ masks were brought into the ground as an attempt to ridicule David Warner, who was involved in a stairwell spat with Quinton de Kock during the first Test in Durban. Warner was fined 75% of his match fee and earned three demerit points for the incident, later claiming de Kock had made a “vile and disgusting comment,” about his wife Candice. De Kock admitted to saying something in a hearing that took place on Wednesday and was fined 25% of his match fee with one demerit point added to his record.Candice had an encounter with Williams 11 years ago, before she had met Warner and South African fans hoped to use that to antagonise the opening batsman. The day before the Port Elizabeth Test, social media posts, including one by a reporter (who is not working on this game) with the host broadcaster shared photographs of fans making Williams’ masks and of a songbook with lyrics containing vulgar and derogatory language. While the songs were not heard at St George’s Park, the masks were seen but only after CSA officials had to intervene to allow mask-wearing fans into the stadium.Initially, stadium security had refused to allow them in because of what Kazi called a “misunderstanding,” though it is not clear on whose instructions the security were initially acting. Kazi and Eksteen were then contacted by the fans and met them at the gates, where it was decided that they would be allowed in. According to Kazi, the group of fans then asked for a photo with him and Eksteen and the pair obliged.”We found out because (the spectators) contacted us and we then went to security and got them in. They said ‘let’s take a photo with you guys,” Kazi told .Speaking to ESPNcricinfo shortly after the story broke last night, Kazi admitted it was “one of the worst judgment calls I have made,” and expressed regret over his actions.Meanwhile, CSA had reiterated that freedom of expression will be respected, within the limits of their own guidelines for spectator behaviour, which does not tolerate any racism, sexism or derogatory comments. A statement read: “While CSA respects the rights of its fans to represent their own points of view, CSA does not associate itself with these actions and urges all Protea supporters from refraining from being involved in distasteful or unwelcome actions that may impact the image of the sport and its supporters.”

Jordan Henderson has been told that he "messed up" by moving to Saudi Arabia, with Danny Murphy insisting "he was wealthy anyway".

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Henderson granted Al-Ettifaq exitMidfielder set to return to EuropeMurphy claims he's damaged his reputation(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Liverpool captain has reportedly terminated his Al-Ettifaq contract, having been desperate to leave the Middle Eastdespite only completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer during the summer of 2023. Henderson is already believed to be already on his way back to England after being given the green light for a permanent transfer to Ajax by the Saudi Pro League club's top officials.

However, ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes that the Saudi saga has done irreparable damage to Henderson's reputation and has urged other players to learn a lesson from the transfer.

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Speaking on White and Jordan for , Murphy said: “There might be a thought in his mind that by doing that [paying way out], he kind of rights the wrongs of people accusing him of the greed and the money that he went for in the first place. I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about – depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy. There might be something other people translate to their own life. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”

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Henderson now appears to be bound for Ajax, having agreed a dealin principle to join the Eredivisie side. It is believed that the midfielder might be offered an 18-month deal with the option of a further year by the Amsterdam outfit.

Speaking on the potential transfer to Ajax, Murphy added: "I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan also slammed Henderson for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, and subsequently making a U-turn when things did not fall in place.

“I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudis are very ambitious and they have every right to be," he said. "They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him. Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face that he wants to grow the game.

"The flip side of the question, is what does it make Jordan Henderson look like? Does it make him look like a man of substance? Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better? I don’t think it’s great either way, it proves the point that the Saudi league have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it. It also shows the indulged and pampered nature of the modern-day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it. I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.”

Josh Hazlewood struck twice in his first two overs before Mitchell Starc cleaned up England with the new ball to banish any thoughts of a famous upset

The Report by Brydon Coverdale06-Dec-20171:02

Swann: The batting monkey is growing on Root’s back

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsEngland arrived at Adelaide Oval on the fifth day knowing that hope springs eternal, or at least until Joe Root gets out. And so England’s hope sprung for only 17 deliveries. By the time the day was three overs old, Josh Hazlewood had dismissed Root and Chris Woakes, and within two hours Australia had won the Test and taken a 2-0 lead in the series. At least the England fans who had awoken in the small hours back home in anticipation of a tense final day could get some sleep.The day began with England 178 runs from victory with six wickets in hand. They added only 57 to their overnight total for the loss of all six of those wickets. That England even fought back into this match, that they entered the final day with any sort of hope whatsoever, was a surprise in itself. But if Australia officially won the Test on the fifth afternoon, in reality England had lost it on the first two days, when they sent Australia in and saw them make 442.It left England needing their all-time highest successful chase to win this match, and the final day began badly when Woakes edged behind off Hazlewood from the second ball – Snicko confirming his fate despite a review. In Hazlewood’s next over he claimed the key wicket of Root, who did not add a run to his overnight score of 67. On a surface that had been good for batting all match, a ball finally stayed a touch low and kissed the toe of Root’s bat on the way through to Tim Paine.Josh Hazlewood had Joe Root caught behind for 67•Getty ImagesFrom then on it was only a matter of time, and not even much of that. Moeen Ali was trapped lbw trying to sweep Nathan Lyon on 2, and the rest of the damage arrived with the new ball. Mitchell Starc curled the very first delivery with the new pink Kookaburra in to the pads of Craig Overton, who was lbw for 7; Stuart Broad edged behind off Starc for 8; and the result was confirmed when Jonny Bairstow chopped on against Starc for 36.Starc had finished with 5 for 88, but it was Hazlewood’s two early strikes that set the tone for the final session of this Test. After a day of England fight, normal service had resumed. And if the Gabbatoir is the fortress at which Australia like to open their summer, the Adelaide Oval day-night Test is becoming a strong occasion for them as well – the Australians have now won all three pink-ball Tests played in Adelaide.Now the teams fly to Perth with Australia just one win away from regaining the Ashes. And if Root wins the toss at the WACA, don’t expect him to do anything but bat.

Pep Guardiola told his Manchester City players to look at the gold badge on their shirts as inspiration while they were losing against Everton

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Guardiola used world champions badge to inspire CityTreble winners were losing at EvertonFoden, Alvarez and Silva scored in comeback winWHAT HAPPENED?

Phil Foden has revealed how the coach urged his players to remind themselves that they were world champions during his half-time team talk after City had fallen a goal down at Everton. City thrashed Fluminense 4-0 in last week's Club World Cup final but were given a rude awakening by the Toffees before eventually showing their class and cruising to a 3-1 win.

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"The manager was big on it at half-time to keep believing, we haven't got this badge for no reason so we have to believe in ourselves because we're a top team," Foden told . "I thought we played really well in the first half and it seems to have been the same story as previous games."

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City overcame Jack Harrison's goal against the run of play and dominated the second half. Foden scored the equaliser with a thumping low strike from the edge of the area before a Julian Alvarez penalty and late Bernardo Silva chip clinched all three points.

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'WE BLEW THEM AWAY'

"In the second half, wow. I think we blew them away with the way they played," Foden added. "I want to praise Everton because I think they've been doing really well recently and are a top side. They make it difficult. I'm really happy with the result. It's a difficult place to come."

Somerset ground out a slight advantage in a tension-ridden battle of the bottom two at Edgbaston where defeat will as good as signal relegation

Jon Culley at Edgbaston05-Sep-20171:37

County Championship Round-up: Somerset nose in front in crunch encounter

To find Warwickshire battling for Division One survival in the first week of September comes as no surprise, but that cannot be said of Somerset, who were denied a maiden County Championship title on the final afternoon of last season after Middlesex’s dramatic win over Yorkshire at Lord’s.Yet their season has been scarcely less awful than Warwickshire’s, prompting director of cricket Matthew Maynard to lament that they looked like a team resigned to relegation as they were beaten by Essex last week.Their outlook need not be quite so bleak. The gap between themselves and the safety of sixth place – 23 points as they enter the final four rounds – is by no means unassailable, particularly if they can nudge their opponents a little closer to the exits by winning here. That would raise the possibility of dragging one of two teams immediately above them into the fight – those two teams ironically being Middlesex and Yorkshire. They meet Middlesex at Taunton in the season’s final round.Warwickshire are a further 12 points adrift, the consequence of a decline that has been set in for some time since the players who won the title in 2012 began to find their powers on the wane. They, too, are not doomed yet but, as captain Jonathan Trott spelled out rather starkly on the eve of this match, they might need to win all four remaining fixtures.”It helps that we know what we have to do,” Trott said, doing his best to find a positive spin. Given that they have won only four of their last 22 Championship matches, however, it does seem to be asking rather a lot.On the subject of spin, it is the slow bowlers who look likely to determine the outcome of this one. Somerset came armed with two in Jack Leach and Dominic Bess and after taking a look at the pitch, which is the same one used for last Saturday’s NatWest Blast final, Warwickshire chose to follow suit, dispensing with the idea of giving England Under-19 seamer Henry Brookes his debut and opting for the slow left arm of Sunny Singh to share the load with Jeetan Patel.It was a wise move. After a start delayed until ten past one, Trott tossed the ball to Patel with the contest just seven overs old and having the New Zealand off-spinner bowling in tandem with Singh after only 18. There was turn for both from the outset. By the close they had bowled 38 of the 56.3 overs possible and taken three of the four wickets.A test for the batsmen, particularly for those at the starting-out end of the experience scale; Eddie Byron, opening with Marcus Trescothick, is just 20, and George Bartlett – Brookes’s England Under-19 colleague – only 19.In the event, Trescothick – a tad more experienced at 41 – was the first to go. The former England opener, another with whom time is catching up now, looked in good order initially on a ground where he has scored five hundreds but, having rapidly scored half a dozen boundaries, fell to the first ball of Patel’s second over. The left back went back to cut, another four in his sights, but made a misjudgement this time to a ball that was perhaps a shade too full and a thin edge had him caught behind.Byrom, in only his fifth first-class match, played very nicely for his 43 – matching his best score so far – but after reverse-sweeping Singh for his sixth boundary attempted – perhaps unwisely – to give the next delivery the same treatment. This time it ended up in the hands of Trott at slip.Singh, a tall 21-year-old born in India but developed in Warwickshire’s academy, looked competent and confidant, tidy until weariness began to creep in towards the end. He claimed his second success when, getting one to turn sharply, he had James Hildreth caught at slip, driving.The Warwickshire seamers were less impressive, although Keith Barker was a little unlucky in his second spell. Ryan Sidebottom – the Australian-born right-handed version – bowled a mix of good and bad balls, graphically illustrated when he bowled Bartlett through the gate with a real jaffa, having offered up a wide long-hop with his previous delivery, duly crashed away for four by the teenager, who had announced himself as audaciously as you might like by getting off the mark with a reverse-sweep for four off Patel.At 131 for 4 with Hildreth’s wicket, it was shaping up as Warwickshire’s day. By the close, though, Steve Davies and Tom Abell had turned things round rather impressively, applying themselves well in a stand that has so far added 72.