Apparently not... Somerset got the ball rolling on Monday with a 2 day warm up game against Glamorgan and Surrey and Essex started a 3 day warm up today. As you might expect both games started with ball dominating the bat on two very green wickets, but you might argue that this preparation beats touring the the Emirates of the Caribbean when it comes to preparing for conditions at the start of the county season. It will be interesting to see how the preparation of these team compares to those who have opted for sunnier climbs when the season starts in April.
On Day 2 of the Taunton game, in rather ominous fashion, Marcus Trescothick was in majestic form and chalked up his first ton of the season before retiring 104 not out, Nick Compton followed suit shortly after reaching his century off just 151 balls.
On the first day at Chelmsford, Essex opening bowler David Masters picked up where he left off last season taking three early wickets, with only Rory Burns, the young Surrey Keeper, and Stuart Meaker, fresh from his Lions exploits, the only two troubling the scorers. It will be interesting to see if Burns can leapfrog Gary Wilson in the pecking order to fill the gloveman slot behind Steve Davies this year. Stuart Meaker is a very interesting prospect for 2012, the Cranleigh school educated quick is largely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in England, tipping the speedo at mid-90s. He is in the Darren Gough mould of quicks, short and skiddy. If he can improve his batting and transition to a role of bowling all-rounder and stay fit (2011 was plagued with hamstring injuries) he could be a stalwart of the Surrey attack.
Day 1 v Essex from Surrey Cricket on Vimeo.
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