jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 25, 2021 19:00:33 GMT
I notice now that for those who are "facing the ball" will now be defined as "Batters" as opposed to batsmen................gender equality say no more..... I see no downside to this at all. I love cricket, and I also love my 2 year old daughter. Anything that makes cricket more inclusive for her as she grows up is more than ok by me. The laws used to refer to fieldsmen. I've never heard anyone use that term. Things change and people get used to it. And fair warning, a number of BBC commentators have already started referring to deep third or short third.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 313
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 23, 2021 15:51:42 GMT
your"shafted" comment came to mind as 110 over came up....was it Middlesex and Yorkshire did the"old boys" act when Somerset were well placed to win the title? It was. The agreement between Middlesex and Yorkshire effectively meant Somerset could not win it despite being top at the start of the last day in 2016. But the worst one was in 2010 when we were going to win it after rain affected matches meant they were all draws. But somehow Lancashire and Nottinghamshire came out at about 4.45 and played some overs, in the first innings. At 5.00 Nottinghamshire needed 3 wickets to get an extra bonus point and from 5.05 to 5.15 Lancashire lost the 3 wickets and Nottinghamshire got the extra point to make both Nottinghamshire and Somerset equal on 214 points. On countback Nottinghamshire won the Championship. Tres said he never really recovered as captain from that. Spineless Lancashire that day. I hope they don’t expect Somerset to bust a gut for them tomorrow!! But we probably will to get some pride. I would absolutely not blame Somerset for rolling over in this game, and I'm still not ruling out Warwickshire getting on a roll tomorrow, but Somerset have absolutely done their bit over the last few days. I would say that most other counties would have folded yesterday given everything that's happened to them over the last 6 weeks plus all of that history. Speaks volumes for the way Tom Abel leads his team. Any suggestion of problems behind the scenes leading to a capitulation can be put to bed now I think.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 23, 2021 12:53:39 GMT
Simple equation now. Hampshire win, they are champions. Both Lancashire and Warwickshire can win. Lancashire look as though they’re making a good attempt at the highest innings of the match and a win will make it an interesting day tomorrow. I think the pitch here is dying. Warwickshire will have to set a relatively low total. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if Somerset win this one. They've been so impressive. With nothing to play for and having had a disastrous month I thought they'd struggle to get up for this one, but they've fought so hard. Perhaps the way Somerset were shafted a few years ago has made them determined to play their part. I hear what you're saying about having overton and Gregory back to boost the lower order, but it's top order runs that have made the real difference in my view. That partnership from Azhar Ali and Lamanby has set up the innings and stopped Warwickshire getting on a role. I don't think Somerset would have come back from 30-3.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 23, 2021 11:32:09 GMT
Woakes with the 8th on the cusp of lunch. Cracking spell. Nervy lunch for the home side though with 22 balls left to get the 9th wicket
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 23, 2021 11:05:25 GMT
Not an ideal start. This is going to be tough as there has been a bit of rain around in the hour before the start and there's still a bit of cloud around Wark's have another 15 overs to get another 3 wickets to achieve max bowling points, but as things stand i can see this going to a draw if Somerset bat into the afternoon session ansd have a minor lead or even small deficit, IMO the winners are are currently in Lancashire , though currently off for bad light there, a weather window in either area is not looking good for two "fair weather" finishes Somerset have done well to avoid losing wickets in pairs. The ball beat the bat a lot this morning, but I would say it currently looks flatter than it has done at any stage of the match. I think it's 9 wickets for the third bonus point, so two to get in 10 overs. I guess Warwickshire will worry about winning the match there after. I'm not sure I can see where the next breakthrough is coming from at the moment though.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 23, 2021 9:48:51 GMT
Am I the only one who think Somerset's in quite a good position in this game?
I got texts from 3 people yesterday saying things along the lines of 'it's over, Warwickshire have won it' etc. I don't agree. From what I can see they're playing with small boundaries at Edgbaston to maximise batting points. Every chance here that Somerset a)rob Warwcks of maximum bowling points and b)get a 1st innings lead. Either way, Warwcks won't be batting till well into Day 3 most likely and it will be hard for them to give themselves more than 3 sessions to bowl them out. I think the title race is very much alive.
I guess that was part of the point I was making about it being a more reliable Somerset team. I agree. The Somerset Xl this match is much more familiar, a better balance. I feared a collapse yesterday after bowling Warwickshire out, something like 25-2 after an hour but it didn’t happen. Not much at this stage between the teams. I think Warwickshire securing 4 batting points with Briggs’ explosion in that one off Brooks’ over has swayed the impression of the match. Had it happened to help Warwickshire get over 400 I might agree but it didn’t and Somerset are still well in this match. But Ive also seen Somerset bat so often this season and collapse so I won’t tempt fate. Just say this first session may be the most important of the match. If Warwickshire can do the same as Overton did yesterday they’ll win. If Somerset can get over 300 it becomes a very tight and exciting match. Edit: you just beat me to it jack! Same thought about the next session. Not an ideal start. This is going to be tough as there has been a bit of rain around in the hour before the start and there's still a bit of cloud around
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 23, 2021 8:40:36 GMT
Am I the only one who think Somerset's in quite a good position in this game?
I got texts from 3 people yesterday saying things along the lines of 'it's over, Warwickshire have won it' etc. I don't agree. From what I can see they're playing with small boundaries at Edgbaston to maximise batting points. Every chance here that Somerset a)rob Warwcks of maximum bowling points and b)get a 1st innings lead. Either way, Warwcks won't be batting till well into Day 3 most likely and it will be hard for them to give themselves more than 3 sessions to bowl them out. I think the title race is very much alive.
Ask me again at 11.30. Woakes with a new ball and an early start will be tough. If they are still 5 or 6 down after an hour then it will get interesting
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 22, 2021 11:56:46 GMT
Is Essex's victory over Northamptonshire a record for shortest ever completed match? An innings and 44 runs, despite only scoring 170 themselves. Apparently, this is the case.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 22, 2021 10:54:18 GMT
Gripping day at Edgbaston, although I'm afraid to say that the tension wasn't provided as a result of a close contest. I think the crowd knew Warwickshire would need 350 to get the 4th batting point and before Somerset took the new ball, it looked like they had been too circumspect between overs 60 and 80. Losing Sibley and Rhodes probably didn't help, although I'm not sure Sibley is capable of kicking on, so perhaps him getting out was no bad thing. I know his record isn't great in red ball cricket, but I can see why people clamour for Hain to get a chance in the test team. I've seen him in the championship a few times over the years and he always seems a cut above. Gave a chance today, but strong through the onside as ever and Somerset didn't really look like getting him out. For Somerset, Overton was the best bowler on display. Got a bit of bounce out of the pitch and was unlucky not to pick up a few early ones. I'm a bit worried England have ruined leach. He's looked innocuous both times I've seen him in the last month. If Warwickshire can get to 350 inside the next 14 overs in the morning, I'd be amazed if they don't win the championship. I just can't see Somerset putting up much resistance with the bat. I reckon they must be desperate for the season to finish. Someone mentioned tractor earlier in this thread. Edgbaston is massive, but despite that, I ended up sitting just a few rows in front of him today. Certainly not a quiet chap is he! Lots of twists already this morning. In trying to get to 350 in time Warwickshire have kind of let Somerset back into this game if (and it's a massive IF) the Somerset batting lineup can salvage some pride they could still play a major part in the direction of the Championship. You'd think they'd be at least a bit up for it if just for saving professional face. But as I'm typing this Danny Briggs has somehow marshalled the Warwcks 10th wicket to the batting point they need to remain favourites - amazing stuff, who said cricket is boring? That will be gutting for Hampshire who looked like they'd become favourites with a fightback against Lancs at Liverpool where it seems to be moving sideways!
I read yesterday that Warwickshire hadn't won the title since 2004. That just doesn't sound right to me - I was sure that Barker and Wright bowled them to a title more recently than that or was it that long ago and I'm just very old now!
Yeah. I reckon they won it about 10 years ago. Woakes was on the cusp of the England squad and Patel was around too.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 22, 2021 10:45:18 GMT
Made a late decision to switch matches today. Was going to go to New road, but with Mitchell getting out before the close last night and the championship on the line at Edgbaston, I'm back in Birmingham.
How on earth did Warwickshire get over the line? Overton has been fantastic this morning but Brookes and Davey haven't quite been able to back him up.
They almost got down to a run a ball with 9 fielders back on the fence when norwell hit one up in the air and Azhar Ali at long off took a great catch. I thought they were toast, but Briggs showed great skill and composure to hit the first 3 balls of the 110th over for 4. A great cover drive, a steer towards me sitting by the deep 3rd boundary, which split the two boundary fielders and a mow into the on side which obviously lead to plenty of cheers from the home crowd. Great drama with news filtering through that Lancs are 7 down and still 100 behind. Pretty clear Warwickshire had to get the 4th point.
As an aside, it does occur to me, that if you want to promote more sensible batting and longer innings, it is worth changing the length of time available to collect bonus points. Getting to 400 in 110 overs is a tall order and inevitably leads to some lower order slogging. It's a good watch, but not really a skill you need in the test arena.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 21, 2021 18:22:53 GMT
Gripping day at Edgbaston, although I'm afraid to say that the tension wasn't provided as a result of a close contest. I think the crowd knew Warwickshire would need 350 to get the 4th batting point and before Somerset took the new ball, it looked like they had been too circumspect between overs 60 and 80. Losing Sibley and Rhodes probably didn't help, although I'm not sure Sibley is capable of kicking on, so perhaps him getting out was no bad thing.
I know his record isn't great in red ball cricket, but I can see why people clamour for Hain to get a chance in the test team. I've seen him in the championship a few times over the years and he always seems a cut above. Gave a chance today, but strong through the onside as ever and Somerset didn't really look like getting him out.
For Somerset, Overton was the best bowler on display. Got a bit of bounce out of the pitch and was unlucky not to pick up a few early ones. I'm a bit worried England have ruined leach. He's looked innocuous both times I've seen him in the last month.
If Warwickshire can get to 350 inside the next 14 overs in the morning, I'd be amazed if they don't win the championship. I just can't see Somerset putting up much resistance with the bat. I reckon they must be desperate for the season to finish.
Someone mentioned tractor earlier in this thread. Edgbaston is massive, but despite that, I ended up sitting just a few rows in front of him today. Certainly not a quiet chap is he!
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 20, 2021 18:24:09 GMT
FWIW I think we might not hear for some time about what the CC may look like for next season. At the end of 2019 Nottinghamshire were bottom and were relegated, Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire were promoted. I think the ECB plan was to have a 10/8 split so 1 was to go down and 2 to come up. At the start of this season Nottinghamshire hadn’t won a CC match for over two years but now have a chance to win the competition. If we stick to the intended pattern at the end of 2019 it could happen that the 2021 Champions start next season in Div 2. Obviously that wouldn’t be allowed to happen and the ECB will look at an option to avoid them looking even more stupid than they manage themselves. What that is I don’t know but we’ll wait until after this season has been decided. I hope a Div 1 and Div 2 for the best quality but I doubt we’ll get a 18 match season with H and A matches which would be great. It will be 14 matches, 7 H and 7 A so teams may be lucky as to who they do and don’t play. November decision at the earliest to enable counties to organise the matches in time for memberships to go out in January, which is the timescale of what happens in Somerset. As to Somerset irish and whether all is well behind the scenes. I don’t know but I’ve been at every County Championship day that crowds have been allowed in this season and apart from moans I’ve not heard anything. And some of the people I sit with are in the know and know the gossip etc. For example it was known that Byrom was on his way to Glamorgan a month or so before he went. We have good, talented players I hope the coaching available is as good as it can be. I think that there are more question marks over the quality of the coaching at the top perhaps. And secondly you’re right about it being an abject few weeks. But I’m not sure it’s as bad as it might appear and whilst the batsmen have got the criticism I see it somewhat differently. Our batting has been questionable over the last 4/5 years. We’ve never replaced Marcus T, we never replaced Chris Rogers. Their replacements have been our own youngsters which is great but you need the patience to allow them to progress. Tom Banton arrived in 2019 but barely played last year and this year has struggled in red ball cricket. Tom Lammonby arrived with 4 centuries last season but has found this season much harder, few major scores and none over 50, I think. Monday’s century was his first for a year and tbh perhaps he’s been found out. He’s got to widen his repertoire of shots. We’ve got lots of other decent players, Bartlett and this season Goldsworthy who should be our No. 6 for the next 10 years. Getting to the BWT Final last year papered over the cracks because we didn’t bat well all season yet in nearly every match someone got a century to give us a decent score. The runs, apart form Lammonby, were shared around. Our pace bowlers always got us out of trouble. I didn’t realise this until chatting to one of the encyclopaedias of Somerset minutiae yesterday but the last time Somerset signed a batsman from another county before Chris Rogers from Middlesex in 2016 was Nick Compton, again from Middlesex in about 2006/7 (?). Perhaps Steve Davies fits that but he was more of a wicketkeeper who batted rather than a pure batsman. When you see the frequency at which counties make loan signings nowadays I found that an incredible statistic! We don’t do it, we seem happy to provide opportunities for our young players. The reason why we have been so poor imo is that our bowling hasn’t been the potent force this season compared to the last 5/6/7 seasons. This season we have been without Overton, Leach and Gregory since June when we rolled sides over very easily and topped our group easily. Add to that the loss of J Overton to Surrey at the end of last season, Jack Leach’s non availability most of the season, and the need to rest Josh Davey in this most recent match has resulted in a bowling attack that is a shadow of that of the last few seasons. Yorkshire and Surrey can delve deeper than us when injuries and test matches call upon your best players. Counties like us and Sussex can’t delve so deep and we are really affected by these absences. And tbh Marchant de Lange may well have had a good Hundred but as an overseas player he excites, sometimes esp in one day matches but in Championship cricket he hasn’t delivered and our bowling hasn’t looked likely to get 20 wickets since June. We’ll be up for Saturday but the formless team, us are playing the form team in Hampshire (my pick for the Championship at the start of this thread in April) in the first semi final. But we’ll have Overton back for the first time since June and Gregory will I hope, Captain us and play as a batsman even if he can’t bowl. We’ll be ok even if we don’t win. I bet Yorkshire were getting some real stick on Monday and Tuesday at Headingly with that dismal display. It doesn’t get like that at Taunton, there was lots of humour, albeit gallows humour and we even had Stephen Croft laughing with the banter! Roll on 2022!! Thanks for that - it's important insight. Possibly Somerset's recent success has meant that outsiders have just seen the results without looking too much and what is going on under the bonnet and just assumed they should be one of the favourites making their collapse seem surprising. I suppose there is an alternative narrative whereby they have just been a bit exposed once every game became against one of the top sides although that might be overcorrecting in the other direction somewhat.
I can see why Somerset back their youngsters. They have enviable production line and most counties would love to have the depth and range of young players they consistently produce. Plus while they are one of the 'haves' of the county world these days they're still not a Test venue county so I suppose they do have to think strategically about their resources. That is an interesting stat about not bringing in batsmen from other counties though - suggests that its a policy rather than a coincidence. I do wonder if they have a bit of a modern problem too - many of their youngsters seem like very good attacking white ball players, possibly that fails to translate into the red ball game as consistently as it needs to? That's surely an issue that is here to stay though - if I was a talented young batsman I'd be focusing on white skills too because that's where both the money and the career longevity are most likely to be now unfortunately.
I didn't see the final of the T20 and can't find highlights anywhere but it looked from the fall of wickets like Somerset throw it away from a winning positon at 10 Overs. I did see the Semi-Final though - that was enormously entertaining!
Final week of the Championship this week. I'm hoping to get over to see at least 1 day at Liverpool to watch a bit of Lancs v Hants which could prove critical but I suspect the decisive moment will at Trent Bridge where I assume the Sky cameras will be this week.
I'm off to Edgbaston tomorrow. No idea where the title is heading, but it will a major surprise to me if Warwickshire don't beat Somerset which would put the pressure on Hampshire and all but rule Notts out wouldn't it?
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 20, 2021 13:30:11 GMT
I went to New Road yesterday to watch the ODI between England and New Zealand. Really decent crowd in, to the extent that I had to queue for 30 minutes to get in (only one gate for an estimated 3k crowd probably wasn't that sensible). It was pretty clear in the queue that there were plenty of people visiting New Road for the first time, as well as lots of families in attendance. Begrudgingly, I must admit, I heard loads of families talking about the hundred. I mean you could argue that the blast could have attracted these people with the right support, but I really do think that women's cricket has been a huge beneficiary of the Hundred.
I thought both sides were well below par with the bat. England's middle order were woeful but New Zealand bowled, and fielded really well. Their ground fielding was especially impressive. England just got the job done with the ball despite DLS making life tougher for them.
If you like cricket, and have watched a women's international yet, then I would recommend it.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 6, 2021 18:14:52 GMT
Think that Micheal Vaughan needs to have a relook at the ability of Mooen IMO not a test standard player, though a few have again let themselves down, M' does it consistently, keep to the white ball game where he can be an outstanding player I can't think of many players who are good enough to play test cricket having barely hit a red ball in three years. When he was playing regularly and not shunted up and down the order, he was a decent option for England. Same with Bairstow, and Buttler has done well in the past after an extended run too. Our middle order was our strength a few years ago. Now it's as flakey as our top order. That is not entirely the fault of the batting unit. We could move on from Bairstow and Moeen but what then? Without Stokes we're probably left with Woakes at 7 and then Robinson, Leach, wood and Anderson. Looks pretty flakey to me, and I'm yet to be convinced that leach is a better option, especially on flat pitches or when it's doing a bit for the quicks. I notice Parkinson hasn't played for Lancs in this round. I wonder if we might pick Mo, Woakes, Wood, Anderson and Parkinson for the 5th test? They clearly don't rate Leach
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Sept 5, 2021 8:30:15 GMT
India favourites to win this now after today. England need a huge morning which could happen. I always thought this India side had this in them though. Been a good series - lots of momentum shifts. It felt benign when England were batting on Friday. Just based on what I saw, and looking at the recent history of test cricket at the Oval, it felt like England should have scored 400 as a minimum in their first innings. Woakes is a good batsmen, but when you see a lower player completely in control facing the second new ball, that is usually a good sign that conditions favour the batting side. The top order reverted to type and the middle to lower order weren't quite good enough to get us out of a hole. I know some of the shots were appalling, but I can't help but wonder whether we've ruined Mo and YJB by changing their role from one match to the next and by dropping them when that has resulted in a loss of form. Test cricket is as much mindset as it is technique. They both have the talent to succeed, but how much red ball cricket have they played in the last 3 years. Both of them have gone backwards over the last 5 years and I just feel that isn't completely their fault. Anderson and Robinson look knackered. In hindsight, one of them should have sat out this test. Even without hindsight, the decision to pick an attack with no point of difference for a London test looked foolish. When the pitch is quick it benefits everyone. When it's flat you need someone who can take the pitch out of the equation. Wood should have played this week, and sat out old Trafford if necessary. Even 200 might be too much for England's brittle batting line up to chase. India are one decent partnership away from controlling this test match.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Aug 20, 2021 18:34:02 GMT
It is a mess and I really don't feel any sympathy for the SC which, in my opinion, has not been fit for purpose since anyone with any talent resigned back in 2006. However, I do think they are right to hold on to the £50k proceeds from the sale of the old shop if the plan is to use this for the training facility given that Wael has confirmed that it is not owned by the FC. It's not a huge leap of imagination to consider a future in which Wael sells the FC and holds on to the training facility with Rovers paying rent. Well yes and no. The moment the Al-Qadis purchased 90% of the club, we are always at there/Wael's mercy. Even if the FC wholely owned the training ground, there would literally be nothing stopping Wael (not suggesting he would) doing any sort of transactions depending on who or what he was selling too Guess it depends doesn't it. Does the same parent company own the ground and the training ground? If it does then yes, it probably suggests that this is a move to protect the club's assets. If not then I think my point is still a valid one.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Aug 20, 2021 17:44:01 GMT
It is a mess and I really don't feel any sympathy for the SC which, in my opinion, has not been fit for purpose since anyone with any talent resigned back in 2006.
However, I do think they are right to hold on to the £50k proceeds from the sale of the old shop if the plan is to use this for the training facility given that Wael has confirmed that it is not owned by the FC.
It's not a huge leap of imagination to consider a future in which Wael sells the FC and holds on to the training facility with Rovers paying rent.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Aug 8, 2021 8:26:31 GMT
I agree with a lot of that. In terms of balancing the side, I'd have gone back to Moeen Ali with both stokes and Woakes injured. Not sure he offers less with the bat than Lawrence and would give us a good 5th bowling option. He's done well against India in home tests in the past.
I agree on Broad. I would still be looking to play one of Broad or Anderson for 3 of the 5 tests this summer. I didn't have a problem picking them both for the first test, but I think in London, we'll need a bit of pace. I also think Robinson looks like Broad's successor.
I think we probably do need to role the dice and pick another top order batter. Part of me thinks we should go back to Hameed now. Part of me thinks it's too soon. We have to time it right as another setback could finish him off as an international cricketer and we are so light on options that we can't afford to do that. The clamour seems to be growing for Malan which is probably the least bad option.
On Buttler, I think he knows what he's doing. He's had a couple of good summers for England. He's really streaky though and I think, what he hasn't really figured out yet, is how to make runs when he's not feeling great. I reckon you often have a good idea whether he is going to score runs within his first 5 balls. I also think he struggles to move from white to red ball cricket, unless he's in exceptional white ball form (which hasn't really been the case this summer).
India look like a formidable side though. If they beat us despite root scoring 150 runs in a low scoring test we are in real trouble. He's not likely to score hundreds in all 4 remaining tests. Who is scoring the runs when he fails?
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Jul 22, 2021 9:03:13 GMT
The hundred is great for the women's game in my opinion. The extra money for players outside of the England set up (all be it rather modest at the moment), should help drive up standards, the extra exposure should help increase interest and ultimately participation. Not sure how many tickets were hand-outs but lovely to see 10k people in for a women's domestic game in this country. Yesterday's game was alright. Both sides can do better in the field. The Originals (I think!) would have won if they had held on to a couple of catches. The cameo by Maddy Villiers, the stumping by Eleanor Threlkeld and just Sophie Ecklestone in general were highlights.
By contrast, the men's version is an abomination for well documented reasons. I just disagree that you make cricket more accessible by reducing the number of teams. No chance anyone from the South West is going to follow the Welsh Fire. I don't think I will watch it.
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Jul 15, 2021 10:37:06 GMT
All very true but from a Somerset pov it is a good job we got the points yesterday but we could do with Hants winning, we'll take more points into Stage 2 if that happens. At least Leach and Van de Merwe making a game of it in Surrey second innings. Do you reckon Surrey will get fined for their pitch? Unlikely. Using an old pitch, signing up Ashwin for the match and opening the innings with the spinners. All a bit suspicious to me but nothing will be said. A bit suspicious yes, but as a member of the " select," few, nothing will be said or likely to happen, and as you wished the Glums fell away rather tamely and Hampshire got the win 👍👍, Strong words must be going around their camp tonight!!! 😊 I think that's a bit harsh personally. Dent, van Buuren and Payne are three of their most experienced campaigners, and they were all missing for one reason or another. I thought a very young team put up a pretty good fight and looked set to hang on for a draw until Oliver Price swept a ball into the helmet of short leg. Ultimately, a first innings collapse cost them in this game, and a lack of a quality spinner probably cost them overall (although again, van Burren would have helped here). They've basically finished this part of the season somewhere between 6th - 9th in a two division set up. That would give them a decent chance of first division survival which has to be the primary aim if and when we go back to a two tier system doesn't it? I know people are more tribal than I am when it comes to cricket, and that is fair enough. Personally, given that Glos and Worcester are now in Div 2 and 3 respectively, I will be rooting for Somerset come the resumption.
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