Two days since my last blog, and in that time Worcestershire let slip a perfect opportunity to win the first game of the season against the Bears, and then slipped to a crushing defeat at the hands of that canny one day team, Gloucestershire.
On day three of the championship game against Warwickshire, the Pears pushed home their advantage, with Solanki and Hick’s centuries adding to Moore’s ton in the first innings to give Worcestershire a seemingly unassailable lead. However, for some inexplicable reason, Solanki waited and waited to declare, leaving his bowlers just 16 overs at the end of the day, with a lead of nearly 500. With the weather forecast pointing towards showers on the last day this seemed a very strange decision.
However, he seemed when, just two overs after lunch Kabir took the wicket of Luke Parker to leave Warwickshire reeling on 109-7. That, however was the last of the meaningful play, as Tony Frost dug in for a 110 ball 46, and helped by 18 (78) from Botha salvaged a draw.
The late, negative declaration from a captain who has shown in the past he is not scared to risk losing to gain a victory was a baffling decision, and hopefully this cautiousness will not transcend for the whole season.
One reason, perhaps for the negative declaration could have been that Vikram was worried about the strength of his bowling attack. Simon Jones, who didn’t take the field after the first day with a ‘sore neck’ was a big miss from the line up, and with only Kabir and Gareth Batty he knew he could rely on he could have been worried that the attacking instincts of Maddy, Westwood or Poonia could have caused trouble. However, I would say this was a far too cautious, and VIkram will have some explaining to do.
Onto Bristol for the Sunday, and there were, as expected – and required in the case of Jones – some changes from the championship team for the opening match of the Friends Provident trophy.
Worcestershire will have high hopes for this trophy this year, as they performed well in limited overs competition towards the end of last year.
The one unexpected absentee from the team sheet was Graeme Hick who, having averaged over 70 in the pro40 at the end of last season, must have been left out to rest him for more important games. If this is going to be a common trend that that will please Moeen Ali, who was given his chance. The other change was debutant Chris Whelan, the winter acquisition from Middlesex, in for Jones.
The game did not start well, the opening pair of Steven Davies and captain Solanki both being removed by Steve Kirby with the score on 20. The redhead could be pushing for England contention this summer, and early wickets in one day competitions will do him no harm at all. Moeen and Steve Moore fell soon after, and Daryll Mitchell came to the wicket to join Ben Smith, with the score on just 46. These two put on somewhat of a recovery mission, putting on 129 before Mitchell fell for a nice looking 63. This, however, signalled a collapse, the next three wickets falling for just 22, and the innings closed on 221-8, a rate of 4.5 p/over never looking like quite enough.
And so the case was proved. The Gloucs top order feasted on some distinctly average seam bowling from Worcestershire, Gareth Andrew going for 53 off 6 overs, Kabir for 48 off 7 and Magoffin, at 6 p/over being the most economical. Chris Whelan did grab a couple of wickets, but these too were expensive and Kadeer Ali (63), Hamish Marshall (57) and Craig Spearman (64*) saw the Gladiators over the winning line with 14.4 overs to spare.
It was a disappointing result for the Pears, who will be hoping that the return of Simon Jones and Matt Mason will not be too far away, as judging by this bowling attack not too many teams will fear facing Worcestershire. The batting, too, was a concern. I don’t believe chopping and changing the order really works. Mitchell proved here he is a capable batsman, and he and Solanki could do a job up the order. Steven Davies, I feel, can be more effective I the middle overs, working the ball rather than hitting for big runs at the start.
The county championship resumes for Worcestershire on Wednesday against Leicestershire, and this is a must win game for the Pears if the feel good factor of the first three days of the new season is not going to quickly ebb away, as this game is followed by a visit from Somerset Sabres next Sunday – a match that will be tough to say the least.
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Friday, 18 April 2008
Moore finally dismissed, but Worcs on top
Steve Moore was dismissed for the first time this season, but he and Vikram Solanki had put on an exciting 141 to put Worcestershire firmly in command of this tie.
The day started well for the Pears, Kabir dismissing Lee Daggett – the night watchman – in his first over. Then Trott and Poonia put on 83 before Batty had Poonia caught at slip with what looked like his famed ‘doosra’. The Bears offered very little resistance after this, and their last three wickets actually fell for no runs, Gareth Andrew clearing up the tail on his county debut, finishing with 3-37.
Mitchell was once again out cheaply, but then Moore and Solanki came together. Moore, with a series of cuts and slashes behind square, and Solanki with numerous glorious drives, including one straight drive for 6, put the pressure firmly on Warwickshire. When Moore was dismissed late in the day it was only after he and the captain had led Worcestershire to a lead of 191, and surely the Royals will be looking for quick runs early on day 3 to press home this advantage.
The day started well for the Pears, Kabir dismissing Lee Daggett – the night watchman – in his first over. Then Trott and Poonia put on 83 before Batty had Poonia caught at slip with what looked like his famed ‘doosra’. The Bears offered very little resistance after this, and their last three wickets actually fell for no runs, Gareth Andrew clearing up the tail on his county debut, finishing with 3-37.
Mitchell was once again out cheaply, but then Moore and Solanki came together. Moore, with a series of cuts and slashes behind square, and Solanki with numerous glorious drives, including one straight drive for 6, put the pressure firmly on Warwickshire. When Moore was dismissed late in the day it was only after he and the captain had led Worcestershire to a lead of 191, and surely the Royals will be looking for quick runs early on day 3 to press home this advantage.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Worcs perform as predicted on opening day
Worcestershire’s first day of the 2008 season followed just how I predicted, with an average to poor batting display built around one score of note being followed up by a very encouraging beginning with the new ball.
The day started well enough, with Daryll Mitchell and Steve Moore putting on 33, albeit very slowly. However, when Mitchell was trapped in front by Lee Daggett for 7 it was the start of somewhat of a collapse, and we soon found ourselves 83-4, Solanki, Smith and Hick all following the youngster back to the pavilion. Steven Davies offered Moore support in a cameo of 22 off 27 balls, but after he and Batty got out in successive balls it was looking ominous for the Royals.
However, Kabir offered Moore some assistance and weighed in with a typically extravagant 36 from 43 balls. In was in this partnership that Moore brought up his fifty, from 228 balls – a dogged start from the opener. As soon as Kabir got out to Ant Botha the Worcs tail offered very little resistance and the three pears were all out for 249 – typically frustratingly 1 short of the next batting point. Moore carried his bat for 109 off 253 balls – a brilliantly gritty display which could prove invaluable come the third and fourth days of this match.
However, as suggested our strength this year is in our quick bowling department, and Kabir, Magoffin and Simon Jones all picked up a wicket each as Warks finished the day precariously placed on 39-3, with cloud cover expected for the start of day two.
The day started well enough, with Daryll Mitchell and Steve Moore putting on 33, albeit very slowly. However, when Mitchell was trapped in front by Lee Daggett for 7 it was the start of somewhat of a collapse, and we soon found ourselves 83-4, Solanki, Smith and Hick all following the youngster back to the pavilion. Steven Davies offered Moore support in a cameo of 22 off 27 balls, but after he and Batty got out in successive balls it was looking ominous for the Royals.
However, Kabir offered Moore some assistance and weighed in with a typically extravagant 36 from 43 balls. In was in this partnership that Moore brought up his fifty, from 228 balls – a dogged start from the opener. As soon as Kabir got out to Ant Botha the Worcs tail offered very little resistance and the three pears were all out for 249 – typically frustratingly 1 short of the next batting point. Moore carried his bat for 109 off 253 balls – a brilliantly gritty display which could prove invaluable come the third and fourth days of this match.
However, as suggested our strength this year is in our quick bowling department, and Kabir, Magoffin and Simon Jones all picked up a wicket each as Warks finished the day precariously placed on 39-3, with cloud cover expected for the start of day two.
Warks Match Preview
Team: Mitchell, Moore, Solanki, Smith, Hick, Davies, Batty, K Ali, Andrew, Jones, Magoffin
Prospects of Play:
Day 1
Cloudy with sunny spells
Top Temp - 11
Day 2
Mainly sunny with some cloud
Top Temp - 17
Day 3
Cloudy with chance of rain later on
Top Temp - 11
Day 4
Showers
Top Temp - 13
Match Odds:
(Totesport)
Warks: 8/11 Worcs: evens
Prospects of Play:
Day 1
Cloudy with sunny spells
Top Temp - 11
Day 2
Mainly sunny with some cloud
Top Temp - 17
Day 3
Cloudy with chance of rain later on
Top Temp - 11
Day 4
Showers
Top Temp - 13
Match Odds:
(Totesport)
Warks: 8/11 Worcs: evens
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Squad Announced to Face Warwickshire
The management at New Road have announced an initial 12 man squad for the season opener against our local rival Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
D K H Mitchell, S C Moore , V S Solanki *, B Smith, G A Hick, S M Davies +, G J Batty, K Ali, GM Andrew, S P Jones, S J Magoffin, M M Ali.
It appears, if from the order they are written down if nothing else that Moeen Ali is set to be the waterboy for the season opener. This matches up with the team I predicted, with Gareth Andrew, Simon Jones and Steve Magoffin earning their debuts for the county.
At the top of the order it seems that Daryll Mitchell is confirmed as the first choice opener alongsde Steve Moore and this is a partnership that we could see all season.
Updates will be provided as and when possible throughout play.
D K H Mitchell, S C Moore , V S Solanki *, B Smith, G A Hick, S M Davies +, G J Batty, K Ali, GM Andrew, S P Jones, S J Magoffin, M M Ali.
It appears, if from the order they are written down if nothing else that Moeen Ali is set to be the waterboy for the season opener. This matches up with the team I predicted, with Gareth Andrew, Simon Jones and Steve Magoffin earning their debuts for the county.
At the top of the order it seems that Daryll Mitchell is confirmed as the first choice opener alongsde Steve Moore and this is a partnership that we could see all season.
Updates will be provided as and when possible throughout play.
Monday, 14 April 2008
My Five to Watch
Here, in my first year as a cricket blogger I am going to pick five players from the county scene and tell you to watch out for them season. I am not going to look just at young players, but perhaps the older players who have not shone yet – or maybe even an old pro who may have the season of a career. As my interest is generally in the domestic game, I am going to stick to that.
1) Rikki Clarke (Derbys) – having been essentially a fringe player at Surrey for a few years, Clarke finally looked to have pushed into the first XI last season, however ended up playing only 10 championship matches. Having finally accepted his medium pace bowling is never going to be a threat, he appears to be concentrating on his batting. However, an average of only 23 was not good enough to keep him at Surrey – and the revolution that is Derbyshire quickly snapped him up. I see a fruitful season ahead for him, named as captain and likely to have no issues over selection this could be a big season for the perennial underachiever.
2) Steven Finn (Middx) – perhaps a predictable one this, but you just cannot ignore a 6’ 8” fast bowler! Having already played 5 first class matches and boasting a highly impressive bowling average of 20.50 (16 wickets) this could be a big season for the young Londoner. He probably won’t be in the first XI at the start of the season, but expect to see his name around, and he is my pick to emulate JAR Harris of Glamorgan as young player of the year.
3) Of all of the new signings this winter, one has hardly managed to bat any eyelids at all – but could indeed be one of the shrewdest acquisitions of them all. William Porterfield has finally made the step into country cricket, and I would not be surprised to see him finish near the top of the batting averages come September. Boasting a highly impressive set of averages – ODI – 59.92 (how many England players can say that); first class – 47.13 – he certainly has pedigree. I really admire Gloucestershire for taking this gamble, and it is one I fully expect to pay off – especially look out for him in the one day competitions.
4) James Tredwell (Kent) – I saw Tredwell in a T20 game at Notts last season, and his economic 4 overs really impressed me. The off spinner, who can also bat more than a bit, took 36 wickets at 35 last season, and I can see this getting better as he gains more experience. Never mentioned in the same breath as the words ‘England’ and ‘No. 8’, Tredwell will keep plugging away this season – do not be surprised to see him top 50 wickets this season.
5) Finally, and predictably enough, I have to include a Worcestershire player, and I am going to go for Simon Jones. This is a really big year for ‘Jonah’. He has made the break from his home county, and perhaps the break will do him the world of good. He has wintered well, and if he stays fit all season he will be pushing the 75 wicket mark on a relatively new, green track at New Road. That is a heck of an ‘if’ though, and it is without doubt a risk from a county that is already in some serious financial problems after the floods of 2007. All of that said, however, England play the first Ashes test of 2009 at Sophia Gardens. . . incentive if ever there was any. . .
1) Rikki Clarke (Derbys) – having been essentially a fringe player at Surrey for a few years, Clarke finally looked to have pushed into the first XI last season, however ended up playing only 10 championship matches. Having finally accepted his medium pace bowling is never going to be a threat, he appears to be concentrating on his batting. However, an average of only 23 was not good enough to keep him at Surrey – and the revolution that is Derbyshire quickly snapped him up. I see a fruitful season ahead for him, named as captain and likely to have no issues over selection this could be a big season for the perennial underachiever.
2) Steven Finn (Middx) – perhaps a predictable one this, but you just cannot ignore a 6’ 8” fast bowler! Having already played 5 first class matches and boasting a highly impressive bowling average of 20.50 (16 wickets) this could be a big season for the young Londoner. He probably won’t be in the first XI at the start of the season, but expect to see his name around, and he is my pick to emulate JAR Harris of Glamorgan as young player of the year.
3) Of all of the new signings this winter, one has hardly managed to bat any eyelids at all – but could indeed be one of the shrewdest acquisitions of them all. William Porterfield has finally made the step into country cricket, and I would not be surprised to see him finish near the top of the batting averages come September. Boasting a highly impressive set of averages – ODI – 59.92 (how many England players can say that); first class – 47.13 – he certainly has pedigree. I really admire Gloucestershire for taking this gamble, and it is one I fully expect to pay off – especially look out for him in the one day competitions.
4) James Tredwell (Kent) – I saw Tredwell in a T20 game at Notts last season, and his economic 4 overs really impressed me. The off spinner, who can also bat more than a bit, took 36 wickets at 35 last season, and I can see this getting better as he gains more experience. Never mentioned in the same breath as the words ‘England’ and ‘No. 8’, Tredwell will keep plugging away this season – do not be surprised to see him top 50 wickets this season.
5) Finally, and predictably enough, I have to include a Worcestershire player, and I am going to go for Simon Jones. This is a really big year for ‘Jonah’. He has made the break from his home county, and perhaps the break will do him the world of good. He has wintered well, and if he stays fit all season he will be pushing the 75 wicket mark on a relatively new, green track at New Road. That is a heck of an ‘if’ though, and it is without doubt a risk from a county that is already in some serious financial problems after the floods of 2007. All of that said, however, England play the first Ashes test of 2009 at Sophia Gardens. . . incentive if ever there was any. . .
Youngsters Lose to Victoria
A Worcestershire academy XI lost to Kidderminster Victoria by 5 wickets today.
Victoria, who claim to be “the biggest club in Hereford and Worcester” won the match with a six!
There are links between the two teams – with players such as Josh Knappett and Will Gifford playing their club cricket for them.
The academy XI batted first, with Alexei Kervezee impressing the most, scoring 64.
In reply, another off the D’Oliveira conveyor belt, Brett claimed 3-22 and young seamer Richard Jones 2-6.
There were no players playing who are likely to start on Wednesday, although Jones’ impressive contribution with the ball will make sure he is not far from the fringes of the first XI.
Victoria, who claim to be “the biggest club in Hereford and Worcester” won the match with a six!
There are links between the two teams – with players such as Josh Knappett and Will Gifford playing their club cricket for them.
The academy XI batted first, with Alexei Kervezee impressing the most, scoring 64.
In reply, another off the D’Oliveira conveyor belt, Brett claimed 3-22 and young seamer Richard Jones 2-6.
There were no players playing who are likely to start on Wednesday, although Jones’ impressive contribution with the ball will make sure he is not far from the fringes of the first XI.
2 days to go. . .
With the start of the championship season but a day away, the round of 3 day UCCE matches came to an end, and as per usual many were affected by inclement weather.
At Fenner’s Essex and Cambridge UCCE ground out a draw. The only real performances of notes heading towards the county season were in the Essex batting line up – Pettini and ten Doeschate hitting big tons in the first innings and new signing Jason Gallian getting 79 in the second – although another new boy, David Masters did claim 2-18 off 14 overs.
At Derby there was a real turgid affair between the host county and Durham UCCE. Here the most notable displays were from new boy Rikki Clarke (79) and old timer Kevin Dean (11-3-16-4). Perhaps the left armer is going to have a golden autumn to his career.
On the south coast there was very little more play, the 108 made by James Adams on the first day the only real highlight.
Kent failed to build on their dominating first innings. After the top four all made scores above 50, and two of them over 100, they couldn’t bowl Bradford/Leeds out, being made to toil for 94 overs and using 9 bowlers in the process – even Rob Key bowled an over!
And finally, the last and most weather affected game was at the Oval, surrey managing only 8 overs in their reply to Loughborough, Jon Batty and Usman Afzaal making it to stumps undefeated.
So the season is but 60 hours upon us. Fans up and down the country will be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing the new signings and old timers in action for their county. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing Simon Jones in action, as well as the long awaited return from injury of Matt Mason. As always I look forward to seeing Graeme Hick plunder some more runs – but most exciting of all I think is the prospect of days, weeks and months of cricket, cricket and more cricket!
At Fenner’s Essex and Cambridge UCCE ground out a draw. The only real performances of notes heading towards the county season were in the Essex batting line up – Pettini and ten Doeschate hitting big tons in the first innings and new signing Jason Gallian getting 79 in the second – although another new boy, David Masters did claim 2-18 off 14 overs.
At Derby there was a real turgid affair between the host county and Durham UCCE. Here the most notable displays were from new boy Rikki Clarke (79) and old timer Kevin Dean (11-3-16-4). Perhaps the left armer is going to have a golden autumn to his career.
On the south coast there was very little more play, the 108 made by James Adams on the first day the only real highlight.
Kent failed to build on their dominating first innings. After the top four all made scores above 50, and two of them over 100, they couldn’t bowl Bradford/Leeds out, being made to toil for 94 overs and using 9 bowlers in the process – even Rob Key bowled an over!
And finally, the last and most weather affected game was at the Oval, surrey managing only 8 overs in their reply to Loughborough, Jon Batty and Usman Afzaal making it to stumps undefeated.
So the season is but 60 hours upon us. Fans up and down the country will be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing the new signings and old timers in action for their county. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing Simon Jones in action, as well as the long awaited return from injury of Matt Mason. As always I look forward to seeing Graeme Hick plunder some more runs – but most exciting of all I think is the prospect of days, weeks and months of cricket, cricket and more cricket!
Saturday, 12 April 2008
First Full Day!
So the first full(ish) day of county cricket has been and gone, so I thought now would be an appropriate time for another blog!
At Fenners Cambridge had a long day in the field, being made to toil by the Essex batsmen – Mark Pettini (153) and Ryan ten Doeschate (146*) in particular. On his first class debut for his new county Jason Gallian made 38.
There was no play at Derby where they are playing Durham UCCE.
At the Rose Bowl – recently announced as a future test match venue – Hampshire stuttered to 237-8 against Cardiff UCCE, the highlight being 103* from James Adams.
Without doubt the most impressive performance from a county team was from Kent, who made 366-2 against Leeds/Bradford UCCE. Key (105) and Denly (122) put on 225 for the first wicket, and van Jaarsveld and Walker both knocked half centuries.
Whilst down at the Brit Oval Loughborough performed most admirably out of all the students’, closing on 148-1 on a weather interrupted day. Their opener, Richard Johan Anders Malcolm-Hansen – a Danish Kentishman!! – finished the day on 93*. Surrey’s bowling attack looked weak, although one cannot think that too many of them will begin the championship opener later this week.
Finally, an update on the MCC match. Sussex had not had very much fun over the first couple of days, but on day 3, aided by the injury late on in day 2 to Steve Kirby, however, they took full control. This was mainly thanks to England hopeful Luke Wright. He smashed 155* off 185 balls with 21 fours and 3 sixes. This is a really big season for Wright – he has established himself in England’s one day team, and many more innings like this will soon see him pushing for test contention.
How happy I am the cricket season is back upon us!
At Fenners Cambridge had a long day in the field, being made to toil by the Essex batsmen – Mark Pettini (153) and Ryan ten Doeschate (146*) in particular. On his first class debut for his new county Jason Gallian made 38.
There was no play at Derby where they are playing Durham UCCE.
At the Rose Bowl – recently announced as a future test match venue – Hampshire stuttered to 237-8 against Cardiff UCCE, the highlight being 103* from James Adams.
Without doubt the most impressive performance from a county team was from Kent, who made 366-2 against Leeds/Bradford UCCE. Key (105) and Denly (122) put on 225 for the first wicket, and van Jaarsveld and Walker both knocked half centuries.
Whilst down at the Brit Oval Loughborough performed most admirably out of all the students’, closing on 148-1 on a weather interrupted day. Their opener, Richard Johan Anders Malcolm-Hansen – a Danish Kentishman!! – finished the day on 93*. Surrey’s bowling attack looked weak, although one cannot think that too many of them will begin the championship opener later this week.
Finally, an update on the MCC match. Sussex had not had very much fun over the first couple of days, but on day 3, aided by the injury late on in day 2 to Steve Kirby, however, they took full control. This was mainly thanks to England hopeful Luke Wright. He smashed 155* off 185 balls with 21 fours and 3 sixes. This is a really big season for Wright – he has established himself in England’s one day team, and many more innings like this will soon see him pushing for test contention.
How happy I am the cricket season is back upon us!
First Championship Match
The Pears' first Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division 2 match is against our local rivals, Warwickshire, starting on Wednesday 16th April.
It is impossible to say what the Worcester team will be, but I am going to stick my neck out and predict the following XI:
Daryll Mitchell
Stephen Moore
Vikram Solanki *
Ben Smith
Graeme Hick
Steven Davies +
Gareth Batty
Kabir Ali
Simon Jones
Steve Magoffin
Gareth Andrew
The biggest doubt is whether Matthew Mason will be fit. If he is, there is every chance he will play instead of Gareth Andrew, but he has performed impressively in the friendlies, especially against Essex where he claimed a couple of wickets. I can see the batting line up being fairly steady, with Mitchell stepping in for the previously underachieving Phil Jaques.
Warwickshire Preview
A surprise relegation last year, they will be keen to bounce back up. With new director of cricket, Ashley Giles, at the helm there is no lack of experience in the dressing room. It is still unclear as to whether Bell and Ambrose will play any part. Have invested wisely, Ian Salisbury and new coach Allan Donald will add experience, whilst Boyd Rankin is a promising bowler. Beneficiary Michael Powell will look to impress.
Last time around. . .
When we played at Edgbaston last year, the match summed up our season really. A winning draw, a promising batting performance that still failed to get maximum bonus points and a match ultimately decided by the weather. A slow century from Stephen Moore was backed up by contributions (of no greater than 50) from Jaques, Solanki, Hick, Smith and Kabir. Their first innings was a rare one - in that Doug Bollinger took 4 wickets - a quarter of his haul for the whole season.
Prediction. . .
Depends a lot on whether Bell and Ambrose play. If they do, then a high scoring draw is potentially the best we can hope for. However, if Kabir and Simon Jones have their boots strapped on correctly then it could be the start of a very special season indeed. . .
It is impossible to say what the Worcester team will be, but I am going to stick my neck out and predict the following XI:
Daryll Mitchell
Stephen Moore
Vikram Solanki *
Ben Smith
Graeme Hick
Steven Davies +
Gareth Batty
Kabir Ali
Simon Jones
Steve Magoffin
Gareth Andrew
The biggest doubt is whether Matthew Mason will be fit. If he is, there is every chance he will play instead of Gareth Andrew, but he has performed impressively in the friendlies, especially against Essex where he claimed a couple of wickets. I can see the batting line up being fairly steady, with Mitchell stepping in for the previously underachieving Phil Jaques.
Warwickshire Preview
A surprise relegation last year, they will be keen to bounce back up. With new director of cricket, Ashley Giles, at the helm there is no lack of experience in the dressing room. It is still unclear as to whether Bell and Ambrose will play any part. Have invested wisely, Ian Salisbury and new coach Allan Donald will add experience, whilst Boyd Rankin is a promising bowler. Beneficiary Michael Powell will look to impress.
Last time around. . .
When we played at Edgbaston last year, the match summed up our season really. A winning draw, a promising batting performance that still failed to get maximum bonus points and a match ultimately decided by the weather. A slow century from Stephen Moore was backed up by contributions (of no greater than 50) from Jaques, Solanki, Hick, Smith and Kabir. Their first innings was a rare one - in that Doug Bollinger took 4 wickets - a quarter of his haul for the whole season.
Prediction. . .
Depends a lot on whether Bell and Ambrose play. If they do, then a high scoring draw is potentially the best we can hope for. However, if Kabir and Simon Jones have their boots strapped on correctly then it could be the start of a very special season indeed. . .
The Three Pears - Introduction
I am running this blog because I think that there are a lot of people out there who, like me, have a keen interest in county cricket, and love debate and argument on the topic.
For me, country cricket does not get enough press coverage. At my club's training session last week, at least 75% of the people there did not realise the season started this week! So I am going to come on here and offer my opinions on the county game. It may not be a regular thing, it may only be weekly or bi-weekly, but I am going to offer an opinion nonetheless.
The focus, as the page suggests, will be Worcestershire County Cricket Club, however, the county game as a whole is of great interest to me, so whether it is an outstanding individual display or a gritty team performance, I will try to give it a mention!
All feedback, comments and criticism will the greatly appreciated!
Martin
For me, country cricket does not get enough press coverage. At my club's training session last week, at least 75% of the people there did not realise the season started this week! So I am going to come on here and offer my opinions on the county game. It may not be a regular thing, it may only be weekly or bi-weekly, but I am going to offer an opinion nonetheless.
The focus, as the page suggests, will be Worcestershire County Cricket Club, however, the county game as a whole is of great interest to me, so whether it is an outstanding individual display or a gritty team performance, I will try to give it a mention!
All feedback, comments and criticism will the greatly appreciated!
Martin
Preview of 2008
2007 in a Nutshell:
Again, like normal 2007 was a mixed season for Worcestershire! Relegated from the First Division in the Championship, finishing 2nd in the Pro40 division one, another disappointing T20 effort and a fairly poor attempt in the Friends Provident Trophy would be how the season went in terms of cricket played.
Best Performances
Championship
Batting – Graeme Hick, again – 963 runs at an average above his age – 42 - (only just!)
Bowling – Kabir – over 50 wickets at 22 – standout bowler once again
Limited Overs
Batting – Graeme Hick – an average of over 70, what more can be said!
Bowling – Kabir – an average of 19 – brilliant.
Worst Displays
Phil Jaques – only 500 first class runs from the overseas “star”
Gareth Batty – only 8 one day wickets at 55. Awful.
Probable side:
County Championship Mitchell, Moore, Solanki*, Smith, Hick, Davies+, Batty, Kabir, S. Jones, Magoffin/Edwards, Mason
One Day Games Davies+, Solanki*, Moeen, Smith, Hick, Mitchell, Batty, Kabir, S. Jones, Magoffin/Edwards, Mason
Openers: Mitchell and Moore formed a pretty decent partnership towards the end of last season, they will look to consolidate this early on in the season. With no real openers in back up attention could turn to Solanki or perhaps the promising Moeen Ali to step up should Mitchell or Moore look out of touch early on.
Middle Order: As has been the case at Worcestershire for the last 20 years, Graeme Hick is key here. Although he has moved down from 3 to 5, he still nearly topped 1000 runs last year, and will be looking to do that this year, as many think this could be his last. Ben Smith is not getting any younger either, and with players such as Moeen and the young Dutchman Alexei Kervezee waiting in the wings the pressure will be on early doors.
Wicketkeeper: There is no doubt here – Steven Davies. Although he didn’t enjoy too profitable a year with the bat – just 690 runs at exactly 30 and with no centuries, Davies will be looking to shake that off and put himself back into England contention. He is, however, an almost faultless wicketkeeper – responsible for 47 dismissals last season – a good effort from a keeper in a team who often failed to bowl the opposition out twice. Backup will come from Josh Knappett – an Oxbridge graduate who has impressed in the second team.
Fast Bowlers: This is where we really struggled last year and Kabir would have often been seen bowling 20 odd over’s in a row. However, this year we hopefully have a bit more depth than in previous seasons. The overseas combination of Magoffin and Fidel Edwards will be interesting – and could work out really well with Magoffin bowling on green tops early on in the season and Edwards bowling on the harder bouncier tracks later on. Simon Jones is an incredible acquisition and with a full pre season behind him looks fit and ready to go – maybe a stab at the Ashes in 2009? Matt Mason is also hopefully fit again, after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury. He will probably start the season in the team, but will face competition from youngsters Richard Jones, Gareth Andrew and Chris Whelan.
Spinners: Gareth Batty was the main spinner last season, and with the departure of Ray Price looks as though that will carry on. He was ineffective in one dayers, and economical and probing in the championship, and will thrive playing on second division pitches – most notably going back to the spinner’s paradise at Northampton! His poor performance in one dayers last year may mean one of the younger spinners – Shaftab Khalid or David Wheeldon get a chance to shine in the shorter version of the game.
Key Man: Difficult to say. It would be easy to say Graeme Hick, as although he is going to be 42 this season, when he scores runs we tend to win matches. However I am going to go for Kabir Ali. Over 50 wickets in the championship last year, he has developed into a very mature bowler as well as a very, very useful lower order batsman. He is key to the bowling attack, and to get promoted we will need to win a lot of matches – and to do that we need to bowl teams out twice – something we cannot do without the male model on top form. Do not be surprised if he “does a Sidebottom” in the next couple of years.
Rising Star: Last year this would have gone to Steven Davies, or maybe Darryl Mitchell, however, both of these are now pretty much cemented in the team. For this reason I am going to go for Moeen Ali. He got a fair crack of the whip towards the end of last year, and if one of the top 4 or 5 start badly this time around, he will be chomping at the bit to get in. Also look out for young Dutchman “the new Graeme Hick” Alexei Kervezee.
Captain and Coach: Steve ‘Bumpy’ Rhodes and Vikram Solanki. Bumpy’s first season was a tumultuous one – as if replacing the legendary Tom Moody needed to get any harder he then had to face the prospect of playing every match away from New Road for the last 1/3 of the season. Interesting to see how he develops, however his iconic status at New Road will ensure he gets time. Vikkers, now entering his 3rd season as captain has flourished in the role, and, assured of his place in the team for both forms of the game will be looking to lead his team to at least one trophy this year and himself to 1000 runs for only the 3rd time.
2008 Prospects: Again, I would say that our best chance is in the championship as our team looks set up for that, and promotion back to the top tier has to be the priority. Lack of investment in real ‘stars’ mean the T20 is out of the window, and the other limited over’s competition are of little real importance anyway. If our key players – Solanki, Hick, Kabir and Simon Jones – all play well then we will walk the second division and maybe even get to a Lords Final.
Predictions:
Championship (Div 2) - 2nd
Pro40 (Div 1) - 4th
T20 - Group Stage
Friends Provident - Group Stage
Again, like normal 2007 was a mixed season for Worcestershire! Relegated from the First Division in the Championship, finishing 2nd in the Pro40 division one, another disappointing T20 effort and a fairly poor attempt in the Friends Provident Trophy would be how the season went in terms of cricket played.
Best Performances
Championship
Batting – Graeme Hick, again – 963 runs at an average above his age – 42 - (only just!)
Bowling – Kabir – over 50 wickets at 22 – standout bowler once again
Limited Overs
Batting – Graeme Hick – an average of over 70, what more can be said!
Bowling – Kabir – an average of 19 – brilliant.
Worst Displays
Phil Jaques – only 500 first class runs from the overseas “star”
Gareth Batty – only 8 one day wickets at 55. Awful.
Probable side:
County Championship Mitchell, Moore, Solanki*, Smith, Hick, Davies+, Batty, Kabir, S. Jones, Magoffin/Edwards, Mason
One Day Games Davies+, Solanki*, Moeen, Smith, Hick, Mitchell, Batty, Kabir, S. Jones, Magoffin/Edwards, Mason
Openers: Mitchell and Moore formed a pretty decent partnership towards the end of last season, they will look to consolidate this early on in the season. With no real openers in back up attention could turn to Solanki or perhaps the promising Moeen Ali to step up should Mitchell or Moore look out of touch early on.
Middle Order: As has been the case at Worcestershire for the last 20 years, Graeme Hick is key here. Although he has moved down from 3 to 5, he still nearly topped 1000 runs last year, and will be looking to do that this year, as many think this could be his last. Ben Smith is not getting any younger either, and with players such as Moeen and the young Dutchman Alexei Kervezee waiting in the wings the pressure will be on early doors.
Wicketkeeper: There is no doubt here – Steven Davies. Although he didn’t enjoy too profitable a year with the bat – just 690 runs at exactly 30 and with no centuries, Davies will be looking to shake that off and put himself back into England contention. He is, however, an almost faultless wicketkeeper – responsible for 47 dismissals last season – a good effort from a keeper in a team who often failed to bowl the opposition out twice. Backup will come from Josh Knappett – an Oxbridge graduate who has impressed in the second team.
Fast Bowlers: This is where we really struggled last year and Kabir would have often been seen bowling 20 odd over’s in a row. However, this year we hopefully have a bit more depth than in previous seasons. The overseas combination of Magoffin and Fidel Edwards will be interesting – and could work out really well with Magoffin bowling on green tops early on in the season and Edwards bowling on the harder bouncier tracks later on. Simon Jones is an incredible acquisition and with a full pre season behind him looks fit and ready to go – maybe a stab at the Ashes in 2009? Matt Mason is also hopefully fit again, after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury. He will probably start the season in the team, but will face competition from youngsters Richard Jones, Gareth Andrew and Chris Whelan.
Spinners: Gareth Batty was the main spinner last season, and with the departure of Ray Price looks as though that will carry on. He was ineffective in one dayers, and economical and probing in the championship, and will thrive playing on second division pitches – most notably going back to the spinner’s paradise at Northampton! His poor performance in one dayers last year may mean one of the younger spinners – Shaftab Khalid or David Wheeldon get a chance to shine in the shorter version of the game.
Key Man: Difficult to say. It would be easy to say Graeme Hick, as although he is going to be 42 this season, when he scores runs we tend to win matches. However I am going to go for Kabir Ali. Over 50 wickets in the championship last year, he has developed into a very mature bowler as well as a very, very useful lower order batsman. He is key to the bowling attack, and to get promoted we will need to win a lot of matches – and to do that we need to bowl teams out twice – something we cannot do without the male model on top form. Do not be surprised if he “does a Sidebottom” in the next couple of years.
Rising Star: Last year this would have gone to Steven Davies, or maybe Darryl Mitchell, however, both of these are now pretty much cemented in the team. For this reason I am going to go for Moeen Ali. He got a fair crack of the whip towards the end of last year, and if one of the top 4 or 5 start badly this time around, he will be chomping at the bit to get in. Also look out for young Dutchman “the new Graeme Hick” Alexei Kervezee.
Captain and Coach: Steve ‘Bumpy’ Rhodes and Vikram Solanki. Bumpy’s first season was a tumultuous one – as if replacing the legendary Tom Moody needed to get any harder he then had to face the prospect of playing every match away from New Road for the last 1/3 of the season. Interesting to see how he develops, however his iconic status at New Road will ensure he gets time. Vikkers, now entering his 3rd season as captain has flourished in the role, and, assured of his place in the team for both forms of the game will be looking to lead his team to at least one trophy this year and himself to 1000 runs for only the 3rd time.
2008 Prospects: Again, I would say that our best chance is in the championship as our team looks set up for that, and promotion back to the top tier has to be the priority. Lack of investment in real ‘stars’ mean the T20 is out of the window, and the other limited over’s competition are of little real importance anyway. If our key players – Solanki, Hick, Kabir and Simon Jones – all play well then we will walk the second division and maybe even get to a Lords Final.
Predictions:
Championship (Div 2) - 2nd
Pro40 (Div 1) - 4th
T20 - Group Stage
Friends Provident - Group Stage
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