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Day 4
NOTTS ROASTED BY COOK
Notts went down to a humiliating 254 run defeat at Trent Bridge after being bowled out for 80 by 14:50 this afternoon. Sam Cook followed his figures of 4 for 59 which included a hat trick with the outstanding analyses of 14-10-14-6. Notts had no answer to the three Essex seamers with Porter picking up three wickets (for 43) and Snater having figures of 1 for 23.
The windy conditions of the first three days made way to more still conditions albeit with extensive cloud cover. James and Pennington took the ball first thing in the morning. They both bowled too short and offered easy runs for Rossington and Snater as Essex raced along scoring 45 in six overs. In the 96th over, Rossington hit Pennington for six over mid-wicket. Snater on the pull was dropped on 45 by Clarke running back towards long leg off James, an easy chance. But Snater (47 off 46 balls, 7x4) fell next ball caught low down on the run by Penington at deep backward square leg, the third wicket (for 73) in the innings for James, 370 for 9. Porter off drove the following ball for four. Essex immediately declared on 374 for 9 off 97 overs. Rossington, batting with a damaged finger finished on 39 not out (off 49 balls, 6x4, 1x6). Notts had bowled too short at times during the Essex innings with neither Hutton or Paterson looking fully fit. Harrison (9-1-24-2) was under bowled and belatedly introduced.
Notts needed 335 off 88 overs at 3.81 RPO, a generous declaration by 2024 standards. This was a clear sign that Essex were confident of victory in the best bowling conditions of the match with overcast skies and no howling wind. Having Rossington injured, Michael Pepper donned the gloves. In the third over, a well-pitched delivery from Porter (Radcliffe Road End) demolished Duckett's (5) off stump, 15 for 1. In the following over, Hameed (10) fell in identical fashion, losing his off stump to Cook, 17 for 2. In the sixth over, Slater (3) was caught at second slip by Harmer off Cook, a regulation chance, 18 for 3. Snater replaced Porter for the ninth over as Clarke and Montgomery battened down the hatches. Porter returned from the Radcliffe Road End for the 15th over in order for Snater to change ends. In the 18th over, top scorer of the innings Joe Clarke (19) played a Snater delivery on to his leg stump to Snater, 39 for 4. Notts limped to lunch on 50 for 4 off 20 overs with Montgomery on 12 and Haynes on 1.
In the 22nd over, Montgomery shouldered arms to Cook and was bowled for 12, 50 for 5. Three overs later, the procession continued Haynes was adjudged lbw to Porter for 7, 56 for 6. With persistent light rain now falling, Harrison was leg before to Cook for 1, 59 for 7 in the 28th over. Cook picked up his fifth wicket when Hutton was comprehensively bowled middle stump for a three-ball duck, 59 for 8. Cook had bowled seven maidens on the trot when James on drove him to the ropes in the 30th over. The end though was nigh. Pennington (7) became Cook's sixth victim when he edged him to Elgar at first slip, 73 for 9. Paterson hit Porter for six over long off but then was bowled middle stump making room attempting another massive hit. Notts 80 all out off 34.3 overs. James left stranded on seven not out. It was their lowest innings total since being bowled for 78 at the Riverside against Durham in September 2013. Not a memorable start for Haseeb Hameed’s reign as Notts skipper.
Essex have an excellent bowling unit but despite the more helpful bowling conditions Notts had batted woefully. Notts standing at 259-4 after tea on Saturday will regret their lower order first innings batting and their new ball bowling in the Essex second innings. They also had Essex five down with a lead of 89 yesterday afternoon but the sixth wicket partnership of Matt Critchley and Paul Walter taking the game away from them. Essex with star overseas players Elgar and Harmer have most bases covered and expect them and Surrey to be the main contenders for the championship, although their points haul in this game may be substantially reduced if Khushi’s bat is considered illegal.
Notts will banking on the addition of Will Young from the game at Taunton to strengthen what is already looking a flaky and unreliable batting line-up. Luke Fletcher who had figures of 12-6-16-3 for the seconds against Loughborough today must be in contention for a first-team recall particularly as neither Hutton and Paterson looked fully fit yesterday. MAG
Day 3
NOTTS HALTED BY WALTER AND CRITCHLEY AT WINDY TRENT BRIDGE
Essex led by 289 runs with two wickets left when the rain arrived at 17:11 with 22 overs left to bowl. On another very windy day, the Notts bowlers had had the visitors 129-5 with a lead of just 89. But with the Kookaburra ball losing its efficacy and pitch seemingly getting even slower, Matt Critchley (68) and Walter (79) added 132 in 36 overs for the sixth wicket which meant Essex were now bossing the proceedings. Calvin Harrison belatedly introduced broke the partnership with two wickets straight after tea. The new ball was taken and Hutton picked up his third wicket of the innings having the dour Critchley lbw. Notts though were no doubt the happier of the two counties when the early evening rain arrived.
On what was scheduled as a 99 over day, in the 18th over of the Essex innings and the fourth on a cold morning, Elgar (26) was bowled by a Lyndon James that failed to get up. The South African’s stumps well and truly splattered with all three stumps in different directions, 78 for 2. Cook was dropped on 14 by Montgomery at short mid-wicket off Paterson, the South African having two unsuccessful attempts at grabbing the chance as he juggled with the ball. In the 24th over, Cook pulled Paterson for six over backward square leg. Hutton who replaced James from the Radcliffe Road End made an instant impact removing nightwatchman Cook with his first delivery. Cook edging him to Clarke who took a good catch diving to his right. Cox fell first ball being strangled down the legside, Clarke once again taking a fine catch, 109 for 4 in the 27th over. Paterson made way for Pennington for the 30th over. Pennington bowling good areas finally found the edge of Westley's (22) bat, Clarke taking his third catch of the innings, 129 for 5 in the 38th over. James returned for the 39th over. Essex got to lunch on 139 for 5 off 42 overs with Critchley on 16 and Walter 4.
Critchley and Walter batted throughout the 31 over middle session with the latter being very much the aggressor. James and Hutton were bowling in tandem after lunch but with the ball getting older they carried little threat. Paterson returned for the 53rd over and Pennington for the 56th over. Essex reached 200 in the 60th over. James replaced Paterson for the 61st over. Harrison (Pavilion End) finally had a bowl in the 64th over with Walter reaching his 50 off 65 balls. He immediately got the ball to turn. Hutton came on in the 66th over from the Radcliffe End with Critchley reaching his 50 off 129 balls. The last over before tea was bowled by Montgomery with Walter hitting him for six over mid-wicket standing on 261 for 5 off 73 overs with Walter on 79 and Critchley on 58. Notts never really looked like making a breakthrough throughout the session.
Off the third ball after tea, Walter (79 off 105 balls, 9x4, 1x6) was caught at first slip by Duckett diving smartly to his left off Harrison, 261 for 6 in the 74th over. For the third time in the match, one partnership had dominated the innings. Paterson replaced Montgomery for the 75th over. Harrison struck once more in the 78th over as he had Harmer (5) caught behind by Clarke playing a cross batted shot, 269 for 7. Montgomery returned for a single over then the new ball was taken by Hutton and Pennington with Essex 280 for 7 off 80 overs. Snater hit Pennington for three boundaries in four deliveries in the 84th over. Notts struck in the following over when Hutton had Critchley lbw for 68 (off 174 balls, 3x4); 307 for 8. Critchley’s innings may have been somewhat dour by 2024 standards, but was invaluable to Essex. James replaced Hutton for the 89th over. At 17:11 light rain stopped play with Essex 328 for 8 off 91 overs with Snater on 29 and Rossington on 27. The rain got heavier and play was called off at 18:00.
A dry day is forecast tomorrow and the late rain has ensured that Essex will not get too many overs out of the second new ball tomorrow if required. With Rossington coming at ten Essex potentially still could chisel out a fair few runs tomorrow. Notts will be hoping to restrict the lead to no more than 300. Seeing off the new ball will be essential with Harmer and Critchley likely to get some turn and what is a very slow surface, not a surprise given the amount of rain deposited on Nottingham throughout the winter. MAG
Day 2
CLARKE TON ECLIPSED BY COOK HAT TRICKON DAY OF FLUCTUATING FORTUNES
Following a dramatic final session Essex seized control of a match seemingly in Notts’ favour. At 17:10 Notts stood at 259 for 4 with Joe Clarke and Jack Haynes well set and batting superbly with an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 159 spanning 44 overs. Both batsmen then threw their wickets away and with Notts having a long tail and the new ball due, right arm seamer Sam Cook proceeded to take a hat trick removing James (lbw), Hutton (bowled) and Pennington (lbw). Paterson only lasted two balls as Notts suddenly only led by 34 runs having looked like gaining a sizeable match winning lead half an hour earlier. To compound the misery Notts wasted the new ball as Essex raced to 65 for 1 off 14 overs to finish the day with a wholly unexpected lead of 21 runs.
On a very windy muggy day with temperatures reaching 18 degrees C but south westerly gusts touching 40mph, Pennington (Pavilion End) and Hutton opened the bowling. In the second over a four through the covers by Porter off Hutton saw Essex to their solitary batting point. Off the first delivery of the third over, Porter (6) was caught above his head by Montgomery at first slip off Pennington. Essex 253 all out off 79.1 overs with Cook 6 not out. Paterson, having not bowled today, 5 for 49.
Porter (Radcliffe Road End) and Cook took the new ball with Hameed and Duckett racing to 33 in first eight overs. Snater replaced Porter for the ninth over and removed Duckett's (21) off stump with his first ball. In the 12th over, Slater (9) was leg before to Cook, 46 for 2. A cover driven boundary by Hameed off Snater saw Notts to 50 in the 13th over. Porter returned for the 16th over replacing Cook from the Pavilion End. Hameed was dropped on 28 at first slip above his head by Elgar off Porter. Porter got his revenge the next over when he got a ball to lift and found Hameed's (34) edge, Rossington taking the catch, 79 for 3 in the 20th over. An superb delivery. Harmer was introduced for the 23rd over with Clarke on driving him to the boundary off his fourth ball. Notts reached lunch on 93 for 3 off 25 overs with Clarke on 23 and Montgomery on 2.
Snater and Cook were bowling after lunch. A long hop from Cook was deposited for four through square leg by Clarke to bring up the Notts 100. Next over, a poor shot from Montgomery saw him caught at second slip by Harmer off Snater for 2, 100 for 4 in the 27th over. Former Worcestershire pair Haynes and Clarke saw off Cook and Porter. In the 42nd and 43rd overs respectively, Paul Walter and Matt Critchley had their first bowl of the innings. Clarke, playing excellently, reached his 50 off 106 balls with a six over square leg off Walter. In his following over, Walter was hit for six over mid-wicket by the impressive Haynes. Critchley was given three overs from the Radcliffe Road End before being replaced by Harmer. Snater then replaced Paul Walter for the 50th over. Haynes reached his 50 off 79 balls with a four through point off Snater. Notts reached tea on 193 for 4 with Clarke on 59 and Haynes on 58. Very much Notts’ session on a slow pitch where keeper Rossington was often standing up to the seamers.
Two consecutive fours for Clarke off Harmer in the first over after tea brought up the Notts 200. In the 69th over, a cut four through the covers by Clarke off Harmer to his ton off 173 balls and took Notts passed 250. Notts took the lead in the 71st over with a single off Harmer. Clarke disappointedly perished caught at wide long on by Walter off Harmer for 104 (off 185 balls, 16x4, 1x6), 259 for 5 in the 73rd over. This was the start of a dramatic collapse that saw Notts lose their last six wickets for 34 this all after Haynes and Clarke had looked relatively untroubled during their substantial stand.
Haynes (77 off 145 balls, 10x4, 1x6) managed to pull a full toss from Critchley to substitute Ben Allison at wide mid-on wo took the catch, 265 for 6 in the 76th over. The new ball was taken with Notts 278 for 6 off 80 overs and Cook with the second over with the new cherry Sam Cook took a hat trick, the first against Notts since 2018 and first by an Essex bowler in first-class cricket in 15 years. He had James (8) adjudged leg before to a ball that hit him high on knee roll and which seemed destined to go over the stumps. No luck was needed for his next two dismissals, Hutton, playing down the wrong line to be bowled first ball and then he had Pennington palpably lbw, 288 for 9. Paterson (4) inside edged his first ball for four but then was comprehensively bowled by Porter. Notts 293 all out off 82.4 overs, Harrison 21 not out. Cook finishing with 4-59 on a day where batting appeared to be easier than 24 hours earlier. Notts had lost four wickets for four runs in seven balls as they lost all the initiative gained from the previous three hours.
Hutton (Radcliffe Road End) and Pennington bowled disappointedly with the new ball. Then suddenly there was unexpected drama after 9 overs, Khushi on 21 was deemed to have used illegally oversized bat which was confiscated for further forensic analysis by umpire Lungley. A similar indiscretion by Nic Maddinson of Durham two seasons ago saw Durham get deducted 10 points from their points tally. Paterson and James replaced Pennington and Hutton for the 10th and 11th overs respectively. Khushi (32) edged James' sixth delivery to Montgomery at first slip who took an easy catch, 53 for 1. Paterson bowled a single over with Pennington once again returning as nightwatchman Cook on 10 and the rock-solid Dean Elgar on 16. Essex 65-1 off 14 overs when stumps were drawn at 19:06. Both teams had been indebted to one major partnership in their respective first innings but it was Essex who closed the day in this see-saw contest with all the momentum. MAG
Day 1
Notts won the toss and inserted Essex at a windy Trent Bridge this morning. After heavy overnight rain, play commenced at 12:00. The two Essex debutants Dean Elgar (80 off 156 balls, 12x4) and Jordan Cox (84 off 150 balls, 11x4, 1x6) dominated the visitors run scoring sharing a third wicket stand of 112 off 31 overs. After Elgar departed following a peach of a delivery from Dane Paterson (5-49) Essex collapsed from 170-2 to 239-9 before bad light ended proceedings prematurely at 18:16 with 11 overs still to be bowled with Essex closing on 244-9.
Skipper Hameed elected to give the wicket keeping gloves to Joe Clarke and leave Tom Moores out of the eleven. Clarke kept tidily all day and crucially Notts batting line-up now has more depth with the inclusion of Montgomery at six. Notts gave debuts to the former Worcestershire pair of Jack Haynes and Dillon Pennington with Ben Duckett playing his first championship game in 11 months.
Hutton (Radcliffe Road) and Pennington opened the bowling. Elgar, recently retired from Test cricket, hit the first delivery of the season through the covers for four. Both openers were given a testing time under the cloudy skies. In the sixth over Khushi, preferred to the experienced Browne, hit Pennington for six over mid-wicket. In his following over Pennington had Khushi (18) caught by Montgomery (first slip) at the second attempt; 36 for 1 in the 8th over. After six over opening spells, Hutton and Pennington were replaced by James and Paterson. Westley (7) edged Paterson and Clarke took the catch diving low to his right, 58 for 2 in the 16th over. Following 70 minutes batting, Essex 62 for 2 off 17 overs at lunch with Elgar on 31 and Cox on 2.
Elgar and Cox dominated the afternoon session as Notts struggled to make a breakthrough with the Kookabura ball which is being trailed for the first of four rounds of the championship in 2024. James and Paterson remained in partnership for a first eight overs after lunch when Pennington replaced Paterson. Elgar reached a classy 50 off 86 balls when he pushed an offside two off James Hutton replaced James from the Radcliffe Road End for the 29th over. Three overs later, Harrison had a bowl from the Pavilion End. Pennington changed ends and returned from the Radcliffe Road End for the 35th over. After a four over spell Pennington made way for Paterson. Cox launched Harrison for a straight six and reached his 50 later in the same over off 76 balls, 10 faster than Elgar. Hameed kept shuffling his pack, Hutton coming back for the 46th over. As the interval approached, Elgar (80) had his bails trimmed by a fine delivery from Paterson, 170 for 3 in the 47th over. Off the last delivery before tea, Paterson picked up third wicket having Critchley leg before for 1, 174 for 4 after 49 overs. Cox 57 not out.The game had turned.
Walter (0) became Paterson's fourth victim, and his third in 16 balls, when he edged him into Clarke's gloves, 176 for 5 in the 53rd over. Rossington lost his off stump to another fine Paterson delivery as he went nap, 194 for 6 in the 57th over. After an eight over spell of 4-24 Paterson made way for Pennington. James replaced Hutton from the Pavilion End for the 66th over. In his second over of his new spell James had Harmer leg before for 8, 217 for 7. Harrison came back, this time from the Radcliffe Road, for the 71st over. He got one to turn considerably and ripped out top-scorer Jordan Cox’s (84) middle stump, 239 for 8 after 73 overs. The 23-year-old right handed bat signed from Kent to replace Dan Lawrence looking a shrewd acquisition. Next ball, Snater missed a wide drive and was comprehensively bowled by James for 12, 239 for 9. The light was closing in and Essex faced a further 23 balls before umpires Lungley and O’Shaughnessy took the players off with Essex 244-9 off 77 overs with Cook on 3 and Porter yet to score. Dane Paterson who only arrived in the UK two days ago led the way with figures of 14-3-49-5. Lyndon James (14-5-30-2) provided excellent support. Tomorrow will be an extended day of 104 overs. MAG
It's wet at the moment, but the forecast for after lunch looks favourable.
Good luck Notts for the coming six months and to everyone connected with cricket too (except to our opponents on any given day).
Notts have announced the following squad for the season's opener:
Ben Duckett
I'd play Monty ahead of Harrison, esp as its April, gives us a xtra batter
ReplyDelete"We’ve lost some big players at the back end of last season - Mull (Steven Mullaney) who stepped down as captain and has since taken on a different role, as well as Stuart Broad, Samit Patel and Jake Ball. I wouldn’t necessarily say we have a better squad on paper, but there are now more opportunities that have opened up and we’ve signed some exciting players who are hungry to get better and improve their game.
ReplyDelete“Ultimately it’s been quite a few months thinking about our options and how we move this club in the right direction. I’m still very new to the role so there will still be plenty of learnings along the way.”
I think one calls this "managing expectations"!!
What’s the latest on Stone and Tongue?
ReplyDeleteHaving two weeks recuperation after having their photos taken yesterday
Delete80 NOT OUT
ReplyDeleteWith all the trials and tribulations ahead let’s all wish Notts ccc every success for the 2024 season .
Cricket is a fast changing world - almost bewildering compared to previous years .
We are underway !
ReplyDeleteWeather guidance on here very helpful, thanks.
Phenomenal effort by the Great Dane again considering he only arrived back yesterday 👍👍👍
ReplyDeleteVery true ! Good start overall, I think.
DeleteYes, an amazing effort by The Great Dane - astonishing really given the circs
ReplyDeleteJust looked at Calvin’s wicket now I’ve got home 🏡 - and here’s me telling everyone TB doesn’t turn on day 1 in April !
A good leg spinner will turn it on anything dr
Delete80 NOT OUT
ReplyDeleteHonours about even today . Both sides reasonably happy . What can you say about the Great Dane ?
Please stay fit Dane for the rest of the season !!
Somehow we have gone from a Notts advantage to very even, as per close to stumps on Day 2.
ReplyDeleteVery disappointing last session should have had a bigger lead than that.I think we all know how this is going to pan out.
ReplyDelete80 NOT OUT
ReplyDeleteBowling into that strong wind must have been pretty exhausting . It was relentless all day . A few batting sessions in the nets might be priority for the lower order . We can’t have the tail starting at number 7 or 8 .
Very nice to get the pretty detailed daily match reports again .
Ref intro to Day 3 . Never heard trees rattling !? Windows yes !
Rattling next-door's fence.
DeleteYes, tough day for bowlers and they stuck at it. Good from Harrison too. Full day tomorrow, but seems highly doubtful, and we could win. If not, think we can save it. The 3 centuries prove you can dig in and stay there. Scoring at 3.5 an over about the best that can be done. Ground staff have done a superb job, but wicket was always going to be slow, with all the rain. If I were Essex skip, would declare, but of course up to him.
ReplyDelete80 NOT OUT . A proper game of cricket!
ReplyDeleteDrawn out , quiet periods , exciting periods . How 4 day cricket would be missed if the seemingly impossible happens. R
80 NOT OUT
ReplyDeleteOH DEAR!
Oh dear.
Notts simply blown away by a much superior side.
Changes to be made for the next game starting Friday ? Or will PM concentrate on the positives and stick with the same 11 ?
You ARE the Notts coach !
What would YOU do ?
All too familiar story again.Just as I thought it would pan out.
ReplyDeleteseen more resistance from the skin on a rice pudding
DeleteNo heart, no pride, no fight = v disappointed member
ReplyDeleteMember 101
Poor application' lack of interest' moors will talk the his usual drivel as alway this time it may be by blaming the solar eclipse
ReplyDeletehes not even got the balls to face the camera
DeleteNew skipper took on the easy questions.
DeleteGlad i couldn't get down today. Went the way i thought tbh
ReplyDeleteNo real resistance today though
Take nothing away from Essex though top side and maybe Div 1 winners this year
We have those two stellar signings in the wings to strengthen the bowling attack
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone one know the state of affairs
Regarding both of them when question asked all you get is silence
Firstly, let’s be somewhat grateful we played and the game went after lunch 🍱 on the final day given the weather conditions we’re experiencing at present
ReplyDeleteAlso, at lunch yesterday we were well in the game before the Walter/Critchley batting partnership
But, the gulf in the bowling attacks, Great Dane excepted, looked absolutely huge. The Hit Man looked laboured in pre-season and just didn’t look properly fit in this game to me. Haven’t seen enough of Pennington to make a proper judgement but he looked a Div2 bowler at times which is understandable and he will take a season to adjust I would think
I think Montgomery is a decent white ball player, but in red ball against a top quality attack, it’s like I’ve gone out to bat watching him. You can see why we continually have to sign players from other clubs, if he is your best batsman coming through your second eleven. However, he is young enough still and hopefully will make a top6 batter eventually. I thought Jack Haynes looked good and expect him to be a good addition
One thing that is puzzling me still is Calvin Harrison’s role in the side. If HH doesn’t want to bowl him in April at Trent Bridge, then why is he playing ? He isn’t good enough to play purely as a batter - not even at no8 yet in my opinion in Div One and things must be bad if we’re playing him because of his brilliant fielding. I thought 💭 it strange he didn’t bowl today and yesterday, when he eventually came on, instantly looked threatening and took 2 wickets, then was immediately taken off again. I think he should have continued for several more overs, albeit the new ball was taken
I think most of us expect Ground Control to bring Major Tom back into the side for Friday which, at least on paper 📝 looks an easier game ?
From memory, Notts had an excellent batsman called Evison who was a cut above Montgomery, and more importantly, better than some others currently batting in the top 6 at Notts.Kent will continue to reap the rewards from Notts inability to recognise his talent, and give the lad the regular cricket that should have been granted to him.
DeleteSome good points Dr . I do think MM will be a good red ball player . He is just trying to find his feet being young and inexperienced. With Calvin Harrison i can't believe the captain took so long to bowl him on day 3 . Think Notts went for the safe option in picking him as captain. However he already looks like he doesn't know what he's doing
DeleteLooks as though Brett and the Great Dane are injured so Friday's team will be interesting
Must admit I did not see that coming. But the who can bat time, fourth innings under pressure, these days ?
ReplyDeleteQuite an achievement to lose by that margin, having been 19 ahead with 6 wickets left in the first innings. Essex steady batting 2nd session Day 3, vindicated.
You could well be right Anon. concerning MM and I’m possibly being too harsh - it’s a hell of a step up from the stiffs, then Div2 and then facing Cook and Porter in April - only time will tell with him in red ball
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t believe it when Joey Evison went to Kent, having watched him for the Academy and the the stiffs I thought he was the best young player we’ve produced since………… dunno 🤷♀️? - Samit Patel who we poached from Derby - but he’s gone, we have to move on now unfortunately with this current hierarchy regime in place
Suspect big Fletch could be back for Friday as he took 3-16 for the stiffs against the might of Loughborough - or could cautious Pete/HH give Sir Toby of Pettman another run out
Hope the captaincy doesn’t affect HH too much - to me, his primary job is to nail down 1,000 runs this year for us - he’s a class opening bat and we need his runs at the top of the order ?
No point in being negative after just one game, If at the end of this block of CC games we are still playing like today then yes its time to be asking questions , Fact is all three Essex seamers would walk into our attack so it should not have been too much of a surprise when they demolished Notts, Helped to some degree you would have to say by some very average Notts attempts to get something out of the game.
ReplyDeleteChanges should be made but PM is just as likely to field the same eleven with Will Young not due in until April 19th, Perhaps only 3 players can look back on the past 4 days and enjoyed some indication that better times are not far away.
Notts batting showed the fragility that always seems to be lurking around the corner, It's difficult see any likely changes for the next game in the top order with what Notts have available, Bowling wise its a different story, Two of the seamers looked like they were not match fit which you would have to say is a sad indictment of the team management, The bowling attack though could and should be refreshed ,No matter what level of cricket you are playing at you cannot go into a match carrying half fit players.
As the old saying goes " one swallow does not a summer make" Equally one defeat should not mean its going too be a season of struggle , Notts have in the past showed they do have the character to bounce back , perhaps they are not potential champions but a good mid table finish is certainly not beyond them....
Some good points made - but how many years have we now been an average(at best) red ball cricket 🏏 team - too many in IMO
Delete80 NOT OUT
ReplyDeleteSome excellent , well thought out comments on this thread . In depth analysis worthy of the Daily Telegraph cricket correspondent!
Looking on the bright side we have to realise that Notts were well in this game for most of it.. Only the last day proved to be an anti climax . But playing cricket in the first month of April contending with a howling wind , drab skies and mainly a cold temperature cant be easy for anyone . I know it was the same for both sides and evidently Essex coped better.
Would imagine Peter M will bring in his favourite son for the game starting Friday along with Fletch , who must be raring to go after so many quiet months. Its quite obvious that Notts are not title contenders this season but a mid table position is fully expected . Its amazing to think that no play was possible over the 4 days at nearby Derby . Just shows what a good drainage system can achieve.
Are the whereabouts of Tongue and Stone known? Fletch would be an improvement. One last point why was Duckett directing the new captain on the field.
ReplyDeleteHe’s taken over from Lord Broad ?
DeleteI have no confidence in this team.Half of the players know they will be picked however poor their form.Far too cosy with zero leadership from anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what changes would or should be made? The team can’t surely be strengthened by bringing back Moores (presumably for a batsman). And which bowler (unless there is an injury) would make way for Fletcher?
ReplyDeleteStick as we are and hope for more runs from the top 3 would be my call.
There is a risk as has been pointed out above that we think we have a squad but in reality the first xi picks itself and the players know it.
The Stone situation I am embarrassed by in all honesty. Tongue we don’t know about as nobody signals anything. And would be good to know how LPW can be rehabilitated into the team to help the middle order and give rest to the seamers
Jim G
Agree with above posting saying that great comments and non knee jerk reactions too.
ReplyDeleteImportant to back Hameed. Captaincy takes time to adjust, Chris and Steve had to find their feet at first. Will be mistakes. Would love LPW to come back, again as above, and bat at circa 7, with Harrison holding his place too. But fear we may stick with rather too many similar medium men. Not bad bowlers, but bit "samy" .
Think we need to accept that Essex are a good side and will almost certainly be challenging for the title this year but it was a bit disappointing to not get the 100 run lead on 1st innings which would have probably prevented us from losing.
ReplyDelete80 NOT OUT
ReplyDeleteDERBY dont bowl a single ball for 4 days . Their reward is 8 points
Notts toil and do their best under difficult conditions for almist four days
Their reward is 4 points .
Probably easy to avoid relegation by simply not playing?
8 points per match (112 pts) would have been enough for 7th position last season (or at least it was more than Kent achieved in 8th). However, the number of points awarded for a draw has been increased this year. 5 points per game would have got you relegated in bottom spot.
Delete