Plumtree's finest

With the absences of Michael Lumb and Alex Hales approaching before the end of the season (the last two LV=), the spectre of a Neil Edwards recall looms.





To be fair for once to Neil, Neil has done relatively well against whatever the standard of opposition that has been put in front of him this season. Edwards averages over 49 in first class matches this year (but remember 195 was scored against the Loughborough students) and he has also scored centuries for the Second XI against Yorkshire 2nds in July and this week against Surrey 2nds. Edwards has this year, so far, avoided any breakages or injuries as well.

However, at the age of 28 does Neil Edwards really warrant a place on the staff at all or is he potentially blocking real prospects from progressing. Last season Edwards' form became so dire, added to an injury meaning that  Karl Turner had to be parachuted-in; away at Durham the first XI opened with two debutants, Turner and Kelsall. 

When / if the England u19 lads return, would it not be better for Nottinghamshire's future if Wessels opened with either Sam Kelsall or Sam Wood (if available), rather than taking the easy route of picking Neil Edwards. One could make a better case for Karl Turner's selection ahead of NE as he has fared equally adequately for the 2nds this year to NE and he is only 24 years old but his future at Trent Bridge looks bleak, viewed from the outside looking in, alas.


This weeks' Second XI side also includes a 20 year old Aucklander friend of Andre Adams, Olly Pringle who has been turning out of Skegness CC and has had previous trials at Surrey 2nds, Somerset 2nds and Gloucestershire 2nds. Looking at the stats, Olly has had the best of his trials for Notts (3/43) as his other games were somewhat disappointing but he is a year on or so since his last one.

From the horse's mouth via NottsCCC.co.uk

Mick Newell, 
"....................and Neil Edwards will have a role to play when our England players disappear.” 

Notts Outlaws team to face Welsh Dragons: Alex Hales, Neil Edwards, James Taylor, Adam Voges, Scott Elstone, Riki Wessels, Steven Mullaney, Graeme White, Darren Pattinson, Jake Ball, Harry Gurney


In a meaningless fixture, as neither team can progress, perhaps Tom Rowe might have been a more forward thinking selection.................. just a thought Mick!

Sam Wood Ton

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-under19-world-cup-2012/engine/match/554560.html

Let's hope Sam Wood is the Notts future, rather than cast-offs from Wessex.