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Notts win a Championship game for the first time in a year
It took Notts just 51 minutes to polish off Leicestershire this morning to win by 10 wickets. The undoubted hero being James Pattinson who scored 89 not out and took eight wickets for 84 in the match. His bowling was probably the fastest we have seen in a Notts shirt since Mark Footitt a decade ago. Furthermore he had become the first overseas player to make a substantial contribution to a championship victory since the days of David Hussey. Bowling fast and straight and getting plenty of carry he proved too much for the Foxes and his batting hinted at a true all rounder. Notts bowling and catching in this game was impressive but there is still a lot to do with the batting. Mullaney was badly missed at the top order and a number of batsmen appeared to still sadly out of nick. At 167 for seven mid-afternoon yesterday Notts were on the ropes. There is still plenty of work to be done.
Play got under way once more under clear blue skies and it took Pattinson four balls to take the first wicket as night watchman Griffiths (3) was smarty caught at second slip by Greg Smith diving to his right, 52 for seven. In his next over he had Zac Chappell caught behind for duck, 54 for eight. Three overs later, Leicestershire senior batman Cosgrove hit Fletcher hard to mid wicket where Lumb took a smart catch. His 21 proved to be the highest of the innings. McKay got a six courtesy of four over throws from Fletcher which meant that Notts had to bat again but in next over the Foxes innings was completed as McKay lost his leg stump to Pattinson for eight. Raine was unbeaten on 17. Leicestershire 81 all out. They had batted for 8.3 overs this morning. Pattinson had figures of five for 29 and Fletcher four for 35.
Notts needed four to win. Leicester were keen to get their over rate up and after just a seven minute break between the innings they opened up with Ackermann from the Bennett End. Three singles were taken and then Paul Horton came on from the Pavilion End after Smith batting back three balls he hit Horton over long on for six to win the game for Notts. Their first championship win in 16 attempts and their first on the road since Worcestershire in August 2015. A huge monkey of their shoulders had finally been lifted. After the horrendous 2016 let's hope the clear blue skies evident throughout the game are a portend for better days at Notts in 2017. MAG EVENING SMASH AND GRAB BY NOTTS TRIO LED BY PATTINSON PUT VISITORS ON COURSE
AFTER VALUABLE FIFTIES FROM BOTH BROAD AND PATTINSON AS BATSMEN GET CAUGHT IN THE RAINE
James Pattinson had a superb day as Notts took command at Grace Road today. Having scored a career best 89 not out he then tore into the Leicester batting taking two crucial top order wickets. Bowling at express pace he deserved a lot more with Leicester batsman continuously playing and missing being beaten for pace.
McKay and Raine batted sensibly after tea as Gurney and Patel struggled for a breakthrough. Finally Pattinson returned from the Bennett End and with his second ball of his new spell Clint McKay (33 – 74 balls, 4 4’s) edged him to Wessels at first slip. The ninth wicket partnership had added 81 runs in 27 overs. Griffiths did not last long caught behind second ball behind the sticks for a single as Patel picked up the final wicket. Leicestershire 251 all out. Broad and Pattinson both bowled well taking three for 45 and three for 55 respectively. Gurney who bowled very well this morning took two for 53.
Notts had 19 overs to bat, Zac Chappell from the Bennett End started erratically and McKay was replaced by Gavin Griffiths after two overs bowled at no more than medium pace. Chappell was somewhat lucky to get Smith leg before for 11, the ball appearing to going towards leg, Notts 15 for one. Lumb was then badly dropped second ball low at slip by Ackermann off Chappell. Griffiths bowled successive balls that went for four byes and Raine also bowled in a spray gun fashion as Lumb lunched on the dross as Notts closed in bright sunshine on 52 for one with Lumb 20 not out and Libby 10 not out. The first hour tomorrow morning will be crucial but the difference in class between the two bowling attacks was already clearly apparent. MAG
Leicestershire close the gap on Durham for the Wooden Spoon
On the eve of this opening fixture it was announced that Leicestershire have been deducted 16 points after a breach of conduct infringement by Charlie Shreck at Loughborough recently. Leicestershire have also banned Charlie for two games after a hearing at Grace Road being found guilty of "using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making an obscene gesture". This is Leicestershire's 5th fixed penalty notice in 12 months, hence the points deduction and a fine of £5K.
Moores keeps his cards close to his chest with a 13 man squad
Jake Libby
Greg Smith
Michael Lumb
Alex Hales
Riki Wessels
Samit Patel
Chris Read
Brett Hutton
Stuart Broad
James Pattinson
Harry Gurney
Preview
Promotion favourites, Nottinghamshire, start their 2017 campaign off with a visit to neighbours and wooden spoon contenders, Leicestershire in the Championship, starting on Friday. Why Friday? There can't be any sensible reason other than it's just to be awkward for anyone who works for a living and to drive down interest in County Cricket as much as possible in order to make the new venture in 2020 look more needed. With day two being on Saturdays, club cricketers will be deterred from watching on those days and Sundays starts were being got used to and accommodated by members so required changing..... just to be awkward, unbelievably perverse after increasing attendances last season across most counties.
The fixture are now set, so we'll all have to put-up and shut-up!
Notts' strong squad will be tested by a number of notable absentees: Steven Mullaney, Brendan Taylor, Luke Wood and possibly Jake Ball.
Import, James Pattinson arrived ton Monday, so will he join Stuart Broad in the starting XI?
Will Peter Moores show blind faith quite so readily as his predecessor in the mis-firing likes of Michael Lumb and Samit Patel? In the first game, you have to expect both will play, starting with a clean sheet. I hope that this is the year Michael Lumb fills his boots and helps himself to oodles of D2 runs.
With Alex Hales available, the team picks itself almost other than the decision about the make-up of the bowling attack. Hutton adds depth to the batting whilst Fletcher can hold-up one end. Ben Kitt is in-form and might be a surprise package and both he and Harry Gurney are wicket takers but Harry is likely to get the nod at his old stomping ground.
Jake Libby
Greg Smith
Michael Lumb
Alex Hales
Riki Wessels
Samit Patel
Chris Read
Brett Hutton or Luke Fletcher
Stuart Broad
James Pattinson
Harry Gurney
Play got under way once more under clear blue skies and it took Pattinson four balls to take the first wicket as night watchman Griffiths (3) was smarty caught at second slip by Greg Smith diving to his right, 52 for seven. In his next over he had Zac Chappell caught behind for duck, 54 for eight. Three overs later, Leicestershire senior batman Cosgrove hit Fletcher hard to mid wicket where Lumb took a smart catch. His 21 proved to be the highest of the innings. McKay got a six courtesy of four over throws from Fletcher which meant that Notts had to bat again but in next over the Foxes innings was completed as McKay lost his leg stump to Pattinson for eight. Raine was unbeaten on 17. Leicestershire 81 all out. They had batted for 8.3 overs this morning. Pattinson had figures of five for 29 and Fletcher four for 35.
Notts needed four to win. Leicester were keen to get their over rate up and after just a seven minute break between the innings they opened up with Ackermann from the Bennett End. Three singles were taken and then Paul Horton came on from the Pavilion End after Smith batting back three balls he hit Horton over long on for six to win the game for Notts. Their first championship win in 16 attempts and their first on the road since Worcestershire in August 2015. A huge monkey of their shoulders had finally been lifted. After the horrendous 2016 let's hope the clear blue skies evident throughout the game are a portend for better days at Notts in 2017. MAG EVENING SMASH AND GRAB BY NOTTS TRIO LED BY PATTINSON PUT VISITORS ON COURSE
AFTER VALUABLE FIFTIES FROM BOTH BROAD AND PATTINSON AS BATSMEN GET CAUGHT IN THE RAINE
James Pattinson had a superb day as Notts took command at Grace Road today. Having scored a career best 89 not out he then tore into the Leicester batting taking two crucial top order wickets. Bowling at express pace he deserved a lot more with Leicester batsman continuously playing and missing being beaten for pace.
The whole day was played in warm temperatures in front of a cloudless blue sky but it was a poor morning session for Notts with 69 runs added in 29 overs for the loss of three wickets. Notts had advanced by 18 beyond the overnight total when Ben Raine replaced Griffiths from the the Pavilion End. With his fourth ball he got one to lift and Lumb (30) edged to Eckersley. The second wicket added 63 runs in 19 overs. McKay replaced Chappell from the Bennett End and with his sixth ball had Libby (31) edging to Ackermann at second slip, 87 for three. Hales lasted 33 balls before playing on to Raine to depart for seven, 91 for four. Notts limped to lunch on 121 for four with Patel on 20 and Wessels on nine. Wessels looked out of touch but somehow survived. Notts had let a mediocre Leicester attack dominate albeit on a pitch showing signs of uneven bounce.
Notts speeded up after lunch with Wessels hitting successive fours off the first over bowled by McKay. The fun though did not last long Wessels tortuous innings finally came in end as he edged Raine to Dearden at third slip. Wessels gone for 24 off 65 balls, 150 for five. Things got worst as next over Patel departed leg before to McKay for 34, 150 for six. Notts were relying now on extras, two no balls were bowled by Raine together with a wide that beat keeper Eckersley, six wides. It got worse though as Read (3) edged Raine into Eckersley's gloves, 167 for seven. Broad decided as ever that attack was the best form of defence and he chanced his arm. James Pattinson looked a proper batsman he hits the ball hard and straight, his favourite shot would be a straight drive along the deck through mid off. The deficit was being chiselled away. Broad on 23 hit a ball off Chappell into orbit, but McKay could not the hold the chance at midwicket. From then on Broad batted more sensibly. Pattinson hit a straight six over long on and as a result of concrete damage the ball had to be replaced. With the new ball due Cosgrove and Ackermann were now bowling in tandem. With the last over with the old ball Broad was leg before to Cosgrove for an invaluable 52 (63 balls and eight fours and one six). The eighth wicket stand between Broad and Pattinson had added 122 runs in 20 overs. Notts got to tea on 294 for eight with Pattinson on 72 and Fletcher on 4. The game dynamics had changed.
A further 25 runs were added after tea when Fletcher became Raine's fifth victim, leg before for 12, 319 for 9.Pattinson hit Chappell for six over mid wicket but it was last ball of the over. Gurney survived three balls including an edge along the floor through slip. Fourth ball Gurney edged Raine to Dearden at third slip. Pattinson denied a deserved ton on 89 not out. The left hander had faced 108 balls with 14 fours and two sixes, an outstanding match turning innings. Notts 329 all out with a lead of 78. Raine finished with a career best six for 66.
Pattinson bowling from the Bennett End remained very much in the action as with his third ball he had Harry Dearden caught behind for a duck, two for one. Horton shouldered arms once more and was plumb leg before to Broad for two, two for two. Pattinson gave Ackermann a real working over somehow getting to 14 before departing leg before, 18 for three. Fletcher replaced Broad from the Pavilion End and had Pettini caught in the slips by Patel for a seven ball single, 19 for 4. Six overs later Lewis Hill went leg before to Fletch for three, 31 for five. In his next Fletcher picked his third, bowling Ned Eckersley for four, 39 for six. Griffiths somehow survived a leg before shot as Pattinson appeared hit his pads with the ball targeting middle stump. Umpire Cowly though decided it was not out. Patel came for two overs to speed up the over rate. Cosgrove remained unbeaten on 17 and Griffiths on three as Leicester closed on 51 for six as Notts declined to see the extra half hour at 1855. A wise decision given the effort that Broad, Pattinson and Fletcher had put in. Leicester still trail by 27 with four wickets remaining. Notts now are strong favourites. However with big tail end partnerships in both innings has this match got one final sting in the tail? MAG
PATTINSON SHOWS CLASS ON DEBUT
Notts championship season got off to a satisfying start at sunny Grace Road today. Notts closed 199 runs behind with nine first innings wicket still intact.
Notts speeded up after lunch with Wessels hitting successive fours off the first over bowled by McKay. The fun though did not last long Wessels tortuous innings finally came in end as he edged Raine to Dearden at third slip. Wessels gone for 24 off 65 balls, 150 for five. Things got worst as next over Patel departed leg before to McKay for 34, 150 for six. Notts were relying now on extras, two no balls were bowled by Raine together with a wide that beat keeper Eckersley, six wides. It got worse though as Read (3) edged Raine into Eckersley's gloves, 167 for seven. Broad decided as ever that attack was the best form of defence and he chanced his arm. James Pattinson looked a proper batsman he hits the ball hard and straight, his favourite shot would be a straight drive along the deck through mid off. The deficit was being chiselled away. Broad on 23 hit a ball off Chappell into orbit, but McKay could not the hold the chance at midwicket. From then on Broad batted more sensibly. Pattinson hit a straight six over long on and as a result of concrete damage the ball had to be replaced. With the new ball due Cosgrove and Ackermann were now bowling in tandem. With the last over with the old ball Broad was leg before to Cosgrove for an invaluable 52 (63 balls and eight fours and one six). The eighth wicket stand between Broad and Pattinson had added 122 runs in 20 overs. Notts got to tea on 294 for eight with Pattinson on 72 and Fletcher on 4. The game dynamics had changed.
A further 25 runs were added after tea when Fletcher became Raine's fifth victim, leg before for 12, 319 for 9.Pattinson hit Chappell for six over mid wicket but it was last ball of the over. Gurney survived three balls including an edge along the floor through slip. Fourth ball Gurney edged Raine to Dearden at third slip. Pattinson denied a deserved ton on 89 not out. The left hander had faced 108 balls with 14 fours and two sixes, an outstanding match turning innings. Notts 329 all out with a lead of 78. Raine finished with a career best six for 66.
Pattinson bowling from the Bennett End remained very much in the action as with his third ball he had Harry Dearden caught behind for a duck, two for one. Horton shouldered arms once more and was plumb leg before to Broad for two, two for two. Pattinson gave Ackermann a real working over somehow getting to 14 before departing leg before, 18 for three. Fletcher replaced Broad from the Pavilion End and had Pettini caught in the slips by Patel for a seven ball single, 19 for 4. Six overs later Lewis Hill went leg before to Fletch for three, 31 for five. In his next Fletcher picked his third, bowling Ned Eckersley for four, 39 for six. Griffiths somehow survived a leg before shot as Pattinson appeared hit his pads with the ball targeting middle stump. Umpire Cowly though decided it was not out. Patel came for two overs to speed up the over rate. Cosgrove remained unbeaten on 17 and Griffiths on three as Leicester closed on 51 for six as Notts declined to see the extra half hour at 1855. A wise decision given the effort that Broad, Pattinson and Fletcher had put in. Leicester still trail by 27 with four wickets remaining. Notts now are strong favourites. However with big tail end partnerships in both innings has this match got one final sting in the tail? MAG
PATTINSON SHOWS CLASS ON DEBUT
Notts championship season got off to a satisfying start at sunny Grace Road today. Notts closed 199 runs behind with nine first innings wicket still intact.
A good seam bowling effort from the debutant James Pattinson, Broad and Gurney filleted the Leicester top order but with the wicket easing Notts were frustrated by a ninth wicket stand of 81. James Pattinson bowling with impressive pace and getting plenty of lift on a relatively placid pitch had an impressive first day in the Green and Gold. Pattinson received his Notts cap from Peter Moores prior to the start of play. Old Man River himself Chris Read had a very impressive day behind the stumps at the start of his final season. The highlight being his fine catch to get to 1,000 first class catches to remove Captain Mark Cosgrove, but a number of diving stops behind the sticks was also impressive.
No toss was required as Notts inserted Leicester on their first championship visit to Grace Road since 2004. Broad opened up from the Pavilion End, Horton hit his fourth ball for 4 but two balls later he shouldered arms and was comprehensively bowled. Pattinson on his debut bowling briskly had Ackermann leg before in his second over for seven, 21 for two. The runs were coming via edges but left handers Cosgrove and young Harry Dearden saw Broad and Pattinson off as Leicester stood at 34 for two off 10 overs. Fletcher and Gurney came on and Gurney bowling from the Bennett End had Dearden (12) caught behind by Read in his fourth over, 50 for three. Gurney was bowling excellently and his sixth over removed Mark Pettini's off stump as the former Essex man departed for two, 70 for four. Lewis Hill (24) batted positively but fell in the last over before lunch driving Pattinson straight to Libby at cover. Leicester 101 for 5 at lunch with Cosgrove batting well on 42 not out.
In contrast to the morning session the post lunch session went Leicestershire's way adding 125 and only losing three wickets. Eckersley (13) lasted 13 balls until falling plumb leg before to Broad bowling from the Bennett End, 116 for six. Cosgrove (57) was batting well but then fell to brilliant catch low to left by Read as ball sped off the bat from Broad’s delivery, 135 for seven. The Australian the home team’s best batter had faced 91 balls with ten fours. Zac Chappell was dropped by Libby low down at square leg when 14, Fletcher the unlucky bowler. Chappell took a liking to Samit hitting him for 443 off consecutive balls. Next over Fletcher got his revenge by getting Chappell caught at second slip by Patel for 30 (43 balls, 3 4’s), 169 for eight. With the pitch easing McKay and Raine added an unbroken 57 as Leicester got to tea on 226 for eight. Broad returned for another spell but with the pitch easing Notts could not make the crucial breakthrough. Patel could not get any turn and even Libby got one over in just before tea.
No toss was required as Notts inserted Leicester on their first championship visit to Grace Road since 2004. Broad opened up from the Pavilion End, Horton hit his fourth ball for 4 but two balls later he shouldered arms and was comprehensively bowled. Pattinson on his debut bowling briskly had Ackermann leg before in his second over for seven, 21 for two. The runs were coming via edges but left handers Cosgrove and young Harry Dearden saw Broad and Pattinson off as Leicester stood at 34 for two off 10 overs. Fletcher and Gurney came on and Gurney bowling from the Bennett End had Dearden (12) caught behind by Read in his fourth over, 50 for three. Gurney was bowling excellently and his sixth over removed Mark Pettini's off stump as the former Essex man departed for two, 70 for four. Lewis Hill (24) batted positively but fell in the last over before lunch driving Pattinson straight to Libby at cover. Leicester 101 for 5 at lunch with Cosgrove batting well on 42 not out.
In contrast to the morning session the post lunch session went Leicestershire's way adding 125 and only losing three wickets. Eckersley (13) lasted 13 balls until falling plumb leg before to Broad bowling from the Bennett End, 116 for six. Cosgrove (57) was batting well but then fell to brilliant catch low to left by Read as ball sped off the bat from Broad’s delivery, 135 for seven. The Australian the home team’s best batter had faced 91 balls with ten fours. Zac Chappell was dropped by Libby low down at square leg when 14, Fletcher the unlucky bowler. Chappell took a liking to Samit hitting him for 443 off consecutive balls. Next over Fletcher got his revenge by getting Chappell caught at second slip by Patel for 30 (43 balls, 3 4’s), 169 for eight. With the pitch easing McKay and Raine added an unbroken 57 as Leicester got to tea on 226 for eight. Broad returned for another spell but with the pitch easing Notts could not make the crucial breakthrough. Patel could not get any turn and even Libby got one over in just before tea.
McKay and Raine batted sensibly after tea as Gurney and Patel struggled for a breakthrough. Finally Pattinson returned from the Bennett End and with his second ball of his new spell Clint McKay (33 – 74 balls, 4 4’s) edged him to Wessels at first slip. The ninth wicket partnership had added 81 runs in 27 overs. Griffiths did not last long caught behind second ball behind the sticks for a single as Patel picked up the final wicket. Leicestershire 251 all out. Broad and Pattinson both bowled well taking three for 45 and three for 55 respectively. Gurney who bowled very well this morning took two for 53.
Leicestershire close the gap on Durham for the Wooden Spoon
On the eve of this opening fixture it was announced that Leicestershire have been deducted 16 points after a breach of conduct infringement by Charlie Shreck at Loughborough recently. Leicestershire have also banned Charlie for two games after a hearing at Grace Road being found guilty of "using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making an obscene gesture". This is Leicestershire's 5th fixed penalty notice in 12 months, hence the points deduction and a fine of £5K.
Moores keeps his cards close to his chest with a 13 man squad
Jake Libby
Greg Smith
Michael Lumb
Alex Hales
Riki Wessels
Samit Patel
Chris Read
Brett Hutton
Stuart Broad
James Pattinson
Harry Gurney
Luke Fletcher
Tom Moores
Preview
Promotion favourites, Nottinghamshire, start their 2017 campaign off with a visit to neighbours and wooden spoon contenders, Leicestershire in the Championship, starting on Friday. Why Friday? There can't be any sensible reason other than it's just to be awkward for anyone who works for a living and to drive down interest in County Cricket as much as possible in order to make the new venture in 2020 look more needed. With day two being on Saturdays, club cricketers will be deterred from watching on those days and Sundays starts were being got used to and accommodated by members so required changing..... just to be awkward, unbelievably perverse after increasing attendances last season across most counties.
The fixture are now set, so we'll all have to put-up and shut-up!
Notts' strong squad will be tested by a number of notable absentees: Steven Mullaney, Brendan Taylor, Luke Wood and possibly Jake Ball.
Import, James Pattinson arrived ton Monday, so will he join Stuart Broad in the starting XI?
Will Peter Moores show blind faith quite so readily as his predecessor in the mis-firing likes of Michael Lumb and Samit Patel? In the first game, you have to expect both will play, starting with a clean sheet. I hope that this is the year Michael Lumb fills his boots and helps himself to oodles of D2 runs.
With Alex Hales available, the team picks itself almost other than the decision about the make-up of the bowling attack. Hutton adds depth to the batting whilst Fletcher can hold-up one end. Ben Kitt is in-form and might be a surprise package and both he and Harry Gurney are wicket takers but Harry is likely to get the nod at his old stomping ground.
Jake Libby
Greg Smith
Michael Lumb
Alex Hales
Riki Wessels
Samit Patel
Chris Read
Brett Hutton or Luke Fletcher
Stuart Broad
James Pattinson
Harry Gurney
Thanks, great day for Notts, especially James Pattinson, Fletch and Broad. Our top order must do better though, and soon ! Cannot always get of jail because the bowlers score runs. Although he only got 31, I though Jake Libby battled hard again, just needs that big score to give him confidence. Certainly seeing playing the new ball well.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff James!
ReplyDeleteA lucky break that of Peter Siddle remaining unavailable eh! Patto 2 looks the real deal.
ReplyDelete