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MITCHELL GUIDES PEARS TO VICTORY
It took Worcestershire 72 minutes to seal an eight wicket victory over Notts at sunny Trent Bridge. Daryl Mitchell and Joe Clarke added an unbroken 106 in 19 overs to guide The Pears to a much deserved victory. Notts never really looked like making a breakthrough this morning as Mitchell used all his experience to see the visitors home. The veteran became the second player after Kumar Sangakkara to reach 1,000 runs for the season when he had reached 83.
Mullaney having completed his uncompleted over switched ends to the Pavilion End with Brett Hutton bowling from the Radcliffe Road End. No breakthrough could be made as Read turned to Ball to take over from Hutton. Mitchell was like a rock and got his ton with a single to third man off Mullaney, his century took 101 balls. Next over Patel replaced Mullaney and was hit for six over extra cover. Mitchell took a liking to Patel hitting him for 19 in one over including three fours and six over long off. Libby came on with 8 required and bowled a single over for five runs. The winning hit for four by Mitchell was achieved via a mix up in the covers between Pujara and Hales. The players, staff and members formed a guide of honour as Read left Trent Bridge field for the last time in front of a sparse crowd. Mitchell had a hit a superb 139 off 212 balls with 21 fours and two sixes. Clarke after his first innings golden duck was unbeaten on 28 off 45 balls with five boundaries. Notts had lost their first championship game since Somerset last September. Notts are without Hales and Ball for the remaining two games of the season now head to Wantage Road in 11 days time to face Northants where a more focused team performance is expected.
WORCESTERSHIRE CLOSE-IN ON VICTORY
It looks unlikely that there will be fairy tale ending to Chris Read's Trent Bridge career with Worcestershire requiring only 103 more runs with eight second innings wickets still standing after the visitors dominated day 3.
The Trent Bridge legend was given a standing ovation on arrival and departure from crease and also very sportingly given a guard of honour by the Worcester team. Read made a dogged 38 but on a wicket where batting is now much easier a target of 226 runs was unlikely to prove that testing to Worcester. Notts have been thoroughly outplayed by the opposition who were collectively more threatening with the ball and who have batted with more determination and common sense.
In bright sunshine Notts got off to a poor start as in fourth over of the morning Libby was bowled to well pitched up delivery from Barnard that moved in, Libby gone for 44 disappointing to not building on his hard efforts yesterday, 145 for six. Taylor and Hutton added 41 in the best batting conditions so far in the match, then a dreadful waft outside off stump saw Taylor caught behind off Leach for 19, 186 for seven. Hutton's vigil ended when he was leg before to Leach for 32 of 72 balls with four fours, 209 for eight. Read hooked Tongue for six over mid wicket and was putting bat to ball effectively. Read and Ball reached their 50 partnership in 57 balls with Ball contributing 27 runs. Read was dropped on 38 off the penultimate ball before lunch by Mitchell at second slip off Tongue. Notts 264 for eight Read 38 and Ball 28, 74 overs had been bowled.
Off the sixth ball after lunch Read was leg before for 38 (43 balls, 5 x 4, 1 x 6) with ball that darted in from Barnard, 265 for nine. Gurney edged a four through the slips off Barnard but as expected did not last the over, edging to Cox for five. Notts 275 all out, Jake Ball 34 not out (51 balls, 4 x 4). Notts only had a lead of 225. Leach 5 for 69, Tongue 2 for 65 and Barnard 3 for 78. Ashwin hardly needed 12 overs for 47. Worcester had bowled well on a wicket where batting was now considerably easier than on the first two days.
Ball opened up from the Radcliffe Road End and Hutton from the Pavilion End but openers Mitchell and Rhodes played them comfortably and circumspectly as they stood on 30 for 0 after 12 overs. Patel and Mullaney replaced them. After a three over spell from the Pavilion End, Harry Gurney came on for Mullaney as the floodlights came on at 1445. Hutton came on for Patel after a four over spell for the slow left armer. The fifty partnership for the opening stand came up in the 21st over. In the 23rd over Rhodes (21) was bowled neck and crop to ball from Hutton that kept low, 57 for one. Pujara having a poor game dropped Fell on four at third slip off Hutton just before tea. Worcester 75 for one off 31 overs at the interval with Mitchell on 49 and Fell on 4.
The wind got up during the interval and temperature started to dip. Mitchell reached his 50 off the first ball after tea with a single off Jake Ball bowling from the Pavilion End. Mullaney replaced Hutton 30 minutes after tea with Mitchell and Fell looking very secure. Gurney returned for Ball but remains without wicket during the game. The 50 partnership between Mitchell and Fell came up off 102 balls. Tom Fell lost his off stump to Mullaney for 30, 123 for two and the players immediately trooped off for bad light at 1635 with 21.1 overs left. Mitchell 63 not out (145 balls, 9 x 4). Rain followed shortly afterwards. Notts will be hoping that Kent and Sussex do not win their current games, although the latter have put an heroic fight at Northampton today and still might spring a surprise. MAG
PEARS ON COURSE TO INFLICT SEASON'S FIRST DEFEAT ON NOTTS AFTER DAY 2
On a day where 16 wickets fell Notts are facing their first championship defeat of the season after another indifferent batting performance.
In bright sunshine Notts got off to a poor start as in fourth over of the morning Libby was bowled to well pitched up delivery from Barnard that moved in, Libby gone for 44 disappointing to not building on his hard efforts yesterday, 145 for six. Taylor and Hutton added 41 in the best batting conditions so far in the match, then a dreadful waft outside off stump saw Taylor caught behind off Leach for 19, 186 for seven. Hutton's vigil ended when he was leg before to Leach for 32 of 72 balls with four fours, 209 for eight. Read hooked Tongue for six over mid wicket and was putting bat to ball effectively. Read and Ball reached their 50 partnership in 57 balls with Ball contributing 27 runs. Read was dropped on 38 off the penultimate ball before lunch by Mitchell at second slip off Tongue. Notts 264 for eight Read 38 and Ball 28, 74 overs had been bowled.
Off the sixth ball after lunch Read was leg before for 38 (43 balls, 5 x 4, 1 x 6) with ball that darted in from Barnard, 265 for nine. Gurney edged a four through the slips off Barnard but as expected did not last the over, edging to Cox for five. Notts 275 all out, Jake Ball 34 not out (51 balls, 4 x 4). Notts only had a lead of 225. Leach 5 for 69, Tongue 2 for 65 and Barnard 3 for 78. Ashwin hardly needed 12 overs for 47. Worcester had bowled well on a wicket where batting was now considerably easier than on the first two days.
Ball opened up from the Radcliffe Road End and Hutton from the Pavilion End but openers Mitchell and Rhodes played them comfortably and circumspectly as they stood on 30 for 0 after 12 overs. Patel and Mullaney replaced them. After a three over spell from the Pavilion End, Harry Gurney came on for Mullaney as the floodlights came on at 1445. Hutton came on for Patel after a four over spell for the slow left armer. The fifty partnership for the opening stand came up in the 21st over. In the 23rd over Rhodes (21) was bowled neck and crop to ball from Hutton that kept low, 57 for one. Pujara having a poor game dropped Fell on four at third slip off Hutton just before tea. Worcester 75 for one off 31 overs at the interval with Mitchell on 49 and Fell on 4.
The wind got up during the interval and temperature started to dip. Mitchell reached his 50 off the first ball after tea with a single off Jake Ball bowling from the Pavilion End. Mullaney replaced Hutton 30 minutes after tea with Mitchell and Fell looking very secure. Gurney returned for Ball but remains without wicket during the game. The 50 partnership between Mitchell and Fell came up off 102 balls. Tom Fell lost his off stump to Mullaney for 30, 123 for two and the players immediately trooped off for bad light at 1635 with 21.1 overs left. Mitchell 63 not out (145 balls, 9 x 4). Rain followed shortly afterwards. Notts will be hoping that Kent and Sussex do not win their current games, although the latter have put an heroic fight at Northampton today and still might spring a surprise. MAG
PEARS ON COURSE TO INFLICT SEASON'S FIRST DEFEAT ON NOTTS AFTER DAY 2
On a day where 16 wickets fell Notts are facing their first championship defeat of the season after another indifferent batting performance.
With Worcestershire 89 for 6 in their first innings, Notts had a good chance of a first innings lead but hard hitting innings from Cox and Barnard led to Worcestershire gaining a lead of 50. Unfortunately when Notts batted both Patel and Hales gave their wickets away and then crucially in indifferent light Wessels was dismissed for 60 shortly before play was suspended three overs early due to bad light with Notts 138 for five with a lead of 88 runs. Due to amount of play lost yesterday, the play was extended 30 minutes and was planned to last 104 overs. The weather forecasters promised long sunny periods; however there were just brief sunny interludes as heavy cloud cover dominated aiding the seamers throughout today. Only nine overs of spin were bowled by Patel and Ashwin and neither posed a threat.
As expected Notts only batted briefly, Jake Ball edging to Rhodes at slip for five, Leach the bowler. Notts 193 all out Gurney 0 not out. Barnard four for 71.
Worcestershire batting initially in bright sunshine faced an opening attack of Ball (Radcliffe Road) and Hutton (Pavilion End). Despite a bit of playing and missing openers Mitchell and Rhodes survived the onslaught as Mullaney replaced Hutton in the tenth over. The floodlights were now on and remained on for the rest of the day as Brett Hutton switched ends replacing Ball who had bowled a six over spell. It was Hutton who made the breakthrough as Mitchell edged to Read. The former Pears skipper had made 23 off 42 balls with four fours, 38 for one. Chris Read took his second catch as Tom Fell (5) edged Mullaney, 51 for two. Joe Clarke was bowled first ball by Mullaney, 55 for three. Next over D'Oliveira (1) edged to Pujara at third slip as Hutton bagged his second wicket, 56 for four. Ashwin decided attack was the best form or defence lifting Mullaney for six over extra cover. Mullaney took a rest after a spell of 8-4-12-2, on came Jake Ball once again. Gurney finally came on in the 27th over. Worcester got to lunch to on 84 for 4 off 29 overs with Rhodes on 32 and Ashwin on 18.
George Rhodes who had batted well in the morning session fell to the fifth ball after lunch edging Jake Ball as Read took a regulation catch, 84 for five. Ashwin was dropped in the next over; an easy chance to Mullaney at second slip off Gurney. It was not an expensive drop as next over Ashwin (19) edged Ball to Wessels at first slip, 89 for six. Cox took the attack to Ball and Gurney hitting the latter for a leg side six. Hutton came on for Ball at the Pavilion End. Gurney was struggling with line and length and was proving expensive, seven overs 0 for 44 including 35 in his last three overs. The 50 partnership between Barnard and Cox came in just 48 balls. Read turned to Patel to replace Gurney. Cox had a let off pulling to long leg but the day dreaming Gurney did not pick up the ball quick enough and to make it worse let the ball go through his legs for four. Cox though was dismissed in the same over as Wessels took the catch at first slip as Hutton picked up his third wicket. Cox had batted well for his 47 (43 balls – 9 x 4, 1 x 6) and the seventh wicket had added an invaluable 75 runs in 12 overs, 164 for seven. After three overs for 14 Samit Patel made way for the return of Jake Ball. Worcestershire counter attacking was working a treat as they raced to their first bonus point via two leg byes off Leach's helmet from a short delivery from Jake Ball. Mullaney replaced Hutton from the Radcliffe Road End. Ed Barnard reached his 50 off 58 balls with a two through point off Mullaney. But the runs kept flowing the 50 partnership between Barnard and Leach was attained in 42 balls. Read went to no slips and the very next ball Barnard was leg before to Mullaney for 55 off 72 balls with eight fours, he was having a quite excellent match, 221 for eight. The eighth wicket had added 56 runs. Leach gave his wicket away dollying a short ball from Ball to Mullaney at mid wicket. Leach 28 off 27 balls, 223 for nine. Shantry hit Mullaney for six over square leg via short arm jab and then hit him for a straight four. Shantry then hit Ball for consecutive fours through the covers and then straight. The idiosyncratic Shantry was bowled by Mullaney for 20. Worcestershire 243 all out a lead of 50, a marvellous recovery from 89 for 6 and probably a par first innings score for the pitch. Mullaney 4 for 31, Hutton 3 for 69 and Ball 3 for 75. Worcester had scored 159 runs for the loss of six wickets in the middle session. Tea was taken between the innings.
Steven Mullaney did not last long edging Leach into Cox's gloves to depart for 5, 12 for one in the third over. Pujara failed once more leg before to Leach for four, 16 for two. It got worse as Patel hit the ball straight to Ashwin at square leg for nine, Tongue the bowler, a dreadful shot, 25 for three. Leach switched ends to the Radcliffe Road. It was only a matter of time before Hales was going to be dismissed, being far too cavalier throughout he departed caught at slip by Clarke off Leach for 12, 43 for four. Catching practice, a quite awful shot. Jake Libby and Wessels showed suitable application as got their 50 stand in 74 balls. Ashwin had an ineffective six over spell from the Pavilion End. The Notts 100 came up in the 27th over via a leg side four from Wessels. It was now getting late and the light was poor as Wessels edged Tongue to Rhodes at first slip. Wessels 60 off 79 balls (9 x 4), 135 for five. The fifth wicket partnership had added 92 runs in 26 overs. Hutton came in as night-watchman. Shortly afterwards bad light ended play at 1818. Jake Libby who hit a big ton against Worcester Seconds last month is still there on 42 not out off 109 balls, 6 x 4 as Notts closed on 138 for 5 off 39 overs. It has been a disappointing season for the Cornishman; he must carry on the good work tomorrow as Notts still have Taylor and Read to come. Ideally Notts needed a lead of 300 plus, but any lead of 250 may just give the jitters to Worcester; at the moment they are way short of making a game of it. Notts are currently in this game paying the price for lackadaisical batting from too many of their top order. Has Chris Read got one more defiant “backs to the wall” innings left in the locker? MAG
NOTTS STRUGGLE AS PEARS DOMINATE ON DAY ONE
A very disappointing first day at Trent Bridge in this crucial fixture saw Notts on the ropes on 188 for nine on a showery day where only 47.5 overs were possible.
As expected Notts only batted briefly, Jake Ball edging to Rhodes at slip for five, Leach the bowler. Notts 193 all out Gurney 0 not out. Barnard four for 71.
Worcestershire batting initially in bright sunshine faced an opening attack of Ball (Radcliffe Road) and Hutton (Pavilion End). Despite a bit of playing and missing openers Mitchell and Rhodes survived the onslaught as Mullaney replaced Hutton in the tenth over. The floodlights were now on and remained on for the rest of the day as Brett Hutton switched ends replacing Ball who had bowled a six over spell. It was Hutton who made the breakthrough as Mitchell edged to Read. The former Pears skipper had made 23 off 42 balls with four fours, 38 for one. Chris Read took his second catch as Tom Fell (5) edged Mullaney, 51 for two. Joe Clarke was bowled first ball by Mullaney, 55 for three. Next over D'Oliveira (1) edged to Pujara at third slip as Hutton bagged his second wicket, 56 for four. Ashwin decided attack was the best form or defence lifting Mullaney for six over extra cover. Mullaney took a rest after a spell of 8-4-12-2, on came Jake Ball once again. Gurney finally came on in the 27th over. Worcester got to lunch to on 84 for 4 off 29 overs with Rhodes on 32 and Ashwin on 18.
George Rhodes who had batted well in the morning session fell to the fifth ball after lunch edging Jake Ball as Read took a regulation catch, 84 for five. Ashwin was dropped in the next over; an easy chance to Mullaney at second slip off Gurney. It was not an expensive drop as next over Ashwin (19) edged Ball to Wessels at first slip, 89 for six. Cox took the attack to Ball and Gurney hitting the latter for a leg side six. Hutton came on for Ball at the Pavilion End. Gurney was struggling with line and length and was proving expensive, seven overs 0 for 44 including 35 in his last three overs. The 50 partnership between Barnard and Cox came in just 48 balls. Read turned to Patel to replace Gurney. Cox had a let off pulling to long leg but the day dreaming Gurney did not pick up the ball quick enough and to make it worse let the ball go through his legs for four. Cox though was dismissed in the same over as Wessels took the catch at first slip as Hutton picked up his third wicket. Cox had batted well for his 47 (43 balls – 9 x 4, 1 x 6) and the seventh wicket had added an invaluable 75 runs in 12 overs, 164 for seven. After three overs for 14 Samit Patel made way for the return of Jake Ball. Worcestershire counter attacking was working a treat as they raced to their first bonus point via two leg byes off Leach's helmet from a short delivery from Jake Ball. Mullaney replaced Hutton from the Radcliffe Road End. Ed Barnard reached his 50 off 58 balls with a two through point off Mullaney. But the runs kept flowing the 50 partnership between Barnard and Leach was attained in 42 balls. Read went to no slips and the very next ball Barnard was leg before to Mullaney for 55 off 72 balls with eight fours, he was having a quite excellent match, 221 for eight. The eighth wicket had added 56 runs. Leach gave his wicket away dollying a short ball from Ball to Mullaney at mid wicket. Leach 28 off 27 balls, 223 for nine. Shantry hit Mullaney for six over square leg via short arm jab and then hit him for a straight four. Shantry then hit Ball for consecutive fours through the covers and then straight. The idiosyncratic Shantry was bowled by Mullaney for 20. Worcestershire 243 all out a lead of 50, a marvellous recovery from 89 for 6 and probably a par first innings score for the pitch. Mullaney 4 for 31, Hutton 3 for 69 and Ball 3 for 75. Worcester had scored 159 runs for the loss of six wickets in the middle session. Tea was taken between the innings.
Steven Mullaney did not last long edging Leach into Cox's gloves to depart for 5, 12 for one in the third over. Pujara failed once more leg before to Leach for four, 16 for two. It got worse as Patel hit the ball straight to Ashwin at square leg for nine, Tongue the bowler, a dreadful shot, 25 for three. Leach switched ends to the Radcliffe Road. It was only a matter of time before Hales was going to be dismissed, being far too cavalier throughout he departed caught at slip by Clarke off Leach for 12, 43 for four. Catching practice, a quite awful shot. Jake Libby and Wessels showed suitable application as got their 50 stand in 74 balls. Ashwin had an ineffective six over spell from the Pavilion End. The Notts 100 came up in the 27th over via a leg side four from Wessels. It was now getting late and the light was poor as Wessels edged Tongue to Rhodes at first slip. Wessels 60 off 79 balls (9 x 4), 135 for five. The fifth wicket partnership had added 92 runs in 26 overs. Hutton came in as night-watchman. Shortly afterwards bad light ended play at 1818. Jake Libby who hit a big ton against Worcester Seconds last month is still there on 42 not out off 109 balls, 6 x 4 as Notts closed on 138 for 5 off 39 overs. It has been a disappointing season for the Cornishman; he must carry on the good work tomorrow as Notts still have Taylor and Read to come. Ideally Notts needed a lead of 300 plus, but any lead of 250 may just give the jitters to Worcester; at the moment they are way short of making a game of it. Notts are currently in this game paying the price for lackadaisical batting from too many of their top order. Has Chris Read got one more defiant “backs to the wall” innings left in the locker? MAG
NOTTS STRUGGLE AS PEARS DOMINATE ON DAY ONE
A very disappointing first day at Trent Bridge in this crucial fixture saw Notts on the ropes on 188 for nine on a showery day where only 47.5 overs were possible.
Worcestershire took full advantage of favourable bowling conditions with the ball moving around all day. Ashwin, the visitors star spinner did not have to bowl. Notts though lacked application and a number of batsmen were culpable for their own dismissals. Jake Libby was top scorer with 34 as most batsmen got starts but did not stay in. With a good forecast for the next couple of days batting conditions will improve. Worcester who bat deep should be expecting a lead and Notts will have to bat much better in their second innings. With Brendan Taylor playing the batting line up on paper is stronger than usual; the game is far from over. Notts will be hoping to bowl Worcester out for less than 250.
After morning rain, play got under way at 1300 with 21 overs lost. There was no toss, Notts were inserted. Notts dropped Luke Wood and replaced him with Brendan Taylor. The wicket was well towards the Bridgford Road side of the square. In the third over, Mullaney played down the wrong line to Leach (Pavilion End) and was bowled for seven, 10 for one. Rain stopped play at 1320 with Notts 24 for one after 4.4 overs with Pujara on 10 and Libby on 5.
After morning rain, play got under way at 1300 with 21 overs lost. There was no toss, Notts were inserted. Notts dropped Luke Wood and replaced him with Brendan Taylor. The wicket was well towards the Bridgford Road side of the square. In the third over, Mullaney played down the wrong line to Leach (Pavilion End) and was bowled for seven, 10 for one. Rain stopped play at 1320 with Notts 24 for one after 4.4 overs with Pujara on 10 and Libby on 5.
Play recommenced at 1328 with a further two overs lost. The 50 partnership between Libby and Pujara came up in 64 balls as Worcestershire's bowling was erratic. Barnard replaced Leach. Jack Shantry replaced Josh Tongue from the Radcliffe Road End, but the rain returned at 1410 with Notts 70 for one with Libby on 25 and Pujara on 28, 15.4 overs had been bowled.
Things went downhill from a Notts perspective from this point onwards.
After a 13 minute stoppage the players returned in bright sunshine, a further three overs taken from the ration. Libby's scratchy innings ended as he edged Barnard, Cox dropping the ball but deflecting it straight to Mitchell at second slip. Libby 34 off 47 balls with six fours, the majority of runs coming behind the wicket, 79 for two. Three balls later a poor shot from Pujara saw him caught behind by Cox, Barnard's second wicket. Pujara had made 28 off 55 balls with three fours, 82 for three. Barnard picked his third victim as Patel was well caught low down to his right by Cox, Patel out for a run a ball 14, 117 for four. The ball was moving around and Barnard bowled Wessels for a four ball duck, 121 for five. Another terrible shot saw Hales depart caught by Cox off the returning Tongue for 28 (29 balls, 3 x 4, 1 x 6), 127 for six. Notts added a further 10 runs before tea was taken at 1520 with 29 overs bowled, Taylor and Read both 8 not out.
Read and Taylor took the seventh wicket partnership to 44 before Read hit the ball straight back to Tongue who gobbled the caught and bowled chance in his mid riff, Read 26 off 37 balls (5 x 4). Brett Hutton was very watchful and took 26 balls to get off the mark with a four through the covers off Barnard. The light was deteriorating as Taylor was out leg before to a ball appearing to going down leg side for 33 off 65 balls (4 x 4), 188 for eight. Jake Ball went for a ridiculous single first ball and Brett Hutton was run out for four, 188 for nine. This daft run out summed up Notts' day. The players then immediately went off for bad light at 1655, the rain arrived shortly afterwards and the play was called off at 1730. Let's hope for a much better day tomorrow. MAG
Read and Taylor took the seventh wicket partnership to 44 before Read hit the ball straight back to Tongue who gobbled the caught and bowled chance in his mid riff, Read 26 off 37 balls (5 x 4). Brett Hutton was very watchful and took 26 balls to get off the mark with a four through the covers off Barnard. The light was deteriorating as Taylor was out leg before to a ball appearing to going down leg side for 33 off 65 balls (4 x 4), 188 for eight. Jake Ball went for a ridiculous single first ball and Brett Hutton was run out for four, 188 for nine. This daft run out summed up Notts' day. The players then immediately went off for bad light at 1655, the rain arrived shortly afterwards and the play was called off at 1730. Let's hope for a much better day tomorrow. MAG
If Notts do get beat by Worcester then it will be to a good side
ReplyDeleteFascinating hard fought cricket. But as you says Worcester the better side. Notts could pull off a victory, yet been oddly off the pace
ReplyDeleteWell a real 'shoot yourself in the foot' game by Notts. Of all the games to lose this was not the one, certainly not to your nearest challengers and in the process not taking a single batting point. Some strange bowling options used too, Hutton 37 overs, Gurney only 15 and fifth change?? Late season fatigue or complacency I don't know but this was the game promotion was going to be more or less confirmed and give Chris Read his Trent Bridge send off! In the process we have let Worc back in with strong hopes of taking top spot (they'll probably be top by this time next week) let alone promotion and allowed the three other chasing counties, all with a game in hand, to continue to have hopes of second spot. Makes at least one if not both of our last two games 'must win games' and ironically they are against two of those very rivals. Batting points could yet be vital!
ReplyDeleteAfter the Lord Mayor's Show, I reckon on the day 1. We had the some poor conditions to contend with too. Worcs were good enough to take the advantage and carry it through to the game's conclusion. With pitch and conditions becoming easier as the game progressed, batting first was always going to hurt, but key batters getting out to T20 shot selections never helps.
DeleteIf hopefully promotion is confirm recruitment will be essential to survive in division one let alone mount a challenge. A proven opener, another top order batsmen and a proven keeper batsman essential! Patto back full time too would be ideal. Fortunately after all the retirements etc. the management have a healthy budget to work with so hopefully we can expect major signings.
ReplyDeleteFrom last season's experiences, more than those suggested by "Only" are needed - games going to a fourth day means you need a frontline spinner which are as rare as Gurney runs to find. Rumour about Billings ticks one of those other requirements with star quality batting but I'm sure about his keeping ability - Moores has done well in T20, exceeding my personal expectations (having seen him keeping in Academy and Seconds in 2015 and 2016) and so I think he has to be given a chance.
ReplyDeleteAustralia won't have Patto coming back here which is a shame. Footitt needs to find the gate on to the pitch at the moment so we need a proper quick for Division 1. Hutton has shown he is a good first change, taking wickets this season and needs to stay at the club and be given better opportunities. I do agree with Only, in that we need to sign to survive and sign well to challenge.
There's very little coming along Mick's pathway for next season!