County Championship 2018 & 2019 Thread

[jimbohammers]

First topic message reminder :

Not long until the new season starts so i thought it's time for me to get the thread up.

As always....

Who are your picks for the title?
Who is going down?
Surprise team?
Most runs?
Most wickets? 
One to watch?

Discuss here...

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Meanwhile and contrary to some suggestions, Adil Rashid not playing for Yorks in their Roses match today (not sure who made that decision - Tiger?).

However, he has been quoted as saying he would play Test cricket for England if asked. For the record, I'll confirm that I would too.

As far as I know Jason Ratcliffe has never withdrawn his retirement from international cricket. Clearly a man of consistency.

[LondonTiger]

Meanwhile and contrary to some suggestions, Adil Rashid not playing for Yorks in their Roses match today (not sure who made that decision - Tiger?).

However, he has been quoted as saying he would play Test cricket for England if asked. For the record, I'll confirm that I would too.

Moxon spoke to Dilly, and if he was up for it he would have played. He turned the chance down and so Poysden played. Not happy with these loans, but may become permanent as Rashid looks to engineer a move to Worcester.

[guildfordbat]

Thanks for the update on Adil Rashid, Tiger. I didn't know about the possible move to Worcs. I'm sure there's other stuff gone on / going on I'm not aware of but I find it difficult to have sympathy for a player or support calls for him to be recalled for Tests when he's unwilling to play in the Championship for his county.

I think loans can be beneficial for all parties but would normally expect them to be for at least a month, not just one match. It's also unusual for a player who can't get in his Div 2 county side to go on loan to a Div 1 county as here - that's not to say it shouldn't happen, just a bit odd as seems fitting for this whole situation.

[LondonTiger]

Still some swing at Old Trafford, with teh veterans Onions and Anderson making full use of it. Lyth, Root and Williamson all out cheaply caught by keeper Vilas.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Lancs in serious risk of relegation after losing to Yorks.

Surrey have a commanding lead at the top of the table after thumping second place Notts - the latter looked a long way short of title challengers in that match. Somerset will move into second place assuming they beat bottom placed Worcs tomorrow.

There's still time for another side to mount a serious challenge to Surrey, but to do so they will need to show a lot more consistent form.

[kwinigolfer]

Gloves at half mast at Lords as John Murray leaves the ground for the last time.

[Afro]

Important win for us against Worcs.

Obviously it’s in Surrey’s hands, but feel we are still well placed for the CC with Surrey needing to play Essex twice and come to Taunton.

Fixtures to go are:
Somerset
Essex h
Yorkshire a
Lancs h
Hants a
Surrey h
Notts a

Surrey
Lancs h
Notts h
Essex a
Worcs a
Somerset a
Essex h

[Afro]

And still plenty of weather to play a part with some draws!

A couple of those either way will change it completely

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Gloves at half mast at Lords as John Murray leaves the ground for the last time.

Sad news indeed kwini. "JT" was an excellent wicket keeper - also a very handy batsman. He scored a fine century for England v WI in 1966, in a big partnership with Tom Graveney (this was the match where tailenders, Ken Higgs and John Snow, also had an epic partnership.) The mighty W Indies team had carried all before them that summer until the Oval Test match when JT was brought in.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

And still plenty of weather to play a part with some draws!

A couple of those either way will change it completely

Afro - agree Somerset are still very much in the fight and there are a lot of points still to play for. Surrey looking very focussed and at the top of their game at the moment in the cc. But of course there's now quite a gap until they play again, so things could change, with loss of form, injury or England call ups.

[kwinigolfer]

Gloves at half mast at Lords as John Murray leaves the ground for the last time.

Sad news indeed kwini.  "JT" was an excellent wicket keeper - also a very handy batsman. He scored a fine century for England v WI in 1966, in a big partnership with Tom Graveney (this was the match where tailenders, Ken Higgs and John Snow, also had an epic partnership.)  The mighty W Indies team had carried all before them that summer until the Oval Test match when JT was brought in.

Lovely pic of the ovation from W.Indies players clapping then in on cricinfo. I went to The Oval that day, couldn't get in, and you'll be glad to know I rerouted to the Boleyn Ground for WHU vs Chalsea, massive crowd and white horses to greet Hurst, Moore and Peters back from World Cup victory for the season opener. I loved that place, the Boleyn, not so much The Oval!

[guildfordbat]

Gloves at half mast at Lords as John Murray leaves the ground for the last time.

Sad news indeed kwini.  "JT" was an excellent wicket keeper - also a very handy batsman. He scored a fine century for England v WI in 1966, in a big partnership with Tom Graveney (this was the match where tailenders, Ken Higgs and John Snow, also had an epic partnership.)  The mighty W Indies team had carried all before them that summer until the Oval Test match when JT was brought in.

Yes, John Thomas Murray (known as ''JT'') was an excellent keeper and a more than useful batsman. For younger posters, I'll flag that he played for Middlesex from the early ' 50s up until the mid '70s and during that time 20 or so Tests. He is second only to Bob Taylor in taking the most first class wicket keeping dismissals - some way over 1,500. Just think about that number. He and off spinner Fred Titmus worked especially well in partnership for many years dismissing all number of batsmen.

I actually went up market and attended the Middlesex v Warks match at Lords on Monday. There was a former players' reunion there that day and during the lunchtime session many of them were out on one of the lawns chatting to their supporters and remembering golden days. I'm sorry to say I didn't notice JT but I'm sure he would have been present (as he was definitely at the match on Tuesday according to press reports of his death) - I do hope so anyway.

[alfie]

Sad news indeed - have to confess I'd missed it until I saw this thread.

Remember Murray (a perhaps somewhat underrated Test player ? Might have played more Tests , I thought)
Was certainly excellent with the gloves ; and if his batting was not quite at the the level of some in that role - think it was Parks who succeeded him ? - he was no rabbit...as that hundred against West Indies attests.
And of course , a wonderful servant to Middlesex for many years. A great loss.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

In Div 1 the title race is now virtually certain to be a straight fight between Surrey and Somerset. Both sides managed to eke out tense victories on the final day of their matches today. Surrey are a healthy 32 points ahead of Somerset, with each having five matches to play. But Surrey still have to visit Taunton, where we could expect a pitch prepared to suit Leach and Bess.

In contrast, at the bottom it's very tight. Lancs are in the most trouble, bottom and having played a game extra. They'll be sick as a parrot after putting up an excellent fight against Surrey and losing by just six runs today. Worcs, Yorks, Hants and Essex are all in the frame, separated by 12 points.

[jimbohammers]

Big win for us today. Vince scoring 72 and 147. Much needed from the skipper.

Surrey's late win helped us out. Worcestershire smashing Yorkshire brings a few teams into the relegation mix.

[JDizzle]

That was a huge win for Surrey in the title race. Heavy favourites now.

But well bowled Jack Leach - 8fer in the second innings to beat Essex. Not seen him mentioned at all for England, but he only lost his place via injury and is surely certain to be lining up in the team in Sri Lanka.

[wisden]

Jack Brooks will be a Somserset playing next year, and Lancs have signed SA spinner Keshav Maharaj until the end of the season

[jimbohammers]

Eoin Morgan 6 from 78 balls and out.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Yorkies are in quite a spot of bother against Somerset - and in the table too. Also rumours they are making serious budget cuts, and their squad movements the past month seem to suggest that too...

[jimbohammers]

We are truly dreadful

[jimbohammers]

When do we start talking about Lewis Gregory when it comes to an England call up? Whether that is in t20s or the longer forms. He's been very impressive this season.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

We are truly dreadful

In danger of the drop now Jimbo - albeit very congested down there!

[chichestersurreyfan]

I was pleased to see that Lancashire pulled off a remarkable win today against Worcestershire....I was very impressed with Lancs in the recent match against Surrey that they just lost ...Lancs were unlucky and I thought they showed a great team spirit which should serve them well...it is getting very tight at the bottom...Looks like Yorkshire are in big trouble .

[Corporalhumblebucket]

I was pleased to see that Lancashire pulled off a remarkable win today against Worcestershire....I was very impressed with Lancs in the recent match against Surrey that they just lost ...Lancs were unlucky and I thought they showed a great team spirit which should serve them well...it is getting very tight at the bottom...Looks like Yorkshire are in big trouble .

The newcomer, Bohannon, starred again in Lancs victory, just as he did in a losing cause against Surrey.  The guy clearly has a great head for dealing with pressure.

[wisden]

Durham have re-signed Ben Raine from Lecistershire for next season

[Afro]

Lancs capitulation accelerates very quickly after lunch to end 99 all out, Leach with 5-28

Right, now lets see how we bat

[guildfordbat]

Lancs capitulation accelerates very quickly after lunch to end 99 all out, Leach with 5-28

Right, now lets see how we bat

Afro - whilst 250 will probably be enough for an innings win, I guess you'll be looking for 400 and a maximum 24 points from the game.

[Afro]

Tresco gone for 9 already. This game could be over by tomorrow lunchtime

[Afro]

Lancs capitulation accelerates very quickly after lunch to end 99 all out, Leach with 5-28

Right, now lets see how we bat

Afro - whilst 250 will probably be enough for an innings win, I guess you'll be looking for 400 and a maximum 24 points from the game.

In an ideal world, we would be looking for maximum batting points, but win points much more critical.

250 is a long way off, let alone 400, so lets see how we go and set the target as we go. We have the ability to score quickly if needed

[Afro]

Lancs capitulation accelerates very quickly after lunch to end 99 all out, Leach with 5-28

Right, now lets see how we bat

Afro - whilst 250 will probably be enough for an innings win, I guess you'll be looking for 400 and a maximum 24 points from the game.

In an ideal world, we would be looking for maximum batting points, but win points much more critical.

250 is a long way off, let alone 400, so lets see how we go and set the target as we go. We have the ability to score quickly if needed

Current target - match their score

[guildfordbat]

Yeah, 400 looking miles off as probably is 250 with Somerset now on 60/4. Dependable Hildreth the last to fall.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Meanwhile, Surrey completely becalmed in the afternoon session. No wickets and hardly any runs. Full batting points looking a very long way off.

[Afro]

Current target - match their score

Right lead acquired.

Next target 120.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Pitch inspectors on their way to Taunton and Canterbury one may suspect...

[Afro]

I think one lives in Taunton permanently these days.

[Afro]

A good proportion of the wickets were poor batting as well tbf

[JDizzle]

Ed Barnard 6/50 for Worcs today - get that lad on the Lions tour this winter.

Also 80 on debut for Ben Duckett at Notts. Hopefully the move gets him back on the right track, as he has a hell of a lot of potential. Peter Moores has never been anything less than an excellent county coach, so fingers crossed he works his magic.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Echo JDizzle's thoughts on Duckett - I thought he was harshly treated by England, and that seemed to knock him off his tracks for a bit. Hopefully he can take advantage of this new lease of life at Notts.

Somerset seem set to wrap up a victory against Lancs, potentially before lunch on day two.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Somerset are 12-3, chasing 78. Hildreth, Trescothick and Ali back in the hutch already. Surely they can't lose??

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Somerset are 12-3, chasing 78. Hildreth, Trescothick and Ali back in the hutch already. Surely they can't lose??

23-5 and they are in serious danger...but the man in form Lewis Gregory strides to the crease. Can the Somerset Sobers do it again?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I would also suggest a pitch in which a team in the 4th innings is struggling to chase 78 halfway through day two will definitely raise the ire of the pitch inspector...

[Afro]

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Somerset need another 26 to win with 4 wickets left. With Gregory still there you have to assume that Somerset will win. But it's only fair that they should be given an almightly scare on the way since it's obviously a pretty poor wicket - at best - that they've had prepared.

[Afro]

Gregory gone.

[Afro]

Bess stumped with the scores level. what's that all about.

So now scores level with one wicket left.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I've never seen a choke like that in modern sports

[Afro]

Match tied after the next 9 deliveries are dots and then Maharaj gets Leach for a duck.

[sirfredperry]

Somerset: Scores level with TWO wickets in hand. Then last two wickets go down with no further run and it's a TIE. Extraordinary finish.

[Marky]

I've never seen a choke like that in modern sports

I dunno, at 37/6 they did well to get the tie

[jimbohammers]

Match fixing at its finest. How hard is it to nick a quick single

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