Surrey CCC 2019 Discussion Thread

[SimonofSurrey]

First topic message reminder :

After over 10000 views and 310+ articles spread over seven pages (which you have to scroll thro one by one on an i-phone) I've decided it's time we moved  on from the 2016 thread to this year. Here we go...

Cheers all,

Simon

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Fancy you may have quite a bit of company for the Guildford festival game this year Guildford after that announcement!

[guildfordbat]

Fancy you may have quite a bit of company for the Guildford festival game this year Guildford after that announcement!

I fancy I might, Olly.

[Gooseberry]

Good to see Surrey doing their bit for the English test teams chances this summer

Jopkes aside it shows really positive attitude from Kholi and should send a message to his teammates ... they arent here to repeat previous capitualtions and just fulfill a contractual obligation. He at least intends to avoid humiliations and make the effort.

For Surrey a handy signing to bolster their batting and leaves them a pretty formidable looking first choice line up ... albeit for a small number of games (3 RLCs and 3 CC?)

[guildfordbat]

Rumours gathering pace that Kohli has a back /neck muscle injury and will miss at least some of his Surrey stint.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

And now confirmed by the BCCI, Kohli has a neck injury and will miss his stint with Surrey to rehab in India ahead of the India/England test series

[jimbobgooner]

another month of Elgar?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Interesting to note that Will Jacks became Surrey’s youngest ever list A centurion yesterday - at 19 years old. Previous record holder was Jason Roy just after turning 21

[guildfordbat]

Main things as I remember them from yesterday's members' forum chaired by CEO Richard Gould with Alec Stewart:

* Frustration at losing Roy and T Curran to drinks carrying duties at IPL but money talks and Club's hand are pretty much tied.

* The proposed 100 tournament viewed with considerable scepticism and concern as to how it will fit with the rest of English cricket.

* Ticket prices for next year's World Cup are very high, prices imposed by ICC.

* Kohli's injury is totally genuine, as confirmed in conversations Stewie has had and medical reports he's seen.

* Mitch Marsh will not be joining the Club this season. [I wasn't sure if that was due to his injury or other factors such as Cricket Australia.]

* There has been a doubt over Finch's availability as Cricket Australia wanted him for an 'A' tour but Stewie believes he is winning that argument.

* A further signing for this season is planned and in the pipeline although he is not a big name.

* McKerr has a torn side and will be out for circa 2 months. Dunn's broken rib was caused when he was batting in the first match and hit by a ball from Edwards but not picked up by the medics until after he played in the second match! Dunn will play some second eleven cricket at the start of June with a view to him being available for selection for the CC match at Guildford. Otherwise, no injury concerns. Work being done to improve Virdi's fitness and strength.

* In all formats from now, there will be rotation of the bowlers to keep them fresh.

* Stoneman remains confident and committed - he was training with the Club on Monday.

* Foakes considered by Stewie to be good enough play Tests purely as a batsman (Bairstow's keeping improvement over the last two years being acknowledged). When asked what more Burns had to do to get some form of England- including Lions - recognition, Stewie replied, ''You tell me.''

* Stewie will consider players going on loan - but only to Division Two counties - if it may help them and Surrey.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Thanks for the report Guildford - not too unhappy Marsh won't be joining the club, and I suspect actually Stewart and co aren't either - we really need a specialist bat in my view, so I would assume that is what they are working on, albeit the pressure is slightly relieved now Stoneman is back with us for the whole summer one would think!

Interesting note about Virdi's fitness - has this been raised as a issue for him?

[guildfordbat]

Cheers, Olly. Stewart alluded to Virdi having missed some cricket towards the end of last season which rang a vague bell with me.

From what I've seen, Virdi gives everything in the field and throws himself around but could probably do with losing a bit of weight. Pot calling kettle black there although I have the excuse of not being a professional sportsman!

Stewie added that Batty was working closely with Virdi and helping coach him.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Thanks for the update Guildford.

[Voice of the Beehive]

Thanks for the hard work you put into updating us on the forums Mr Bat.

Meanwhile it was good to see Sammy in action for England today even though he's badly needed at Surrey.

Which Surrey lads do you think might make the England Lions squads for their matches in June and July ?  With Jason and TC already away for some of this time I'm selfishly hoping not too many but fear there could be a few.

Presumably there'll be two squads, one for the one day triangular tournament between 22nd June and 2nd July and one for the four day match starting 16th July.

[jimbobgooner]

Main things as I remember them from yesterday's members' forum chaired by CEO Richard Gould with Alec Stewart:

* Frustration at losing Roy and T Curran to drinks carrying duties at IPL but money talks and Club's hand are pretty much tied.

* The proposed 100 tournament viewed with considerable scepticism and concern as to how it will fit with the rest of English cricket.

* Ticket prices for next year's World Cup are very high, prices imposed by ICC.

* Kohli's injury is totally genuine, as confirmed in conversations Stewie has had and medical reports he's seen.

* Mitch Marsh will not be joining the Club this season. [I wasn't sure if that was due to his injury or other factors such as Cricket Australia.]

* There has been a doubt over Finch's availability as Cricket Australia wanted him for an 'A' tour but Stewie believes he is winning that argument.

* A further signing for this season is planned and in the pipeline although he is not a big name.

* McKerr has a torn side and will be out for circa 2 months. Dunn's broken rib was caused when he was batting in the first match and hit by a ball from Edwards but not picked up by the medics until after he played in the second match! Dunn will play some second eleven cricket at the start of June with a view to him being available for selection for the CC match at Guildford. Otherwise, no injury concerns. Work being done to improve Virdi's fitness and strength.

* In all formats from now, there will be rotation of the bowlers to keep them fresh.

* Stoneman remains confident and committed - he was training with the Club on Monday.

* Foakes considered by Stewie to be good enough play Tests purely as a batsman (Bairstow's keeping improvement over the last two years being acknowledged). When asked what more Burns had to do to get some form of England- including Lions - recognition, Stewie replied, ''You tell me.''

* Stewie will consider players going on loan - but only to Division Two counties - if it may help them and Surrey.

Jesus £130 to £150 for the south Africa game in the pavilion its a no from me

[guildfordbat]

...
Jesus £130 to £150 for the south Africa game in the pavilion its a no from me  

I did try and warn you, JimBob! Any games I watch will be in front of a tv!

Going back to Beehive's post on Friday night, he's absolutely right to flag the potential impact of Lions' selections.

The one day triangular tournament cuts across our CC match against Yorks at Scarborough. Most counties have CC matches at the same time. I hope that the ECB will pick players for this Lions' tournament from across many of the counties and no more than two players from any particular county. That would seem sensible and fair. Whether it'll happen remains to be seen!

The Lions' four day match against India A from 16th July is not really an issue for Surrey. That merely clashes with Surrey's three dayer against West Indies A starting on the same day.

I think Pope is certain to be involved, possibly in both. Remember him with Ramps during the first Test? For me, that was a clear sign he's on England's radar.

I would expect Virdi to play in the 4 dayer. Stewart mentioned at the forum meeting that Peter Sutch (not sure of his title but he's pretty much England's slow bowling coach) has been working with him. That confirms he's another they hope will get in the mix. Add that to his wickets already this season and I reckon he'll be there.

Likely as well that Foakes could have some involvement. He did nothing wrong on the Ashes tour and I suspect the ECB will want to show he isn't totally forgotten.

Not sure about the Currans. As regards England, the Lions is probably the level they're both currently at. However, the view may be taken that as they have both played for the senior side recently, games with the Lions aren't needed atm.

Sorry, Simon, but I don't see Burns being involved!

[Corporalhumblebucket]

More runs for Jacks in today's 2nd XI succesful run chase against Gloucs. Also took a few wickets. Harinath scored a few as well - good news in terms of the options for our upcoming cc match against Somerset where our resources are stretched to say the least.

[Voice of the Beehive]

Could Jacks and Harinath both play at Guildford I wonder although it would mean only four front line bowlers plus Patel, Jacks and Borthwick in support. Would be a risk on such a batting friendly ground but Pillans record doesn't suggest he'd be a bowling threat.

It's a real pity such an important game has so many players missing.

[guildfordbat]

Could Jacks and Harinath both play at Guildford I wonder although it would mean only four front line bowlers plus Patel, Jacks and Borthwick in support.  Would be a risk on such a batting friendly ground but Pillans record doesn't suggest he'd be a bowling threat.

It's a real pity such an important game has so many players missing.  

Hi Beehive - you may have seen on the ''Surrey v Hants'' thread that this (ie Harinath and Jacks coming in with Patel stepping up to be the 4th seamer) is my [provisional*] suggestion for Guildford. I fully accept it's not ideal but feel it's likely to be the most appropriate solution given the players unavailable. Essentially, I believe the priority is to bolster the batting and that's what I've tried to do whilst trusting that the key bowlers, particularly Morkel, will deliver with the ball.

* Has to be provisional until conditions and most of all the wicket are known.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Surrey sign The Brain for the next two cc matches I see, however, it's The Brain mk II not a re-signing of The Brain mk I - who was not always well regarded on these boards!

[guildfordbat]

Afternoon, Corporal and all - one thing in favour of The Brain mk I was that he hardly missed a game through injury. Hopefully mk II will be made of the same stuff - as he's only with us for 2 games, we can't allow him the luxury of turning up crocked like most signings!

PS Early weather forecast for the Guildford game , please? You and any of the troops likely to be on parade there?

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Evening, Guildford. Forecast is looking pretty good for most of the match. Not too sure about movements - only realistic day for me might be Friday.

[Voice of the Beehive]

Harinath playing in the three day second eleven match starting today but no Will Jacks. Significant or not ?

[guildfordbat]

Harinath playing in the three day second eleven match starting today but no Will Jacks. Significant or not ?

Hi Beehive - yes, I think so.

It's not a certainty that Harinath won't play at Guildford - he could be pulled out of the last day of this seconds' game to play day one of the CC match against Somerset. However, that now seems unlikely with Jacks apparently being preferred. What particularly strikes me as odd is that Harinath was in the squad for the CC match away to Hants when Jacks wasn't.

Btw, do you know anything about the Burger Van? He's not in this seconds' game and didn't feature in the last one either.

[Voice of the Beehive]

I'm by no means certain but I think it's possible Freddie is injured. I was at the last game he played for the twos and, when not on the field of play, he wore a pair of shorts revealing a very heavily bandaged knee.

As for the apparent switch from Harinath to Jacks, with Sam Curran unavailable and no other fast bowler knocking on the door, maybe they're thinking of playing only four front line bowlers plus Patel and, in that case maybe Jacks off spin might come in handy.

[guildfordbat]

[quote="Voice of the Beehive"]I'm by no means certain but I think it's possible Freddie is injured. I was at the last game he played for the twos and, when not on the field of play, he wore a pair of shorts revealing a very heavily bandaged knee.

As for the apparent switch from Harinath to Jacks, with Sam Curran unavailable and no other fast bowler knocking on the door, maybe they're thinking of playing only four front line bowlers plus Patel and, in that case maybe Jacks off spin might come in handy.[/quote]

Hi again Beehive - I think you're right there. This latest de Bruin also apparently bowls a bit of seam to provide a further option.

Thanks also for the Freddie update. A shame but it's hard to see him getting a new contract at the end of this season.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Interesting to see that today Nick Welch scored his second substantial century for Surrey 2ndXI within space of a few days. I hadn't heard of him before (but I see on Twitter that there's someone of that name who went to Whitgift and plays for Wimbledon cricket club.)

[Voice of the Beehive]

Interesting, Corporal. Welch isn't a player I'm familiar with so I've done a bit of research in case he's similarly unknown to others.

Nick is a 20 year old Zimbabwean who played 3 First Class and 5 List A matches for Mashonaland Eagles making his debut at the age of 16. I'm guessing his family possibly then emigrated to this country as he later played for Whitgift School for two years. As the Corporal said he now plays for Wimbledon.

He's played second eleven cricket for Sussex, Essex and Northants as well as Surrey.

Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Dunn takes 7 - 31 in the 2nd XI match to skittle Sussex. I guess that puts him right back in contention for a place in the match against Yorks - presumably as a possible alternative to Dernbach.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Worrying news from the England camp is that Tom Curran has a side strain - a big blow, with the T20 blast starting early July, you'd figure he will be missing for most if not all of that.

[jimbohammers]

Evening Surrey fans, good day for you guys. Just thought I'd put this on here, after the semi final win last week, sky did an interview with Steyn and asked him who the best batsman he has bowled too since being in England. He said Rory Burns, that he was really solid and he left the ball very well, he'd look up to the scoreboard and be surprised he was on like over 100. Spoke very highly of him.
Thought you'd be interested to hear that.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Thanks Jimbo. I must admit that I had for some while thought that Burns was (simply) a very solid county opener. He's got a not very attractive looking stance and disconcertingly appears always to take a look at deep midwicket about a second before the bowler delivers the ball! But his consistent weight of run scoring is very impressive.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Dean Elgar to return for the final five championship games of the season, starting at Trent Bridge on 23rd August. Excellent news

[Gooseberry]

Thanks Jimbo. I must admit that I had for some while thought that Burns was (simply) a very solid county opener. He's got a not very attractive looking stance and disconcertingly appears always to take a look at deep midwicket about a second before the bowler delivers the ball! But his consistent weight of run scoring is very impressive.

It does seem to be the season hes really steppoed to the fore. Currently the top 3 averaging batsmen in Div1 are all from Surrey (Pope, Burns, Foakes) with Burns outstanding as the leading run scorer by some distance whilst Pope has an utterly ludicrous average of 93. You could question if they are benfiting from some flat tracks at Lords of course .... but Burns' oppo a recent England test cap is averaging just 15 in the same games.
If county runs count (no pun etc) for anything then Burns really is knocking on the door for an England chance. Jennings too is having a decent season mind, Gubbins who was rumoured for an England call up has only played two county games and that in Div 2 (which really doesnt count when you have a 19 year old scoring 124 on his senior debut whos previous first class scores totalled 12 runs).

Hes kind of reaching that peak age now where if the chance doesnt come then you wonder if it ever will, whilst still being young enough to be more than the stop gap Stoneman wouldve been even if he were good enough for England. For me hes got to be next in line for the defence against the dark arts teachers job top 3 position for England.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Yes, Goose, I largely agree - although Burns has actually been a 1000+ runs a season batsman for a while now (four seasons in a row from 2014 - 2017, and very likely 2018 as well).  So whatever he's got it doesn't look like a one season purple patch. His last four championship scores have been 97 and 59 (Scarborough), 66 (Guildford) and 151 (Southampton). None of these was on his home patch of The Oval.

[guildfordbat]

Surrey seconds lost both parts of a t20 double header away to Sussex yesterday. Couple of former Surrey boys played for Sussex - Aneesh Kapil and JimBob's old mate Bradley Erasmus. They both chipped in at times but nothing outstanding from the scorecards.

[guildfordbat]

According to a report in the Evening Standard (they have fairly close links to the Oval), Surrey are close to signing Liam Plunkett.

I find it hard to understand why.

[James100]

According to a report in the Evening Standard (they have fairly close links to the Oval), Surrey are close to signing Liam Plunkett.

I find it hard to understand why.

Yeah that's a weird one Been seeing talk of us signing Zak Chappell for a while now, which would seem a better fit (Sam Curran doesn't look quite right at 7 in the CC stuff).

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

The only thinking I can see behind signing Plunkett might be that Rikki Clarke is retiring at the end of the season? Leaves a void for a bowling all rounder, particularly in the white ball sides?

[guildfordbat]

Olly - I understand why you might think that but I'm sure Clarke is good for another year or two at least. I'm not sure of the length of his current contract but it won't be up at the end of this season - this is actually the first year of that contract; when he came on board last season, he was only on loan (in a swop deal for Sibley).

He's more than holding his own in the team and comes from Surrey so it's not likely he'll want to quit and get away like some other feeble individuals recently.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Olly - I understand why you might think that but I'm sure Clarke is good for another year or two at least. I'm not sure of the length of his current contract but it won't be up at the end of this season - this is actually the first year of that contract; when he came on board last season, he was only on loan (in a swop deal for Sibley).

He's more than holding his own in the team and comes from Surrey so it's not likely he'll want to quit and get away like some other feeble individuals recently.

Good counter points to my theory, you I am sure are more correct than me.

I wouldn't be unhappy with Plunkett - he's got a good few years left in him, and I'd imagine next summers world cup will be his last England involvement. Maybe they are anticipating the Currans being away with England more?

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Interesting development about Plunkett, if confirmed. Rikki Clarke still seems very much on top of his game at the moment, so I can't imagine that he would be looking to retire just yet.

Of course Dunn and Meaker do seem to be more or less permanently crocked... On the other hand, Pillans is looking promising in T20 and could become a regular player in that format, or at least an entirely acceptable deputy.

[jimbobgooner]

12 man squad named for the west indies A game starting tomorrow
TC will captain the side and rocky will hopefully spend a long time in the middle.
Will jacks and Gus Atkinson will be looking to impress with the return of the England boys this Friday.
With 18-year-old Jamie Smith unavailable, Ben Foakes rested and Rory Burns and Ollie Pope on duty with the England Lions, Kent wicket keeper Adam Rouse – a former Surrey Second XI player – will be on duty behind the stumps.
Have to say I was hoping to see a few more of the younger players given a go Welch, Green etc

[guildfordbat]

12 man squad named for the west indies A game starting tomorrow
TC will captain the side and rocky will hopefully spend a long time in the middle.
Will jacks and Gus Atkinson will be looking to impress with the return of the England boys this Friday.
With 18-year-old Jamie Smith unavailable, Ben Foakes rested and Rory Burns and Ollie Pope on duty with the England Lions, Kent wicket keeper Adam Rouse – a former Surrey Second XI player – will be on duty behind the stumps.
Have to say I was hoping to see a few more of the younger players given a go Welch, Green etc

Cheers, JimBob. I get the impression from the club announcement that we will be playing with a 12 man team. If so, that'll mean it won't be a first class match as originally stated - a little disappointing for the players and any crowd.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

How did we manage to run out of wicket keepers?

[jimbobgooner]

another bad day for rocky

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Mixed fortunes for Surrey players in the Lions v India A match. Burns, Pope and Sam Curran all failed with the bat in the first innings. In the second Burns got 38 and Pope 50* at the declaration, while Curran took 5 - 43 in first innings and 1 -7 off two overs in the second as India A limped to 11-3 at the close of day 3 of 4. In some ways a typical Sam Curran performance - he was very expensive in his first overs and was forced out the attack. But he came back later with a hatful of wickets.

[Voice of the Beehive]

I was at the game yesterday and was glad to see the Surrey lads fare much better then they had on days one and two.

Rory captained the side well although he made quite a lot of quite minor changes to the field midway through overs than usual, moving boundary fielders five or ten yards wider or squarer. It showed he was always thinking about his field I suppose or maybe just unfamiliarity with his bowling attack.

Sam was the fifth bowler he called upon in the day's play and he was brought on just as dark clouds rolled in making it a good time to bowl. Nonetheless Sam took full advantage and was at his brilliant best.

When the Lions batted Rory made a slow start but saw off the new ball, which was more than Cook or Gubbins managed on this occasion. He gradually began to look more comfortable when he nicked a good one through to the keeper in the last over before tea.

That brought Ollie Pope to the crease straight after the interval. He probably benefited from the foundations partly set by his captain as he was positive and fluent from the start. It became a perfect situation for him as he and Woakes pushed on towards a declaration but what was impressive was that he was able to score quite quickly without taking risks.

Sam opened the bowling when India A batted again and had Shaw caught at slip before the close.

All in all a pretty good day for our lads. I think Pope and Sam advanced their reputations, on the day I was there anyway. Rory did OK but I'm not sure he made a strong case to be included in the Test series, although I'm sure the selectors know what he's capable of.

[guildfordbat]

According to a report in the Evening Standard (they have fairly close links to the Oval), Surrey are close to signing Liam Plunkett.

I find it hard to understand why.

Expected to be confirmed today.

Possibility of Mat Pillans going in the opposite direction although unlikely that will happen yet.

[LondonTiger]

Plunkett has signed a 3 year deal with Surrey (confirmed by Yorkshire)

https://yorkshireccc.com/news/view/6884/plunkett-to-join-surrey-at-end-of-season


With a tightened playing budget and his limited availability Yorkshire were not in a position to offer him a contract.

[guildfordbat]

Plunkett has signed a 3 year deal with Surrey (confirmed by Yorkshire)

https://yorkshireccc.com/news/view/6884/plunkett-to-join-surrey-at-end-of-season


With a tightened playing budget and his limited availability Yorkshire were not in a position to offer him a contract.

That answers the easy question as to why Yorks wanted shot of him.

The hard question is why Surrey wanted to sign him.

[alfie]

Plunkett has signed a 3 year deal with Surrey (confirmed by Yorkshire)

https://yorkshireccc.com/news/view/6884/plunkett-to-join-surrey-at-end-of-season


With a tightened playing budget and his limited availability Yorkshire were not in a position to offer him a contract.

That answers the easy question as to why Yorks wanted shot of him.

The hard question is why Surrey wanted to sign him.

Expecting limited availability of Currans due to England call ups ? Trouble there is I'd imagine Plunkett also will be busy with England ODI at least until the World Cup...

[Sponsored content]