The ECB have said no to Stone for this week. They want to limit his matches. He’ll most likely play next week though.

It’s Miles and Mousley to drop out for me.

Is Vihari in the UK. Because surely he’ll have to quarantine too if not.
Apparently on the Malan issue, and Farbs mentioned it when referring to “routes”, is that even though he can’t get a visa currently, if he eventually does, flying via South Africa would mean an extended quarantine. So the club were trying to find a way he could fly via 2 other countries, to lower the quarantine time. Fly from SA, a red status country, to lesser risk country outside the EU, to the EU, then into the UK. Meaning he could do 5 days and 2 negative tests, rather than the full 10 days.

I’ve always thought for a batsman at least, less than half a season is pointless.
3 games is far too short. That’s maximum 6 innings to make an impact. Assume he takes a couple to get used to the conditions and the club, throw in a bad umpiring decision, suddenly you’ve got 3 innings. A nice green top or a few days rain and suddenly, you’ve hardly contributed anything.

I suspect it very well might end up like the Big Bash, where the governing body will tell you what a financial and marketing success it is, quote viewing figures etc. But can’t provide evidence or prove any tangible improvement to the standard of Australian amateur or professional cricket.

So with 1 day left of the last preseason match, the question must be what will be the first team of the season vs Derbyshire. For me the questions are, will Malan arrive in time to play, will they play a spinner, and 6 batsmen or 7? Assuming all are fit, but with Malan still not arriving my side would be:
Sibley
Rhodes
Yates
Hain
Lamb
Burgess
Bresnan
Briggs
Norwell
Stone
OHD

Whatever it is, it’s different. A few paces at a jog, then almost stops, walks a couple of paces and then I think it is indeed leg spin. Could be a very useful tool if he can refine it. Especially places where pitches do something’s take spin like Essex and Notts.

Seen rumblings on Twitter that Malan is having visa issues. That’s why he hasn’t arrived yet. Which if not sorted in the next few days would mean he couldn’t play in the first match due to quarantining.
Seems a real oversight by the club if that is the case.

I wonder if it’s a case of looking after them both. As a pair they’re pretty injury prone.
Interesting it’s Hose that drops out for Sibley. I’m guessing that leaves, a competition between Yates and Mousley for who stays when Malan arrives.

BluenoseBear wrote:

BristolBear wrote:

Does anyone know what happened in the second match today? Hoping some runs for Mousley and Burgess and some wickets for OHD.

Match Drawn:

Bears 225/5

Pollock - 81
Mousley - 49
Burgess - 5
Bethell - 24
E Brookes - 8
Chakrapani - 10
Bolaji - 4
Lintott - 26

Nottingham 121/7

OHD - 3 Wickets
Johal - 2 Wickets
Garrett - 1 Wicket
E Brookes - 1 Wicket

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m076ea020-392f-45b8-b98b-29c2019eed8a
That’s from Tuesday unfortunately. They played today as well according to OHD. So was wondering who did well.

Does anyone know what happened in the second match today? Hoping some runs for Mousley and Burgess and some wickets for OHD.

Really nice piece. Think that sums it up rather nicely. I think you’re right, and don’t believe anyone can deny the potential and talent in the squad now, but it’s about the maturity and consistency that comes with experience. And that is what wins trophies. This season might be too early for many of them. But believe it’s going to be a good step forward.

Interesting it’s a 2 month loan and not a whole season. Suggests they want him for the white ball.

The interesting name that jumps out to me is Mousley in the majority 2nd team; from last weeks batsmen is he the one that gives way for Malan? OHD and Burgess are there too but I assume because realistically Robinson already knows they’re going to be in that first team, injuries aside, come the 8th.

I would definitely say the other batsmen looked like they hit the ball cleaner, timed it better.
The other thing is it was a very slow and low pitch, and everyone else got the pace of it quite well and worked on rotating the strike, whereas Yates seemed to get stuck.
Just based on the types of batsmen we have rather than scores today. You’d think Yates would be the one to miss out for Malan.

Couldn’t really ask for a better day.
Apart from Yates everyone that batted looked very comfortable, and was either retired or not out.
I wonder if they’ll split it and do 40 overs each tomorrow.

I do feel Brookes blows very hot or very cold, he won’t ever just bowl 5 overs for 10, and build pressure. Far more often he’s wayward and there’s 1 or 2 boundary balls an over.
I’ve liked the look of Briggs; and I think of you add one of Stone or Woakes to this bowling lineup and it’s an attack that can cause anyone problems.

Anyone watching on the stream? Norwell and OHD were very good up top. Economical and lots of play and misses unlucky not to find the edge.
Miles, Brookes and Bresnan much more expensive.

BluenoseBear wrote:

I don't know much about Kelley admittedly.

Don't we have one more overseas player for the CC? Could try and bring in someone to compete with Burgess.

I think a second overseas is a financial constraint for a lot of teams that haven’t already had to turn Kolpaks into their second overseas. Probably more of an option next year when revenue from crowds and finals day is back.
I suspect the thought is, Kelly or Malan, can cover for injury. Burgess’s glove work was excellent last year, and they’ll want to see him get back into his 2019 batting form.

I’m not thrilled about the allocated seating as I only get up a few times a year and for me it’s about the whole experience, not just the performed.
I hope and assume it’s temporary, as part of the joy of watching Championship cricket for me is taking a lap, taking in the game from different viewpoints.

I’m fascinated to see what approach Robinson is going to take tactically and the attitude players will have when batting.
Last season, it seemed everyone was all over the place, no coherent plan. Too often we were 4 or 5 down for not many, expecting Burgess and Bresnan with the tail to be saviours, which is unreasonable and destined for failure.
I’d like to see a return to the formula that worked well towards the back end of 2019. Top 4 just bat time, obviously easier with Sibley, put overs in the bowlers legs, then you’ve got the likes of Hain, Burgess, Lamb and Bresnan who can attack off a platform against tired bowlers.