Highveld
Member
Stourport, despite winning the Worcestershire league, will not be allowed to take part in the promotion play offs, as they do not meet the criteria for a Birmingham league club. A combination of facilities and lacking junior teams.
I see our U18 side are also heading to a heavy defeat.
The big question is who would be a viable alternative?
Very few of the squad have had any captancy experience, in senior cricket.
Possibly Sam Hain and OHD would be likely candidates.
At least with Farbrace leaving it won't be Davies.
The role of Mo Sheikh as 2nd team bowling coach has to be looked at, none of the seam bowlers have done well in the second team this year, or made any real progression towards claiming a first team place.
Perhaps the decision of Farbrace to leave will lead to a revision of the coaching staff, especially the bowling coaches.
Live scores link
https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m49304a82-62e0-4ae7-a71b-8379ee4dfd52
https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m544f82d7-582d-4dc9-87ac-70fba91da7fb
Live scores link
I'm sure some here will be devestated!
Shame as was actually making a positive contribution to the side, when he was fit.
Both Moeen and Ed Barnard are quality characters who will add a lot to the team with their experience and calmness.
If, as seems likely Chris Woakes is no longer fit enough for International cricket, he could make a great contribution to the side as a batsman, and occasional, bowler in all forms of the game.
Players like Mousley, Bethell, Kai Smith and both Henry and Ethan Brookes could develop into the core of a very strong side for the next decade. With support and guidance from the experienced Sam Hain, that seems strange, Will Rhodes, Burgess, Briggs and OHD.
I have concerns about the first and second team bowling coaches, especially when tht is/was the specailist area of the head coach.
Some here seem to be getting into the "football mob" mentality of sack everyone.
Over time, in all sports, the clubs that have long term sustainable success have a stable management structure, and develop their teams over time, not by making radical short term changes.
Carrying drinks in the unwanted competition!
Perhaps the old concept of batsmen actually staying at the crease and building an innings may have some value!
Any bowler coming in from a series of matches completed in under 3 full days play is likely to not only be fully fit, but in top form and ready to play!
Good to see Matt Lamb, finally, given a chance to bat at 4.
Good job we have Kai in the team.
Gives him a good opportunty to show his keeping skills.
Live scores link
https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m0f6251c0-9128-4fd7-a3ca-32d1c2ebb202
Pandya was missing from the field for part of the tied game and for a significant part of the game on Tuesday.
In both cases, his absence was harmful to the teams performance.
There are a number of fast bowlers from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand who were available.
Either Rabada or Jansen would, potentially, have been significantly better signings.
Jansen especially would have contributed with bat and ball.
Some said that about Vihari!
Great to see Matt and Kai making a good contribution at the end.
Both showing they deserve more chances.