Highveld
Member
The umpires can, and should, call wide if they consider the ball to be outside the normal reach of the batsman, or the ball is deliberately bowled wide as a defensive measure.
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A reminder that Yates is averaging below 13 this season,
Lamb's average is almost 49, and he has scored over 3 times more runs from the same number of innngs.
The omision of Lamb is illogical.
It's very sad that the management prefer the underachievment of Davies and Yates ahead of a local player who is still among our highest run scorers this season. Similarly the inclusion of Garret and Yohal ahead of Norwell and Miles.
Decisions like this have a dreadfully demoralising effect on the rest of the squad, and supporters.
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The play offs are for the winners of the 4 feeder leagues, so whoever finishes 2nd in Worcestershire will take part, subject to the club meeting the Birmingham league entrance criteria.
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.
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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!