Excellent piece of recruitment. Our overseas signings in the past couple of years have been well thought through and have complemented the existing squad.

I just wish we could get back to the days when we recruited one high calibre player from other counties each season.

Our fielding was outstanding - we are blessed to have two excellent fielders in Garton and Yates. Kai, Jake and Zen were very good as well today, ensuring one’s didn't become two’s.

Our running between wickets was also excellent with numerous two’s, particularly in the last 10 overs. Be interesting to see the breakdown of runs by each side - I’m pretty sure we will have more two’s.

Being wise after the event is rather easy.

This season we had one of best T20 squads in years - the team could have been:
Davis; Bethell; Webster; Hain; Mousley; Barnard; Garton; Woakes; Thomson; Gleeson; Tariq.

Unfortunately Davis’ form fell off a cliff, Garton was injured and Bethell/ Mousley/ Gleeson were playing elsewhere through little fault of our own.

I know there are names in the team that various posters dislike, but the simple fact is that they are (or have been) regular participants in international or national T20 competitions.

With regard to the 50 over competition the loss of Barnard and Hain in the batting and Booth and Gilchrist in the bowling has knocked a big hole in the team, along with Taz losing his form. However, letting Hamzha leave early seems a bit of an own goal, as does the failure to recruit an overseas, knowing that Booth was injured.

I join the despair at the lack of information from the club regarding availability of players - who knows the fitness status of half a dozen of our players? When will Garton be able to bowl? What has happened to Barker? When will Booth, Gilchrist and Simmons be fit? Are Lintott and Wylie dropped or playing? Who knows…….

I think Rocco’s parting comments were more of an “au revoir” rather than “Goodbye”, so you never know…..

Danny has been an absolute joy in T20 cricket, turning many games in our favour with wickets and economy rate. At present I cannot see how we replace him, either through the current squad or by acquisition from another county. I think the only route is through an overseas acquisition. Many thanks Danny for some absolutely splendid performances!

MalmesburyBear wrote:

ExiledBrummie wrote:

Andy wrote:

Won the toss bowling.

If Kai isn't injured then this feels a little harsh...

Also the stupid decision for Davies to open, captain and keep wicket!

No more stupid than expecting Ed to open the bowling, captain and open the batting! We clearly like all-rounders………

Not too surprised about Kai. It is his debut season as wicketkeeper and we shouldn’t underestimate the mental and physical challenge involved. He has played all the 50 over games throughout August and started to look a bit ragged towards the end - the rest will do him no harm.

Slightly worried about Nathan Gilchrist elevated straight into the team - although he has a great action, his performances for Kent and Middlesex in the last few weeks have not filled me with confidence. Very much hoping I’m wrong!

Highveld wrote:

I would say that the Metro Bank cup has shown that Taz has moved ahead of Lintott as a spinner, and that Kai should be classed as the best keeper on the staff.

I very much like Kai and he has potential. However, having watched him throughout the one day cup it is clear that he has a lot of work to do on his keeping - he is a bit “scruffy” and made several basic mistakes - these are not criticisms, just observations. Alex Davies is the better keeper at present, but hopefully Kai can develop as he matures.

I tend to think that Ed opening the bowling and batting, plus captaining the side is just too much. Noticeable that he has stopped bowling the closing overs, presumably so he can prepare for opening the batting. Yesterday he inexplicably only bowled 5 overs, whilst we watched Sylvester being deposited around the park.

I seem to recall various members on here calling out Alex Davies for opening the batting, keeping wicket and captaining, but no similar comment re Ed……..

Interesting to see Rob Yates appearing relatively high in the rankings, particularly in the County Championship

Fantastic win at Hampshire with virtually everyone making significant contributions.
It’s somewhat disappointing that some posters continually talk down the efforts and achievements of certain players, notably Rob Yates and Alex Davies.
The foundation for our win at Hampshire was their first innings partnership in the final session of day 1 in difficult conditions against one of the best new ball opening bowlers in the country. Both were unlucky to bat in very tricky conditions on the morning of day 2 when they fell with little addition to their overnight scores. Sam and in particular Ed will be at the head of the queue to thank them both for seeing off the new ball, giving them the opportunity to score heavily later in the game in much better conditions.
Both Rob and Alex had poor seasons last year, but will be more likely to succeed with support rather than unwarranted criticism.