Rayb wrote:

Not sure when we can expect to be ambitious, or at least optimistic, given a target of 175 in 60 overs, on our own muck heap, against the divisions bottom team, (whatever happens they will still be bottom). Perhaps that might be our problem? I wonder how Surrey would view the same challenge? Or in fact the majority of counties.

Trying to work out what you're trying to say..

Andy wrote:

Well yeah glad for some competitive cricket but I still don't think anyone was off their head for claiming 176 off 60 overs was a good deal when Northants declared to give an early lunch and keep time in the game. It was a fair observation.

Anyway OHD to hit the winning runs.

Yep it was a good deal, I mean if people disagree do they think 120-130 would be a good deal ? Never going to happen. The outcome in terms of our performance is irrelevant.

170 on that pitch against the bottom side in the division is a good deal.

It's like getting 50% off a day at the cricket but it wasn't a good deal because your team didn't win. At

This would be a new low.

Hardly a contradiction

170 on this pitch off 60 overs is a very good deal even if we are not playing well

Northants had no choice regardless as they have to try and win the game.

The pitch isn't that bad been a few partnerships and some very good bowling from OHD

BosworthBear wrote:

19-4 Sanderson hat trick

Not sure this was the ever the deal people were claiming!

It was a good deal..we're just bloody poor atm

No wonder Northants were happy to give us that deal.

Constantly folding..need a few players to stand up now and show some fight

We've got a good deal out of this.

Tayls79 wrote:

Anyone watching this live... Are they not tucking into the buffet? Or is the bowling of Burgess, Yates and seam-up Mousley just a bit too incisive? Guess we have to know what target they have in mind. More importantly, who was keeping to Burgess?

Rhodes keeping wicket. Very bizarre from Northants. I thought they would be looking to go 5+ an over minimum. Not much intent so far

Great performance from OHD!

Pitch seemed bit lively and batsman across teams struggled to score quickly. Rhodes is so frustrating, playing well and it seems he gets a tad bored and plays silly shot.

As captain (or a senior batsman) if you get a start you really need to do your best to capitalise on it. Rhodes seems to get too many starts and then out. Could have easily been 5-6 down tonight

Good day of cricket, some good bowling and some determined batting

Hopefully not too many delays tomorrow as Tuesday isn't looking great

Umpires and groundsman having a good chat..no idea about what, certainly could be getting ready to play.

The amount of faffing every rain break

ExiledBrummie wrote:

Pretty poor to be out twice in one day.

Now there's an understatement..

Really pathetic showing and we are getting a track record of it.

Yep time to go for sure.

Can't sugar-coat that performance, it was awful.

If it was the first time you could and probably should let it go. It's happened more than once now and whilst we can't forget we've done well in the group stage, it's not enough to regularly choke at knockout stage.

Difficult to call for a change of captaincy as I think the only way we could do this is through an outside recruit..let's see

The shower didn't seem that heavy for so much rain to accumulate on the covers..

Seems bit poor or maybe I'm being harsh

Unfortunately looks like the rain might win. Met office said no rain after 12.30..

Short shower and inspection at 3.30 with play likely around 4-4.15

Short shower has delayed the game by potentially 1.15hr mins. Trying to explain to a friend who doesn't often come to the cricket.. no wonder its hard to attract fans

Rain should be stopping by 12.30 so hopefully start around 3

Shaikh looks like a nice player to watch

Really enjoying the competition this year, shame it's not a 12 game tournament and have 6 home games in the month of August.

18 counties plus Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland and could have three groups of seven

LeicesterExile wrote:

Andy wrote:

2 division Blast is so clearly the best idea. Home and away fixtures, each team plays each other twice, 16 games. Can market the top division as the English Premier League or whatever. Wouldn't even need to have Finals Day and knockouts, the team who wins the EPL will be the best side and will be worthy winners. Play it throughout the duration of the season with games on Fridays and/or Sundays only, each game would be a proper event. Everyone knows where they are and what the craic is. Can even have a Gillette Soccer Saturday style show on TV that provides updates from each ground. The relegation/promotion element would be huge. It really would capture the imagination.

Why would you want to do away with Finals Day? The one day when Edgbaston is full for a domestic game with a tremendous atmosphere.
It would make sense to have a reserve day for every game too.

You could have a finals/relegation/promotion day with a 2 league t20 format

Relegation/promotion decider
8th team div 1 v 2nd team div 2

Finals play off
2nd team div 1 v 3rd team div 1

Finals match
1st Team Div 1 v Finals play off winner

Just a suggestion. Plenty of others I'm sure