Former England women’s star Enid Bakewell has been inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame.
Bakewell made her Test debut in 1968 and started in the best possible fashion with a century against Australia at Adelaide.
She
went on to strike 1,078 Test runs at an average of 59.88 while also
claiming 50 wickets with her useful left-arm spin at an average of just
16.13.
Bakewell’s career highlight came in her last appearance;
she became the first English player, male or female, to score a century
and take 10 wickets in a Test.
That feat has only been managed by
herself and Australia’s Betty Wilson in the women’s game and Sir Ian
Botham, Alan Davidson and Imran Khan in the men’s.
She said: “I do
feel very honoured. To be named after, Rachael Heyhoe Flint is a huge
moment for me. Rachael was a huge inspiration for me. My induction into
this elite panel is also a big statement for women's cricket.”
Bakewell
joins the illustrious group alongside West Indies legend Brian Lara,
who has struck the highest individual scores in Test and first-class
cricket.
He added: “I think it’s a very humbling experience for
me. First of all, to be considered and then to be selected is a great
moment.
“To be named alongside some of the great cricketers not
just from West Indies but from all around the world like Sir Garfield
Sobers and Sir Vivian Richards is a very special feeling.”
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Are tennis stars a leading light for the women's game?
After reading Hannah Wilks' soapbox piece in The Times today (July 7, sport p2 - "The women's game is not equal to the male version. It's actually far superior") it strikes us here at WC that our fair game could learn a lot from the lawns, clay and asphalt of tennis tournaments around the globe.
Even under the historical wood, iron and climbing vines of Wimbledon, the women have put themselves on an even keel with their male counterparts, but can we say the same at Lord's quite yet?
The key aspect is that, apart from the same prize-money, a large amount of strong competitors and crucially the same amount of media coverage as the men, they are always striving for more - in particular, equal recognition.
Although women's cricket is not at the same level in comparison, the fighting attitude of WTA professionals is right at the heart of why the sport has already become equal to the men's game. The players lead the way, and sections of the media (eg BBC) follow, all the way from the first round to a glitzy final.
Another strand to this view has to be the fact that tennis is global, but cricket is still struggling to cement itself in continental pastures new. Audiences and support in the US for example give a huge boost to women's football and women's tennis, as networks like ESPN dedicate swathes of journalists to covering the female side of various disciplines.
But progress is being made here in England, more T20s are a useful way of promoting women's cricket as part of 'double-header' packages for fans coupled with men's county clashes, but we need should not dilute the quality for the premise of quick media gains.
It took female tennis players a long time to get where they are now, but in the end it has been the quality of the sport - not gimmicks - that has seen them through, and it has been worth it.
As an experienced tennis writer, Wilkes stands up for the female side of her sport with gusto - cricket could do with some steely advocates of its own to promote and move forward the women's game for the long term.
Send us your comments women.cricket@yahoo.com or on twitter @womencricket
Even under the historical wood, iron and climbing vines of Wimbledon, the women have put themselves on an even keel with their male counterparts, but can we say the same at Lord's quite yet?
The key aspect is that, apart from the same prize-money, a large amount of strong competitors and crucially the same amount of media coverage as the men, they are always striving for more - in particular, equal recognition.
Although women's cricket is not at the same level in comparison, the fighting attitude of WTA professionals is right at the heart of why the sport has already become equal to the men's game. The players lead the way, and sections of the media (eg BBC) follow, all the way from the first round to a glitzy final.
Another strand to this view has to be the fact that tennis is global, but cricket is still struggling to cement itself in continental pastures new. Audiences and support in the US for example give a huge boost to women's football and women's tennis, as networks like ESPN dedicate swathes of journalists to covering the female side of various disciplines.
But progress is being made here in England, more T20s are a useful way of promoting women's cricket as part of 'double-header' packages for fans coupled with men's county clashes, but we need should not dilute the quality for the premise of quick media gains.
It took female tennis players a long time to get where they are now, but in the end it has been the quality of the sport - not gimmicks - that has seen them through, and it has been worth it.
As an experienced tennis writer, Wilkes stands up for the female side of her sport with gusto - cricket could do with some steely advocates of its own to promote and move forward the women's game for the long term.
Send us your comments women.cricket@yahoo.com or on twitter @womencricket
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Tweet us...
We have launched the @WomenCricket Twitter feed...
Over the course of the next few months we will establishing this blog as the place to go for info on Women's Cricket.
We are currently creating a dedicated website to take over - by the time summer 2013 comes around Twit Cricket will be the only place to learn, promote, and take part in the women's game.
Send us your news, views, club info, fixture lists and results. Let's get the women's game to where it should be.
Thanks
Nick
Over the course of the next few months we will establishing this blog as the place to go for info on Women's Cricket.
We are currently creating a dedicated website to take over - by the time summer 2013 comes around Twit Cricket will be the only place to learn, promote, and take part in the women's game.
Send us your news, views, club info, fixture lists and results. Let's get the women's game to where it should be.
Thanks
Nick
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
TV money needs investing across that gender gap
The ECB today announced a new seven-year deal with ESPN STAR Sports (ESS)
for the exclusive multi-platform rights to broadcast ECB's domestic and
home international programme across all the broadcaster's territories
in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
ESS are the ECB's current broadcast partner in the region, having held the contract for the past five years.
The new agreement, which runs from 2013 to 2019, will encompass more than 300 days of live international cricket, including India's next two tours to England in 2014 and 2018 and three home Ashes series scheduled for 2013, 2015 and 2019.
As well as covering all England's home Investec Tests, NatWest Series and NatWest International T20 fixtures, the deal will also give ESS the right to transmit 60 days' coverage every season from all ECB's key domestic competitions: the LV=County Championship, Clydesdale Bank 40 and Friends Life t20 competitions plus selected England Lions, England Under-19s...
...and lastly (and I suspect leastly) England women's matches. We need to channel more of this cash and more of this attention into the female game. But the ECB chefs still seem intently focused on the lucrative men's tests and one-day internationals.
But the cricket chiefs are not tuning in.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: "This new agreement demonstrates the enormous appetite for cricket worldwide and the global pulling power of a successful England team and a vibrant county game.
"In a challenging economic climate with all sports facing tough competition for funding streams, it will also provide an important source of additional revenue for funding the development of our game at all levels.
"TV audiences for cricket are expanding rapidly in Asia and the Middle East and we look forward to working closely with ESS to give both our international and county teams the widest possible TV exposure over the next seven years."
The next seven years is important and audiences are expanding rapidly, but not just across countries and continents, there is also the ever widening gender gap that still exists in a sport owned by men.
A little investment would go a long way in the women's game, we need to move beyond the boundaries of the occasional highlights package from a one-day international. That are some skillful players out there that deserve the coverage and the plaudits.
After all, England's women are one of the most successful teams of all time.
ESS are the ECB's current broadcast partner in the region, having held the contract for the past five years.
The new agreement, which runs from 2013 to 2019, will encompass more than 300 days of live international cricket, including India's next two tours to England in 2014 and 2018 and three home Ashes series scheduled for 2013, 2015 and 2019.
As well as covering all England's home Investec Tests, NatWest Series and NatWest International T20 fixtures, the deal will also give ESS the right to transmit 60 days' coverage every season from all ECB's key domestic competitions: the LV=County Championship, Clydesdale Bank 40 and Friends Life t20 competitions plus selected England Lions, England Under-19s...
...and lastly (and I suspect leastly) England women's matches. We need to channel more of this cash and more of this attention into the female game. But the ECB chefs still seem intently focused on the lucrative men's tests and one-day internationals.
But the cricket chiefs are not tuning in.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: "This new agreement demonstrates the enormous appetite for cricket worldwide and the global pulling power of a successful England team and a vibrant county game.
"In a challenging economic climate with all sports facing tough competition for funding streams, it will also provide an important source of additional revenue for funding the development of our game at all levels.
"TV audiences for cricket are expanding rapidly in Asia and the Middle East and we look forward to working closely with ESS to give both our international and county teams the widest possible TV exposure over the next seven years."
The next seven years is important and audiences are expanding rapidly, but not just across countries and continents, there is also the ever widening gender gap that still exists in a sport owned by men.
A little investment would go a long way in the women's game, we need to move beyond the boundaries of the occasional highlights package from a one-day international. That are some skillful players out there that deserve the coverage and the plaudits.
After all, England's women are one of the most successful teams of all time.
Monday, 11 June 2012
What is wrong with a keeper that can bat...?
England one day squads announced. But Craig Kieswetter still gets the nod over Steven Davies.
What has the Surrey man got to do to get selected over the Somerset pretender?
He leads the premier one day side in the country at the Oval, after helping Surrey to win the CB40 and staying unbeaten so far this year, yet his quickfire contributions this season remain ignored.
Kieswetter's Taunton colleagues are languishing at the bottom of the same group having lost four games.
We know cricket is not a one man sport, the Somerset man averaged 57 in 2011, Davies managed just 30, but the balance of glove power has shifted.
Davies now averages 38, perfectly respectable at the top of the order - Kieswetter averages a little over 8.
The pressure must be on if the Somerset player doesn't get the required runs.
Mind you, what is wrong with Matt Prior...?
Friday, 1 June 2012
Kartik set for Surrey debut...he will be a match winner
Team Director Chris Adams has named a thirteen man squad for Surrey’s
three Clydesdale Bank 40 games over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Bank
Holiday weekend.
Surrey’s three Group B games come inside four days beginning with a
trip to the SWALEC Stadium on Saturday to take on the Welsh Dragons.
They then return
to the Kia Oval on Sunday to play the Hampshire Royals and on Tuesday
the Scottish Saltires are the visitors to the Kia Oval to complete the
three game run.
Murali Kartik comes straight into the squad having arrived this week
to join up with Surrey as the overseas professional until the end of the
season. Zafar
Ansari is unavailable for the three games due to commitments at
Cambridge University.
Chris Adams commented: “We are delighted to welcome Murali Kartik to
the club. He is a proven match winner in all forms of the game and we
are really looking
forward to having him available for us until the end of the season. He
will bring an extra dimension to our squad and his experience will be
invaluable in the dressing room.
“This run of three games in four days is a critical period in our CB40
campaign. If we can win all three then we will have put ourselves in a
very strong
position in Group B. That is our aim and we are confident because we
have already played some excellent cricket in the competition this
season which has seen us win our three opening games. We are looking
forward to the challenge of the next few days”.
The Surrey Squad for the Clydesdale Bank 40 games against the Welsh Dragons on Saturday 2nd June, the Hampshire Royals on Sunday 3rd
June and the Scottish Saltires on Tuesday 5thJune:
Rory Hamilton-Brown (capt)
Steven Davies
Jason Roy
Tom Maynard
Zander de Bruyn
Matthew Spriegel
Gareth Batty
Murali Kartik
Jon Lewis
Stuart Meaker
Jade Dernbach
Gary Wilson
Tim Linley
Thursday, 31 May 2012
The women's game
I went to watch Surrey v Sussex women last weekend. Decent game, England keeper Sarah Taylor made a sparkling hundred in a 150-run victory.
I sat there and asked myself, what must the women's game do to gain more exposure? It needs higher standards, more coaching and more time and money given to those who have the talent to become professional.
However, there is a long way to go. So I want your suggestions please. I'm writing now for The Cricket Paper and we have the perfect platform to take the female game forward in the media.
Let's get bigger crowds, more interest, and establish a game for both sexes to enjoy.
I sat there and asked myself, what must the women's game do to gain more exposure? It needs higher standards, more coaching and more time and money given to those who have the talent to become professional.
However, there is a long way to go. So I want your suggestions please. I'm writing now for The Cricket Paper and we have the perfect platform to take the female game forward in the media.
Let's get bigger crowds, more interest, and establish a game for both sexes to enjoy.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Sussex swept aside
Good to see Surrey secure a first win in the County Championship Div One, but they will face much stiffer tests than the weak Sussex attack at the Oval last week.
Middlesex are already providing a tougher examination of the Brown Cap's batting line up and the longer that de Bruyn and Ramps fail to score runs, the more likely that Chris Adams will turn to youth and Jason Roy who is waiting in the wings.
But Adams is right to give the old stagers a starting berth, experience is important in a division where nothing is given away.
By rights Surrey could have wrapped up victory in two days against the Sharks, but the quality that exists throughout teams in this league shone through. That patience and experience won the day and by not rushing for victory Surrey sailed home comfortably early on day four.
The London side's bowlers however look like THE force to be reckoned with this year - pace, accuracy and aggression were top of the menu. With some quality spin the vocal Surrey support will have much to cheer in the way of wickets this year. (And for those who were at the Oval late on the third day, yes they do need to pitch it up more!)
Good start, but we need more runs. 6 out of 10.
Middlesex are already providing a tougher examination of the Brown Cap's batting line up and the longer that de Bruyn and Ramps fail to score runs, the more likely that Chris Adams will turn to youth and Jason Roy who is waiting in the wings.
But Adams is right to give the old stagers a starting berth, experience is important in a division where nothing is given away.
By rights Surrey could have wrapped up victory in two days against the Sharks, but the quality that exists throughout teams in this league shone through. That patience and experience won the day and by not rushing for victory Surrey sailed home comfortably early on day four.
The London side's bowlers however look like THE force to be reckoned with this year - pace, accuracy and aggression were top of the menu. With some quality spin the vocal Surrey support will have much to cheer in the way of wickets this year. (And for those who were at the Oval late on the third day, yes they do need to pitch it up more!)
Good start, but we need more runs. 6 out of 10.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Selection matters...
Surrey go into first division action this Thursday in the opening game of the summer (weather permitting), but coach Chris Adams has a difficult task picking his best 11 as his batsman all stake a claim for inclusion.
Here is my pick for the game against Sussex at the Oval, and why:
1. Jacques Rudolph - simple selection, averages over 52 in championship cricket. Great addition to the squad and will give plenty to the young side on and off the pitch
2.Gary Wilson - for balance. When Steven Davies comes back it will be time for the England man to stand up and be counted at the top of the order. Until then, Wilson can deputise, and push for a place himself
3. Jason Roy - Huge talent. Needs a long stint in one slot to learn his trade, if not at three maybe at six. But this season should see a boy become a man.
4. Tom Maynard - Another who enters a crucial development season. Showed class last year and ability to bat long in the middle of a match. Surrey's key player this season - if England don't come knocking
5. Rory Hamilton-Brown - The skipper has been opening the batting out of necessity. Now Rudolph has arrived it gives him time to deliver in the middle of the order, where his technique and aggression is best suited. His bowling should also be further developed this year.
6. Zander de Bruyn - Amazing first year but should be put under pressure by a crop of youngsters eager to establish themselves in the first team. Will be a fine swansong, and his bowling is a handy weapon
7.Chris Jordan - Done enough in pre-season to gain a place, and was brilliant last year in helping the side gain promotion. If he stays injury free, he could be the surprise package of the season
8. Zafar Ansari - With Gareth Batty away with the MCC he needs to take his chance. Could be overlooked for Matthew Spriegel but if not given a chance will never improve
9. Jonathan Lewis - Great signing with so many Surrey pacemen now being called on by England. Will take wickets at key stages.
10. Stuart Meaker - If available, Meaker could have a similar impact as Jade Dernback did last time out. Could do with England letting him develop on the county circuit for a season at least
11. Tim Linley - Dependable and often under rated. Needs to stay clear of injuries and put in lots of overs
When we see the return of Jade, Batty, Tremlett, Pietersen, Ramps and Davies et al, it will be interesting to see what changes are made. Also, keep an eye on Matt Dunn this year - has real pace.
Here is my pick for the game against Sussex at the Oval, and why:
1. Jacques Rudolph - simple selection, averages over 52 in championship cricket. Great addition to the squad and will give plenty to the young side on and off the pitch
2.Gary Wilson - for balance. When Steven Davies comes back it will be time for the England man to stand up and be counted at the top of the order. Until then, Wilson can deputise, and push for a place himself
3. Jason Roy - Huge talent. Needs a long stint in one slot to learn his trade, if not at three maybe at six. But this season should see a boy become a man.
4. Tom Maynard - Another who enters a crucial development season. Showed class last year and ability to bat long in the middle of a match. Surrey's key player this season - if England don't come knocking
5. Rory Hamilton-Brown - The skipper has been opening the batting out of necessity. Now Rudolph has arrived it gives him time to deliver in the middle of the order, where his technique and aggression is best suited. His bowling should also be further developed this year.
6. Zander de Bruyn - Amazing first year but should be put under pressure by a crop of youngsters eager to establish themselves in the first team. Will be a fine swansong, and his bowling is a handy weapon
7.Chris Jordan - Done enough in pre-season to gain a place, and was brilliant last year in helping the side gain promotion. If he stays injury free, he could be the surprise package of the season
8. Zafar Ansari - With Gareth Batty away with the MCC he needs to take his chance. Could be overlooked for Matthew Spriegel but if not given a chance will never improve
9. Jonathan Lewis - Great signing with so many Surrey pacemen now being called on by England. Will take wickets at key stages.
10. Stuart Meaker - If available, Meaker could have a similar impact as Jade Dernback did last time out. Could do with England letting him develop on the county circuit for a season at least
11. Tim Linley - Dependable and often under rated. Needs to stay clear of injuries and put in lots of overs
When we see the return of Jade, Batty, Tremlett, Pietersen, Ramps and Davies et al, it will be interesting to see what changes are made. Also, keep an eye on Matt Dunn this year - has real pace.
Monday, 2 April 2012
That boy Roy...
The exaggerated foot front press in-between every over shows exactly what Jason Roy has been doing during the winter months - turning promise into technique and, fingers crossed, into runs.
Surrey's first pre-season encounter may have finished in a thrilling two-run victory against Leeds Uni, thanks largely to Tim Linley (5-45 in the 2nd innings) and Rory Burns (101 in the 1st innings), but it was four punches down the ground that showed a winter of hard work could yield some results for the 22-year-old.
Towards the end of the second day, Roy came in with the score on 58 for 3 and promptly thumped one past the left hand of the fielder at mid-on. Two more of the same followed, before a straighter version smashed into the stumps at the non-strikers end.
He only made 32, before mistiming one to mid-off, but the key was a new stance. Roy is now incredibly still at the crease, not even tapping his bat. He is clearly focused on hitting towards the V - great to see.
As any frustrated Surrey fan will tell you, the boy Roy has always been a talented bat, but too often a lazy pull across the line would kill an exciting innings before it had the chance to take off.
This year might be different. Keep the aggression and keep playing straight. Love the simplicity.
Star man v Leeds Uni: Chris Jordan, bowled quickly and scored 54 and 18 at the top of the order
Surrey's first pre-season encounter may have finished in a thrilling two-run victory against Leeds Uni, thanks largely to Tim Linley (5-45 in the 2nd innings) and Rory Burns (101 in the 1st innings), but it was four punches down the ground that showed a winter of hard work could yield some results for the 22-year-old.
Towards the end of the second day, Roy came in with the score on 58 for 3 and promptly thumped one past the left hand of the fielder at mid-on. Two more of the same followed, before a straighter version smashed into the stumps at the non-strikers end.
He only made 32, before mistiming one to mid-off, but the key was a new stance. Roy is now incredibly still at the crease, not even tapping his bat. He is clearly focused on hitting towards the V - great to see.
As any frustrated Surrey fan will tell you, the boy Roy has always been a talented bat, but too often a lazy pull across the line would kill an exciting innings before it had the chance to take off.
This year might be different. Keep the aggression and keep playing straight. Love the simplicity.
Star man v Leeds Uni: Chris Jordan, bowled quickly and scored 54 and 18 at the top of the order
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Strength 'n' depth is not just an Andy Gray footballism...
...it is also a very important aspect of a winning club (note the lack of the word side or team).
The reason I am harping on tonight is that Surrey's second team trounced their Essex counterparts by 93-runs today in a display that will only be sadly noticed by the die hard fans, and me.
A winning squad needs players who are on the fringes to be playing well and also needs players to push those above them to keep the stakes high and ensure everyone is performing to their maximum.
This year it looks like that might happen at the Oval.
For too long Rory Hamilton-Brown has been criticised for 'picking his mates', an argument that I have never bought in to. But head of cricket Chris Adams always said this was a three-year project and here we are, year three.
Surrey now have a group of about 16 or 17 players that can put in match-winning performances and rotating them will be key. Chris Schofield is the man I believe will do a lot of chopping and changing, his second team captaincy role will be to inspire others to make themselves regular first team choices.
The names that pushed forward after today's 40-over match in Chelmsford are Arun Harinath (70 in 50 balls), Chris Jordan (50), but mostley Matt Spriegel who scored 46 off 38 balls, including a massive six over extra cover, and then later took 4-23, capping it all with a stunning catch - surely he is knocking on the first team dressing room door? According to the Telegraph "We need a spinner who can bat a bit."
Next up is Glamorgan. A stern test in Cardiff and with the first game nerves gone we will begin to see how good this Surrey side is...hopefully.
The reason I am harping on tonight is that Surrey's second team trounced their Essex counterparts by 93-runs today in a display that will only be sadly noticed by the die hard fans, and me.
A winning squad needs players who are on the fringes to be playing well and also needs players to push those above them to keep the stakes high and ensure everyone is performing to their maximum.
This year it looks like that might happen at the Oval.
For too long Rory Hamilton-Brown has been criticised for 'picking his mates', an argument that I have never bought in to. But head of cricket Chris Adams always said this was a three-year project and here we are, year three.
Surrey now have a group of about 16 or 17 players that can put in match-winning performances and rotating them will be key. Chris Schofield is the man I believe will do a lot of chopping and changing, his second team captaincy role will be to inspire others to make themselves regular first team choices.
The names that pushed forward after today's 40-over match in Chelmsford are Arun Harinath (70 in 50 balls), Chris Jordan (50), but mostley Matt Spriegel who scored 46 off 38 balls, including a massive six over extra cover, and then later took 4-23, capping it all with a stunning catch - surely he is knocking on the first team dressing room door? According to the Telegraph "We need a spinner who can bat a bit."
Next up is Glamorgan. A stern test in Cardiff and with the first game nerves gone we will begin to see how good this Surrey side is...hopefully.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Two good debuts, needed to be three...
New players can always take a while to bed in, but it seems more so with the ball then the bat.
New signings Tom Maynard (72 total match runs) and Zander de Bruyn (126 total match runs) both put in good stints at the crease during a fascinating draw in the opening fixture of the 2011 season against Northants.
The worrying aspect of the whole four-days though was our inability to finish things off, or in the words of Tiger Woods "Get things done."
Where was that killer instinct? Obviously skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown has confidence in his attack because his second innings declaration was brave and bold, but it was a comfortable draw in the end for the visitors - when it should have been anything but.
Some of the blame has to lie with another debutant, Yasir Arafat. The Pakistan international, who will no doubt have a great role to play in the one-day format, just couldn't find a breakthrough and finished with dismal figures of 0-108 off 31 overs. Ok economy, but that is not what we need from a new ball bowler.
When Jade Dernbach returns Arafat should move to first change, but he will need to learn to swing it at the Oval - a feat that has proved elusive for some of the top players around the world.
I should not be too critical, because I was there on Friday and I was very impressed with the positive approach to the game, nearly 350 runs in a day. The young batting line up will learn off Ramps later this season on how to convert a 20 or 30 into a match changing score.
And lets not forget that Surrey were in charge for a good 70 per cent of this game, if they get Chris Tremlett back for a while and also Mr Dernbach, they will have that fire power to turn draws into victories.
Surrey have every reason to be positive going to Wales next week to face Glamorgan.
New signings Tom Maynard (72 total match runs) and Zander de Bruyn (126 total match runs) both put in good stints at the crease during a fascinating draw in the opening fixture of the 2011 season against Northants.
The worrying aspect of the whole four-days though was our inability to finish things off, or in the words of Tiger Woods "Get things done."
Where was that killer instinct? Obviously skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown has confidence in his attack because his second innings declaration was brave and bold, but it was a comfortable draw in the end for the visitors - when it should have been anything but.
Some of the blame has to lie with another debutant, Yasir Arafat. The Pakistan international, who will no doubt have a great role to play in the one-day format, just couldn't find a breakthrough and finished with dismal figures of 0-108 off 31 overs. Ok economy, but that is not what we need from a new ball bowler.
When Jade Dernbach returns Arafat should move to first change, but he will need to learn to swing it at the Oval - a feat that has proved elusive for some of the top players around the world.
I should not be too critical, because I was there on Friday and I was very impressed with the positive approach to the game, nearly 350 runs in a day. The young batting line up will learn off Ramps later this season on how to convert a 20 or 30 into a match changing score.
And lets not forget that Surrey were in charge for a good 70 per cent of this game, if they get Chris Tremlett back for a while and also Mr Dernbach, they will have that fire power to turn draws into victories.
Surrey have every reason to be positive going to Wales next week to face Glamorgan.
Friday, 8 April 2011
In Fits and Starts
First of all, great start for the season at the Oval.
Secondly however, on the opening day of the county championship season, it was slightly annoying to actually see so many starts.
Travelling into central London I was captivated at the way three national newspapers described Surrey as the favourites for promotion to division one. I believe they are right, but the Surrey top six will have to learn how to 'kick on' when well set.
Day one of the game against Northampton was a bit like ground hog day from last year, plenty of spark, plenty of promise, but lacking in run-scoring substance - too many getting in then getting out (I won't name names just yet because it is the first game and there is time, and they will know who they are).
However, up stepped the skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown with a superb innings of 74 to stabilise his side, and a late, and vital, flourish from Gareth Batty (64) has put the match right in the spot where a sea saw pivots.
Tomorrow will be fascinating but I cannot help but think, Surrey should be all over Northants at about 320 for 5...
Secondly however, on the opening day of the county championship season, it was slightly annoying to actually see so many starts.
Travelling into central London I was captivated at the way three national newspapers described Surrey as the favourites for promotion to division one. I believe they are right, but the Surrey top six will have to learn how to 'kick on' when well set.
Day one of the game against Northampton was a bit like ground hog day from last year, plenty of spark, plenty of promise, but lacking in run-scoring substance - too many getting in then getting out (I won't name names just yet because it is the first game and there is time, and they will know who they are).
However, up stepped the skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown with a superb innings of 74 to stabilise his side, and a late, and vital, flourish from Gareth Batty (64) has put the match right in the spot where a sea saw pivots.
Tomorrow will be fascinating but I cannot help but think, Surrey should be all over Northants at about 320 for 5...
Monday, 4 April 2011
Wilson unhappy with ICC decision, and not without good reason
It has been a funny day at Surrey CCC towers, and not a great one - on a team and individual basis.
Thrashed is the only way to describe a six-wicket defeat at Derby after only making 111 in 35 overs, largely thanks to a neat 23 from Tom Jewell. Derby had no problem knocking off a revised rain-affected total.
On the sidelines though, a rather large judgement call - and in my view a wrong one - has been made by the ICC. And it seems i'm not the only to disagree.
The council has voted to reduce the amount of teams taking part in the world cup from 14 to 10.
Only full ICC members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - will compete in 2015.
This rules out Ireland, who sparkled in India and were unlucky not to progress, and also Surrey's Irish keeper Gary Wilson who signed a new two-year contract in March this year.
Venting his anger on Twitter the 25-year-old said: "What is going on? Excuse the French but that is a shit decision! Not a world cup now, just a trophy with 10 teams. Heads up their own arses."
Wilson is right - how do the ICC expect to progress the game globally by only including the top nations in a battle for supremacy? It is ludicrous.
Value for money
The only reason behind the decision is to shorten the world cup. Surely we can just play two games a day like they do in the football version!
One morning/afternoon, one evening with floodlights. Even in the same stadium to really give value for money. Pair up the minnows playing each other with the big guns playing each other.
In the tournament that has just finished we were so so close to the finished article. Thrills, spills, quality, and the chance of an upset or two - all that will be wiped out in one sweep of the rulebook.
Why bother with the champions trophy now as well by the way. Gary Wilson I, and probably 1000s of other cricket fans agree with you, Utter Tosh.
Thrashed is the only way to describe a six-wicket defeat at Derby after only making 111 in 35 overs, largely thanks to a neat 23 from Tom Jewell. Derby had no problem knocking off a revised rain-affected total.
On the sidelines though, a rather large judgement call - and in my view a wrong one - has been made by the ICC. And it seems i'm not the only to disagree.
The council has voted to reduce the amount of teams taking part in the world cup from 14 to 10.
Only full ICC members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - will compete in 2015.
This rules out Ireland, who sparkled in India and were unlucky not to progress, and also Surrey's Irish keeper Gary Wilson who signed a new two-year contract in March this year.
Venting his anger on Twitter the 25-year-old said: "What is going on? Excuse the French but that is a shit decision! Not a world cup now, just a trophy with 10 teams. Heads up their own arses."
Wilson is right - how do the ICC expect to progress the game globally by only including the top nations in a battle for supremacy? It is ludicrous.
Value for money
The only reason behind the decision is to shorten the world cup. Surely we can just play two games a day like they do in the football version!
One morning/afternoon, one evening with floodlights. Even in the same stadium to really give value for money. Pair up the minnows playing each other with the big guns playing each other.
In the tournament that has just finished we were so so close to the finished article. Thrills, spills, quality, and the chance of an upset or two - all that will be wiped out in one sweep of the rulebook.
Why bother with the champions trophy now as well by the way. Gary Wilson I, and probably 1000s of other cricket fans agree with you, Utter Tosh.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Will Surrey's green shoots burst through?
Well the 2011 cricket season is nearly upon us, but what prospects lie in store at Surrey CCC.
My membership will soon be in the post and after studying the outcome of the two-day friendly match against Middlesex I am looking forward to a promotion charge in the all-important County Championship.
The club is nearing the end of a transitional phase and the youngsters coming through are showing real signs of emerging this summer and competing at the forefront in all competitions.
With a draw on the field, and some fine individual performances from bowlers Gareth Batty (4-16 in the second innings) and Stuart Meaker (3-38, second innings), things have started in fairly good shape. The batting will need to improve, but we have Ramps and Davies to come back and the possibility of KP making more appearances as he returns from a hernia operation.
The Brown Caps' bowling ranks actually seem limitless right now, Tremlett, Andre Nel, de Bruyn will all step up at some point - but what a season this could be for Jade Dernbach, after making the England performance squad for this season the 25-year-old will be in the spotlight.
If Surrey captain Rory Hamilton-Brown can harness Jade's pace, he could be the real breakthrough player this year, and also a fan favourite. After all, we all love a bit of raw pace.
As ECB National Selector Geoff Miller put it: "Jade is a player whose progress we have been monitoring closely for some time and he has continued to impress the selectors over the winter with his performances for England Lions and the England Performance Programme.”
Jade will be joined by three other Brown Caps in the squad - Steven Davies, KP, and Chris Tremlett
Surrey now take on Hampshire at the Rose Bowl this week in another warm up game. Similar squad but with the addition of teenage prodigy George Edwards from Spencer CC, be interesting to see how he gets on...
My membership will soon be in the post and after studying the outcome of the two-day friendly match against Middlesex I am looking forward to a promotion charge in the all-important County Championship.
The club is nearing the end of a transitional phase and the youngsters coming through are showing real signs of emerging this summer and competing at the forefront in all competitions.
With a draw on the field, and some fine individual performances from bowlers Gareth Batty (4-16 in the second innings) and Stuart Meaker (3-38, second innings), things have started in fairly good shape. The batting will need to improve, but we have Ramps and Davies to come back and the possibility of KP making more appearances as he returns from a hernia operation.
The Brown Caps' bowling ranks actually seem limitless right now, Tremlett, Andre Nel, de Bruyn will all step up at some point - but what a season this could be for Jade Dernbach, after making the England performance squad for this season the 25-year-old will be in the spotlight.
If Surrey captain Rory Hamilton-Brown can harness Jade's pace, he could be the real breakthrough player this year, and also a fan favourite. After all, we all love a bit of raw pace.
As ECB National Selector Geoff Miller put it: "Jade is a player whose progress we have been monitoring closely for some time and he has continued to impress the selectors over the winter with his performances for England Lions and the England Performance Programme.”
Jade will be joined by three other Brown Caps in the squad - Steven Davies, KP, and Chris Tremlett
Surrey now take on Hampshire at the Rose Bowl this week in another warm up game. Similar squad but with the addition of teenage prodigy George Edwards from Spencer CC, be interesting to see how he gets on...
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