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Contrasting fortunes for a couple of New Zealand quicks this week. One went mental all over the Indian top order, but sadly one isn't allowed to play next year. (Boo ECB!). In other mental related news, everyone's favourite Facebook friend Zulqarnain Haider ran off, and England warmed up against the Waussies and the Saussies.
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Showing posts with label IOB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IOB. Show all posts
Friday, 12 November 2010
A Plea to County Chairmen
A plea to all counties who haven't signed an overseas player this year
As you may have seen, Kiwi test legend Iain O'Brien has lost his appeal to play as a domestic player next year. Despite fulfilling criteria that would allow him to work in any other walk of life, Iain is unable to play next year for Middlesex. As Middlesex already have an overseas player signed on or next year, the only way for him to play cricket in the country he now calls home is as an overseas player for another county.
So if you're the chairman of a county yet to sign up an overseas player, look no further than Iain O'Brien. OB comes with plenty of international experience (he's even got out Ricky Ponting) and would be willing to run into the wind all day for you. He is also a dab hand at commentary, as well as being a top bloke (but don't worry about his batting). So a message to county chairman. Sign Iain O'Brien. If he can't play for Middlesex, I at least hope I can welcome him back to Lord's in the colours of another county.
As you may have seen, Kiwi test legend Iain O'Brien has lost his appeal to play as a domestic player next year. Despite fulfilling criteria that would allow him to work in any other walk of life, Iain is unable to play next year for Middlesex. As Middlesex already have an overseas player signed on or next year, the only way for him to play cricket in the country he now calls home is as an overseas player for another county.
So if you're the chairman of a county yet to sign up an overseas player, look no further than Iain O'Brien. OB comes with plenty of international experience (he's even got out Ricky Ponting) and would be willing to run into the wind all day for you. He is also a dab hand at commentary, as well as being a top bloke (but don't worry about his batting). So a message to county chairman. Sign Iain O'Brien. If he can't play for Middlesex, I at least hope I can welcome him back to Lord's in the colours of another county.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
A (sort of) Middlesex season review
It seems like only yesterday I was looking forward to the start of the county season. It wasn't too long ago that I was so optimistic about Middlesex's season - especially due to the form of Steven Finn. It seems like only moments ago that Middlesex started to lose some games, and I stopped writing about them.
After 7 county champo games in the blink of an eye (with a small smattering of 40 overs in there too), attention was turned to the T20, which was undoutably the focal point of the cricketing summer (mainly due to it's invasive nature and 170 odd matches).
But now the T20 has come and gone; the group stages of the CB40 are over, and Middlesex are playing their last game of the season.
Where has the time gone?
To say it has been an up and down season for Middlesex would be an understatement. There have been some electrifying performances; such as the CC wins over Surrey, Sussex and Glamorgan, but there too have been some timid defeats. Far too many timid defeats. In the T20, we had a 50% win/loss ratio, with some epic wins over Essex, Kent and Hampshire, following and preceding terrible defeates to Surrey, Gloucestershire and Sussex. And the less said about the CB40 the better!
So where now for Middlesex? Iain O'Brien's visa issues are well documented, and of course we all hope he's able to extend his stay at Lord's. Pedro Collins has to leave due to a change in Kolpak laws, and we all wish Pedro well; a good performer in all codes of the game this year. And Owais Shah is leaving, released by the club, perhaps due to money, perhaps due to poor performances, probably a combination of both.
Chris Rogers will arrive as an overseas player for next year, and if he can maintain his 60+ average at the top of the order, it could be a very good piece of business. Eoin Morgan is staying, having re-signed his contract, but the nature of the international calendar means we'll be without him, Strauss and Finn for long spells of the season.
While this season has been often one to forget for Middlesex, there have been some positives. There have been plenty more wins then last season - proof that Angus Fraser is slowly turning it around. The emergence of Toby Roland-Jones and John Simpson as very good young county players (and potential internationals in the future) is very encouraging, as has been some infrequent performances from Josh Davey, Adam London and Sam Robson.
The problem with Middlesex at the moment is that we're a team in transition; a side who are building on our way to bigger and better things. With very promising, talented youngsters, as well as some players like Dawid Malan who are continuing to flourish, we could be in with a chance of promotion next year if we remain consistent. But that's probably me just being blindly and optimistically deluded.
After 7 county champo games in the blink of an eye (with a small smattering of 40 overs in there too), attention was turned to the T20, which was undoutably the focal point of the cricketing summer (mainly due to it's invasive nature and 170 odd matches).
But now the T20 has come and gone; the group stages of the CB40 are over, and Middlesex are playing their last game of the season.
Where has the time gone?
To say it has been an up and down season for Middlesex would be an understatement. There have been some electrifying performances; such as the CC wins over Surrey, Sussex and Glamorgan, but there too have been some timid defeats. Far too many timid defeats. In the T20, we had a 50% win/loss ratio, with some epic wins over Essex, Kent and Hampshire, following and preceding terrible defeates to Surrey, Gloucestershire and Sussex. And the less said about the CB40 the better!
So where now for Middlesex? Iain O'Brien's visa issues are well documented, and of course we all hope he's able to extend his stay at Lord's. Pedro Collins has to leave due to a change in Kolpak laws, and we all wish Pedro well; a good performer in all codes of the game this year. And Owais Shah is leaving, released by the club, perhaps due to money, perhaps due to poor performances, probably a combination of both.
Chris Rogers will arrive as an overseas player for next year, and if he can maintain his 60+ average at the top of the order, it could be a very good piece of business. Eoin Morgan is staying, having re-signed his contract, but the nature of the international calendar means we'll be without him, Strauss and Finn for long spells of the season.
While this season has been often one to forget for Middlesex, there have been some positives. There have been plenty more wins then last season - proof that Angus Fraser is slowly turning it around. The emergence of Toby Roland-Jones and John Simpson as very good young county players (and potential internationals in the future) is very encouraging, as has been some infrequent performances from Josh Davey, Adam London and Sam Robson.
The problem with Middlesex at the moment is that we're a team in transition; a side who are building on our way to bigger and better things. With very promising, talented youngsters, as well as some players like Dawid Malan who are continuing to flourish, we could be in with a chance of promotion next year if we remain consistent. But that's probably me just being blindly and optimistically deluded.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Podcast - Murali's 800, Iain O'Brien and Pakistan
A lot happened this week in cricket. Sadly I was on holiday so I missed it. However, I can bring you my thoughts on Murali and the Australia-Pakistan tests, as well as a look ahead at the England-Pakistan series. And an interview with a twittering Bon Jovi fan called Iain O’Brien.
Go on, have a listen. You won't regret it...
Go on, have a listen. You won't regret it...
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Standing up for the T20
I know this year's FPt20's had some negative press from certain parts of the cricket blogosphere. But I like it. There have been some really close games, some outstanding performances, and some superb dancing from an oversized panther.
Yes, the fact that each county now has to play 16 times does mean there are close to one thousand matches this year. But this isn't the IPL. Fans aren't expected to watch every single minute of every single game. Sky aren't showing a three-hour build up show before Gloucestershire Gladiators v Kent Spitfires. There isn't an invasive reporter asking inane questions to Michael Di Venuto. Sky are showing one game a night, and giving updates on the other games around the country. And this is enough. Most people will probably only watch their county (if any at all), before going back to their lives. The T20 is not taking over the British summer, and due to clashes with the World Cup, isn't getting any other media attention. Twenty20 overkill is certainly not happening.
The FPt20 is bringing new fans to cricket who would never have previously travelled to Lord's, the Oval, or the Emirates International Cricket Ground. Yes, English counties don't do IPL style cheerleaders or DJs that well, but it's better than the captain's mum and nan being the only two fans in the ground. And when counties have been encouraged to pay through the nose for world-class stars like Gilchrist, Warner and O'Brien, it makes sense for fans to have the opportunity to see them a few times. (Get well soon Iain!)
While some traditionalist players aren't fans of T20, ones I've spoken to (and have had smack me on the top of the head) certainly are. Although that may be because the ones I've spoken to are Middlesex players, who are quite good at this 'whack-it'. Which probably explains my enthusiasm for the FPt20.
Yes, the fact that each county now has to play 16 times does mean there are close to one thousand matches this year. But this isn't the IPL. Fans aren't expected to watch every single minute of every single game. Sky aren't showing a three-hour build up show before Gloucestershire Gladiators v Kent Spitfires. There isn't an invasive reporter asking inane questions to Michael Di Venuto. Sky are showing one game a night, and giving updates on the other games around the country. And this is enough. Most people will probably only watch their county (if any at all), before going back to their lives. The T20 is not taking over the British summer, and due to clashes with the World Cup, isn't getting any other media attention. Twenty20 overkill is certainly not happening.
The FPt20 is bringing new fans to cricket who would never have previously travelled to Lord's, the Oval, or the Emirates International Cricket Ground. Yes, English counties don't do IPL style cheerleaders or DJs that well, but it's better than the captain's mum and nan being the only two fans in the ground. And when counties have been encouraged to pay through the nose for world-class stars like Gilchrist, Warner and O'Brien, it makes sense for fans to have the opportunity to see them a few times. (Get well soon Iain!)
While some traditionalist players aren't fans of T20, ones I've spoken to (and have had smack me on the top of the head) certainly are. Although that may be because the ones I've spoken to are Middlesex players, who are quite good at this 'whack-it'. Which probably explains my enthusiasm for the FPt20.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Blind Patriotic Optimism at the World T20
Fans of the English football team will know the feeling. As the World Cup or European Championship approaches, confidence and belief grows in the England team. This is only heightened after a few easy victories in the opening stages, before we eventually crash out when we play our first big team.
As a football fan, this deluded confidence in the team is ingrained into me, and as such, I think that England will win the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa. And as a cricket fan, I also think England will win the current World T20.
Even though I could attribute my confidence to simply being English, I genuinely think England have a massive chance of winning out in the Caribbean. I look at the potentially explosive openers of Kieswetter and Lumb/Bopara; the canny middle order of Pietersen, Collingwood and Morgan; the all-rounders of Bresnan and Wright; the tight fast bowling of Anderson, Broad and Sidebottom; and the spin of Swann and Yardy. Individually, only Pietersen would get into a World Eleven, but as a collective team, there are very few flaws. As a batting line up, I don't think there are any teams in the West Indies who are better, and the bowling of Anderson, Broad and Swann (with back-up from the ever improving Bresnan, Wright and Yardy) has the ability to stifle any opposition. England bat deep, bowl well, and have the option of two or three spinners, which will probably be the key on the slow pitches used in the World T20.
On Twitter, I follow someone who gives cricket odds, who this morning made England 10.25 long-shots. This is surely fantastic odds for the team who will win the World T20, which I said via my Twitter. However, minutes after posting my support, notable Kiwi Iain O'Brien told me that New Zealand will win it, and that England have no chance. I suppose that blind patriotic optimism isn't just limited to the English.
As a football fan, this deluded confidence in the team is ingrained into me, and as such, I think that England will win the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa. And as a cricket fan, I also think England will win the current World T20.
Even though I could attribute my confidence to simply being English, I genuinely think England have a massive chance of winning out in the Caribbean. I look at the potentially explosive openers of Kieswetter and Lumb/Bopara; the canny middle order of Pietersen, Collingwood and Morgan; the all-rounders of Bresnan and Wright; the tight fast bowling of Anderson, Broad and Sidebottom; and the spin of Swann and Yardy. Individually, only Pietersen would get into a World Eleven, but as a collective team, there are very few flaws. As a batting line up, I don't think there are any teams in the West Indies who are better, and the bowling of Anderson, Broad and Swann (with back-up from the ever improving Bresnan, Wright and Yardy) has the ability to stifle any opposition. England bat deep, bowl well, and have the option of two or three spinners, which will probably be the key on the slow pitches used in the World T20.
On Twitter, I follow someone who gives cricket odds, who this morning made England 10.25 long-shots. This is surely fantastic odds for the team who will win the World T20, which I said via my Twitter. However, minutes after posting my support, notable Kiwi Iain O'Brien told me that New Zealand will win it, and that England have no chance. I suppose that blind patriotic optimism isn't just limited to the English.
Friday, 16 April 2010
If you love it...
As I walked through the pavilion at Lord's yesterday (I know, place dropper) for the first day of the County Championship game between Middlesex and Glamorgan, the first thing I saw was an advertising hoarding for the sponsors of the Championship saying "If you love it, LV it". While the purpose of the advert was to attract people to their insurance company, it made me think of my personal thoughts regarding the four day game. I have long been a champion of the First Class game, but yesterday was the first time I have ever been to a LVCC game. Previously I would just look on Cricinfo or the BBC Sport website to find out the scores, and occasionally watch the day's highlights via the Middlesex website. But even though I was a Middlesex member, I had never got around to actually going and watching a game.
However, partly because it was the first game at Lord's of the season, and partly because I had agreed to meet Suave as part of his season in the stands off I went to the home of cricket, not really knowing what to expect. For the day itself, I thoroughly enjoyed Suave's company, the cricket itself, and my highlight; going up to the Media Centre at the end.
Seeing the LV advert at the start of the day stayed with me as I reflected on the day. And I came up with this; I do love the County Championship. I do love going and sitting in the pavilion at Lord's. I do love watching good cricket. The opening bowling partnership of Murtagh and Steven Finn wouldn't look too out of place representing England, and there were further internationals in Iain O'Brien and Shaun Udal who later bowled. And standing in the slips was the England captain. I will definitely go back for more LVCC games in the summer (when times allows), as well as the FPt20s and CB40 games. I will also endeavour to write more about the county game rather than "Oh, Middlesex lost" or "Steven Finn took 9/37". So if you're not a fan of the county game, unlucky. A new blog is coming up. Sorry.
However, partly because it was the first game at Lord's of the season, and partly because I had agreed to meet Suave as part of his season in the stands off I went to the home of cricket, not really knowing what to expect. For the day itself, I thoroughly enjoyed Suave's company, the cricket itself, and my highlight; going up to the Media Centre at the end.
Seeing the LV advert at the start of the day stayed with me as I reflected on the day. And I came up with this; I do love the County Championship. I do love going and sitting in the pavilion at Lord's. I do love watching good cricket. The opening bowling partnership of Murtagh and Steven Finn wouldn't look too out of place representing England, and there were further internationals in Iain O'Brien and Shaun Udal who later bowled. And standing in the slips was the England captain. I will definitely go back for more LVCC games in the summer (when times allows), as well as the FPt20s and CB40 games. I will also endeavour to write more about the county game rather than "Oh, Middlesex lost" or "Steven Finn took 9/37". So if you're not a fan of the county game, unlucky. A new blog is coming up. Sorry.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
A Tale of Two Counties.
Middlesex have the oldest captain in County Cricket; Shaun Udal is now 41.
On the other side of the Thames, Surrey have the youngest; Rory Hamilton-Brown is 22 and has never captained a county side before.
Yesterday Middlesex signed young Australian T20 opener David Warner for their FP T20 campaign.
Yesterday Surrey signed Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds for theirs.
Warner is 23, and has a long international career ahead of him.
Symonds is 34; and having been suspended from Australian selection thrice in a year, is very unlikely to ever play internationally again.
Warner is in top form in the IPL, having hit a brutal 107 from 69 balls for the Delhi Daredevils as they beat the Kolkata Knight Riders, with Delhi sure to reach the semi-finals
Symonds has been inconsistent as the Deccans have struggled to defend their IPL title; looking set to miss out on the knockout stage.
Warner will join Adam Gilchrist at Middlesex, as well as internationals Eoin Morgan, Owais Shah, Pedro Collins and Iain O'Brien.
Symonds will join world record holder James Benning, Mark Ramprakash and Piyush Chawla.
Middlesex are a side who are rebuilding.
Surrey are a side who are rebuilding.
I look forward to the opening partnership of Gilchrist and Warner at Lord's - and pub landlords around Vauxhall are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Symonds. I'd guess that Udal will have an easier time captaining Gilly and Lloyd than Chris Adams and RH-B do with Roy. With such world stars as Symonds, Warner, Gilchrist, Sangakkara, Tait, Nannes, Pollard, Dilshan and Gibbs, it's clear that this years Twenty20 Cup will be of great quality. And hopefully there'll be the same result as 2008.
On the other side of the Thames, Surrey have the youngest; Rory Hamilton-Brown is 22 and has never captained a county side before.
Yesterday Middlesex signed young Australian T20 opener David Warner for their FP T20 campaign.
Yesterday Surrey signed Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds for theirs.
Warner is 23, and has a long international career ahead of him.
Symonds is 34; and having been suspended from Australian selection thrice in a year, is very unlikely to ever play internationally again.
Warner is in top form in the IPL, having hit a brutal 107 from 69 balls for the Delhi Daredevils as they beat the Kolkata Knight Riders, with Delhi sure to reach the semi-finals
Symonds has been inconsistent as the Deccans have struggled to defend their IPL title; looking set to miss out on the knockout stage.
Warner will join Adam Gilchrist at Middlesex, as well as internationals Eoin Morgan, Owais Shah, Pedro Collins and Iain O'Brien.
Symonds will join world record holder James Benning, Mark Ramprakash and Piyush Chawla.
Middlesex are a side who are rebuilding.
Surrey are a side who are rebuilding.
I look forward to the opening partnership of Gilchrist and Warner at Lord's - and pub landlords around Vauxhall are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Symonds. I'd guess that Udal will have an easier time captaining Gilly and Lloyd than Chris Adams and RH-B do with Roy. With such world stars as Symonds, Warner, Gilchrist, Sangakkara, Tait, Nannes, Pollard, Dilshan and Gibbs, it's clear that this years Twenty20 Cup will be of great quality. And hopefully there'll be the same result as 2008.
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