Why on earth do we help the Aussies by giving their players playing contracts in country cricket in an Ashes year? I remember earlier in the year listening to Darren Gough on Talksport blowing a fuse over Cameron Bancroft getting the Durham captaincy, his first ever leadership role anywhere (granted their Director of Cricket is Marcus North, the ex Aussie test player!)
Surely for 1 year in every 4, the counties and ECB could agree that counties wouldn't touch their players?
The cricketing relationship between England and Oz has always been strong, and many of our younger players go over to play in Grade Cricket and vice-versa- and also many of our Test players have played in Oz in the past, Botham,Hick,Flintoff,Trott,Crane spring to mind.
Of course, you cant stop the likes of Steve Smith coming over because his Mum was born in London and holds dual citizenship.
But, ultimately, you would think that it would be detrimental to Englands chances allowing these guys to come over and play in our conditions (although not sure Bancroft has benefitted much judging on his performances so far!)
Why on earth do we help the Aussies by giving their players playing contracts in country cricket in an Ashes year? I remember earlier in the year listening to Darren Gough on Talksport blowing a fuse over Cameron Bancroft getting the Durham captaincy, his first ever leadership role anywhere (granted their Director of Cricket is Marcus North, the ex Aussie test player!)
Surely for 1 year in every 4, the counties and ECB could agree that counties wouldn't touch their players?
I have always thought it absolutely ridiculous that we help Australian (and other) cricketers get used to playing first class cricket in this country, and then watch them score runs and take wickets against us in Test matches.
And I have always thought there's a simple solution. The qualification for an overseas cricketer to play county championship cricket in this country should be that they have already played at least two Tests for their country here. That way, the counties can still benefit from having he best overseas cricketers; but we wouldn't be exposed to Test cricketers that have served an apprenticeship here first.
The most obvious example of this problem was the Lord's Test earlier this season. England's opponents had collectively played more games at Lord's than England's. That should never be the case.
I'm going on Wednesday. The weather at the moment looks appalling
Also going on Wednesday. Forecast not good. I did have a ticket for the first day at Edgbaston which was probably England’s best day in the last test but had to miss it due to a trip away.
The only game I saw live in the World Cup was England’s defeat to Australia so not having a great summer on the cricket front. Just as well Charlton have started well.
Woke up to no rain here in Surrey but BBC still forecasting 80%+ chance rain of rain in central London from 8 AM onwards. Shall I stay or shall I go?
It's raining now (I live near Lord's). I'd be amazed if there was any play this morning, maybe if we're lucky there'll be a dry spell in the afternoon
I suppose one option for you would be to get to London so that if it we are lucky you don't have far to go, but if the forecast is correct, it might be a wasted trip
I'm going on Wednesday. The weather at the moment looks appalling
Also going on Wednesday. Forecast not good. I did have a ticket for the first day at Edgbaston which was probably England’s best day in the last test but had to miss it due to a trip away.
The only game I saw live in the World Cup was England’s defeat to Australia so not having a great summer on the cricket front. Just as well Charlton have started well.
Same as myself. That's why Mitchell Starc should get the nod over Hazelwood as he had a good spell that day and for me him and Cummings in tandem could cause havoc at Lord's.
England are lucky that Paine is Captain and not Smith at the moment because Carey is a better batsman and at least the same standard as keeper.
I'm going on Wednesday. The weather at the moment looks appalling
Also going on Wednesday. Forecast not good. I did have a ticket for the first day at Edgbaston which was probably England’s best day in the last test but had to miss it due to a trip away.
The only game I saw live in the World Cup was England’s defeat to Australia so not having a great summer on the cricket front. Just as well Charlton have started well.
Same as myself. That's why Mitchell Starc should get the nod over Hazelwood as he had a good spell that day and for me him and Cummings in tandem could cause havoc at Lord's.
England are lucky that Paine is Captain and not Smith at the moment because Carey is a better batsman and at least the same standard as keeper.
Wade and Bancroft keep too. After how he kept in the first test I'm not sure they could be much worse than him. Tho keeping was difficult and Bairstow was criticised a fair amount too.
If I was playing against him the sledging would be ready made. Not contributing with the bat, not keeping well, specialist captain? 4th best keeper in the squad?
Woke up to no rain here in Surrey but BBC still forecasting 80%+ chance rain of rain in central London from 8 AM onwards. Shall I stay or shall I go?
It's raining now (I live near Lord's). I'd be amazed if there was any play this morning, maybe if we're lucky there'll be a dry spell in the afternoon
I suppose one option for you would be to get to London so that if it we are lucky you don't have far to go, but if the forecast is correct, it might be a wasted trip
Arrived. Nice seat at the back row of the Upper Compton. Got my picnic. Shame it’s raining!
I am sitting at work (9th floor in Paddington) looking North East towards Lord's. It has brightened up, but there have been a few false dawns today. I can also see the top of the Shard, which is an improvement on earlier where I couldn't see any of it.
I am sitting at work (9th floor in Paddington) looking North East towards Lord's. It has brightened up, but there have been a few false dawns today. I can also see the top of the Shard, which is an improvement on earlier where I couldn't see any of it.
Rain stopped. Went for blood tests yesterday due to a few heatlh concerns. Doctors called me back today for an appointment and asked if I can come in today as there is a cancellation at 4.40pm. Not expecting any play at all I said "yes no problem". So I am gonna miss some of the play today. Mind you health issues come first.
Rain stopped. Went for blood tests yesterday due to a few heatlh concerns. Doctors called me back today for an appointment and asked if I can come in today as there is a cancellation at 4.40pm. Not expecting any play at all I said "yes no problem". So I am gonna miss some of the play today. Mind you health issues come first.
Rain stopped. Went for blood tests yesterday due to a few heatlh concerns. Doctors called me back today for an appointment and asked if I can come in today as there is a cancellation at 4.40pm. Not expecting any play at all I said "yes no problem". So I am gonna miss some of the play today. Mind you health issues come first.
Rain stopped. Went for blood tests yesterday due to a few heatlh concerns. Doctors called me back today for an appointment and asked if I can come in today as there is a cancellation at 4.40pm. Not expecting any play at all I said "yes no problem". So I am gonna miss some of the play today. Mind you health issues come first.
Much more important things. fingers crossed, they win the toss, choose to bat, by the time you get back they'll have lost 3 wickets by the end of the day :-) Good luck.
Rain stopped. Went for blood tests yesterday due to a few heatlh concerns. Doctors called me back today for an appointment and asked if I can come in today as there is a cancellation at 4.40pm. Not expecting any play at all I said "yes no problem". So I am gonna miss some of the play today. Mind you health issues come first.
Rain stopped. Went for blood tests yesterday due to a few heatlh concerns. Doctors called me back today for an appointment and asked if I can come in today as there is a cancellation at 4.40pm. Not expecting any play at all I said "yes no problem". So I am gonna miss some of the play today. Mind you health issues come first.
Good luck. A fair chance you won't miss any play anyway...
Comments
Why on earth do we help the Aussies by giving their players playing contracts in country cricket in an Ashes year? I remember earlier in the year listening to Darren Gough on Talksport blowing a fuse over Cameron Bancroft getting the Durham captaincy, his first ever leadership role anywhere (granted their Director of Cricket is Marcus North, the ex Aussie test player!)
Surely for 1 year in every 4, the counties and ECB could agree that counties wouldn't touch their players?
Good question JB,
I think its a reciprocal thing.
The cricketing relationship between England and Oz has always been strong, and many of our younger players go over to play in Grade Cricket and vice-versa- and also many of our Test players have played in Oz in the past, Botham,Hick,Flintoff,Trott,Crane spring to mind.
Of course, you cant stop the likes of Steve Smith coming over because his Mum was born in London and holds dual citizenship.
But, ultimately, you would think that it would be detrimental to Englands chances allowing these guys to come over and play in our conditions (although not sure Bancroft has benefitted much judging on his performances so far!)
And I have always thought there's a simple solution. The qualification for an overseas cricketer to play county championship cricket in this country should be that they have already played at least two Tests for their country here. That way, the counties can still benefit from having he best overseas cricketers; but we wouldn't be exposed to Test cricketers that have served an apprenticeship here first.
The most obvious example of this problem was the Lord's Test earlier this season. England's opponents had collectively played more games at Lord's than England's. That should never be the case.
It's just not Tennis.
I suppose one option for you would be to get to London so that if it we are lucky you don't have far to go, but if the forecast is correct, it might be a wasted trip
That's why Mitchell Starc should get the nod over Hazelwood as he had a good spell that day and for me him and Cummings in tandem could cause havoc at Lord's.
England are lucky that Paine is Captain and not Smith at the moment because Carey is a better batsman and at least the same standard as keeper.
If I was playing against him the sledging would be ready made. Not contributing with the bat, not keeping well, specialist captain? 4th best keeper in the squad?
Not gone to Lord's yet, will set off if it looks better!
Yes good luck