Loverly
Surrey. We're the team on top!
Loverly
By Grockle June 2 2008
Explosions in Huston Texas keep me from putting thsi story up on time but here we go anyway...Ian Blackwell smacks Surrey really hard and we go top in CC1!! An 8 wicket victory before the rain takes the game away from us at Whitgift - and all without Andrew Caddick. Gotta be a good day.
Loverly
Explosions in Huston Texas keep me from putting thsi story up on time but here we go anyway...Ian Blackwell smacks Surrey really hard and we go top in CC1!! An 8 wicket victory before the rain takes the game away from us at Whitgift - and all without Andrew Caddick. Gotta be a good day.
v Surrey CC1 @ Whitgift School Friday 30 May 2008
A major explosion at a database centre in Houston Texas kept me off the administration site for three days and while that happened Somerset took a game away from Surrey courtesy of Ian Blackwell and Charl Willoughby bowling SPIN!!
When I last reported on this game Surrey were just over 200 after Tea on Friday, a day they finished at 280 with 3 wickets left. A good first day for us. No-one really got away and if we could have removed Newman then the Brownhats would have been in real trouble. Good overall bowling with Willoughby,Thomas and Phillips taking 3 each.
Day 2
AG reported on the BIG day!!
Hallo all!!
I've just got back from Whitgift...
Not massively impressed with either side in the closing part of the Surrey innings.
For us, Thomas bowled a good line and length but did not make the batsmen play often enough. He did come very close to getting Batty to nick behind in his second over, though. Later, he polished off the tail. Ben Phillips did not hit his straps. His first ball was down leg-side and it was a no-ball and he followed that up with a second ball which was a long hop outside off-stick. After that, the radar was better but he did not, at any point, have anyone in trouble. A short-length to Saqlain enabled the Pakistani to turn him away for a single to Jonah's right at square leg. Phillips was replaced by Willow. Charl bowled a mix of a few good balls and some stuff that was too short.
For Surrey's part, they lacked urgency. LoL described this passage of play as "turgid."
Turgid was emphatically not the word that anyone would use to describe Neil Edwards' approach to the game though. He looked absolutely sublime and it was a shock to all - and a big dissappointment to me when he was dismissed after lunch. His cover-drive was particularly great to see, though he was also brutal in dispatching anything short and very strong off his legs too.
Banger played one beautiful back-foot drive, back past the bowler. Otherwise, he looked fairly solid until he was first dropped at slip and then caught at slip in short succession.
Edwards, frustratingly, appeared to play across a straight one to be bowled. It was one of the best 40s, I have ever seen.
Conversely, Zander De Bruyn played one of the least impressive 40s I have ever seen. I'm afraid it was not hard to see why he failed in the CC at Worcs. He appears - on this evidence - to be a compulsive driver. Put it in his half outside off-stick and he will flash at the ball. He must have nicked about four balls off the pacemen through the slips. He did play a couple of decent shots off Saqlain before being caught at slip off what may have been either a conventional arm-ball, or the 'doosra.'
James Hildreth seemed to completely miss a full-toss from Collins to be LBW.
Langer was very badly dropped, before scoring, by Mark Butcher. The catch - at slip - was of average height and below average pace. It was an awful error for Surrey.
I've just got back from Whitgift...
Not massively impressed with either side in the closing part of the Surrey innings.
For us, Thomas bowled a good line and length but did not make the batsmen play often enough. He did come very close to getting Batty to nick behind in his second over, though. Later, he polished off the tail. Ben Phillips did not hit his straps. His first ball was down leg-side and it was a no-ball and he followed that up with a second ball which was a long hop outside off-stick. After that, the radar was better but he did not, at any point, have anyone in trouble. A short-length to Saqlain enabled the Pakistani to turn him away for a single to Jonah's right at square leg. Phillips was replaced by Willow. Charl bowled a mix of a few good balls and some stuff that was too short.
For Surrey's part, they lacked urgency. LoL described this passage of play as "turgid."
Turgid was emphatically not the word that anyone would use to describe Neil Edwards' approach to the game though. He looked absolutely sublime and it was a shock to all - and a big dissappointment to me when he was dismissed after lunch. His cover-drive was particularly great to see, though he was also brutal in dispatching anything short and very strong off his legs too.
Banger played one beautiful back-foot drive, back past the bowler. Otherwise, he looked fairly solid until he was first dropped at slip and then caught at slip in short succession.
Edwards, frustratingly, appeared to play across a straight one to be bowled. It was one of the best 40s, I have ever seen.
Conversely, Zander De Bruyn played one of the least impressive 40s I have ever seen. I'm afraid it was not hard to see why he failed in the CC at Worcs. He appears - on this evidence - to be a compulsive driver. Put it in his half outside off-stick and he will flash at the ball. He must have nicked about four balls off the pacemen through the slips. He did play a couple of decent shots off Saqlain before being caught at slip off what may have been either a conventional arm-ball, or the 'doosra.'
James Hildreth seemed to completely miss a full-toss from Collins to be LBW.
Langer was very badly dropped, before scoring, by Mark Butcher. The catch - at slip - was of average height and below average pace. It was an awful error for Surrey.
As one would expect, JL went about his work in diligent fashion, from that point onwards, determined to make Surrey pay for their error. For some reason, Surrey intermittently decided to drop short to him. As I kept saying to the Notts fan and the Surrey fan, with whom I was sat, 'you don't bowl that length to a Western Australian.'
At the other end, the GREAT Ian David Blackwell dominated with consummate ease. He played pretty much every shot in the book. Some with great timing. Some with brutal power. He did not look in any trouble until he finally got one from Saqlain that bounced on him.
At the other end, the GREAT Ian David Blackwell dominated with consummate ease. He played pretty much every shot in the book. Some with great timing. Some with brutal power. He did not look in any trouble until he finally got one from Saqlain that bounced on him.
He nicked it to Nicholson, at slip, who spilled the chance. Ian had made 79, I think, by that stage.
Ian goes to a ton!
Gets a hug from his fellow centurion Justin Langer
Gets another from Craig Kieswetter at 150
And finally goes for 158 leaving Surrey reeling in his wake
The good news, people, is not so much the fact that we had this 200 partnership. It's not even how well Ian and Neil played. Nor the fact that Surrey muffed their catches. It's the fact that there seemed to be a bit of something there for both seamer and spinner throughout. I inspected the wicket at tea, and there was not a hint of green on there. It was all white rough, rye type grass. Therefore, I think if we can forge into a lead of 130 or so, then I think we have an above average chance of pushing for a win. On the other hand, if we flop in the first session tomorrow, there's a reasonable chance that the pitch might deteriorate considerably which would be music to Saqlain's ears.
The overnight pair must, ideally, carry on for at least 90 minutes or so in the morning. After them we have 3 guys averaging about 20 (Craig, Jonah, Ben) and one guy averaging 28, but in South Africa (where James Bryant averaged 40.) But conditions are not loaded in favour of the batsman and all bar Dernbach have played at least one Test (of the Surrey bowlers). Additionally, there is likely to be some heavy cloud cover tomorrow, too. So, this isn't a foregone conclusion, by any manner of means.
Overall, a great day in which Neil Edwards and Ian both looked tremendous.
The overnight pair must, ideally, carry on for at least 90 minutes or so in the morning. After them we have 3 guys averaging about 20 (Craig, Jonah, Ben) and one guy averaging 28, but in South Africa (where James Bryant averaged 40.) But conditions are not loaded in favour of the batsman and all bar Dernbach have played at least one Test (of the Surrey bowlers). Additionally, there is likely to be some heavy cloud cover tomorrow, too. So, this isn't a foregone conclusion, by any manner of means.
Overall, a great day in which Neil Edwards and Ian both looked tremendous.
At the end of Day 2 Ian and Justin both had hundreds (IB 104 and JL 111) at 335 for 4 and Surrey were reeling from hit after hit in a pre and post Tea onslaught from the two masters of the hammer.
Day 3
Starts with great expectation for more runs and a huge partnership (if it wasn't already. But Langer goes early which simply brings Kieswetter to the crease who works Ian to 158 and another 100 partnership before Blackwell goes at 158 and we lose our last 4 wickets for a mere 6 runs from 440 to 446.
But it's a big total and Surrey are up against it, hoping for bad light and rain to keep them in this one.
LoL takes up the story
It was another excellent day at the lovely Whitgift ground, though there was very little sunshine.
,
Blackwell and Kieswetter batted spendidly early in the morning and we were beginning to think that Tractor's scenario of 600 by tea was quite realistic. Then both of them were out and a group of us, including the aforesaid, slipped out for a pub lunch, where we received a surprising text message to say that suddenly we were all out.
Newman batted well in the afternoon, but nobody else convinced much. Ramprakash hit a couple of fours but looked nervous and it was not a massive surprise that he was out for only fifteen - though many thanks to Jones for that. Blackwell was getting extraordinary lift and I'd like to comment on the unfussy and completely competent way that Kieswetter dealt with balls coming through at erratic height and pace. Willoughby looked as if he'd been bowling slow left arm all his life and his wicket was well deserved.
,
Blackwell and Kieswetter batted spendidly early in the morning and we were beginning to think that Tractor's scenario of 600 by tea was quite realistic. Then both of them were out and a group of us, including the aforesaid, slipped out for a pub lunch, where we received a surprising text message to say that suddenly we were all out.
Newman batted well in the afternoon, but nobody else convinced much. Ramprakash hit a couple of fours but looked nervous and it was not a massive surprise that he was out for only fifteen - though many thanks to Jones for that. Blackwell was getting extraordinary lift and I'd like to comment on the unfussy and completely competent way that Kieswetter dealt with balls coming through at erratic height and pace. Willoughby looked as if he'd been bowling slow left arm all his life and his wicket was well deserved.
And then there's Butcher, batting with a runner and run out for 2....kind of summarises their day really.
It would have been nice to finish things off tonight, especially given the uncertain forecast, and at one stage we were thinking that the extra half hour might see us home.
Surrey finished the day on 172 for 7 with only Newman giving any kind of resistance. The day belonged to Blackwell with bat and ball
Day 4
Surrey hoped to hold out until the rain came and the tail gave their wickets dearly in the hope of cloud and water. But how much can 9, 10 and 11 actually add to a total just over 100? Well they got the score to 227 but that left us needing less than 120 to win.
Marcus and Edwards started the run chase and tried to end the game before lunch but Neil went at 14. The skipper arrived and started to pusah the score along. Langer hit 46 off only 30 balls as Surrey found they had no answer. They got the captain at 94 but by that time it was all over and James Hildreth helped Marcus to finish them off for an eight wicket win and top space on the table
Well done boys
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Re: Surrey. We're the team on top!
Posted by: Tormentor (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:03:06:44:13
Highlights on Surrey TV, on Surrey Website.
The CC - our rivals, their prospects and our prospects
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:02:12:57:38
We're top. We know that much.
Who do folks see as our main rivals? Who will come into play as the season wears along?
I would have to nominate Sussex as our number one rival. They're battle-hardened. And they battle hard. And they have Mushy. And they have the know-how to win titles. If we get a hot and try July/August/Sep, then they will be a tough contender.
Durham have the pace attack to contend with anyone. Di Venuto, McKenzie and Benkenstein are a quality trio of batsmen. If we don't get a dry July/Aug/Sep then I suspect that they, not Sussex, will be the biggest threat. Yes, they could possibly lose Harmison to England but with Flintoff and maybe even Jones waiting to come back in, I don't think it's likely.
Kent are a side - as we saw at Tunbridge - who do not know when they are beaten. They have a very, long, strong batting line-up and can be expected to be tough to beat. They have some decent pace options, like Durham, but they may also have trouble if Jul/Aug/Sep are hot/dry.
I think these three are our main challengers.
What about our prospects? If we can get Caddy back and he's anywhere near where he was last season, then we're looking as good as anyone, I'd have thought? How well equipped are we if it's hot and dry over Jul/Aug/Sep? I'd have thought better than Durham and Kent but clearly not as well equipped as Sussex unless Munday really steps up. Then again, I view Marcus Trescothick as the best non-Asian player of spin bowling in world cricket today. Therefore, if we wind up on a few bunsen burners, we may well have plenty of runs to play with (anyone want to check Banger's record at Northampton?)
What about today's opponents? They're really not a bad side and you imagine that they will score a lot of runs. If we have a hot summer might Saqlain and A N Other (Murtaza Hussain/Chris Schofield) give them a real chance of coming up on the fences?
What of Yorks or Lancs?
Personally, Hants are the only sidd that I think I would completely count out of the CC hunt.
Who do folks see as our main rivals? Who will come into play as the season wears along?
I would have to nominate Sussex as our number one rival. They're battle-hardened. And they battle hard. And they have Mushy. And they have the know-how to win titles. If we get a hot and try July/August/Sep, then they will be a tough contender.
Durham have the pace attack to contend with anyone. Di Venuto, McKenzie and Benkenstein are a quality trio of batsmen. If we don't get a dry July/Aug/Sep then I suspect that they, not Sussex, will be the biggest threat. Yes, they could possibly lose Harmison to England but with Flintoff and maybe even Jones waiting to come back in, I don't think it's likely.
Kent are a side - as we saw at Tunbridge - who do not know when they are beaten. They have a very, long, strong batting line-up and can be expected to be tough to beat. They have some decent pace options, like Durham, but they may also have trouble if Jul/Aug/Sep are hot/dry.
I think these three are our main challengers.
What about our prospects? If we can get Caddy back and he's anywhere near where he was last season, then we're looking as good as anyone, I'd have thought? How well equipped are we if it's hot and dry over Jul/Aug/Sep? I'd have thought better than Durham and Kent but clearly not as well equipped as Sussex unless Munday really steps up. Then again, I view Marcus Trescothick as the best non-Asian player of spin bowling in world cricket today. Therefore, if we wind up on a few bunsen burners, we may well have plenty of runs to play with (anyone want to check Banger's record at Northampton?)
What about today's opponents? They're really not a bad side and you imagine that they will score a lot of runs. If we have a hot summer might Saqlain and A N Other (Murtaza Hussain/Chris Schofield) give them a real chance of coming up on the fences?
What of Yorks or Lancs?
Personally, Hants are the only sidd that I think I would completely count out of the CC hunt.
Re: The CC - our rivals, their prospects and our prospects
Posted by: everhopefull (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:02:13:35:12
Bookies are now quoting Durham as favourites @ £3.75 to 1
Somerset second favourite @ £4.00 to one
Hants on the other hand @ £40 to 1.
My money went in at £10.20 for Somerset.
So come on boys keep it up.
Somerset second favourite @ £4.00 to one
Hants on the other hand @ £40 to 1.
My money went in at £10.20 for Somerset.
So come on boys keep it up.
Re: The CC - our rivals, their prospects and our prospects
Posted by: cricketjerry-mouse (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:02:14:10:11
The one contender not to get a mention on this thread as yet is Nottinghamshire, currently in second place. They could yet be the surprise packet of the season.
Everyone said that once they lost Broad and Sidebottom to England, they would be also rans. But this just hasn`t proved so as yet, with the Grimbsy-born, Australian-raised swing bowler Darren Pattinson proving a real find.
Chris Read, whatever they say about his attitude in the England dressing room, is turning out to be a shrewd and committed leader, and their only fear may well be whether the old legs of the likes of Ealham and Franks will stand up to the rigours of July and August.
David Hussey, a fine overseas player, will be arriving from the IPL very shortly, and our own `ex` Matt Wood surely has plenty of runs to offer at the top of the order.
So my idea of our main rivals for that No.I spot come September 27 are Durham, Kent and Notts.
No Sussex?
Well, if you visit the Sussex C.C. website bulletin board, you will find serious concern that Mushy`s knee surgery has left him nowhere near his traditional 100-wicket-a-season form. Not as yet anyway.
Everyone said that once they lost Broad and Sidebottom to England, they would be also rans. But this just hasn`t proved so as yet, with the Grimbsy-born, Australian-raised swing bowler Darren Pattinson proving a real find.
Chris Read, whatever they say about his attitude in the England dressing room, is turning out to be a shrewd and committed leader, and their only fear may well be whether the old legs of the likes of Ealham and Franks will stand up to the rigours of July and August.
David Hussey, a fine overseas player, will be arriving from the IPL very shortly, and our own `ex` Matt Wood surely has plenty of runs to offer at the top of the order.
So my idea of our main rivals for that No.I spot come September 27 are Durham, Kent and Notts.
No Sussex?
Well, if you visit the Sussex C.C. website bulletin board, you will find serious concern that Mushy`s knee surgery has left him nowhere near his traditional 100-wicket-a-season form. Not as yet anyway.
Re: The CC - our rivals, their prospects and our prospects
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:02:15:00:34
Durham and Notts will be the ones vainly chasing our shadows.
At the moment I can't work out which of them will be second and which third.
So,I go for;
1-Somerset
2-Durham
3-Nottinghamshire
That is my impartial view,all the way from Batchit.
At the moment I can't work out which of them will be second and which third.
So,I go for;
1-Somerset
2-Durham
3-Nottinghamshire
That is my impartial view,all the way from Batchit.
Re: The CC - our rivals, their prospects and our prospects
Posted by: cricketjerry-mouse (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:02:20:56:00
I see our old friends Lancashire posted a season high of 481-5 in the drawn Roses match today. Yet three of the five batsmen dismissed got ducks - must be something of a record.
Re: The CC - our rivals, their prospects and our prospects
Posted by: geordie moonraker (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:06:02:22:42:09
That was because they weren't playing to their full potential.
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