Author Topic: Cricket County Championship and general Domestic competitions 2011 (Read 10877 times)

Crosby Nick · « **on:** April 6, 2011, 04:51:12 PM »

OK so the Mickey Mouse trophies have been handed out in recent weeks, now for the proper stuff! The glamorous County Championship begins this Friday as players wearing 3 sweaters freeze on the boundary in front of the proverbial one man and his dog in the crowd. Once again the 4 day county championship starts early and doesn’t finish until Mid September with the best part of the summer probably reserved for the Twenty20 and domestic one day competition.

I’ve tried to start similar threads in recent years but never had much response but given the amount of general cricket chat that we all love, thought it might be a good idea to start this from the off. We can discuss latest developments, results and just general domestic cricket related ramblings and anecdotes to while away the hours.

As Old Trafford is currently in the middle of redevelopment, most of Lancy’s home games will be played at Aigburth this year. Any of you planning on popping along to any games? I know Yorky (obviously) and Cassiel are proud Yaaarkshiremen, Art Vandelay is Worcestershire til he dies. 5th Benitle must be Middlesex or Surrey I guess? I think lfsea is another Lancs man like myself…what about the rest of you?

Lancashire only have a squad of 19 this year and their only overseas signing is the relatively underwhelming Sri Lankan Farveez Maharoof. The ageless Glenn Chapple is captain again and it looks like we’ll still be reliant on old stagers like Mark Chilton. All in all it could be a long season for the Red Rose.

I’ve attached a preview of Division One for your perusal: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/12960823.stm

Let battle commence!

scatman · « **Reply #1 on:** April 6, 2011, 04:53:34 PM »

it's always a long season for the Red Rose, just when we look like coming close to a county championship, the heavens open above the north west and wash all aspirations away. Bastards.

Cassiel · « **Reply #2 on:** April 6, 2011, 05:40:03 PM »

Sexy Chocolate is back for Yorkshire, and while he's been of a bit of a sicknote, he should do all right at Headingley. For us it all depends on how much we see of Bresnan, Shahzad and Rashid, and whether they'll be on international duty. Two out of those available regularly and it could be a good season. Batting looks good with Lyth - one to watch for a call up soon - Gale and McGrath, though Rudolph has effed off back. Apparently his missus couldn't settle in Yorkshire. Who ivver 'erd of such tripe? Look out also for Oliver Hannon-Dalby. The ponce.

Art Vandelay · « **Reply #3 on:** April 6, 2011, 06:19:00 PM »

I think we'll surprise a few people this season....

...we'll be even worse than you could possibly imagine.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #4 on:** April 6, 2011, 06:25:41 PM »

Who is sexy chocolate? Thought that was the band in coming to America! Lands look light in batting and bowling to be honest. Oh for the days of Stuart law.

Rob17 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:01:51 PM »

Live two mins from Kent's ground in Canterbury so will be going up there quite a bit this season. They are also in the middle in the developing the ground and have put up 5 new floodlights for day/night games one being Kent India in august, so should b good for some banter and a piss up!

BIGdavalad · « **Reply #6 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:02:34 PM »

Are Gloucestershire any good? Mate of mine's just been signed by them.

CheshireDave · « **Reply #7 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:10:43 PM »

I always try and get to a few Lancs games but will probably end up going to the T20 stuff as my mates are not really intrested in the longer format stuff.

Certainly think it will be tough for Lancs this year due to like Nick said the squad size and basically lack of talent. Got to expect Durham and obviously Somerset to be up there.

CheshireDave · « **Reply #8 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:11:45 PM »

Quote from: BIGdavalad on April 6, 2011, 07:02:34 PM

Are Gloucestershire any good? Mate of mine's just been signed by them.

They're in Division 2 mate. And to be fair no, they're not very good and will be one of the 'outsiders' to get promoted.

BIGdavalad · « **Reply #9 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:19:46 PM »

I won't hold my breath for seeing him at the Ashes or anything then!

cac9280 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:20:37 PM »

Quote from: Rob17 on April 6, 2011, 07:01:51 PM

Live two mins from Kent's ground in Canterbury so will be going up there quite a bit this season. They are also in the middle in the developing the ground and have put up 5 new floodlights for day/night games one being Kent India in august, so should b good for some banter and a piss up!

Yeah bat n ball pub is boss! I live 30 mins from ground

Libertine · « **Reply #11 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:23:58 PM »

Quote from: Rob17 on April 6, 2011, 07:01:51 PM

Live two mins from Kent's ground in Canterbury so will be going up there quite a bit this season. They are also in the middle in the developing the ground and have put up 5 new floodlights for day/night games one being Kent India in august, so should b good for some banter and a piss up!

tell me about it - they've ruined the view from my flat by tearing down all the trees and putting up those monstrosities of floodlights.

not to mention waking me up every morning with the work going on

Rob17 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:38:46 PM »

Quote from: Libertine on April 6, 2011, 07:23:58 PM

tell me about it - they've ruined the view from my flat by tearing down all the trees and putting up those monstrosities of floodlights.

not to mention waking me up every morning with the work going on

Unlucky, im not that close!

Alpherah · « **Reply #13 on:** April 6, 2011, 07:57:09 PM »

Prices are too high to justify watching these games imo

Nearly the same as (some..) internationals, with no atmosphere and half (if any..) star players.

T20's and ODI's are good value though.

quinny · « **Reply #14 on:** April 6, 2011, 08:05:26 PM »

Another one living in Canterbury here (at Kent uni), going home for a month on Saturday but will try to get to a few games during the summer term.

WEST HAM PAUL · « **Reply #15 on:** April 6, 2011, 08:46:53 PM »

Always followed Essex. Miss the glory days of the 80,s & early 90,s we were just superb

Live 5 mins walk from The ground in Chelmsford. Will try to get to a few games this year . Need to get back into Division 1. With the players we have should be in with a shout.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #16 on:** April 6, 2011, 09:55:30 PM »

Quote from: WEST HAM PAUL on April 6, 2011, 08:46:53 PM

Always followed Essex. Miss the glory days of the 80,s & early 90,s we were just superb

Live 5 mins walk from The ground in Chelmsford. Will try to get to a few games this year . Need to get back into Division 1. With the players we have should be in with a shout.

I have mates who live just off moulsham st, always wanted to get to a floodlit game there.

Cassiel · « **Reply #17 on:** April 6, 2011, 11:44:39 PM »

Quote from: WEST HAM PAUL on April 6, 2011, 08:46:53 PM

Always followed Essex. Miss the glory days of the 80,s & early 90,s we were just superb

Live 5 mins walk from The ground in Chelmsford. Will try to get to a few games this year . Need to get back into Division 1. With the players we have should be in with a shout.

I loathed that Essex team but by God they were good. Twitching Goochie, 'wacky' Brian Hardie, humourless Ken McEwan and all those runs, narky Neil Foster, Stuart Turner and his bristling medium pace and bristling 'tache, Paul Prichard and his unfulfilled potential, and the devil Pringle and his shithouse shiny helmet and his 'why the fucking fuck have they picked him again?!?' England career. Them were, indeed, days.

The Flying Pig · « **Reply #18 on:** April 7, 2011, 11:37:44 AM »

Quote from: CheshireDave on April 6, 2011, 07:10:43 PM

I always try and get to a few Lancs games but will probably end up going to the T20 stuff as my mates are not really intrested in the longer format stuff.

Certainly think it will be tough for Lancs this year due to like Nick said the squad size and basically lack of talent. Got to expect Durham and obviously Somerset to be up there.

Think it will be a long hard season for Lancs.

The signing of Maharoof is evidence of skintness.

Jookie · « **Reply #19 on:** April 7, 2011, 01:02:09 PM »

Quote from: quinny on April 6, 2011, 08:05:26 PM

Another one living in Canterbury here (at Kent uni), going home for a month on Saturday but will try to get to a few games during the summer term.

Does everyone on RAWK live in Canterbury?!!

Normally get to a few Kent games myself since the ground is about 20 mins walk away as well. It's a great little ground for watching games at.

More of a Lancs fan though and used to go quite a lot when I lived in Liverpool. Think we'll struggle this year. Batting and bowling looks light. Think a lot will depend on how Farveez Maharoof does. Seems underwhelming (a bit like Marcus North was a few years ago) to be fair. On the plus side he could be available all season.

Bit intersting to see how Gareth Cross does as first choice wicketkeeper now Luke Sutton has left. Looks an intersting propsect. Be good to see Brown and Proctor get more chances from a batting perspective though I think a lot will depend on how Horton, Moore, Chilton and Croft perform with th bat.

Roll on Friday when Sussex come to Liverpool (minus Yardy, Wright and Prior).

Red_Mist · « **Reply #20 on:** April 7, 2011, 02:03:24 PM »

Home at easter so will go and watch a day of Lancs v Somerset, weather permitting. Wish I was around for the Yarkshire! Yarkshire! Yarkshire! match in May, but alas not.

WEST HAM PAUL · « **Reply #21 on:** April 7, 2011, 02:30:21 PM »

Quote from: Crosby Nick on April 6, 2011, 09:55:30 PM

I have mates who live just off moulsham st, always wanted to get to a floodlit game there.

Sometimes go drinking down Moulsham St. If your ever down mate PM me & well have a beer.

WEST HAM PAUL · « **Reply #22 on:** April 7, 2011, 02:37:25 PM »

Quote from: Cassiel on April 6, 2011, 11:44:39 PM

I loathed that Essex team but by God they were good. Twitching Goochie, 'wacky' Brian Hardie, humourless Ken McEwan and all those runs, narky Neil Foster, Stuart Turner and his bristling medium pace and bristling 'tache, Paul Prichard and his unfulfilled potential, and the devil Pringle and his shithouse shiny helmet and his 'why the fucking fuck have they picked him again?!?' England career. Them were, indeed, days.

Plus mad John Lever. Still find it weird watching left arm bowlers . Just expected to win. & challenge for trophies in those days . Got robbed off another championship when deducted 25 points for the pitch around 92.

Jookie · « **Reply #23 on:** April 7, 2011, 02:44:54 PM »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/12997639.stm

Stephen Moores column on the BBC site.

Forgot that Lancashire signed Andrea Agathangelou as well. Anyone know much about him?

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #24 on:** April 7, 2011, 03:11:43 PM »

Quote from: Jookie on April 7, 2011, 02:44:54 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/12997639.stm

Stephen Moores column on the BBC site.

Forgot that Lancashire signed Andrea Agathangelou as well. Anyone know much about him?

He was funny on Shooting Stars.

Quote from: WEST HAM PAUL on April 7, 2011, 02:30:21 PM

Sometimes go drinking down Moulsham St. If your ever down mate PM me & well have a beer.

Cheers Paul. Not sure when I'll next be down there but can let you know.

Red in Korea · « **Reply #25 on:** April 7, 2011, 03:15:56 PM »

I'll represent Northants. No big reason for supporting them other than the first live game I ever saw was Northants vs. West Indies. Alan Lamb and Clive Lloyd both scored centuries that day. Don't rate their chances of doind much these days.

yorkykopite · « **Reply #26 on:** April 7, 2011, 03:22:30 PM »

Quote from: Cassiel on April 6, 2011, 05:40:03 PM

Sexy Chocolate is back for Yorkshire, and while he's been of a bit of a sicknote, he should do all right at Headingley. For us it all depends on how much we see of Bresnan, Shahzad and Rashid, and whether they'll be on international duty. Two out of those available regularly and it could be a good season. Batting looks good with Lyth - one to watch for a call up soon - Gale and McGrath, though Rudolph has effed off back. Apparently his missus couldn't settle in Yorkshire. Who ivver 'erd of such tripe? Look out also for Oliver Hannon-Dalby. The ponce.

I didn't know we allowed men with double-barrell surnames to play for Yorkshire. I feel sick.

The Tykes have got to be in with a shout this time. Agree with you on Lyth. And, of course, Rashid wins matches. But both might be England Test players by the end of the season.

Jookie · « **Reply #27 on:** April 7, 2011, 03:29:11 PM »

Quote from: Crosby Nick on April 7, 2011, 03:11:43 PM

He was funny on Shooting Stars.

He'll probably turn up for the 1st game with his cricket gear in a Netto bag!

From what I've just read on him he's apparently Cypriot. Would be the 1st Cypriot to ever play domestic county cricket if starts for Lancs this season. Probably sums up Lancs squad this season!

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #28 on:** April 7, 2011, 03:34:09 PM »

Quote from: Jookie on April 7, 2011, 03:29:11 PM

He'll probably turn up for the 1st game with his cricket gear in a Netto bag!

From what I've just read on him he's apparently Cypriot. Would be the 1st Cypriot to ever play domestic county cricket if starts for Lancs this season. Probably sums up Lancs squad this season!

I wouldn't be surprised to see the likes of Peter Martin, Graham Lloyd and Ian Austin to be wheeled out to be honest.

I'm not sure where it's gone wrong in recent years. Our batting suddenly looks pretty fragile. Hopefully Stephen Moore can stiffen that up a bit. Bowling is a bit hit and miss as well.

Otherwise all good!

yorkykopite · « **Reply #29 on:** April 7, 2011, 03:36:55 PM »

Quote from: WEST HAM PAUL on April 7, 2011, 02:37:25 PM

Plus mad John Lever. Still find it weird watching left arm bowlers .

Yeah, he used to run in at an odd angle with his bowling arm stiff down by his side.

I liked Keith Boyce as a player. Remember seeing him at the old Bradford Park Avenue ground fielding on the boundary and throwing a sequence of balls right over the stumps. There was absolutely no arc to his throwing. Just twanged in flat and fast.

AirConGipsyRed · « **Reply #30 on:** April 7, 2011, 05:39:35 PM »

Surrey fan here. Another season of div 2 mediocrity. Mind you, was a time when all our best players were playing for England.

liverbnz · « **Reply #31 on:** April 7, 2011, 06:11:21 PM »

Quote from: yorkykopite on April 7, 2011, 03:22:30 PM

I didn't know we allowed men with double-barrell surnames to play for Yorkshire. I feel sick.

The Tykes have got to be in with a shout this time. Agree with you on Lyth. And, of course, Rashid wins matches. But both might be England Test players by the end of the season.

We will miss the runs of Rudolph big time. Sayers, Bairstow and Gale will have to compensate or I think we might struggle. Bowling is stacked as I can ever remember. Shazhad, Bresnan, Sidebottom, Patterson, Hannon-Dalby, Ashraf, Wainwright, Rafiq and Adil Rashid!

Slugworth · « **Reply #32 on:** April 7, 2011, 06:13:31 PM »

Quote from: liverbnz on April 7, 2011, 06:11:21 PM

We will miss the runs of Rudolph big time. Sayers, Bairstow and Gale will have to compensate or I think we might struggle. Bowling is stacked as I can ever remember. Shazhad, Bresnan, Sidebottom, Patterson, Hannon-Dalby, Ashraf, Wainwright, Rafiq and Adil Rashid!

And dont forget Wainwrights and Pyrahs devastating nibblers, think Ashraf could do very well this season if he gets a good chance, is Tino still around this season?

liverbnz · « **Reply #33 on:** April 7, 2011, 06:25:47 PM »

Quote from: Slugworth on April 7, 2011, 06:13:31 PM

And dont forget Wainwrights and Pyrahs devastating nibblers, think Ashraf could do very well this season if he gets a good chance, is Tino still around this season?

God I hope not! As much as he was loved around Yorkshire (I hear) he was pretty poor. Scattergun best describes Tino. He didn't get selected much towards the end of last season so he's probably gone. Which means we have no overseas players and no replacement for Rudolph, although Joe Root is a promising opener.

lfcmaster · « **Reply #34 on:** April 7, 2011, 06:29:21 PM »

my county is worcestershire but we havent won anthing for 20 odd years

Nick110581 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 7, 2011, 06:30:47 PM »

Sussex fan here!!! Be glad to stay up.

Love the county game tho

Slugworth · « **Reply #36 on:** April 7, 2011, 06:43:52 PM »

Quote from: liverbnz on April 7, 2011, 06:25:47 PM

God I hope not! As much as he was loved around Yorkshire (I hear) he was pretty poor. Scattergun best describes Tino. He didn't get selected much towards the end of last season so he's probably gone. Which means we have no overseas players and no replacement for Rudolph, although Joe Root is a promising opener.

I love tino, mad little bugger that he is, definitely dont need him though

yorkykopite · « **Reply #37 on:** April 7, 2011, 07:08:26 PM »

Quote from: Slugworth on April 7, 2011, 06:43:52 PM

I love tino, mad little bugger that he is, definitely dont need him though

"Mind the windows Tino"

rob1408 · « **Reply #38 on:** April 7, 2011, 07:33:57 PM »

Quote from: CheshireDave on April 6, 2011, 07:11:45 PM

They're in Division 2 mate. And to be fair no, they're not very good and will be one of the 'outsiders' to get promoted.

Although they have signed Murali for 20/20.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #39 on:** April 7, 2011, 07:49:08 PM »

Quote from: BIGdavalad on April 6, 2011, 07:02:34 PM

Are Gloucestershire any good? Mate of mine's just been signed by them.

I guess the equivalent is him signing for a lower premier league team like wigan. So he must still be very decent in relative terms! Does he bat or bowl?