Cricket 2024

[Greyhound]

Aussie Will Sutherland has an injury, and won't be joining the Cidermen after all.

 

[Greyhound]

Another cricketer no longer with us: Robin Hobbs of Essex and England, aged 81. RIP.

 

[Greyhound]

Aussie Will Sutherland has an injury, and won't be joining the Cidermen after all.

Back injury. Seems it was back trouble that saved him from doing a stint for Essex in 2023.

 

[Grecian2K]

I know it's from the Guardian but a thought provoking article by Ashley Giles here about the future of "first class cricket" in England.
I suspect even dear old Al might concur?

The Spin | Gap between county cricket’s haves and have-nots is growing dangerous

‘I don’t think there has ever been a more fragile time for the whole game,’ says Ashley Giles as he contemplates a bleak future

www.theguardian.com

Two things immediately occur to me:
1) Is the traditional "county" structure still relevant information the 21st century? How many "millennials" identify with their town rather than (ancient) county?
2) The quoted wealth disparity, if correct, is shocking. While "bankers & w@nkers", entertaining clients on expenses can doubtless keep the likes Lords or the Oval in their financial pomp what hope do some of the non metropolitan places (like Hove, Taunton or Worcester for example) have of competing when sustained for the bulk of their seasonal midweeks by a mere handful of the retired?

 

[Alistair20000]

I know it's from the Guardian but a thought provoking article by Ashley Giles here about the future of "first class cricket" in England.
I suspect even dear old Al might concur?

The Spin | Gap between county cricket’s haves and have-nots is growing dangerous

‘I don’t think there has ever been a more fragile time for the whole game,’ says Ashley Giles as he contemplates a bleak future

www.theguardian.com

Two things immediately occur to me:
1) Is the traditional "county" structure still relevant information the 21st century? How many "millennials" identify with their town rather than (ancient) county?
2) The quoted wealth disparity, if correct, is shocking. While "bankers & w@nkers", entertaining clients on expenses can doubtless keep the likes Lords or the Oval in their financial pomp what hope do some of the non metropolitan places (like Hove, Taunton or Worcester for example) have of competing when sustained for the bulk of their seasonal midweeks by a mere handful of the retired?

I read a similar article over the weekend. Might have been in the Observer.

I cannot pretend to know the answers but I will continue to put two fingers up to the Hundred.

Maybe the Counties will simply become feeder clubs for the money laden franchises. Rather as we develop young talent at City for others to exploit

 

[Greyhound]

Partly a case of haves and have-nots: counties who have Test grounds and those who don't. Hence Bransgrove's comments as a Hampshire man.

 

[Greyhound]

Good to see that Craig Overton was having a bowl at Taunton this morning.

 

[Greyhound]

Cidermen expect to announce an overseas signing in the next few days (statement by Andy Hurry on March 30th).

 

[Stelios]

Aggers to present TMS for another 4 years (great news) but stepping down as BBC cricket correspondent (fair enough)

TMS commentator Agnew signs new deal with BBC Sport

Jonathan Agnew will continue to lead the Test Match Special team after agreeing a new four-year deal with BBC Sport.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Greyhound]

Tom Abell will miss the start of the season. Hamstring tear.