Anyone still up to watch it will presumably have enjoyed the exciting finish between Essex and Lancashire last night. One person who won't have enjoyed it is Tom Smith who dropped a crucial catch and went for 41 from 3 overs.I thought Lancashire missed a trick - despite the commentators agreeing it was the right move to bring back seam - in not keeping Keedy on around the 17th over mark. Pettini in particular was really struggling to get him away....in fact a couple of things about Lancashire's tactics meant that I found myself sort of supporting Essex. That lack of faith in spin when things got tight....and also Lancashire batting Mahmood at 5. Yes, I know he batted well scoring at 2 a ball. But we must all hope that Twenty20 follows one-dayers where pinch-hitters were tried and ultimately disposed of. Watching Mahmood scythe away last night, and to a lesser extent Barker for Warwickshire, was ugly. Vince on the other hand (for example) for Hampshire was a proper batsman and I hope in the end it's those guys that are trusted to do the job....
I was also pleased to see Essex win, although that could be said about anyone playing against Lancs. What I was surprised at before the game was that Shiv Chanderpaul has been left out because Moores didn't want to change his openers. Initially I could half understand it when Moores explained that the top order had been functioning well and he didn't want to change it. However, there is surely a place for one of the greatest batsmen in the world ahead of Saj Mahmood at 5. All very strange.
ReplyDeleteAnother Kent reject (Walker) stars - I wonder whether Key will leave Kent after his benefit next year as most Kent players do?
ReplyDeleteEven though he played really well yesterday I doubt Kent feel they need someone reaching the end of their career who averages mid to late 30s. But I expect they had planned for Denly to kick on and his lack of form must be a concern. I can't imagine Key leaving Kent for a few years yet but time will tell....
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