I think the lads’ performance up to this point has surprised everyone, not just on here, but in the cricketing world!
For us to be sitting in such a strong position right now, after the somewhat horrific season we’ve had in the other formats, is a real positive sign that there’s still bags of fight and character in our squad.
I mentioned it in the match thread, but Harmison’s words beforehand were inspirational. We might not have a pot to piss in, we might be scrapping for the Championship wooden spoon but just like the last time we were in this position, there’s much hope for a brighter future.
Regarding the T20 campaign, we should really fancy ourselves of booking atleast a quarter final spot. The team that faced Nottinghamshire was very strong, granted, Stokes won’t play another group game, Tahir is leaving soon (replaced by Patel?) and so to is Latham - but players seem to know their roles, it does seem all of a sudden that every player has his own value, I don’t feel there are any passengers anymore - they all know what is expected and I don’t think I’ve seen such a comprehensive performance since the Yorkshire semi final a few years ago. We gave the current champions a lesson, a team who have been so strong at this format for a number of years were completely put to the sword.
So where next? Can we clinch a Quarter Final spot? Can we get to Finals Day? Can we finally win the only trophy that’s so far evaded our grasp?
The first part atleast looks favourable, we have the current whipping boys to play twice, we also have games against Derbyshire and Leicestershire, who will both likely have nothing to play for. The big tests it appears will come against Lancashire - with the Worcestershire game looking key also:
Thursday - Northants (h)
Friday - Worcestershire (a)
Tue 7 - Lancashire (a) SKY
Wed 8 - Leicestershire (h)
Fri 10 - Northants (a)
Sun 12 - Lancashire (h)
Friday 17 - Derbyshire (h)
IIRC: Tahir has two games left. Not sure when Patel is due - think there’s a small chance Stokes could feature in a QF if we get there. Be nice to get Wood back fit too, I think if he’s returning to fitness Team England might be favourable towards him bowling four overs in order to work on that rehabilitation.
For us to be sitting in such a strong position right now, after the somewhat horrific season we’ve had in the other formats, is a real positive sign that there’s still bags of fight and character in our squad.
I mentioned it in the match thread, but Harmison’s words beforehand were inspirational. We might not have a pot to piss in, we might be scrapping for the Championship wooden spoon but just like the last time we were in this position, there’s much hope for a brighter future.
Regarding the T20 campaign, we should really fancy ourselves of booking atleast a quarter final spot. The team that faced Nottinghamshire was very strong, granted, Stokes won’t play another group game, Tahir is leaving soon (replaced by Patel?) and so to is Latham - but players seem to know their roles, it does seem all of a sudden that every player has his own value, I don’t feel there are any passengers anymore - they all know what is expected and I don’t think I’ve seen such a comprehensive performance since the Yorkshire semi final a few years ago. We gave the current champions a lesson, a team who have been so strong at this format for a number of years were completely put to the sword.
So where next? Can we clinch a Quarter Final spot? Can we get to Finals Day? Can we finally win the only trophy that’s so far evaded our grasp?
The first part atleast looks favourable, we have the current whipping boys to play twice, we also have games against Derbyshire and Leicestershire, who will both likely have nothing to play for. The big tests it appears will come against Lancashire - with the Worcestershire game looking key also:
Thursday - Northants (h)
Friday - Worcestershire (a)
Tue 7 - Lancashire (a) SKY
Wed 8 - Leicestershire (h)
Fri 10 - Northants (a)
Sun 12 - Lancashire (h)
Friday 17 - Derbyshire (h)
IIRC: Tahir has two games left. Not sure when Patel is due - think there’s a small chance Stokes could feature in a QF if we get there. Be nice to get Wood back fit too, I think if he’s returning to fitness Team England might be favourable towards him bowling four overs in order to work on that rehabilitation.