The Cricket Thread

I'd go with Crane for the last over now Wiese's out.

 

We won thanks to Crane

 

Phew. Thought Wiese had snatched victory for Sussex - sensational innings. But well done Hants for keeping their composure.

 

Probably the best group game I've ever seen.

(I can't say the best game full stop I've seen, because of our habit of tied finals!)

 

The irony is, Crane was easily our worst bowler before those final two overs of his. The other bowlers, even Fuller, I really didn't think bowled badly - they just got done by an absolute wonder innings from Wiese. Whereas Crane was bowling a bit of dross.

But when he actually lands the ball, those last two overs showed what he can do. Particularly to tail-enders, who just can't play leg spin.

 

I think the BBC started writing up the match report a tad early!

"Earlier Hampshire opener Alsop registered his second century in the competition this season to go alongside an unbeaten 130 against Glamorgan.

Markram, who will join up with South Africa's World Cup squad later this month, scored his first ton in Hampshire colours off just 87 balls, but their efforts were in a losing cause."

 

They obviously read your post at 6:26 which said:
“Yep, we’ve lost”

 

England beat Ireland by 4 wickets in ODI. England lost 6 wickets early, but then regained control.

 

Phil Salt's England call up weakens Sussex ahead of their (almost) must-win match vs Gloucs tomorrow. That leaves them short of him, Jordan and Archer.

 

Fidel plays today despite signing a red ball only contract. Strange.

 

I guess injury problems have forced the move? We are fielding first.

 

I would have thought Barker would be getting a game ahead of him. Fuller has been very expensive so hardly surprising he's been dropped.

 

Another wicket for Kyle - Banton bowled for 18.

 

My guess that Fidel is playing because we think that there will be some pace and bounce in the wicket. Somerset are, after all, playing both Overton twins.

But given that he can't bat or field, playing him ahead of Taylor is not a wise idea in my view. We're back to having Fuller/Berg up at 7 again now - and even worse, this time the top six doesn't include Vince.

I wouldn't have played Fidel; I really don't like him in white ball cricket, he is just too expensive for someone who only offers us bowling (hence I was delighted to se him signing a red-ball only contract). But if we were really desperate to play him, then it probably should have been for Crane so as not to weaken the batting (significantly).

 

Dawson strikes with the last ball of his first over again. He seems to keep doing that.

 

Rank ball. Rank shot. Crane is clearly very embarrassed to get a wicket there.

 

Hildreth.

 

Bye Abell.

 

Somerset probably have the best lower middle order in the competition, so work still to do yet.

 

Gregory goes!