It's already clear though the CPL being pushed back, such that it doesn't clash with the 100, is massively paying off for the big name West Indians. On the other hand, the clash with the American MCL will probably cost a few players.
He's just had a decent PSL. But I'm not convinced that we needed another a bowler who can sort of bat a bit.
I struggle to understand our overall thinking. I do love Briggsy (obviously). And I do rate Evans (but I think there were even better options out there). But I'm just not a fan of what we've done. So much of it could come down to whether Jofra is available - because if he isn't, then we could replace him with any overseas player of our choosing. With Jofra - maybe something like: Allen Vince Davies Evans Du Plooy Pollard Jordan Ahmed Hosein Archer Mills Without Jofra - maybe something like: Allen Vince Davies Evans Du Plooy Ravindra Pollard Jordan Ahmed Overton Mills
Obviously there's still the wildcard picks to come, but today was good news for our one-day campaign. I think only Fuller got drafted. Wood, Crane, Wheal, Orr, Weatherley and Prest all went unselected (plus the others like Gubbins, who never had any chance). I know Crane is currently out on loan, but we can recall him.
I'm fine with our picks TBH. We needed more depth to the batting. Pollard, while he may not be the player he once was, has vast experience at T20 level and can still hit the ball a country mile. Plus an extra option with the ball. Evans is a great T20 batter and 2 spinners signed.
Hampshire are currently playing a friendly (one day?) match v Middlesex. If anyone can get to The Ageas Bowl, it's free entry (at least, that was the message on Hampshire's web site). Middlesex won the toss, elected to bat, and are currently 18 for 3 off 12 overs. It looks like a good warm up for Hampshire, so far
No real surprises in Hants first squad of the season. Barker and Turner are injured. Prest will probably be the one to miss out.
Yeah it's a toss up between the two. Extra batting or another front line bowler. I would go with Wheal as Holland and Fuller are both capable with the bat. Orr, Middleton, Gubbins, Vince, Brown, Dawson, Holland, Fuller - that's still a good batting line up. I just think Wheal in April up in Durham will be a very good bowling option. Also, with possible rain around wickets will be more valuable than runs.
Looks like there's going to a plenty of overnight rain before the weather clears early morning. Big toss to win tomorrow. Ball's going to nip around a lot - please win the toss Vincey.
I can see Durham having a very good season. They were excellent in D2 last season, and epitomized BazBall more than any other country. And they've made some great signings, in particular Boland has the tools to excel in early season conditions. I can't look beyond Surrey for the title. But these next four days could be very important for who finishes 2nd.
As much as I would love Hampshire to.win the title, I would be very partial.to.Somerset getting the title that Yorkshire and Middlesex conspired to."cheat" them out of back in 2016. Long may those two counties remain in.Division 2.
