The rains seem to have settled over Southern England. First you get no rain for 3 months, now you are getting loads of it.
Our only chance of making the final is to win this. (We would still have a small chance of winning the group if we were to draw this, but I would be amazed if it was sufficient to be one of the two best teams.) However, there's little chance of us chasing more than 200. Even 150 I would back Essex. So no matter how badly we need to win, you're right that we shouldn't just commit suicide. We lost the title in 2005, thanks to Kent committing suicide against Notts. So I know how the likes of Somerset and Yorkshire would feel if we did likewise.
If there is no more play, Essex could rue not scoring that one extra run for the second batting point.
Meanwhile Worcester are heading for 4 batting points at 304-3 after 101 overs, so if they draw they’ll still be top of Central unless we can find the time to take 7 wickets and beat Glos.
Now been confirmed. There's still uncertainty over Vince and Shaheen, but assuming that the former will be available and the latter won't be, I'm guessing our side will look something like: Vince Munsey Alsop Northeast Organ (or Weatherley) McManus Fuller Holland Wood Crane Wheal I'm not too sure about what Organ's t20 batting is like. But he's kind of needed to replace Dawson's all-round spin. We might just be able to get away with 8 overs shared between Holland, Fuller and Organ. I wouldn't want just a five man attack which included Holland and Fuller. If Shaheen does play, put him in for Holland. If Vince doesn't play, it would have to be Weatherley - probably with Alsop opening. Donald is back in training, and I don't think can absolutely be ruled out. But the noise does seem to be that we can forget about him being ready for first team cricket this season.
I can see forfeitures of innings at Arundel. Ball is in our court really. I can't see us agreeing to chase a lot more than 250.
De Lange came in at 60-8, with Glamorgan facing an innings defeat. 62 balls later he has a 100 and counting.
Looking increasingly likely, now that today has been called off. If no more play, then it's nine points each. Essex will be on 70, we will be on 54. If Middlesex complete their run chase, I make it that they will be on 59. And Kent will either be on 48, 56 or 64. With Kent-Hants and Essex-Middlesex as the final round of matches next month.
An absolutely astonishing victory for Middlesex. Andersson looks useful and perhaps the cool and intelligent player that Middlesex have lacked for decades. Notable absentees - Finn, Morgan, and Roland-Jones.
Isn't it the two counties with the best points total.that contest the final, so it seems highly unlikely that a side coming second will qualify?
I think it will be a real shame if Anderson doesn’t get his 600th Wicket today , but I just think it won’t happen
Don’t know what the weather’s like in Southampton, but it’s bloody awful 60 miles west! As you say, what an absolute shame. Those dropped catches!
Resigned to a draw in the England test because of the rain. May be some play today, but little sign that we will get those remaining wickets quickly. Shame as given time a win was inevitable.
A brilliant result for Somerset, beating Glos by 314 runs and going not only top of Central but 5 points clear of everyone else in all groups. We just have to beat Worcester at theirs to ensure a place at Lords now.
