I think Stirling is a smart signing. His stand and whack it philosophy complements the class of QDK and Vince nicely at the top of the order.
Why on earth would you charge down the wicket to Rashid in this situation? Brainless from Davies. It shouldn't matter but no need for that at all.
Brilliant from QDK. Just class from a wonderful batsman. Great bowling as well and despite the mini-collapse always looked like we were going to win.
We still have one huge weakness though, and it was exposed again today (but fortunately wasn't costly in the slightest). Below that top four, there isn't much to shout about. CDG is in no form at all, and I've said since we first acquired him that Whiteley isn't good enough. Dawson too is out of form (with the bat), and is injured now anyway. No complaints though about our top four or our bowling. We didn't even miss out cut off for once! Another successful visit to the Bowl.
It would be handy if Gloucs final group game was cancelled as well as that should ensure that we finish above them if we manage to beat both Kent and Durham. We could also do with Essex beating Durham today, fingers crossed. I'm still trying to work out what difference the Lancs-Worcs washout has made to our chances of qualification. Don't forget it's now going to be based on average points per game played. A quick chase today would do our NRR the world of good.
105 all out, although there will be a small DLS adj due and 24 overs to chase them in. At least Scriven got a bowl today, I too thought it was odd to keep playing him and not getting him involved. I hope we won't regret not replacing McManus with another batsman, e.g. Middleton. Lewis is missing this match as part of concussion protocols after being hit on the helmet against Gloucs (same reason why Alsop had to miss our opening match against Essex apparently).
I think that we need 4 things to go in our favour to qualify for the next stages of the one-day cup: 1) Hampshire to beat Kent today 2) Hampshire to beat Durham on Thursday 3) Essex to beat Lancs on Thursday 4) Kent vs Gloucs game on Thursday to be cancelled (or, if they play, for Kent to win) If the above all happened and Worcs were to beat Durham in their last game then it would come down to NRR between us and Worcs but I'm sure we would stay above them and qualify.
