The extra half win that we have means that Lancs need to better our points tally to finish above us. Which means needing to collect at least 5 more points than us next week - which is very, very difficult to do in a draw. So basically Lancs must beat us to have any chance at all. That would suggest that they might produce a result pitch. Or, at the very least, something which isn't 500 plays 400. Hence a high scoring draw is surely out of the question - and that is what we would have needed to hold off a Notts win vs Yorks, in the event that we only draw. Notts would very likely overtake us if they win and we can only add a low scoring draw to our 6.5 point lead over them. That said, even a maximum bonus point draw wouldn't be enough to hold off two Warks wins (or two Yorks wins). And therefore, realistically, next week is almost as much of a must win for us as it is for Lancs. I suppose for the neutral, a Yorks win tomorrow would be best. It'll be a four-way fight for the title next week regardless (not to mention the two places in the BWT final) - assuming the rain stays away tomorrow, and it's not a tie! - but if Yorks win, then all those four sides will be involved in the same two games. But surely Warks have to be heavy favourites to win it?
The only thing that is definite at this point is that destiny is in our own hands (although Lancs could argue the same).
Mullaney moaning about the pitch. #sourgrapes What kind of pitch was he expecting? A road? Players like Vince and Gubbins showed that you can play your shots on it. It was hardly a minefield.
What another great days entertainment! I was on video conferencing virtually all afternoon but had the live stream on in the background & kept punching the air. Not sure they realised what was going on but must have looked strange! Well played Hants. Great all round team performance; again! One more please as well as a couple of 20ov wins Saturday! Too greedy?
I wouldn't be surprised if we played Mason next week. I know it's at Liverpool, rather than Old Trafford, but Lancs do tend to favour a wicket with a bit of turn. With Wheal again picking an injury (hopefully he's fit enough to bowl four - or ideally eight! - overs on Saturday) there's scope to include both Crane and Abbott next week, if we wanted (and Abbott is able to). Fuller being the other to make way.
OK Hampshire fans! There's the possibility of three trophies winging their way to the Rose Bowl. If it was restricted to one choice, I would choose the County Championship over anything else. It is nigh on 49 years since it found its way to Hampshire so it is long overdue a visit.
Warwickshire beating Yorks does mean that we could win the CC by only drawing at Lancs, if Yorks beat Notts and Somerset beat Warwickshire. Or draws all round would do. But given Lancs need to beat us they are going to produce a "result pitch". I'm trying to work out if I want England to make Anderson available or not. On the one hand, it's Anderson. One of the best swing bowlers that England have ever had and will be lethal at this time of year. Also if Anderson is made available Buttler would likely be made available as well. On the other hand, having Anderson in the team may persuade Lancs to produce a pitch that suits us down to the ground with our seam attack. I think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages there!
Warks with “easiest” game now (sorry Chilcs) but yes you’re right, I’m sure all matches will be results …… unless as IoM said, weather has a critical say!?
Kyle, Mo, Big Keith and Brad backed up by Dutchie on a seamer friendly pitch with possibly Daws and Mason in case it turns later...yes please!
Big Keith, Daws and Dutchie are all rounders so only 4! It does look likely that Felix will be the second spinner instead of Mason though because of his batting.
CC first then the Vitality Blast and lastly the Bob Willis Trophy. I was too young to appreciate the last one although I do vaguely remember it.
But if we need to bowl Lancs out on day four, to win our first title for 48 years, I would rather have Crane to turn to than Fuller. I'm completely with you about Felix keeping his place. But if Wheal isn't fit, we can afford to accommodate Abbott and Crane without needing to leave out Felix. Don't get me wrong, if the Liverpool pitch is anything like this week or last week, the extra batting of Fuller (not that he showed it last week!) makes far more sense than a third spinner. But Parkinson is Lancs' second highest wicket-taker for a reason.
