I see that Brevis and Pretorius both made the SA white ball squad for their tour here - not exactly unexpected. I'm guessing we found that out yesterday, hence the timing of confirming that Cartwright will play in the QF. With Vince in no form (joining Prest), and the risk that Albert could be totally out of touch (maybe he might be released last minute to play tomorrow?), we might need Cartwright to score most of our QF runs!
Quite a lot riding on all four games in our group today. We definitely want Notts to lose. If we win, then we definitely want to Worcs to lose - but if we lose, then it's questionable as to what result we want between Leics-Worcs. If we lose, then we definitely want Essex to lose - but if we win, then it's questionable as to what result we want between Essex-Gloucs.
Mayes really is putting himself in contention to play in the t20 QF (albeit Durham's bowlers are a level above Glamorgan and Derby).
So our final game is on Tuesday. If we finish 2nd or 3rd, the QF will be on Thursday. And if we win that (or if we finish 1st), then the SF will be on Sunday. Dawson plays his final 100 match tomorrow. Baker and Currie play their final 100 match on Tuesday. Wood and Howell play their final 100 match on Wednesday. Vince (and Albert in reserve) plays his final 100 match on Thursday. Ironically, Fuller, the only one who has played any part in our campaign so far, is our only player whose 100 campaign will extend to next weekend.
I haven't really been taking notice of the other group, until now. I see that because of their superior NRR, Yorkshire very likely have a home SF (vs the winner of A2 v B3). And then it's a three-way shoot-out between Somerset, Warks and Middlesex for the QF spots. Whoever finishes 2nd will definitely have a home QF, whilst the 3rd placed side could get a home QF of their own if they were to play us (but against anyone else it would be an away QF). On paper, I'd say that all three of those sides look pretty decent, even without their 100 players.
