The Ashes & Hampshire Cricket Summer Thread - II

Been a fringe player for Durham for a few years now. Had one season where he played a handful of first-class matches, but that's about it. I've never seen him in the flesh though.

On trial until the end of the season - played for our second team last week - and like Coles is effectively therefore playing to win a contract with us next season.

 

I know it's only Ireland, but Morgan badly needed this. Some sort of form to take into the Aus ODI series.

 

Which makes me wonder if we'll stick with him on Saturday. He's clearly our third choice seamer this season in both one-day and t20 cricket, when we're without Tanvir, but can you play a guy knows he'll be leaving?

If there was an obvious replacement I would leave him out. You've also got to consider the fact that, unless he's on his day, then he's actually just not very good. Unfortunately, unless we want to give 16 between Dawson, Ervine and Vince, then the only alternative I can see would be Riazuddin. And he's invariably worse than Griffiths (why couldn't we have let Hamza go!!!).

 

How fantastic was that. From 48-4, a partnership of 226 from Morgan and Bopara wins the game. Bopara's first ODI century. Ireland did well and England tottered, but they couldn't cope with such quality.

 

First ODI I've watched in a long time. A brilliant demonstration of one day batting.

 

Well played and bad luck to Ireland.

Well done for a brilliant batting display, Messrs Morgan and Bopara. Well done for earning get out of jail free cards for the rest of the team!

 

Well done to Adams on getting a double century at just the right time. Needed a big knock going into Saturday.

 

When Jimmy has made it off of 0 this season, his conversion rate into 100s has been pretty darn decent!

Just has failed to make it off 0 too many times!!

 

Slightly surprisingly (but pleasingly) Tanvir will be back for the SF this weekend. From listening to White a couple of weeks back, it really didn't sound like that was planned.

He might not have exactly been a hit in t20 cricket for us, but his YB40 record is excellent. And just as importantly, it solves the Griffiths dilemma.

Marcus North by the way will be missing for Glamorgan, due to his Champions League commitments with Perth. Thankfully, thankfully, Macca won't now be missing for us for the same reason. Things are looking good now, even minus Carberry.

 

Sounds promising St B. Let's hope the weather doesnt mess things up!

 

Hants all out for 545, a lead of 107, but a draw looks inevitable unless Northants suffer a major collapse

 

Northants 8=0 at lunch.

 

You can watch the cricket at the Ageas Bowl online for free!

Only drawback is it's a still photo, updated every 5 minutes, but lets face it, many county games progress at that speed anyway:

http://www.ageasbowl.com/assets/hotelfeedtest/hotel.jpg

please log in to view this image

 

Haha if you'd had the technology back when Boycott played it could have updated every hour without you missing a run!

 

At least it's a step up from following it on CEEFAX; something that I used to do years ago

 

Ceefax...that brings back memories. I used to follow saints away matches on that. Now that is desperate

 

Foreacst doesnt look great. Will be lucky to get a full match in. Need to win the toss!

 

On 1 September 1996, a part English, part Sri Lankan, part Australian, 19 year old made his Hampshire debut at the United Services Ground in Portsmouth against Middlesex in the 40 over league. He scored 0 batting at no.8, and then took 2-42 off his 8 overs, as Hampshire comprehensively lost to Gatting, Ramprakash and Fraser.

Two days later however came his first class debut for Hampshire. Adrian Dimitri Mascarenhas had arrived.

Bowling first, Dimi took 6-88 from his 32 overs. He wasn't required to bat, as Hampshire declared just 4 wickets down. Having been fifth choice bowler initially in the first innings, his figures were enough to see him open the bowling in the second innings. He took 3-62 from 16 overs.

During Dimi's time we won three one-day trophies, all three of which he played a part in and two of which saw him play in the Lords final. We also won two t20 titles, one of which he played a part in - as well as being captain. We also made one other one-day final, and two other t20 finals days. There may yet be one more Lords final to add to this. Finally, there were (at least) two occasions where we went into the penultimate round of County Championship with a chance of being crowned County Champions.

195 first class games for Hampshire. 450 wickets at an average of 28.22, and and 6,495 runs at an average of 25.07. 17 five-wicket hauls and eight 100s.

236 (and counting) one day games for Hampshire. 285 wickets at an average of 25.08, and 3,976 runs at an average of 24.54. A bowling economy rate of 4.31.

74 t20 games for Hampshire. 94 wickets at an average of 18.19, and 732 runs at an average of 20.33. Bowling economy rate of 6.87.

Today will almost certainly be Dimi's last ever home game for Hampshire, after 17 years. Indeed, depending on the result, it may be his last game for Hampshire full stop.

I can only hope that Adams, Vince, Briggs et al don't just try and win today for themselves, their family, the fans, and the clubs, but specifically also for Dimi. Give him one final game in a Hampshire shirt; give him a Lords final send-off.

Dimitri Mascarenhas. Dimi. A modern day Hampshire hero. A modern day Hampshire legend. A modern day Hampshire icon.

 

Great post St B. A top player and top bloke. Do it for Dimi!

 

I am honestly slightly emotional. I love the guy so much. I literally don't know a Hampshire without him.

As you say, such a top player and top bloke.