On paper I think Sussex look the strongest side (and their NRR is far superior to the other 17 sides). But they did lose two matches (albeit one of them was a last ball defeat), so they are beatable. If we were to play them in the final, it'll be interesting if we let Alsop play. We don't have to let him. But a Lords final, at whatever level, is a big thing for a player. (We apparently did allow him to play the final t20 group match, but we had already qualified so it made no difference to us. And in any event he missed the game anyway because of illness.)
I've just received an e-mail from Hampshire, saying that the semi final starts at 2:00pm, on Tuesday. Advanced tickets are £5 cheaper than buying 'on the day'. (Sponsored link)
Well done to Hampshire and Sussex on reaching the semi sof the One-Day competition. Firstly Hampshire having been stripped of many first choice players for the Hundred. Sussex, despite their larder being raided for their best players in the close season (Salt, Brown and Jordan) and being without Archer and Robinson. It is a tremendous achievement for them. I hope the final is a South Coast Derby!!
I see Somerset are bitching at how many players they've lost for the Hundred. I mean, join the club FFS! We lost Vince, Dawson, Crane, Wood, Wheal, Fuller, Whiteley, Weatherley and we still finished top of our group. Stop whining!
It's not even like the 100 cost them many players anyway. Overton and Leach would still have been called up by England. Abell would still have been injured. They've barely wanted to use De Lange even when he has been available. I do however completely agree that players not starting in the 100 (eg Lammonby) are better off being released back to their counties, as opposed to carrying the drinks in the 100. England should do it more, and so should the 100.
England now 56-3, having been 43-3, which almost mirrors SA's innings. At this rate, SA may get a first innings lead. As Geoff Boycott once said ' Wait until both sides have had an innings before making assumptions'
I think Nortje is currently our second highest scorer. Why does he keep bouncing the ball over the wicket keeper? And what’s the deal with Crawley? I know you need someone to stay at the crease, but his run rate
That is what Tim David does. Just a shame it's taken us to the 6th game to get in a position for him to do that. Four times he's come in way too early - and we lost them all - and the other two times we've won without needing him. Walking out, ice cool, to finish off games is what he does.
Spirit thrash Oval on Saturday Manchester beat Phoenix by a tiny amount on Sunday Spirit thrash Phoenix on Tuesday We thrash Superchargers on Wednesday Oval beat Manchester by a decent amount, but not too much later on Wednesday Never going to happen. But if those exact five results happen, then it's a four-way tie between us, Phoenix, Manchester and Oval. And if those five margins of victories happen, there is a tiny, tiny chance that we'll have the best NRR. It's literally the only possible chance. But it really will never happen.
