Amidst all the talk of the Australians England are facing, here is a side of those who didn’t even make the 17-man squad.
1) Mark Cosgrove
A big left-handed biffer, ‘old school’ in fitness and South Australian to boot: there is rather a lot of Darren Lehman in Cosgrove. His talent, which earned him three ODIs four years ago at the age of 22, is beyond question, as is his hunger for runs – just ask Glamorgan fans – but Cosgrove’s physique just doesn’t fit the template of a modern cricketer.
2) Phil Jaques
Fearless and superb at scything the ball through the offside, Jaques was likened to Adam Gilchrist by Steve Waugh. When given his Test opportunity in 2007/08, Jaques proved he had his technique was good enough, but was injured at the most inopportune of moments; despite averaging 47 in Tests and making 108 in his last innings, he now lacks even one of the 25 Australian contracts. As he scored two hundreds in three days in tour matches during England’s last visit, England may be slightly relieved.
3) Brad Hodge
There are strong suggestions in Australia that Ricky Ponting does not get on with Hodge: conspiracy theories are needed to explain how someone averaging 56 in Tests, including scoring 203* against South Africa, could have been limited to six. Having retired from first-class cricket last year, Hodge’s one-day form has been jaw-dropping, with seven hundreds in his last 16 games and an average of 86 over these, yet he hasn’t played an ODI for three years.
4) David Hussey
Many are saying one Hussey in the Aussie Test side is one too many – but it might be one too few. David is the Stuart Law of his generation – except Law at least got one Test cap. He averages an extraordinary 55 at first-class level, while plundering his runs at a strike-rate of 71, but perceived weaknesses to the short ball have counted against him.
5) Cameron White (captain)
Apparently you need to be more than cocky, blonde and Victorian to be a successful leg-spinner. White played all four Tests in India in 2008, whilst batting at number eight – but if another Test appearance comes, it will be in the middle-order, where his propensity for six-hitting in the limited over’s formats is so impressive.
6) Andrew McDonald
A wicket-to-wicket bowler who puts the military in military medium, MacDonald is not the most glamorous cricketer Australia has ever produced. But his nagging style proved effective in four Tests against South Africa in 2009, whilst his batting is adaptable and increasingly effective, as three state centuries at 93 this season so far attest to. He made his Test debut at six, and is a much better player now; the perception that he lacks sufficient talent may just need revisiting.
7) Luke Ronchi (wicket-keeper)
New-Zealand born, Ronchi’s audacity with the bat resembles the best of Brendan McCullum. That much was shown as he blitzed 64 off 28 balls in his second ODI innings, against West Indies in 2008. A collapse in form followed, but an average of 47 in state cricket last season suggested he could rival Tim Paine to succeed Brad Haddin.
8) Jason Krezja
Krezja is the owner of probably the most extraordinary Test debut figures in the history of the game: 12 for 358. On debut in India two years ago, he bled runs but always turned the ball enough to threaten the perennial tormenters of spin bowling. Still raw, Krezja needed confidence instilled in him, but was instead dispensed with after one poor Test. Self-belief shattered, a place in the Tasmanian side now often eludes him. His career is a textbook study of how not to handle a spinner.
9) Brett Lee
With his arch competitiveness and generous sporting spirit, this Ashes series would cherish Lee – and how he would cherish it. Reoccurring injuries have forced his first-class retirement but he could well terrorise England in the ODIs after the Tests, just as he did last year in England.
10) Shaun Tait
After the 100mph slingers, hostility and stump-shattering accuracy in the ODIs in England this year, there was much talk Tait would end his premature first-class retirement, with Ponting encouraging him to showcase his reverse-swinging skills in Tests. The rumours were ended by the realisation his body wouldn’t be up to it. As with Lee, English fears over the ODI devastation he could cause will be outweighed by relief he won’t be appearing in the Tests.
11) Darren Pattinson
Pattinson could conceivably have been appearing for either side this winter, having lived in Australia from the age of six before playing a Test for England in 2008; and his brother will play for Australia within a few years. Made a scapegoat for England’s defeat, Pattinson has enjoyed a brilliant few months, including a championship for Notts and 8/35 in a game for Victoria. England should be getting advice from him on bowling to Australia’s batsmen in their conditions.
Showing posts with label David Hussey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Hussey. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Friday, 11 April 2008
2008 Season Preview: Nottinghamshire
Continuing our series of county previews, here is an assessment of Nottinghamshire's chances in 2008.
2007 in a Nutshell:
A more than satisfactory season given a lengthy spell where 6 seamers were injured, leaving Notts scraping around other counties for stand ins. Without all the injuries, a title might have been possible, but promotion was more than acceptable. Key performances were from David Hussey and Stephen Fleming (second half of the season), with Samit Patel finally forcing a regular place in the side after some consistently high scores in the seconds. In the bowling department, Ryan Sidebottom proved what Notts fans already knew, that he would do a sterling job for England and he was ably backed by Charlie Shreck. Perhaps one of the more unexpected successes was Mark Wagh, who was expected by many to simply be a filler, but turned out to be a consistently high performer.
2008 Prospects:
Whilst Notts knew that they would be without Ryan Sidebottom for most of the season, few expected Stuart Broad, our new signing, to be selected as a regular too at such short notice prior to the start of the new season. This left Notts with only really Charlie Shreck as a key wicket taker, putting them in a precarious position. The signing of Darren Pattinson just a few weeks before the start of the season has given fans hope that we may survive in the top division, though he is a bit of an unknown quantity. As a swing bowler he may well have some success in our cloudy country. With David Hussey joining the controversial IPL and being selected by the Aussies, it looks at though Notts overseas player for the year will be Adam Voges, who looks a useful signing. Whilst new Notts Captain Chris Read has stated that they will be chasing a title, I think Notts fans would be satisfied with a mid table position this year.
Batting:
For a few seasons now, one of Notts problems has been the lack of consistency of the opening batsman, often leaving the likes of Pietersen and Hussey to bail us out lower down the order. After the popular Darren Bicknell finally hung up his boots (and often picked up his pint at Trent Bridge), it was only a matter of time before we said farewell to Jason Gallian too, as he departs to Essex. Bicknell’s replacement, Will Jefferson, performed well last season, though he suffered a few injuries, he still looks a good signing. It remains to be seen whether Gallian’s replacement, Matthew Wood, can do the same. It’s hoped that Mark Wagh can carry last seasons form through and that Samit Patel continues to improve. If he does it can’t be too long before he also strengthens England whilst further depleting Notts! Of course the big ‘downer’ this year is the loss of David Hussey to the IPL. With him now being called up by the Aussies too, it looks unlikely we will see him this season, but hopefully his replacement, Adam Voges, will fill the role of the Huss.
This season is probably also important for Bilal Shafayat, who only a few years ago was being feted as an England player but now struggles to break into the first team. Whilst undoubtedly talented, this could be his make or break year.
Bowling:
As mentioned earlier, this is the key area for Notts this season. With the batting line up looking reasonably strong, most Notts fans last year probably felt that if we could get a good replacement for Sidebottom, we would be in with a shot of the title, so when Stuart Broad was signed that looked done and dusted. However, with his call up and the possibility of losing Graeme Swann for a few games too, it left the bowling with just Charlie Shreck to open, backed by the steady Mark Ealham, who must surely now be in his last season, Paul Franks who can take wickets but is so inconsistent, AJ Harris who must also be near the end of his career and Mark Footitt, who looks a promising youngster, but has suffered injuries and has yet to deliver. A couple of local youngsters have also been signed but it is probably too soon for them.
When Broad was called up late on, this left the management with little time to find a replacement and finally Grimsby born Aussie, Darren Pattinson, was signed. He is an unknown who plays in Victoria with David Hussey and is a swing bowler, which could work at Trent Bridge. He could be the difference between staying in the division and not.
Probable side:
Championship
Jefferson
Wood
Wagh
Voges
Patel
Read (wk) (c)
Broad (Franks when Broad not available)
Swann
Ealham
Sidebottom (Pattinson when Sid not available)
Shreck
Also looking to break into the side are Mark Footitt, Bilal Shafayat, AJ Harris, Rob Ferley and possible a couple of youngsters.
One-day and Twenty20
Swann
Jefferson
Shafayat
Wagh
Voges
Patel
Read (wk) (c)
Broad (Franks when Broad not available)
Ealham
Sidebottom (Pattinson when Sid not available)
Shreck
Without Hussey, Sidebottom and Broad, it’s unlikely that Notts will have a great deal of success in the 20/20 and they will probably be mid table in the one day game. As with the County Championship, I suspect most fans will be satisfied with some decent performances and a mid table position.
Key Man:
It has to be Darren Pattinson. Whilst our batting looks fairly solid, if Pattinson fails to perform, Notts will struggle to take the wickets needed to win games.
Rising Star:
Samit Patel . After a great first season last year, where he performed so consistently it felt like he’d always been in the side, he needs to continue his form and an England call up can’t be too far away, though probably not this year. Mark Footitt, a fast bowler, also has some potential, but injuries and inconsistency have blighted his career to date. He is a bit of an unknown for now.
Captain and Coach:
Although like all managers Mick Newell has come in for some stick, on the whole, the fans seem to be behind him. A shrewd manager rather than an outspoken one, Mick quietly seems to get on with building a winning side. The only doubt sometimes expressed is whether he has what it takes to turn things around when they aren’t going well.
2007 in a Nutshell:
A more than satisfactory season given a lengthy spell where 6 seamers were injured, leaving Notts scraping around other counties for stand ins. Without all the injuries, a title might have been possible, but promotion was more than acceptable. Key performances were from David Hussey and Stephen Fleming (second half of the season), with Samit Patel finally forcing a regular place in the side after some consistently high scores in the seconds. In the bowling department, Ryan Sidebottom proved what Notts fans already knew, that he would do a sterling job for England and he was ably backed by Charlie Shreck. Perhaps one of the more unexpected successes was Mark Wagh, who was expected by many to simply be a filler, but turned out to be a consistently high performer.
2008 Prospects:
Whilst Notts knew that they would be without Ryan Sidebottom for most of the season, few expected Stuart Broad, our new signing, to be selected as a regular too at such short notice prior to the start of the new season. This left Notts with only really Charlie Shreck as a key wicket taker, putting them in a precarious position. The signing of Darren Pattinson just a few weeks before the start of the season has given fans hope that we may survive in the top division, though he is a bit of an unknown quantity. As a swing bowler he may well have some success in our cloudy country. With David Hussey joining the controversial IPL and being selected by the Aussies, it looks at though Notts overseas player for the year will be Adam Voges, who looks a useful signing. Whilst new Notts Captain Chris Read has stated that they will be chasing a title, I think Notts fans would be satisfied with a mid table position this year.
Batting:
For a few seasons now, one of Notts problems has been the lack of consistency of the opening batsman, often leaving the likes of Pietersen and Hussey to bail us out lower down the order. After the popular Darren Bicknell finally hung up his boots (and often picked up his pint at Trent Bridge), it was only a matter of time before we said farewell to Jason Gallian too, as he departs to Essex. Bicknell’s replacement, Will Jefferson, performed well last season, though he suffered a few injuries, he still looks a good signing. It remains to be seen whether Gallian’s replacement, Matthew Wood, can do the same. It’s hoped that Mark Wagh can carry last seasons form through and that Samit Patel continues to improve. If he does it can’t be too long before he also strengthens England whilst further depleting Notts! Of course the big ‘downer’ this year is the loss of David Hussey to the IPL. With him now being called up by the Aussies too, it looks unlikely we will see him this season, but hopefully his replacement, Adam Voges, will fill the role of the Huss.
This season is probably also important for Bilal Shafayat, who only a few years ago was being feted as an England player but now struggles to break into the first team. Whilst undoubtedly talented, this could be his make or break year.
Bowling:
As mentioned earlier, this is the key area for Notts this season. With the batting line up looking reasonably strong, most Notts fans last year probably felt that if we could get a good replacement for Sidebottom, we would be in with a shot of the title, so when Stuart Broad was signed that looked done and dusted. However, with his call up and the possibility of losing Graeme Swann for a few games too, it left the bowling with just Charlie Shreck to open, backed by the steady Mark Ealham, who must surely now be in his last season, Paul Franks who can take wickets but is so inconsistent, AJ Harris who must also be near the end of his career and Mark Footitt, who looks a promising youngster, but has suffered injuries and has yet to deliver. A couple of local youngsters have also been signed but it is probably too soon for them.
When Broad was called up late on, this left the management with little time to find a replacement and finally Grimsby born Aussie, Darren Pattinson, was signed. He is an unknown who plays in Victoria with David Hussey and is a swing bowler, which could work at Trent Bridge. He could be the difference between staying in the division and not.
Probable side:
Championship
Jefferson
Wood
Wagh
Voges
Patel
Read (wk) (c)
Broad (Franks when Broad not available)
Swann
Ealham
Sidebottom (Pattinson when Sid not available)
Shreck
Also looking to break into the side are Mark Footitt, Bilal Shafayat, AJ Harris, Rob Ferley and possible a couple of youngsters.
One-day and Twenty20
Swann
Jefferson
Shafayat
Wagh
Voges
Patel
Read (wk) (c)
Broad (Franks when Broad not available)
Ealham
Sidebottom (Pattinson when Sid not available)
Shreck
Without Hussey, Sidebottom and Broad, it’s unlikely that Notts will have a great deal of success in the 20/20 and they will probably be mid table in the one day game. As with the County Championship, I suspect most fans will be satisfied with some decent performances and a mid table position.
Key Man:
It has to be Darren Pattinson. Whilst our batting looks fairly solid, if Pattinson fails to perform, Notts will struggle to take the wickets needed to win games.
Rising Star:
Samit Patel . After a great first season last year, where he performed so consistently it felt like he’d always been in the side, he needs to continue his form and an England call up can’t be too far away, though probably not this year. Mark Footitt, a fast bowler, also has some potential, but injuries and inconsistency have blighted his career to date. He is a bit of an unknown for now.
Captain and Coach:
Although like all managers Mick Newell has come in for some stick, on the whole, the fans seem to be behind him. A shrewd manager rather than an outspoken one, Mick quietly seems to get on with building a winning side. The only doubt sometimes expressed is whether he has what it takes to turn things around when they aren’t going well.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Championship Team of the Season
As regular readers will be aware, I have been awarding a Player of the Week during my Championship reviews during the season. With the exception of the wicket-keeper, these are the only players to be considered for my squad for the Team of the Season. Five batsmen, an all-rounder, my wicketkeeper of the year, three pace bowlers and a spinner make up the team.
Marcus Trescothick
Englands’ loss was Somerset’s gain. The only double winner of the Player of the Week, he scored 1300 runs at over 60 with four centuries, albeit on a helpful Taunton wicket. He also took an incredible 33 catches. If he’s still on duty for Somerset next season, then they will be in the mix for honours.
Mike Carberry
A thousand runs, 5 tons and the reason that Hampshire put in a late run to challenge for the title. Particularly in the second half of the season he ran into a rich vein of form which he’ll be looking to continue in to next season.
Mark Ramprakash
2000 runs, averaging over 100. The difference between Surrey finishing 4th and being relegated. No other Surrey player managed 1000 runs or averaged over 50. Another awesome season and many people’s player of the year
Younus Khan
Got very close to being a double winner as his leg spin bowling backed up his batting prowess. Indeed his bowling average was less than his batting average of nearly 50. A good club man for Yorkshire, he was missed at the end of the season as he went back to Pakistan.
David Hussey
Edges out his club captain Stephen Fleming for the number 5 spot, with 1200 runs and an average of over 90.
The other batsmen to miss out on the final selection were Ben Smith, Mark Stoneman, Travis Birt and Ronnie Irani.
Adil Rashid
The first player of the week, he scored nearly 800 runs at an average of 46, scoring his maiden ton in the process. With the ball, despite the unhelpful weather this summer, he took 40 wickets (with three 5-fers) at less than 40 to confirm his immense promise as a cricketer. It’s a measure of his ability that some still see this as a disappointing return. The England Lions tour (hopefully) beckons and full recognition won’t be far away.
Rashid beats Alex Gidman to the selection
Chris Read
The only wicketkeeper to average above 50 in either division, he is also the best gloveman in the country. He hit his maiden double hundred this season and was a major factor in Notts promotion this season. He beats off the challenges of Nic Pothas, Tim Ambrose and Paul Nixon.
Stuart Broad
Although he spent most of the season carrying the drinks for England, he took his frist 5-fer in county cricket and smashed an unbeaten 91 in the same match, taking him to the top of Leicester’s batting averages. As he showed for England, he’s a potential all-rounder with bags of promise and first division cricket with Notts next season should see him progress further.
Ottis Gibson
The only real competition for Mark Ramprakash as player of the season. Cricket365 use his success as a reason that the Championship is a weak competition. To me it shows how much younger bowlers are able to learn from experienced campaigners and the progress of Liam Plunkett and Graeme Onions at Durham will be interesting to see. 80 wickets at just 20 for the season including all ten in an innings, he also chipped in with over 500 runs.
Andrew Caddick
He probably still feels hard done by every time the England team is selected without him, but he is another reaon why Somerset will be a welcome addition to Div 1 next season. 70 wickets at 24 playing half of his matches at Taunton is a great return.
The pace bowlers to miss out were James Harris, Yasir Arafat and Mark Davies
Mushtaq Ahmed
The final winner of the award, he edges out the evergreen Robert Croft by spinning Sussex to the title again. Not as dominant this year as last, he still took 90 wickets at 25
Marcus Trescothick
Englands’ loss was Somerset’s gain. The only double winner of the Player of the Week, he scored 1300 runs at over 60 with four centuries, albeit on a helpful Taunton wicket. He also took an incredible 33 catches. If he’s still on duty for Somerset next season, then they will be in the mix for honours.
Mike Carberry
A thousand runs, 5 tons and the reason that Hampshire put in a late run to challenge for the title. Particularly in the second half of the season he ran into a rich vein of form which he’ll be looking to continue in to next season.
Mark Ramprakash
2000 runs, averaging over 100. The difference between Surrey finishing 4th and being relegated. No other Surrey player managed 1000 runs or averaged over 50. Another awesome season and many people’s player of the year
Younus Khan
Got very close to being a double winner as his leg spin bowling backed up his batting prowess. Indeed his bowling average was less than his batting average of nearly 50. A good club man for Yorkshire, he was missed at the end of the season as he went back to Pakistan.
David Hussey
Edges out his club captain Stephen Fleming for the number 5 spot, with 1200 runs and an average of over 90.
The other batsmen to miss out on the final selection were Ben Smith, Mark Stoneman, Travis Birt and Ronnie Irani.
Adil Rashid
The first player of the week, he scored nearly 800 runs at an average of 46, scoring his maiden ton in the process. With the ball, despite the unhelpful weather this summer, he took 40 wickets (with three 5-fers) at less than 40 to confirm his immense promise as a cricketer. It’s a measure of his ability that some still see this as a disappointing return. The England Lions tour (hopefully) beckons and full recognition won’t be far away.
Rashid beats Alex Gidman to the selection
Chris Read
The only wicketkeeper to average above 50 in either division, he is also the best gloveman in the country. He hit his maiden double hundred this season and was a major factor in Notts promotion this season. He beats off the challenges of Nic Pothas, Tim Ambrose and Paul Nixon.
Stuart Broad
Although he spent most of the season carrying the drinks for England, he took his frist 5-fer in county cricket and smashed an unbeaten 91 in the same match, taking him to the top of Leicester’s batting averages. As he showed for England, he’s a potential all-rounder with bags of promise and first division cricket with Notts next season should see him progress further.
Ottis Gibson
The only real competition for Mark Ramprakash as player of the season. Cricket365 use his success as a reason that the Championship is a weak competition. To me it shows how much younger bowlers are able to learn from experienced campaigners and the progress of Liam Plunkett and Graeme Onions at Durham will be interesting to see. 80 wickets at just 20 for the season including all ten in an innings, he also chipped in with over 500 runs.
Andrew Caddick
He probably still feels hard done by every time the England team is selected without him, but he is another reaon why Somerset will be a welcome addition to Div 1 next season. 70 wickets at 24 playing half of his matches at Taunton is a great return.
The pace bowlers to miss out were James Harris, Yasir Arafat and Mark Davies
Mushtaq Ahmed
The final winner of the award, he edges out the evergreen Robert Croft by spinning Sussex to the title again. Not as dominant this year as last, he still took 90 wickets at 25
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Championship Week 6
A bad week for the leaders, although that’s not the reason for the late appearance of the blog - I've been on holiday - honest!.
Div 1
Starting with the leaders, Yorkshire batted first at Durham, but despite most of the team getting a start, only Jacques Rudolph was able to convert to a big score. Otis Gibson became the latest Durham player to take a stack of wickets, taking 7-fer. Replying to 393, Durham scored 481 despite no-one reaching three figures. Graham Onions and Gibson again then skittled Yorks for just 218 and Durham reached their target with 6 wickets in hand. Despite the result, Yorkshire remain top, but Durham have closed the gap considerably.
Sussex got back on track at Worcestershire scoring 512 first up, with Murray Goodwin scoring a ton. Worcester then collapsed to 100 all out, Mustaq Ahmed getting 5-fer. Worcester did better following on with Graeme Hick scoring a ton in the 303 all out, which was still not enough to make Sussex bat again.
An odd game at Kent, where the home side subsided to 199 batting first, Joe Denly carrying his bat for 115 of them. Hampshire replied with 272 with Yasir Arafat continuing his fine start to the season with 5-fer. Batting became easier second time round with Rob Key, Martin van Jaarsveld and Darren Stevens all getting tons as Kent declared on 533 for 8. However, Hants were able to bat out the game comfortably for a draw.
Division 2
Starting at the top of the table, Essex recovered to 317, having been 94 for 6. Mark Footit, coming in for new England hero Ryan Sidebottom, did most of the damage with a 5 fer. The Nottinghamshire reply was based around 275 from David Hussey (from just 227 balls) and an unbeaten 165 from Chris Read, putting on a stand of 359 between them. Declaring on 664 for 7, Notts them bowled out Essex for 235, with only Ryan ten Doeschate giving much resistance with 102. Notts are now well clear at the top of the table
Somerset remain second with a comprehensive victory over Gloucestershire. Cameron White scored the latest double hundred at Taunton in a first innings total of 496. Charl Willoughby then took five wickets as Gloucester were bowled out for 202. Following on, they did much better with 496 and tons for Marcus North, Grant Hodnett and Chris Taylor and Andrew Caddick taking 6-fer. Somerset had just enough time to knock off the 172 needed for the loss of just two wickets.
Poor batting all round at Glamorgan where Middlesex won by an innings despite only scoring 221 in their go. Glamorgan started with just 60 and although they scored 159 second time round, it wasn’t enough. Alan Richardson stared with the ball for Middlesex, with match figures of 8 for 30.
Finally to Northamptonshire, where the visitors Derbyshire scored 160. Steven Peters then got a ton as the home team scored 365, Wayne White taking 5-fer. Steve Stubbings got a ton second time round for Derby, but it was only enough to set a target of 80. Northants did stumble somewhat in their chase, but got home with 6 wickets in hand.
England Player Watch
Chris Read’s fine knock came a couple of weeks too late, although it will keep him in the mind of the selectors. Marcus Trescothick scored a disappointing 17 in the first Somerset innings and didn’t bat second time round. Ed Joyce scored a fine 59 in the low scoring game at Glamorgan.
Bowling wise, Graham Onions was out-bowled by Otis Gibson for Durham and Adil Rashid went wicket-less in the same game.
Player of the Week
Ottis Gibson gets a nod for carrying the Durham bowling in the absence of Liam Plunkett and Steve Harmison. However, for what seems to have been a brutal assault on the Essex bowling to set up a comprehensive victory, the player of the week is David Hussey.
Div 1
Starting with the leaders, Yorkshire batted first at Durham, but despite most of the team getting a start, only Jacques Rudolph was able to convert to a big score. Otis Gibson became the latest Durham player to take a stack of wickets, taking 7-fer. Replying to 393, Durham scored 481 despite no-one reaching three figures. Graham Onions and Gibson again then skittled Yorks for just 218 and Durham reached their target with 6 wickets in hand. Despite the result, Yorkshire remain top, but Durham have closed the gap considerably.
Sussex got back on track at Worcestershire scoring 512 first up, with Murray Goodwin scoring a ton. Worcester then collapsed to 100 all out, Mustaq Ahmed getting 5-fer. Worcester did better following on with Graeme Hick scoring a ton in the 303 all out, which was still not enough to make Sussex bat again.
An odd game at Kent, where the home side subsided to 199 batting first, Joe Denly carrying his bat for 115 of them. Hampshire replied with 272 with Yasir Arafat continuing his fine start to the season with 5-fer. Batting became easier second time round with Rob Key, Martin van Jaarsveld and Darren Stevens all getting tons as Kent declared on 533 for 8. However, Hants were able to bat out the game comfortably for a draw.
Division 2
Starting at the top of the table, Essex recovered to 317, having been 94 for 6. Mark Footit, coming in for new England hero Ryan Sidebottom, did most of the damage with a 5 fer. The Nottinghamshire reply was based around 275 from David Hussey (from just 227 balls) and an unbeaten 165 from Chris Read, putting on a stand of 359 between them. Declaring on 664 for 7, Notts them bowled out Essex for 235, with only Ryan ten Doeschate giving much resistance with 102. Notts are now well clear at the top of the table
Somerset remain second with a comprehensive victory over Gloucestershire. Cameron White scored the latest double hundred at Taunton in a first innings total of 496. Charl Willoughby then took five wickets as Gloucester were bowled out for 202. Following on, they did much better with 496 and tons for Marcus North, Grant Hodnett and Chris Taylor and Andrew Caddick taking 6-fer. Somerset had just enough time to knock off the 172 needed for the loss of just two wickets.
Poor batting all round at Glamorgan where Middlesex won by an innings despite only scoring 221 in their go. Glamorgan started with just 60 and although they scored 159 second time round, it wasn’t enough. Alan Richardson stared with the ball for Middlesex, with match figures of 8 for 30.
Finally to Northamptonshire, where the visitors Derbyshire scored 160. Steven Peters then got a ton as the home team scored 365, Wayne White taking 5-fer. Steve Stubbings got a ton second time round for Derby, but it was only enough to set a target of 80. Northants did stumble somewhat in their chase, but got home with 6 wickets in hand.
England Player Watch
Chris Read’s fine knock came a couple of weeks too late, although it will keep him in the mind of the selectors. Marcus Trescothick scored a disappointing 17 in the first Somerset innings and didn’t bat second time round. Ed Joyce scored a fine 59 in the low scoring game at Glamorgan.
Bowling wise, Graham Onions was out-bowled by Otis Gibson for Durham and Adil Rashid went wicket-less in the same game.
Player of the Week
Ottis Gibson gets a nod for carrying the Durham bowling in the absence of Liam Plunkett and Steve Harmison. However, for what seems to have been a brutal assault on the Essex bowling to set up a comprehensive victory, the player of the week is David Hussey.
Thursday, 5 April 2007
2007 Season Preview: Nottinghamshire
Notts fan Jack Richardson assesses the club's chances of success in 2007, as we continue our county previews.
2006 in a Nutshell:
Last season was very disappointing for Nottinghamshire with relegation from the County Championship and the loss of the Twenty20 cup final at Trent Bridge. Despite some brilliant contributions with the ball by Charlie Shreck, the batters underperformed, collecting only 40 batting points. Going down by only ½ a point was frustrating as was that no-ball in the final of the Twenty20 cup. In the one day game Notts are very much an improving side, despite an average finish in the then-named C&G trophy.
2007 Prospects
Batting:
The batting needs to improve and should do with the signings of Will Jefferson, Mark Wagh and Bilal Shafayat. With Stephen Fleming and David Hussey as overseas players, there should be no problem in the middle order, but Jason Gallian’s form was awful last season. Chris Read and the evergreen Mark Ealham are dangerous middle order batsmen in both forms of the game.
Bowling:
The bowling was, on the whole, very good for Notts last season, and hopefully that will continue. With the arrival of Rob Ferley from Kent to bolster the spin attack, and with Shreck, Ryan Sidebottom, And Harris and Mark Ealham as quicks, finding 20 wickets in a four-day game shouldn’t be too difficult.
Probable Championship side:
Gallian
Jefferson
Wagh
Fleming
Hussey
Read
Ealham
Swann
Sidebottom
Harris
Shreck
However, because of the World Cup Fleming won’t arrive until May 23rd, so this may give a chance for Samit Patel to shine.
The one-day team changes basically every match; it could look like
Jefferson
Swann
Fleming
Patel
Hussey
Read
Ealham
Franks
Sidebottom
Harris
Shreck
Key Man:
The key man will probably be David Hussey. Captaining the team until Fleming returns, hopefully he can recapture the same form with the bat he had last season and with Victoria in the winter. He should thrive in Division 2 facing lesser bowling attacks, as Mark Ramprakash did for Surrey last season.
Captain and Coach:
The coach Mick Newell seems a bit of a coward to me, and I am not totally convinced about him. Having been promoted or relegated every season he has been here, I think he is too inconsistent. Fleming is a very fine captain, perhaps the best in the world. It will be interesting to see how Hussey does as captain in the interim.
2007 county previews home
2006 in a Nutshell:
Last season was very disappointing for Nottinghamshire with relegation from the County Championship and the loss of the Twenty20 cup final at Trent Bridge. Despite some brilliant contributions with the ball by Charlie Shreck, the batters underperformed, collecting only 40 batting points. Going down by only ½ a point was frustrating as was that no-ball in the final of the Twenty20 cup. In the one day game Notts are very much an improving side, despite an average finish in the then-named C&G trophy.
2007 Prospects
Batting:
The batting needs to improve and should do with the signings of Will Jefferson, Mark Wagh and Bilal Shafayat. With Stephen Fleming and David Hussey as overseas players, there should be no problem in the middle order, but Jason Gallian’s form was awful last season. Chris Read and the evergreen Mark Ealham are dangerous middle order batsmen in both forms of the game.
Bowling:
The bowling was, on the whole, very good for Notts last season, and hopefully that will continue. With the arrival of Rob Ferley from Kent to bolster the spin attack, and with Shreck, Ryan Sidebottom, And Harris and Mark Ealham as quicks, finding 20 wickets in a four-day game shouldn’t be too difficult.
Probable Championship side:
Gallian
Jefferson
Wagh
Fleming
Hussey
Read
Ealham
Swann
Sidebottom
Harris
Shreck
However, because of the World Cup Fleming won’t arrive until May 23rd, so this may give a chance for Samit Patel to shine.
The one-day team changes basically every match; it could look like
Jefferson
Swann
Fleming
Patel
Hussey
Read
Ealham
Franks
Sidebottom
Harris
Shreck
Key Man:
The key man will probably be David Hussey. Captaining the team until Fleming returns, hopefully he can recapture the same form with the bat he had last season and with Victoria in the winter. He should thrive in Division 2 facing lesser bowling attacks, as Mark Ramprakash did for Surrey last season.
Captain and Coach:
The coach Mick Newell seems a bit of a coward to me, and I am not totally convinced about him. Having been promoted or relegated every season he has been here, I think he is too inconsistent. Fleming is a very fine captain, perhaps the best in the world. It will be interesting to see how Hussey does as captain in the interim.
2007 county previews home
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