Author Topic: County Cricket 2023 (Read 16858 times)

Peter · « **Reply #275 on:** 28 September, 2023, 12:36:16 pm »

A final chance for Alistair to say goodbye like Bradman?

CrazyEnglishTriathlete · « **Reply #276 on:** 28 September, 2023, 12:41:44 pm »

Quote from: Wowbagger on 28 September, 2023, 11:53:08 am

Kent have their 4th batting point, Essex are now 7 wickets down, both batsmen on 0, and still 85 runs away from their first batting point. The moment they are all out, Surrey will be champions.

I won't count my chickens until KFC are out of business. Kent still at least have to match Middlesex's result and there is plenty of time left for things to go pear-shaped, especially given how they almost managed to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory in the last match.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #277 on:** 28 September, 2023, 12:52:42 pm »

Quote from: Peter on 28 September, 2023, 12:36:16 pm

A final chance for Alistair to say goodbye like Bradman?

Well, his opening partner has gone for a duck. Alastair (I've finally learnt to spell his name now he's about to retire) has an uncomfortable lunch break on 0 not out.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #278 on:** 28 September, 2023, 01:49:08 pm »

Essex are certainly going out with a bang: 13-4 at the moment. Cook got 6.

Edit: make that 13-5.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #279 on:** 28 September, 2023, 02:05:36 pm »

Lots could still happen in the Notts-Middlesex match. Kent posted a first-innings lead v Lancs of 167. Kent certainly shouldn't lose. The pair at the crease for Essex have notched up twice as many runs as the five batsmen who came before them. I would think that there will be a result in Hants v Surrey, but I wouldn't like to say who is favourite.

CrazyEnglishTriathlete · « **Reply #280 on:** 28 September, 2023, 04:00:18 pm »

If Kent were set a target of 150 in two sessions I wouldn't back them to survive. So it is still very much up in the air - especially with Messrs Wells and Jennings at 94-0

Wowbagger · « **Reply #281 on:** 28 September, 2023, 04:14:25 pm »

Well, Essex lost by an innings and lots. I wonder when they last had a heavier defeat.

CrazyEnglishTriathlete · « **Reply #282 on:** 28 September, 2023, 05:02:40 pm »

Bad light - with Lancashire 41 runs behind. Notts all out 18 runs ahead. We keep an eye on the KFC lights. meanwhile Surrey are losing wickets so it could be that the top 2 both lose their last match.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #283 on:** 28 September, 2023, 07:09:49 pm »

Yes, it would be rather good if Surrey lost. Not that it matters now. I think I may have mentioned before that Hampshire was the Graun's pick as Champions at the start of this season. I think that the fact that Essex took three bowling points from Northants means that second place is secure, and Hampshire didn't get any batting points, so doubly secure, but in my view neither of the top two was very convincing, taking the season as a whole. I think Essex have only themselves to blame for losing to Hants - although of course the two centurions took full advantage after they had been dropped, so well done them. But no complaints at all about the Northants match. Totally outplayed in all departments.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #284 on:** 28 September, 2023, 07:45:13 pm »

I wonder how much Essex will struggle next season. They won't have Cook or Lawrence, but I don't think either has contributed massively this season. I suppose it depends on who is coming up from the ranks. Presumably Harmer will continue to be their overseas player - I don't know how many each county is allowed. In years gone by, Essex had two, in their first championship year Norbert Phillip and Ken McEwan.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #285 on:** 29 September, 2023, 11:49:55 am »

Well done Hants! They finished just 4 points behind Essex. Kent looking drawish.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #286 on:** 29 September, 2023, 12:39:38 pm »

Unless they lose all their wickets, Middlesex are going to have to declare at some point. They have to win to stay up. Their current lead of 159 isn't enough, with two sessions to play. Setting Notts 200 in 3 hours is sporting, but that's the sort of thing they will need to do.

Kent, on the other hand, are fine with both matches drawn. They are in Lancs' hands re a declaration, but if they were to take 5 quick wickets, ought to win. Certainly shouldn't lose.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #287 on:** 29 September, 2023, 02:46:59 pm »

Yep. Notts, 55-0, need another 152 to win. Middlesex need wickets quickly.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #288 on:** 29 September, 2023, 04:11:31 pm »

It seems the Warks - Somerset game was agreed drawn at lunchtime. Did the weather intervene? Or did both captains decide it wasn't worth going through the remaining session with nothing at stake? I wasn't aware that they could do that sort of thing.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #289 on:** 29 September, 2023, 04:12:36 pm »

Notts 4 wickets down, 72 still needed. This could easily get to squeaky bum time for Kent. Two new batsmen at the crease...

Wowbagger · « **Reply #290 on:** 29 September, 2023, 04:36:10 pm »

6 wickets down, 52 needed...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D3hT7lN9-8&ab_channel=TrentBridge

Wowbagger · « **Reply #291 on:** 29 September, 2023, 04:39:21 pm »

157-7...

Wowbagger · « **Reply #292 on:** 29 September, 2023, 04:44:52 pm »

Roland Butcher (formerly England & Middlesex) says Middlesex are now "heavy favourites". Hmmm...

Wowbagger · « **Reply #293 on:** 29 September, 2023, 05:08:29 pm »

What of the tie?

If I've calculated this correctly, Middlesex hve 6 bonus points. A tie in which Notts are all out would deliver them 8 more points, and that would put them one point ahead of Kent. If the scores finish level but notts are not all out, Middlesex only pick up 5 points and Kent would stay up.

Notss need 19 runs. Middlesex need 3 wickets.

CrazyEnglishTriathlete · « **Reply #294 on:** 29 September, 2023, 07:48:37 pm »

Very glad I was out cycling this afternoon and not checking the scores. Kent will have to improve to avoid relegation next season.