After months of planning and anxious anticipation all round, the fixtures for the 2012 season have finally been released. (and Middlesex's ones are available here). So what does all of it mean?
Well, first and foremost, it's nice to see Middlesex amongst the 'big boys', and finally involved in Division One fixtures again. Trips to Durham, Lancashire and Somerset will all be eagerly awaited, and with the first game of the season away in Taunton (starting on April 5th), appetites will certainly have been whet among the Middlesex faithful. However, it is noticeable that there is a very early start this year - with the university match against Durham Uni beginning in March! Fingers crossed that the weather stays good just as last year, with the outside practice and match preparation afforded by the rain-free spring last year, combined with the ability to hit the ground running and gain momentum without the disruption of the rain once the season was underway key to our promotion in 2011. (That was a long sentence that I think made sense, but probably didn't). With so many Championship games being played so early (7 before May is out), there is a distinct danger that poor weather will lead to a nationwide plague of draws, and a disappointing start to the season.
The first home game of the year will be against Surrey, and hopefully a third successive innings victory will follow against them lot from south of the river. In the year that Lord's will be out of action for quite a while, it's great news that six of the eight home CC games will be at HQ, as there was the distinct possibility that the archery would put paid to such thoughts. Four of the six CB40 games, and three of the five T20s will also be at Lord's, which is good news for all concerned.
There will be an increase in games at Uxbridge, with two CB40 and CC games as well as one T20 game being played at the outground (which is good news for Brunel students like me). Richmond again will host the one T20 game (Hampshire), but sadly there will be no trip to Southgate in 2012.
So what of the calendar itself? Well, all of the T20s are packaged nicely into a little 3 week slot with no 'distractions' of other formats, which should hopefully avoid situations like the Kent game last year where an awful lot of wickets fell to some very suspect shots from players playing in "T20 mode" during a first class game. (However, there is a week where Middlesex go from T20, to four day, to 40 overs, all within days of each other). Mostly the fixtures look fairly regulation, although the two days in July where we have to go from playing at Uxbridge on the Sunday to playing at Old Trafford on the Monday (after the long week of the Uxbridge festival) does look a tad worrying.
All in all, we play each team in Division One twice, as well as a few CB40 games and a few T20s too. Nothing that we didn't expect, but the announcement of the fixtures does still act as a glimmer of light of the summer ahead during the long, dark, cricketless winter that we're forced to endure until April 5th.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Fall out from the Morgan report
The first piece of major county news of the season has come out with the publication of the Morgan report, and it certainly hasn't been met with widespread approval. David Morgan, the former head of the ICC, sat down to have a look at the county structure, and reported back on his findings to an ECB panel today. And this is what he had to say.
Basically, from the 2014 season (which is the earliest the changes can be implemented), Morgan wants the county championship to be reduced from 16 to 14 matches, with T20 staying the same on 12 games, and the one day competition to become a ten match, 50 over competition.
It's becoming a recurring theme for the ECB to fiddle around with the county season. It seems that not a year goes by without some form of alteration, or talk of change to the competitions. Cricket overkill, players without days off from playing, training or travelling, and a lack of spectator enthusiasm has seen a lot of tinkering with the season's make-up over recent times, so more reports and consultations are to be expected during the long close-season.
So what if Morgan's recommendations are to take place? Well, the first and most eye-grabbing change would be the reduction to the County Championship. The two division, 16 game set-up that has been in force for the past decade has worked very well, and the current success of the England test team is testament to that. The promotion / relegation system keeps every county interested until deep into the season, with something riding on almost every game. And given the sacred status that county fans give to the CC, any reduction to that would be not taken very well at all. Messing around with the division system would be a bad idea, as would fiddling around with the rules so teams play each other a different amount of times would detract from the integrity of the competition.
I think everyone is glad that the T20 group stages have been cut, especially us Middlesex lot, as it is often a long, drawn-out car-crash when a team (usually Middlesex) keep getting pasted (although a reduction in T20 isn't all good news, as it means less Pinky the Panther). Given the proven financial advantages and growth of the T20 competition, a fair compromise has been reached and nobody is too upset by that.
The other interesting news is the change to the One Day competition. It's widely thought that the CB40 is a terrible competition, but not because it is a 40 over format. The fact that only one team can qualify from each group means that once a team has lost a couple of early games, the rest of the competition becomes a formality, and interest is soon lost. However, the 40-over-a-side part has actually been quite good, and I for one have enjoyed the one day matches that don't have those rubbish boring middle bits that fill 50 over cricket. However, while the ICC continue with One Day Internationals being fifty overs, it makes sense that our domestic cricketers should be playing 50/50 matches in order to prepare them adequately for when they make the step up. A thought through competition with small groups and quarter-finals will mean that people won't really be mourning the end of the ill-concieved CB40.
Overall, the Morgan report is something I generally agree with, but the main and obvious disagreement is with the sacred County Championship. The old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" should be remembered, and the County Championship has worked incredibly well in it's current format over a proven length of time. While I understand the needs of Sky to show a certain amount of matches per year, and the needs of the players to not solely be playing, training or travelling, a lot of the problems would be solved if the season was extended by a couple of weeks - the couple of weeks that it's been shifted to accomodate the Champions League. Whether the report turns into reality remains to be seen, but the publication of the Morgan report has certainly given the ECB a lot to think about before they give any new plans the go-ahead.
Basically, from the 2014 season (which is the earliest the changes can be implemented), Morgan wants the county championship to be reduced from 16 to 14 matches, with T20 staying the same on 12 games, and the one day competition to become a ten match, 50 over competition.
It's becoming a recurring theme for the ECB to fiddle around with the county season. It seems that not a year goes by without some form of alteration, or talk of change to the competitions. Cricket overkill, players without days off from playing, training or travelling, and a lack of spectator enthusiasm has seen a lot of tinkering with the season's make-up over recent times, so more reports and consultations are to be expected during the long close-season.
So what if Morgan's recommendations are to take place? Well, the first and most eye-grabbing change would be the reduction to the County Championship. The two division, 16 game set-up that has been in force for the past decade has worked very well, and the current success of the England test team is testament to that. The promotion / relegation system keeps every county interested until deep into the season, with something riding on almost every game. And given the sacred status that county fans give to the CC, any reduction to that would be not taken very well at all. Messing around with the division system would be a bad idea, as would fiddling around with the rules so teams play each other a different amount of times would detract from the integrity of the competition.
I think everyone is glad that the T20 group stages have been cut, especially us Middlesex lot, as it is often a long, drawn-out car-crash when a team (usually Middlesex) keep getting pasted (although a reduction in T20 isn't all good news, as it means less Pinky the Panther). Given the proven financial advantages and growth of the T20 competition, a fair compromise has been reached and nobody is too upset by that.
The other interesting news is the change to the One Day competition. It's widely thought that the CB40 is a terrible competition, but not because it is a 40 over format. The fact that only one team can qualify from each group means that once a team has lost a couple of early games, the rest of the competition becomes a formality, and interest is soon lost. However, the 40-over-a-side part has actually been quite good, and I for one have enjoyed the one day matches that don't have those rubbish boring middle bits that fill 50 over cricket. However, while the ICC continue with One Day Internationals being fifty overs, it makes sense that our domestic cricketers should be playing 50/50 matches in order to prepare them adequately for when they make the step up. A thought through competition with small groups and quarter-finals will mean that people won't really be mourning the end of the ill-concieved CB40.
Overall, the Morgan report is something I generally agree with, but the main and obvious disagreement is with the sacred County Championship. The old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" should be remembered, and the County Championship has worked incredibly well in it's current format over a proven length of time. While I understand the needs of Sky to show a certain amount of matches per year, and the needs of the players to not solely be playing, training or travelling, a lot of the problems would be solved if the season was extended by a couple of weeks - the couple of weeks that it's been shifted to accomodate the Champions League. Whether the report turns into reality remains to be seen, but the publication of the Morgan report has certainly given the ECB a lot to think about before they give any new plans the go-ahead.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Pre-Season Thoughts: County Championship
As alluded to earlier, I'm going to go a little bit more in-depth in my thoughts about what the season might hold. Of course, we're still a good few months away from the season starting, and a lot could change (mainly my thoughts) but seeing as I've started this blog so early I might as well put something up on it.
I'll start off with the County Championship, where Middlesex are a Division One club. (It still feels good to say that). After last year's promotion it's goodbye Wantage Road and The County Ground, Derby and hello Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Old Trafford and the rest. Things are going to be a little different to the last few years, namely in the quality of opposition we'll be up against. Many pundits have spoken of the widening gap between Divisions One and Two, and while there was a feeling that Middlesex were a big fish in the small pond of the second division, we're suddenly back to being mere plankton in the ocean (slight exaggeration). But the point is still the same, we're going to be up against far better teams than the previous few years in the basement; teams with a lot of international and high-level experience packed with players who are capable of some outstanding performances.
But are Middlesex good enough to take them on? Of course they are.
Middlesex were comfortably the best team in Division Two all season long, and but for some dodgy weather would have had the title wrapped up long before that final nervy day. This was a team that bowled Essex out twice in a day. This was a team that decimated the runners-up of the division home and away in comprehensive wins. This was a team that handed out the first ever 24-0 defeat in the history of the county championship. Middlesex were superb last year, and with the signings that have been made so far, have only got stronger.
In terms of the batting, Middlesex's line-up could go toe-to-toe with any in the country. The expected top five have it all. Sam Robson, Joe Denly and Chris Rogers will make up perhaps the most solid top three going, with support from Dawid Malan and captain Neil Dexter. In at six will be the still-improving John Simpson, arguably the player of the year. Add to that the all-round talents of Gareth Berg and Ollie Rayner to come, and even against the best attacks on the greenest pitches, chances are Middlesex will make a lot of runs. Taking on the better bowlers of Division One will be a challenge to the batsmen, but one they are all certainly good enough to take. There geniunely isn't a weak link in that line-up, something you can't say about quite a few of the teams around. And that isn't even accounting for the potential inclusion of England captain Andrew Strauss, or even Eoin Morgan (although that is unlikely).
The bowling stocks too are strong. While the change from the Tiflex to the Duke may not help Tim Murtagh, we all know he's good enough to take plenty of wickets when it matters. And the seam-friendly ball will certainly help Corey Collymore, who was unlucky to only pick up 49 wickets in 2011, and if he can remain fit, Toby Roland-Jones, who is a real star in the making. Everyone at Middlesex knows what Gareth Berg can do with bat and ball, and this could be the year that he shows the world just how good he is. And then there's Steven Finn, who has proven his class on every stage, and there will be plenty of Division One batsmen praying that he gets a prolonged run in the England team.
Perhaps the only concern might be spin, as neither Ollie Rayner or Tom Smith have proven themselves consistently with the ball in their relatively short first class careers. Given his extra batting ability, it's likely that Rayner will be given the nod to start off with, and he'll want to get off to a good start at his now permanent home. However, we did see the spinners used more in a containing role last year as the seamers did the damage, and as a naturally more defensive spinner, this will suit Ollie down the the ground (which is a long way for him, because he is very tall).
I'm painting an optimistic view of Middlesex's team, because I know just how strong it is. Of course, I don't want to get too ahead of myself and start talking us up to win it (although two leagues in two years would be nice), as taking on the likes of Lancashire, Durham, Notts and Somerset will be tough, and there will be games where we get battered for four days and get nothing. But, there are teams in this division that we know we are as good, if not better than. Being realistic, survival is the name of the game this year, and staying up by one point will be brilliant, but we're certainly good enough to cause a couple of upsets along the way.
Come on the Middle!
I'll start off with the County Championship, where Middlesex are a Division One club. (It still feels good to say that). After last year's promotion it's goodbye Wantage Road and The County Ground, Derby and hello Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Old Trafford and the rest. Things are going to be a little different to the last few years, namely in the quality of opposition we'll be up against. Many pundits have spoken of the widening gap between Divisions One and Two, and while there was a feeling that Middlesex were a big fish in the small pond of the second division, we're suddenly back to being mere plankton in the ocean (slight exaggeration). But the point is still the same, we're going to be up against far better teams than the previous few years in the basement; teams with a lot of international and high-level experience packed with players who are capable of some outstanding performances.
But are Middlesex good enough to take them on? Of course they are.
Middlesex were comfortably the best team in Division Two all season long, and but for some dodgy weather would have had the title wrapped up long before that final nervy day. This was a team that bowled Essex out twice in a day. This was a team that decimated the runners-up of the division home and away in comprehensive wins. This was a team that handed out the first ever 24-0 defeat in the history of the county championship. Middlesex were superb last year, and with the signings that have been made so far, have only got stronger.
In terms of the batting, Middlesex's line-up could go toe-to-toe with any in the country. The expected top five have it all. Sam Robson, Joe Denly and Chris Rogers will make up perhaps the most solid top three going, with support from Dawid Malan and captain Neil Dexter. In at six will be the still-improving John Simpson, arguably the player of the year. Add to that the all-round talents of Gareth Berg and Ollie Rayner to come, and even against the best attacks on the greenest pitches, chances are Middlesex will make a lot of runs. Taking on the better bowlers of Division One will be a challenge to the batsmen, but one they are all certainly good enough to take. There geniunely isn't a weak link in that line-up, something you can't say about quite a few of the teams around. And that isn't even accounting for the potential inclusion of England captain Andrew Strauss, or even Eoin Morgan (although that is unlikely).
The bowling stocks too are strong. While the change from the Tiflex to the Duke may not help Tim Murtagh, we all know he's good enough to take plenty of wickets when it matters. And the seam-friendly ball will certainly help Corey Collymore, who was unlucky to only pick up 49 wickets in 2011, and if he can remain fit, Toby Roland-Jones, who is a real star in the making. Everyone at Middlesex knows what Gareth Berg can do with bat and ball, and this could be the year that he shows the world just how good he is. And then there's Steven Finn, who has proven his class on every stage, and there will be plenty of Division One batsmen praying that he gets a prolonged run in the England team.
Perhaps the only concern might be spin, as neither Ollie Rayner or Tom Smith have proven themselves consistently with the ball in their relatively short first class careers. Given his extra batting ability, it's likely that Rayner will be given the nod to start off with, and he'll want to get off to a good start at his now permanent home. However, we did see the spinners used more in a containing role last year as the seamers did the damage, and as a naturally more defensive spinner, this will suit Ollie down the the ground (which is a long way for him, because he is very tall).
I'm painting an optimistic view of Middlesex's team, because I know just how strong it is. Of course, I don't want to get too ahead of myself and start talking us up to win it (although two leagues in two years would be nice), as taking on the likes of Lancashire, Durham, Notts and Somerset will be tough, and there will be games where we get battered for four days and get nothing. But, there are teams in this division that we know we are as good, if not better than. Being realistic, survival is the name of the game this year, and staying up by one point will be brilliant, but we're certainly good enough to cause a couple of upsets along the way.
Come on the Middle!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Pre-Season Hopes and Expectations
So pre-season for the Middlesex players has officially started, which makes this a good time to look forward at the season ahead! The new signings have now all joined up with the team, and everyone is looking forward to getting started early next spring as a Division One club.
So what are Middlesex's goals for the 2012 summer? After so many years in the doldrums of Division Two finally came to an end on that glorious Leicester afternoon in September, surely the main priority is avoiding going straight back down. From what I've heard from the Middlesex faithful, while there is a cautious air of optimism about this team really causing some upsets next year, I think most would take avoiding relegation by one point. It's obvious that while success in the 40 over and T20 competitions would be nice, the focus from the management, players and members is towards the County Championship, which will be the main priority this season.
That isn't to mean that the CB40 and T20 competitions won't be taken seriously. Indeed, the very good showing last year in a tough competition to progress in shows that in terms of a 40 over outfit, Middlesex might be quietly confident going a bit further, or even emulating them lot from south of the river. And the T20? Well, let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
As it stands, Angus Fraser and Richard Scott have put together a very fine team capable of some great things. In first class cricket, while playing in Division One will be a big step-up, there are players in that Middlesex team who are clearly good enough to perform at that level. With a strong batting spine complemented by the firepowers of the all-rounders and the guile of the bowlers, Middlesex can certainly ruffle a few feathers of some of the big boys. The CB40 team may be hit by squad rotation during a long season, but last year's efforts showed that the Panthers can play some very good 40 over cricket at times too. And while the T20 performances last year were nothing short of pathetic, with the addition of established T20 stars Joe Denly and Ollie Rayner to the fold, the potential addition of a superstar like Chris Gayle or if we get to see much of Steve Finn or the elusive Eoin Morgan, if the boys get off to a good start, who knows what might happen. It's certainly a good time to be following Middlesex, and the mood is certainly one of quiet optimism. Whether I'm still talking up the boy's chances a few weeks into the season remains to be seen!
So what are Middlesex's goals for the 2012 summer? After so many years in the doldrums of Division Two finally came to an end on that glorious Leicester afternoon in September, surely the main priority is avoiding going straight back down. From what I've heard from the Middlesex faithful, while there is a cautious air of optimism about this team really causing some upsets next year, I think most would take avoiding relegation by one point. It's obvious that while success in the 40 over and T20 competitions would be nice, the focus from the management, players and members is towards the County Championship, which will be the main priority this season.
That isn't to mean that the CB40 and T20 competitions won't be taken seriously. Indeed, the very good showing last year in a tough competition to progress in shows that in terms of a 40 over outfit, Middlesex might be quietly confident going a bit further, or even emulating them lot from south of the river. And the T20? Well, let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
As it stands, Angus Fraser and Richard Scott have put together a very fine team capable of some great things. In first class cricket, while playing in Division One will be a big step-up, there are players in that Middlesex team who are clearly good enough to perform at that level. With a strong batting spine complemented by the firepowers of the all-rounders and the guile of the bowlers, Middlesex can certainly ruffle a few feathers of some of the big boys. The CB40 team may be hit by squad rotation during a long season, but last year's efforts showed that the Panthers can play some very good 40 over cricket at times too. And while the T20 performances last year were nothing short of pathetic, with the addition of established T20 stars Joe Denly and Ollie Rayner to the fold, the potential addition of a superstar like Chris Gayle or if we get to see much of Steve Finn or the elusive Eoin Morgan, if the boys get off to a good start, who knows what might happen. It's certainly a good time to be following Middlesex, and the mood is certainly one of quiet optimism. Whether I'm still talking up the boy's chances a few weeks into the season remains to be seen!
Welcome
Hello and welcome to "The Boys From Fortress Lord's". I set up and publicised this blog a couple of weeks ago without actually writing anything, so with the start of the Middlesex team's pre-season training, I thought it would be a good time to start putting something on here.
This will be a blog that follows the fortunes of Middlesex County Cricket Club, debating team selections, celebrating great performances and finding some sort of solace after T20 defeats. It will be mostly my opinions on things, but I'll hopefully be able to grab some interviews, videos or other stuff.
Anyway, thanks for finding your way to the site, and I hope you enjoy reading it!
Come on the Panthers!
Will
This will be a blog that follows the fortunes of Middlesex County Cricket Club, debating team selections, celebrating great performances and finding some sort of solace after T20 defeats. It will be mostly my opinions on things, but I'll hopefully be able to grab some interviews, videos or other stuff.
Anyway, thanks for finding your way to the site, and I hope you enjoy reading it!
Come on the Panthers!
Will
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