That is all you can say. We bowled well in the Powerplay but the home side hurt us badly in the final six overs, in which time they added 82 runs. Derbyshire were actually ahead at the same stage of their innings, but had lost wickets too frequently to be able to up the pace themselves.
Birmingham batted well as a unit, we simply didn't. For us to challenge such a total, one or two players needed to get going and build a score, but they didn't do so. Donald and Patel briefly threatened, but the innings lacked real substance as Birmingham bowled cannily and fielded tigerishly.
Again, I question why we put Luis Reece back in to open, when he simply doesn't bat quickly enough. The Lloyd/Donald combo was going well, so why break it up? I like Luis as a player and a man, but this is not his format.
Even more, I ask why we are paying for two overseas players who are presumably regarded as no better than the domestic players we already had. When neither of them are being selected, it is the only assumption one can make.
To go into around half of the matches in this competition with only one of your allocation of overseas players is poor recruitment and management. I could understand it if they were injured, but when they're in the squad it makes no sense. Such questions need to be asked at board level because I don't think I'm alone in finding it inexplicable.
We could still qualify, If we win the remaining two games, but our net run rate will have been damaged today. You would have to say that over the season we have made too many mistakes on the field, but considerably more of it than I would have expected from a coach of Mickey Arthur's reputation.
Anyway, off with the cricket hat, on with the football one.
Good luck tonight England.
As for Derbyshire, our hopes are on a knife edge.
Very much agree about the overseas players. Much as I like Brooke Guest, I'd have had either Fletcher or Donald keeping in his place, with Reece batting at 6. In this format, Brooke doesn't score quickly enough, and whenever I watch him, he doesn't look like being a game-changer.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's the defeat out the way then. No mucking about now, we have to win the next two. Totally agree with PF's comments re players, either those from overseas, or our own guys. Baffling.
ReplyDeleteRe the football. Would love England to win, but not looking forward to the paraphernalia that will follow. Hordes of 'celebs' getting on on the act, Sir Starmer no doubt telling you it was because his Dad was a toolmaker, and on and on and on. Almost wish I was in Scotland Steve!
Extremely disappointing. The momentum gained from last weekend evaporated.
ReplyDeleteBy leaking far too many runs in the last seven overs, it was always going to be a tough run chase.
At 60-1, though, we were well in the game, but our batting gradually crumbled. We needed a big innings from someone, and a good partnership, but neither happened. I thought Whiteley might be the hero, but he was out for another low score.
If we make the quarter finals, it will be by the skin of our teeth.
Poor recruitment and not getting the balance right has cost us in this campaign. It staggering as club we only playing 1 oversea when we have 3 in squad.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest concern is development what lack of development we have seen over last decade at the club. We just need to look at many countries that offer opportunities.
It was always a tough task, against the best team in the league. I would open with Lloyd in this format, as it was working well. Reece is a fine player, but I feel 4 day and 50 over are more suited to him now, in the autumn of his career. Kris
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Steve, we name a squad with 3 overseas, and only select 1 when we can play 2.
ReplyDeleteIt clearly means 2 of the 3 are not considered to be any better than what we already have. Poor recruitment and a clear waste of precious funds.
As for the game, I didn't get to see any of it. They stifled us at Derby with their slower bowlers and the same seems to have happened here. No shame in losing to the best side in the group, but a clear indication of where we're at as a T20 side. Capable, but a little short on quality.
The whole overseas fiasco is a head scratcher and we certainly can't afford to be paying 2 off them to carry drinks. Having someone of the quality of Amir here since the start of the season would have made a difference but the second overseas should have always been a batter.
ReplyDeleteReece opening is doing him or us no favours at all.
ReplyDelete