I am down here to see a couple of museums I have wanted to see for a while and tomorrow sees me at the Imperial War Museum North.
Back to matters in hand, I claim no psychic powers in the breaking news that Suranga Lakmal is out for the season and Shan Masood is the new T20 captain. The first seemed certain after Mickey Arthur said the injury was bad, while Masood was the logical (and for me only) choice for the skipper's role.
He leads from the front, has experience, now knows the players and should very soon have a new overseas bowler to help him.
I have heard that it may be announced tomorrow, but without any confirmation at this stage. I still think that player being available for Friday is a long shot, unless he is already in the UK in club cricket.
Also today, Wayne Madsen has agreed a new one-year deal, so Mickey Arthur is gradually getting together 'his' squad. It was expected, again but wonderful too think we will have at least one more season to admire one of our greatest-ever players.
He has been in fine form this season and if that translates to the Vitality Blast, don't back against Derbyshire surprising a, few people.
On the pitch, there was a resounding win over Nottinghamshire today. Both teams appeared only a couple short of full strength and George Scrimshaw's pace appeared too much for our neighbours on this occasion.
He took 5-22 as they were out for 134, Dan Christian's unbeaten 30 the highest score. Both Mark Watt and Mattie McKiernan bowled tidy spells of spin, while Sam Conners and Mike Cohen did their bit.
Masood and Came led off with 55 in five overs and from there it was a stroll, Came making 50, Masood 33 and Madsen an unbeaten 38, he and Brooke Guest sterling us to a win with over four overs to spare.
All good stuff.
Lets hope we can replicate that when the serious stuff starts.
And let's hope for some exciting news tomorrow!
I took a lot of encouragement from the T20 win today. It was great to see Big George among the wickets and bowling economically. Came has scored well and quickly in all five T20 games the seconds have played this season. He's a young player who is still learning his craft, but, as he's demonstrated with that rapid seconds' century last season, he can be explosive. And we don't have that many batsmen who can really smash it around. Steve, any idea of what's happened to Tom Wood? He seems to have become the Invisible Man!
ReplyDeleteThanks - please add a name Anon, just so we know who is saying what.
DeleteMy understanding is that Tom is dealing with a personal issue. No fall outs, back when he is able. His privacy should and will be respected.