The all rounder is a contender for most improved player this year, among several strong candidates. He bowled well in the Blast, has taken a few wickets elsewhere and has been consistent with the bat in all formats, making his maiden century at Leicester and playing several other fine innings.
The big thing now, of course, is if the players who have improved this year to make us a challenging side can go a step further to become one capable of a trophy. Strengthening is needed, for me and especially across the seam department.
With Sam Conners in England Lions action and George Scrimshaw at the other competition, Nick Potts is likely to open the bowling with Ben Aitchison tomorrow, although Archie Harrison is named, alongside Mitch Wagstaff. Conners will return for the next game, against Worcestershire.
There is no Billy Godleman as a Covid precaution and no Mark Watt either, but Alex Hughes returns after injury as we field this likely side:
Masood(c), Reece, Came, Wood, Guest, Hughes, Dal, McKiernan, Thomson, Aitchison, Potts (plus Harrison and Wagstaff)
Hampshire have yet to announce their squad but last time out fielded this eleven against Northamptonshire, a game they won by eleven runs:
Gubbins, Donald, Prest, Brown, Middleton, Organ, Albert, Barker, Currie, Campbell, Turner.
The top three sides in each group qualify, with the group winners automatically making a semi final, against the winner of a play off between a second and third placed side.
Having lost to Lancashire, who top our group, and Glamorgan who are fourth, we now play second-placed and unbeaten Hampshire, in a game we really need to win to stay in contention.
I will be delighted to be there tomorrow and look forward to seeing a few of you. Do say hello if you see me around the ground.
Since I am leaving Glasgow at around 5am for the drive down, look out for the sleeping bloke in the sunshine! Make sure to wake me if the sun is at its hottest...
Are we allowed to know the reason why Mark Watt is unavailable?
ReplyDeleteHe is playing for Scotland in the Cricket World Cup League 2 in Scotland and took 4-30 yesterday v UAE. They included 2 in 2 balls and a wicket with a 24-yarder!
ReplyDeleteGood to see Alex Hughes back in the squad and probably team. I do think there is a danger of him becoming a bit of a player without a role, given the improvement in batting consistency of the other all rounders - Dal; McKiernan and Thomson, in addition to Guest. It is a shame to see him now being relegated to occasional starter at best, but equally it is testament to the improvements that have taken place this year.
ReplyDeleteAll the other all rounders have kicked on and whilst he remains a useful one day player with his bowling variations his batting appears to be going backwards. At championship level his bowling is ineffective.
DeletePaul