Weekend thoughts

Before I get into my weekend thoughts, a point of clarification on Mitch Wagstaff

I had it in my head that his contract was up at the end of this summer, when in fact his deal does not expire until the end of 2026. 

This, of course makes it all the more important that he's given the opportunity to show what he can do, starting with the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

For me, it poses the question why he didn't play last night and get some useful experience. It would have been more beneficial, I think, than Alex Thomson playing, someone we know all about. There is an opportunity for Mitch to become a decent county all rounder, perhaps making up a spin trio with Jack Morley and Joe Hawkins that has considerable potential. Or a bat of quality who can twirl a few overs when needed. 

Therein lies one of the contradictions that frustrates with Mickey Arthur. He talks about wasting time and not offering opportunity, then, when that opportunity presents itself, does nothing about it. 

He also told us recently that all of the players were better than they were last year. Really? The figures and performances do not suggest so in the T20 and we must hope that a return to red ball brings with it a return to form for those most badly needing it.

I am obviously not inside the dressing room, but I would think such things must be very frustrating. Likewise, the team selections that have often made no sense, rigid bowling orders that don't seem to consider match ups and batting orders that failed to suggest a steady hand on the tiller.

I know I am repeating myself, but why does Harry Came not play, then be seen as our number three in T20, despite only scoring at a run a ball? Same with Alex Thomson, who goes from not playing to opening the bowling. Or Pat Brown, who was picked but bowled only one over? Or Martin Andersson, who only ever bowls two overs, yet is the most economical seamer? And for good measure, never had an established place or role in the batting order. See also Ross Whiteley...

Nick Potts starts the first match, bowls one over and is never seen again. Yet that is one more over than Mitch Wagstaff enjoyed in the competition. I haven't even mentioned Brooke Guest, who has been so oddly omitted. There appears no logic to selection.

Mickey Arthur needs the restorative power of red ball cricket to save the season. He can do himself favours by giving opportunity in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, of course. I might be on my own, but if we saw promising performances from a few young players in that competition, I could handle defeats much better.

I'm not suggesting throwing in all of the academy players, but a nice balance would be good to see. How about this side? 

Jewell 

Wagstaff

Came

Basra

Guest 

Reece/Lloyd

Dal/Andersson 

Tickner

Aitchison

Haydon

Hawkins/Morley

Let's give Zak Chappell a breather for the four-day cricket and if they want to keep Luis Reece fit for it, David Lloyd could play. But that is a decent side which offers valuable experience to players who could be here long-term. It would ask a lot of Hawkins to play every match, but giving him even half of them would test his mettle.

Thoughts?