Cricket LCCC Preview.

[bill40]

Having had our one prep match rained off without a ball being bowled this is a bit tricky but I'll begin with a first XI without knowing what the international restrictions will be. A bit of a fantasy team I know but here goes.

1. Salt
2. Bruce (overseas)
3. Jennings
4. Bohannon
5. Livingstone
6. Buttler
7. Balderson
8. Bailey
9. Lyons (overseas)
10. Williams
11. Anderson

First off that team is probably not possible due to national interference so here's a list of replacements and oh boy I am pissed off we loaned out Morley to Derbyshire. Mahmood replaces Anderson. Hartley for Livingstone. Blatherwick for Buttler. No matter the international call ups we have a pretty awesome team. In the event of injuries we have Croft, Lavelle, Wood (a contender for 1 IX) Hurst, Aspinwall and Singh.

Cut this any way you like we always have a powderful 1st XI but there is a but. The Old Trafford pitch just doesn't make for title winners, how can I put this, it's shit. Not just shit bt really really shit this has to be addressed. Yes flat pitches that become flatter makes bowlers work harder but that does not win titles. I will await with interest to see what the groundsmen achieve.

In any event good luck to the Lanky's and here's to a great cricket season to make up for the football one.

 

[hampshire_exile]

Fantasy is not the word for it

Salt is at the IPlL as well as Livingstone and Buttler. Given the T20 World Cup is straight after the IPL, we might not see anything of them till July.

Anderson is apparently not playing until the Trats draw closer and they don’t start till July.

I see us having a decent top 6, plus 2 very good medium to fast bowlers in Bailey and Williams. I really hope Mahmood can recover his fitness. And obv Lyon but we now only have him for 7 games max.

Overall I see us in the top 4 but not winning the CC.

We always qualify for the Blast quarters but that isn’t much of an achievement given Leics Derby Northants and Worcs are so financially strapped compared to us. Got to at least get to finals day before you can say we have done anything.

 

[Leither]

Livingstone, Buttler, Salt & Wood are at the IPL.

My guess at the team for Friday if all others are fit - Jennings, Wells, Bohannon, Balderson, Crofty, Bruce, Bell, Bailey, Williams, Mahmood, Lyon.

Looking forward to seeing our great array of young talent kick on.

 

[bill40]

Fantasy is not the word for it

Salt is at the IPlL as well as Livingstone and Buttler. Given the T20 World Cup is straight after the IPL, we might not see anything of them till July.

Anderson is apparently not playing until the Trats draw closer and they don’t start till July.

I see us having a decent top 6, plus 2 very good medium to fast bowlers in Bailey and Williams. I really hope Mahmood can recover his fitness. And obv Lyon but we now only have him for 7 games max.

Overall I see us in the top 4 but not winning the CC.

We always qualify for the Blast quarters but that isn’t much of an achievement given Leics Derby Northants and Worcs are so financially strapped compared to us. Got to at least get to finals day before you can say we have done anything.

I have to admit I have no idea how international call ups and injuries may affect us but we are still strong all round I'd say. My main interest is the championship (wish I could say the same about football) and I have us as second if we don't fix the pitch. Surrey will win again and that grinds my gears.

 

[hampshire_exile]

Livingstone, Buttler, Salt & Wood are at the IPL.

My guess at the team for Friday if all others are fit - Jennings, Wells, Bohannon, Balderson, Crofty, Bruce, Bell, Bailey, Williams, Mahmood, Lyon.

Looking forward to seeing our great array of young talent kick on.

I think Crofty is only playing white ball. Another chance for a youngster in the CC.

 

[bill40]

I think Crofty is only playing white ball. Another chance for a youngster in the CC.

Crofty is 78 years old might be 88 I'm not sure. What a man to have around, the consumate professional, we still have the unknowns like Stanley and Boyden, I've never seen them play but there are high hopes for both.