Squad:
Davies
Ali
Barnard
Benjamin
Bethell
Booth
Briggs
Burgess
Garton
Gleeson
Hain
Lintott
Miles
Mousley
Wylie
Yates.
There will be some late decisions on the playing XI as Robbo awaits clarity on some injuries, Hassan Ali (elbow) Rob Yates (illness)
No Woakes as he prepares for the return of the CC on Sunday.
Ffs, Woakes has bowled 6 competitive overs in the last four months - and now he needs a rest???
To be fair, that’s probably exactly why he’s not playing - it would be a lot to go from a standing start straight into a four day game. I would guess that he’ll be working on strength and conditioning in a much more controlled environment than a T20 would provide
Good to see Wylie brought in for experience. If Yates isn't fit that is a big loss to a light batting unit. Having said that, he has only made one big contribution in six matches.
Robinson's comments on our form is baffling. He is delusional by failing to acknowledge the fact that the bowlers have bailed us out each time. We will be found out.
There's a lot of pressure now on the younger stars. I get the feeling they are desperately hoping one of Mousley, Bethell or Benjamin have a stellar season and win us some big games.
Anyway, I would bring in Barnard for Benjamin and Hassan for Woakes if fit to play.
Is there an underlying health issue with Yates?
This is, about the fourth time in the last two seasons he's been unavailable due to "illness",
Frankly I don’t think that is any of our business. If he has then I’m sure the club is aware of and working with him to best take care of the situation.
Bears win the toss and bat.
Barnard in for Yates, Miles in for Woakes.
Davies
Benjamin
Mousley
Hain
Barnard
Bethell
Garton
Miles
Gleeson
Lintott
Briggs
Inside-edge wrote:
Bears win the toss and bat.
Barnard in for Yates, Miles in for Woakes.Davies
Benjamin
Mousley
Hain
Barnard
Bethell
Garton
Miles
Gleeson
Lintott
Briggs
As expected, I guess. Yates' illness is a lucky break for Benjamin.
"You can take the boy out of Atherstone, but you can never take Atherstone out of the boy !"
"The Bears and the (footballing) Foxes for ever !"
Barnard already has more runs in 15 balls than Benjamin has in 6 games!
So Barnard smashes 48 off 29 balls, something we all knew he was capable of doing. Yet, for some reason, he doesn't get selected until match 7 despite being in every squad since the first match. Also, if Yates was available for this game, would Barnard have been left out again for Benjamin?
Jacob Bethell take a bow! 15 ball 50!
Wow what an innings from Bethell! He smashed the Northants bowlers all over the park - superb!
Chris Benjamin, with 16 off 10 balls, did as well as could be expected at the end.
Unlikely to see a more comprehensive win than that.
Highveld wrote:
Chris Benjamin, with 16 off 10 balls, did as well as could be expected at the end.
He actually did much better than expected given he’d scored 28 runs in 6 innings before this match. It shouldn’t be enough to save his place in the team though and Yates should replace him for the next one if he’s fit.
Good solid batting but the feeling now is that if Benjamin is in the side, he has to go in AFTER Bethell. Hopefully Yates will be back and come straight back in. Both Barnard and Bethel can bowl so that makes even more sense to leave Benjamin out.
Clearly the most comprehensive win of the season.
If Barnard, Mousley and Bethell can all fire we have a decent batting unit.
Main concern is bowler injuries again with Gleeson
Nice of Yorkshire to beat Lancs which makes them look much less like Group winners.
That Bethell innings will live long in the memory. Stunning. Just shows aswell that you do have to back younger players and be patient with them, had we recruited a batter during the winter, overseas or domestic, Bethell would likely not have played much this season. One of the first names on the team sheet now.
Bethell is a superstar in the making. If we can continue in this vein then I'll hold my hands up and say fair play to Robinson for having the courage of his convictions and giving the younger talent the opportunity to thrive.
Having said that, Barnard has shown why it was folly to leave him out of the side for six games. He is a class act. Nice to see Benjamin time one or two, maybe a big contribution is around the corner.
Only negative was the injury to Gleeson but we have plenty of options, although Hassan is out too now. Bring on the Pears.