GerryShedd
Super Moderator
Well, LE, I didn't mention any names!
I think others have said it all; but here was my take:
https://deepextracover.com/2022/07/hawks-slay-the-bears-on-way-to-finals-day/
Details about the Hampshire squad here:
https://www.ageasbowl.com/cricket/news/match-preview-birmingham-bears-v-hampshire-hawks,-vitality-blast-quarter-final/
Yes, the Worcestershire Championship win in 1964 was a total fluke. They only clinched the title with a mere three games to play and scraped home with 41 points more than the second placed team (who happened to be Warwickshire). They somehow managed to win four more games than the Bears and lose two fewer.
Pure luck or maybe an early example of match fixing or possibly biased umpiring - probably all three.
As predicted, a three-year white ball contract with "pay-as-you-play" for red ball:
https://edgbaston.com/news/warwickshire-sign-moeen-ali-on-three-year-contract/
I agree that it's great for them and well-deserved, though it means that Sam will miss the 4-day game v Hampshire - I assume that Adam Hose and Jake Lintott wouldn't have been selected for that anyway.
And the same article says that Saqib Mahmood is now likely to stay at Lancashire.
From the Club:
"Birmingham Bears have confirmed arrangements for a home Vitality Blast quarter-final, should they finish in the top two of the North Group.
Subject to qualification, the Bears will host a home quarter-final at Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday 7 July, 6.30pm start. Confirmation of a top two finish and the quarter-final opponent will be confirmed on Sunday (3 July) following the final round of group fixtures.
Full Club Members, Season Pass holders and Blast & Hundred Members for the 2022 season will be able to attend the fixture for free by simply scanning their Membership Card at the stadium entrance points.
Members will also have a priority window to purchase additional tickets from 12noon on Monday 4 July, with tickets going on general sale from 3pm on Monday 4 July. We will be in contact with you again on Monday with further details on how you can purchase additional tickets.
Adult tickets will be available for only £10 in advance and £15 when purchased on the day.
12 to 15-year-olds will be £1 and under 12s will go free.
Tickets will be available to buy online at tickets.edgbaston.com.
Members will not be able to use any guest passes for this match. All timings are subject to change."
All confirmed except the opponents!
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-confirm-plan-for-potential-home-t20-quarter-final/
It looks as though the teams going through to the quarter finals are almost decided and the main issue to be resolved is who gets the home fixtures.
It's Surrey, Somerset, Essex and Hampshire from the South Group and the Bears, Lancashire and Derbyshire from the North Group plus the winners of Yorkshire v Leicestershire tomorrow.
I agree that it was a good all round performance.
I was surprised at how much moving around of the field Alex Davies was doing. I presume that Carlos was happy with this - maybe relying on the fact that Davies is in a good position to see what is happening and what is needed. But I can think of a few captains who would very quickly have told him who was in charge.
I think most of us would agree that Vihari was a disappointment last season. But the "makes more effort" remark implies that he didn't try his best; and that is a pretty insulting thing to say about any professional sportsman.
Just announced that the Club have signed India international all-rounder Krunal Pandya for the Royal London campaign.
George Dobell says:
"While he has enjoyed prolific form for Warwickshire - he averages 44.42 for them in first-class cricket - he has become frustrated by his inability to break into their T20 side and declined to sign the new contract that was offered to him over the winter.
Although it seems unlikely he will break into the Surrey T20 team, he retains family links with the area and recently bought a home in London. This move has been anticipated for some months."
According to Cricinfo, Moeen and Saqib Mahmood (both Birmingham born) are likely to join Ed Barnard in signing for the Bears:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/county-cricket-news-warwickshire-land-long-term-target-as-ed-barnard-signs-three-year-deal-1322475
It may be just a precaution; but it sounds very worrying to me, considering how long he's had the knee problem and the fact that it's taken him to the end of June to get on the field at all.
Let's hope that he's back in action soon.
Agreed that it is likely to prove an excellent signing - and a big loss for the Pears.
He probably fills the slot currently occupied by Nathan McAndrew as a bowling all-rounder - or maybe the (belated) replacement for Keith Barker, though without the added advantage of bowling left arm.
There must be one or two of the existing pace bowling squad who will be feeling a bit vulnerable right now.