Highveld
Member
The current championship averages
they go a long way to showing the problems this season.
Allowing a specialist batsman 7 games while averagig under 13 shows an acceptance of mediocraty that shouldn't be accepted in a side aiming to win trophies.
Remember that Tom Rawlins, who was an excellent head of the media department, nad a cricket person has left the club.
The advert for his "replacement" was for a different role, where knowledge of cricket was optional, and fitting a number of PC catagories was given much higher priority.
The director of cricket role has responsibility for all cricket under the Warwickshire banner, so only a small proportion of his time is spent on senior mens cricket.
Poor opening partnerships put pressure on the middle order, who are having to perform a recovery every time.
Allowing players with mediorce, or worse, performances to stay in the team does not lead to winning or attractive cricket.
Henry is involved in the 2nd team game, which suggests he is fit.
Not sure with Miles, presumably injured, or a very poor selection choice.
There is a big difference in bowling a 4 over spell and being able to bowl 15-20 overs over 2-3 spells and repeat the following day.
He is, obviously, not considered to be able to last a four day game.
The decison to omit Miles and Brookes for Garrett is surprising, especially as Garrett has shown nothing in the second team this season.
Interestingly, a number of our players are using a recently retired player, with good knowledge of the club, as their agent.
That could be a factor in their negosiations.
Briggs, Mousley and Garrett in for Bethell, Henry B and Miles (I think)
If Danny Briggs is fit, I'd expect him to return to the team.
With Sam Hain playing for England Lions, I'd expect Jacob Bethell to stay in the side too.
Official preview from the club
https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/first-xi/hampshire-vs-warwickshire-11-july-2022/?fbclid=IwAR19CVkXoVm1hDHzaGWzn5LR7vOJFlnPFCD_7-Qmtt6UHK0CsmDyUR49yDA#match-match-previews
Worcs U18 v Isle of Wight at Old Hill Mon- Weds
England Lions v South Africa @ New Road Thursday
Just announced that Jacob has signed a three year extention.
It will be interesting to see how he develops now he'll be a full time cricketer.
He played a second team game about 10 days ago, got some good runs, but then had inflamation and pain after bowling just 9 overs.
From seeing other professional sportsmen in similar situations, it may be that the end of his career is very near. I do wonder if he has considered if he could continue playing just as a batsman, but that would take a major psycological adjustment having played as an all rounder all his cricketing life. Alternately, he may decide that it is better to retire from playing so that he still has the mobility to have a normal life with his young family.
Whatever he decides, I hope he's happy with the decision and is able to enjoy the next stage of his life and career.
Hose and Lintott have been nowhere near the red ball side all season, and thats unlikely to change, unless there is a major injury crisis.
I'd be surprised if either play another red ball game for the club.
Great news to have three members of our squad selected for these games
We need to move on from signing an overseas player just for the sake of signing an overseas player.
Unless the player signed makes the squad significantly better, the money would be better spent on helping the development of our young players and our coaches.
By signing Moeen the club is adding a very experienced, high quality all rounder, who will pass on his experience to what is a very yound squad.
It also means we can be more selective about the overseas player, if any, that we sign.
He will also be an asset for the club in marketing the games, especially as Moeen is a hero to many in the local community,
As Briggs was signed for all forms of the game, and he's played every game he's been available for since his signing, he shouldn't be concerned about Moeen joining the club.
Hopefully he makes more effort, contributes more and is better value for money than the last Indian they employed.
Although it would be almost impossible not to!
I thought Lamb had another year. He's definately one we should want to keep.
Of the seam bowlers mentioned above, Only Stone is worth keeping, and even that is a marginal decision, based on his injury history.
Long term, I can see Jacob Bethell being one of the openers, very useful if he is also the second spinner.
This should turn out to be an excelelnt signing, a pace bowling all rounder, who is good in the field and with the bat.
I can see him batting about 7 or 8 and bowling first change for many years.