Bowling was really tight tonight - just a shame their batsmen failed to get an edge given the number of times they played and missed! I too thougt the run outs would have been interesting in slow-mo although in fairness not one batsman looked surprised at being given out. After all the stick Garton has taken on this site I thought he had a pretty good game with both bat and ball.

Unfortunately Hain was out at the start of the 16th Over just when we usually put on a spurt. Problem was we had not got an established batsman to move it on. Thank goodness Garton got a decent score but I suspect we are well short. I just hope i am wrong - wickets needed.

I know Andy I meant to use my previous post re Latham. Anyway why don't we open with Mousley and Hain because they are effectively openers in the Blast.

LeicesterExile wrote:

Andy wrote:

I wouldn't say Latham has done nothing but he's a bit of a passenger in the field and his last 4 t20 innings have gone 6, 2, 23, 8.

It's a close call.

Looking at those scores I would say he hardly justifies his place in the side. I still maintain Yates would do better - I can't see him being worse.

I won't say I told you so but I'm missing Yates!!

Andy wrote:

I wouldn't say Latham has done nothing but he's a bit of a passenger in the field and his last 4 t20 innings have gone 6, 2, 23, 8.

It's a close call.

Looking at those scores I would say he hardly justifies his place in the side. I still maintain Yates would do better - I can't see him being worse.

Latham may be a high quality international player but he has done nothing in a Bears' shirt. Personally I would play Yates as opener with Davies and have Bethell in for Latham.

I've got a theory regarding falling attendance in both C/C and T20.
With regards C/C the much commented view too many games are played in the spring and autumn when the weather very often is quite chilly. In addition as teams do not play each other home and away the league positions are not true reflections of a teams ability.
With regards the T20 is playing all the games in a relatively small window it becomes an expensive time. Like this week with two games in 5 days with a game at Worcester inbetween. The home games £20 each bought in advance and even more paid on the day.

If both formats were played throughout the season much the same way as it was in the 90s C/C would have more games played in pleasant weather and the cost of attending T20 would become more affordable for the non-member (and their family).

The Hundread messes things up by having that in a block in August. Having the Finals day at the end of September is crazy with the final likely being played in really cold, if not wet, weather.

A good win just a bit of a blip the consecutive overs by Briggs and Mousley but otherwise superb. That catch was certainly very special.

Great start for Garton - except for a wide a 2 wkt maiden.

Tayls79 wrote:

Highest T20 strike rate of any of our top order with the exception of Bethell (who has a smaller sample size). It way well be true to say he isn't performing right now, however. Overall point still holds though, if Mo ain't there we still need a fast scoring batsman.

LeicesterExile wrote:

Post #25 - not sure I understand describing Moeen as an explosive batsman. Since he returned he has done very little to even justify his place and, to me, gives the impression of just turning up for a final pay cheque.
Latham, to me, has been a big disappointment and hardly justifies being selected ahead of Yates.

Looking at the stats for this season - Moeen has played 8 innings scored 123 runs at a strike rate of 135 whereas Barnard has played 10 innings scored 233 at a strike rate of 163. Some difference.

Post #25 - not sure I understand describing Moeen as an explosive batsman. Since he returned he has done very little to even justify his place and, to me, gives the impression of just turning up for a final pay cheque.
Latham, to me, has been a big disappointment and hardly justifies being selected ahead of Yates.

On the subject of Old Bears watching Wimbledon today in the Royal Box we were introduced to B C Lara.

I thought we would have been better for Yates opening and Davies coming in lower down. We just seemed to struggle finding the gaps - excellent at finding the fielders!! Got closer than I thought we would in the end.

As for Lickey's comment I agree the CC is the main prize just unfortunate that it doesn't carry the same financial reward.

Reality is play has started. C'mon you Bears

Info I have is rain is due to stop at 5.15. Looks like 2pts each. Shame when we are on a bit of a run.

Strange decision - Gleeson took 2-24 at Grace Road whereas Garton bowled one over for 21. But at least Lintott comes in for Moeen

Very good all round performance - after the excellent start by Davies we coasted it with Hain and Mousley batting sensibly.

Do we really want Moeen in the side? He is leaving and is just keeping a player for the future out.

In fairness we have lost two quick wickets and have two new batsmen at the crease. I would expect the run rate to drop considerably while they,hopefully, get settled in to build a big partnership.

GerryShedd wrote:

Thanks, Reabank. I've sent you a message.
Regarding the players, I can't think of any group of employees who wouldn't vote for less work for the same pay if they had the chance. So I don't blame them, even though they have half the year in which to recover from their efforts.

Gerry, I do think a sportsman or woman is in a different position than people in "normal" jobs. Firstly they are being paid doing what they enjoy doing as a leisure activity. Their career is very short and will not be paid to play until they draw the state pension! Secondly, I have said many times they need to realise they are in the entertainment business and should be playing when spectators can attend - like today for example. Back in the 50s and 60s they played 6 days a week 120 overs a day. Nowadays they can hardly manage 96 overs and have a drinks break every hour!