Sussex v Leicestershire LVCC2 Hove 27 April - 30 April (Page 5 of 13)

1 Nothing (poor batting/decent bowling)
2 he outscored all the leics players
3 Nash had a migraine at the beginning of the innings
4 Why ? (see 1 above)

Was hoping to get down there today but couldn't make it. Perhaps-tomorrow before it's all over!

A great shame we're not getting much in the way of batting points. I think it's all tied up with that question in Sweaty's quiz about scores over 400. It looks as if one or two of us might have overestimated. I reckon I have.

Who's there tomorrow?

Starting the championship early not only offers 3 day matches but spicy surfaces and conditions ideal for counties with strong bowling attacks like Sussex. 150 first innings lead and the match could be all over by Thursday with a further 21 points added to the total.

At this rate Sussex might win the championship by late July! 

http://www.cricinfo.com/countycricket20 … 57578.html

Meanwhile, it seems highly unlikely that the English T20 finalists will be playing in South Africa during September.

"It is extremely improbable that any English county will be taking part in the Champions League. The sanctity of the domestic season is of the utmost importance, as all the clubs agree." (ECB David Collier)

Although, his alternative proposal, while interesting, is unlikely to happen.

"We are awaiting a response from the BCCI on a number of proposals. One of them is for the winners and runners up of the Champions League to play our winners and runners-up. Now that the IPL is over we hope to hear from them soon."

http://www.cricinfo.com/t20champions201 … 57431.html

Last edited by softandfluffy (27-04-2010 18:58:36)

Well folks here are the season's bowling averages so far:

CD Nash 4 wickets @ 6.75
RSC Martin-Jenkins 16 @ 12.12
Rana Naved-ul-Hasan 17 @ 14.05
CD Collymore 13 @ 14.38
JE Anyon 7 @ 22.57
MS Panesar 7 @ 23.42

A good spread of wickets amongst the seamers which emphasises how well they are playing as a unit. Again, today, our attack has given us a platform to go on and win the match. Confidence amongst the bowlers must be sky high at the minute and the tail is also chipping in with some decent runs as well. Long may it continue.

Certainly, no one could accuse Rana of "not trying" in Sussex colours. He is playing his heart out for the six martlets. 

What do you get when you combine:
- a rich vein of form
- a point to prove
- a love for Sussex

An unstoppable Rana! Fabulous stuff. I remember posting over the winter that my heart said Rana, but my head Sami. Now my heart, my head and every other part of me is in complete agreement.

Another chaotic day all round, but hopefully a strong enough lead now. Should have been even better, I suppose, but our top order was wobbly. I think our bowling is incredibly strong in these April conditions so just massively thankful that Messrs Muzz, Tucker and ul-Hasan got us the lead that matches the difference between the sides (at the risk of the goat's wrath). Plus of course the fine contribution from Anyon opening - very left field, wonderful it worked.

There were one or two disparaging remarks about Matty on the Argus thread - harsh, I think. Yes, he's played a bad shot (some stuff on his mind, to do with wetting beds?), but some were indicating this is a common theme when returning to Sussex from England but actually Matty's CC form in 2008 and 2009 was extremely good.

Another boring day of county championship cricket. Don't despair chaps - it'll be a lot better when we have wall-to-wall 20/20 cricket.

Btw - any more news about the Yas/Rana situation? Does anyone know?

Ardcarran,

"the fine contribution from Anyon opening - very left field, wonderful it worked."

The recent interview with Goodwin on 'Sussex TV' offers an interesting insight; where he discusses his present captaincy. Dare I say, there are even glimpses of Shane Warne in his 'left field' decisions; or as Murray likes to describe them, 'gut feelings'.

He has a liking for Anyon and obviously sees a batting talent which others haven't noted. Murray pushed Anyon above Rana against Gloucestershire, because of a gut feeling. He wanted the sails taken out of the Glos bowling, and that worked. Today, he made an even more extraordinary choice by putting him in as an opener instead of the migrained Nash, and that too worked.

I really like captains like Goodwin. They have the courage and imagination to make left field decisions. What's next, I wonder, Nash opening the bowling?

Perhaps, Murray has always had a captaincy talent but its been lost amidst all the noughties success along with the bigger egos of others. A shame he's coming to the end of his playing career. Sussex are lucky to have him.

http://www.sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-t … readcrumbs

Ardcarran,

Why did Murray choose Anyon to open? Given Nash's sudden migraine, a snap decision was required. Prior would have been an obvious choice and many captains, I suspect, would have gone with that; but not Murray. Another one of his 'gut feelings', perhaps? As you say, there is a thin line between bold and eccentric; but if the choice comes off, who cares. 

Re: Warne, his downfall is he can be too clever - too left field. What I love is his tenacity and never willing to give up on a game, however hopeless it seems. There were several matches in the recent IPL, where he pulled a magic rabbit out of nowhere and went on to win.

For me, Chris Adams the captain, lacked flair or imagination. He was too mechanical and clinical with his decision-making. Although, difficult to criticise when the trophies were pouring in. He relied so heavily on Mushy, that when the spinner was injured during much of the 2008 season, I felt Adams was lost and looked quite ordinary at times.

Therefore, it is refreshing to watch Goodwin.

Last edited by softandfluffy (27-04-2010 21:10:14)

Yes I'm sure we all remember THAT field at Arundel....

Watching Rana today brought to mind something that Moorsey describes as someone with the ability to accelerate a match.  He bowled a good line from the off this morning then had an over when Jefferson started to knock him around a bit.  Just when you thought he may be ready for a break, he charges in and sends J's stumps flying.  He did the same with the bat, coming in when most before him had struggled with any kind of rhythm, and started hitting the ball around at will to push us to the 200 which had looked unlikely today.  Give him a ball 30 overs old and he can clean up with his unplayable reverse swing.  He is just so gifted.

Rana brings a tangible energy to the team and is our 'irresistible force'.  If only he could be our championship overseas and Yasi our one-day King, and we would have the dream ticket of a job-share!