The cricket season previewed
Although the county championship is under way bad weather has already taken its toll.
Sussex, after a spirited win over Durham, had draws with Yorkshire and Gloucestershire because of rain. Cricket not only vies with the weather but the conclusion of the Premier League with its long fought-out duel between Arsenal and Manchester City and a relegation scrap that looks like going to the wire.
However there are issues to consider.
Most, including the protagonists, will be pleased the unedifying investigation into Yorkshire racism is now concluded.
There are few beneficiaries here and the loser looks like Yorkshire CCC.
Next up the future of the Hundred.
The Worcestershire Chairman Fanos Hira, a chartered accountant, did a full investigation which revealed losses of £58 million, more if you include the one-off £1.3 million sweetener to the counties.
Business administration salaries in 2022 averaged £93,000.
The apologists say it has done wonders for the women’s game but Andrew Strauss – its main driver – has had to say “Enough” already.
Sussex go to Worcestershire this week.
The conversation in the committee room at New Road between Jon Filby, chairman of Sussex who was not consulted in the Andrew Strauss review and Hira will be interesting,
We are all looking forward to the Ashes. Can Ben Stokes maintain his cavalier policy?
The England team is strong in certain areas e.g. middle order batsmen, wicket keeping and pace – and weak in others: openers and spin.
5 into 4 won’t go, so who do they leave out from Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes?
Personally, I’m not in favour of dropping Ben Foakes for Jonny Bairstow as wicket keeper, but if Foakes comes in at 8, that only leaves 3 bowling spaces.
Ollie Robinson and – if the elbow is alright – Jofra Archer will surely be selected, but where is the berth for a spinner – and what about those hardy perennials Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad? Olly Stone and Matt Potts will also be pressing their claims.
The Aussies have selected their team for the World Championship Test final at the Oval v India and the opening 2 Tests.
Their middle order is scarcely weak with the likes of Marcus Labuschagne, Travis Head, all-rounder Cameron Green and the speedsters Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Nathan Lyon may be 35 now, but he’s a more lethal spinner than Jack Leach.
No problems with their openers – with 35 year old David Warner still formidable – and no doubt Steve Smith will appreciate time at the wicket for Sussex.
More questions than answers but I can’t wait …
