2021 Team

[kingstonj1]

Think some need to get a grip, comments about lowest of the low etc, we have enjoyed unprecedented success over the last 5 years, none that any of us could imagined, and punched well above our weight in beating all the TMG counties to prizes.

Yes we have struggled of late to an extent in 4 days cricket (relatively to the table topping) but we have always been up and down in T20, and yes we all know there are areas of improvement needed in the team but as all again, apart from the likes of Notts and Surrey, counties have the same issues. Its all relative.

If we were getting thrashed every game then yes complain. We are not. We are averagely competitive so in T20 this year (we should have another win apart from a complete brain melt, like we almost did last night), and under par in 4 day cricket by our own recent standards, but probably at about the right level given our financial status in the game, above worcs, derby, durham and below the TMG counties.

Also some of the selection and performances in the T20 are odd to us, but they always have been and likely always will be. By all means call out poor performances like RTD's seeming demise in T20, but don't get hysterical...lowest of the low comments indeed...jeez!

[JasonP]

Think some need to get a grip, comments about lowest of the low etc, we have enjoyed unprecedented success over the last 5 years, none that any of us could imagined, and punched well above our weight in beating all the TMG counties to prizes.

Yes we have struggled of late to an extent in 4 days cricket (relatively to the table topping) but we have always been up and down in T20, and yes we all know there are areas of improvement needed in the team but as all again, apart from the likes of Notts and Surrey, counties have the same issues. Its all relative.

If we were getting thrashed every game then yes complain. We are not. We are averagely competitive so in T20 this year (we should have another win apart from a complete brain melt, like we almost did last night), and under par in 4 day cricket by our own recent standards, but probably at about the right level given our financial status in the game, above worcs, derby, durham and below the TMG counties.

Also some of the selection and performances in the T20 are odd to us, but they always have been and likely always will be. By all means call out poor performances like RTD's seeming demise in T20, but don't get hysterical...lowest of the low comments indeed...jeez!

Our away record in recent years in T20 is not that bad.  Our home record, however,  is awful.  3 wins since the start of 2018 and a lot of heavy losses in that time.  That is the thing that really needs to improve.  Financially the T20 is important and we must start playing better at home.

[JasonP]

Pepper seems to be emerging as a real player of promise. Perhaps some of the answers to our batting problems are close to home?

Looking at out batting, I think we need a few more though!!

Did wonder if Eskinazi was giving an audition?

He's available, I think.  Along with a few others from Middlesex.
https://www.middlesexccc.com/news/2021/03/joint-statement-from-middlesex-cricket-pca

The cost of the pension underpayments mentioned in the link has apparently caused them to tighten their belts and the players contract offers are reflecting that.  A Middlesex fan I know says that a few may leave as a result.

[Reddevil]

Our undoubted decline from the lofty heights of Championship winners, somewhat fluky T20 Champions to our frankly very disappointing performances in both Championship and T20 indicate a worrying trend reflecting failure to invest in new players and inevitable casualties of advancing years.

Every side encounters transitions and maybe this is where we are at the moment.

What worries me is that we do not appear to be producing homegrown talent, and we do not appear to have financial ability to attract other good county players and more importantly gun overseas players.

Whether we like it or not T20 makes money, if you are successful.

We need to be successful in T20 otherwise valuable support will drop off.

Let us see how we get on against Kent tonight, who only a few days ago, but for a 30 odd last wicket partnership, would have inflicted a 100 run defeat.

To me that is certainly close to lowest of the low.

[dazedpenguin]

Essex won the toss and will field first. Unchanged team.

[SirChef26]

Bell Drummond in the runs against us again? Standard, very good player.

[SirChef26]

Restricted them to a nice manageable total, made even easier by DLS and managed to spectacularly bottle it by collapsing in the powerplay. Only at Essex!

[Reddevil]

On the face of it, 59 runs in five overs looks steep but with good batsmen, achievable.

Sadly this does not apply to Essex currently.

Lambs to slaughter.

We appear to have bought our overseas player from the bargain basement of international cricket. Not even a bargain.

Where do we go from here?

[nat]

Could be worse. We could be Middx supporters.

[Valentines Park]

Bell Drummond in the runs against us again? Standard, very good player.

That was the worst 50 I've ever seen.

Virtually every run was a top edge.

[Can the Can]

Think some need to get a grip, comments about lowest of the low etc, we have enjoyed unprecedented success over the last 5 years, none that any of us could imagined, and punched well above our weight in beating all the TMG counties to prizes.

Yes we have struggled of late to an extent in 4 days cricket (relatively to the table topping) but we have always been up and down in T20, and yes we all know there are areas of improvement needed in the team but as all again, apart from the likes of Notts and Surrey, counties have the same issues. Its all relative.

If we were getting thrashed every game then yes complain. We are not. We are averagely competitive so in T20 this year (we should have another win apart from a complete brain melt, like we almost did last night), and under par in 4 day cricket by our own recent standards, but probably at about the right level given our financial status in the game, above worcs, derby, durham and below the TMG counties.

Also some of the selection and performances in the T20 are odd to us, but they always have been and likely always will be. By all means call out poor performances like RTD's seeming demise in T20, but don't get hysterical...lowest of the low comments indeed...jeez!

SPOT ON

[Valentines Park]

Could be worse. We could be Middx supporters.

They've always been rubbish at one day cricket though.

[Andy]

Could be worse. We could be Middx supporters.

At least they have a nice ground, well they rent a nice ground.

[Valentines Park]

Could be worse. We could be Middx supporters.

Turfed out to Radlett for most of this season.

Perhaps they'll rename themselves Herts.

At least they have a nice ground, well they rent a nice ground.

[Captain Slaphead]

On the face of it, 59 runs in five overs looks steep but with good batsmen, achievable.

Surely the DLS target only became as high as 59 runs due to the (reckless) loss of 4 wickets?
It would have been considerably lower at the outset, & you would hope that the batsmen were sent out knowing what the DLS figure would be for no wickets, one wicket, etc??