vs Slurry

[nat]

So, Browne fails again. Das too. Pepper is not even playing so presumably he/the club have given up on him playing 4-day cricket. With Khushi injured the batting resources look thin for the 1XI game vs K*nt later this week.

[dazedpenguin]

They'll go for the same team probably, with Browne opening, Das in the squad and the choice between Buttleman and Rossington. Lawrence should be available. Although if Rymell gets a big score he could find himself opening. Just needs to take the opportunity.

As to what they do for the one day cup with Khushi injured, that's going to be a real challenge.

[JasonP]

So, Browne fails again. Das too. Pepper is not even playing so presumably he/the club have given up on him playing 4-day cricket. With Khushi injured the batting resources look thin for the 1XI game vs K*nt later this week.

There was a interview 3 days ago.  "I don't like tipping myself as just a T20 player," Pepper says. "I'm still trying to get in all the Essex teams. I've still got quite a heavy focus on four-day cricket,
He has had a hand injury so maybe they're not willing to risk him in 4 day cricket at the moment.

[JasonP]

Match abandoned due to an unfit pitch.

https://www.essexcricket.org.uk/matchzone/?tab=m_scorecard#mfa82b372-2122-4dd6-bac4-a3c51c79f507

[nat]

Match abandoned due to an unfit pitch.

https://www.essexcricket.org.uk/matchzone/?tab=m_scorecard#mfa82b372-2122-4dd6-bac4-a3c51c79f507

IIRC this is not the first such occurrence at Billericay.

[dazedpenguin]

How do they decide it's unfit? Dangerous, inconsistent bounce?

[essexfan548]

Was Beard injured? He's down as 'retired not out'

[Slogger]

Now I know my memory isn't what it was but I can't recall unfit pitch issues at the very successful mini festivals at Coggeshall and Halstead. People turned up in good numbers at those venues too. Maybe time to get back there.

[dazedpenguin]

Was Beard injured? He's down as 'retired not out'

Reading a tweet from a Surrey supporter it sounds like Beard was injured. This is verbatim:

"Micky mouse at Billericay CC as the 2nd X1 4 day game between Essex & Surrey is abandoned after 20 overs, pitch unfit. Umpires, who were not 1st class, had to ring the ECB for advice after an Essex batter went off injured"

Another tweet mentioned it was classed as a dangerous pitch. Just as well it didn't continue for longer in that case.

[dazedpenguin]

Essex have just tweeted to confirm:

"The pitch for Essex's Second XI Championship fixture against Surrey at Billericay has been deemed unfit.

After 21 overs of play, both sides agreed to abandon the match for the safety of the players."

[Perov]

How do they decide it's unfit? Dangerous, inconsistent bounce?

I was there. 4 or 5 balls "popped" and rose up very  sharply, Beard was hit on the hand and retired, McKeena fended one off  his face and was caught and bowled. There was a sharp downpour  which further livened up the pitch, and with the rain break it allowed Dunn and McKerr, to continue bowling for 19 overs  continuously. They were a handful, and the Umpires decided to ring the ECB for advice. One of the Umpires was Harris who is listed in Playfair so not a novice, although no first class games to date.   Probably the right decision, but none of the batters could be blamed for being dismissed on such a tricky surface.

[dazedpenguin]

Thanks Perov. That sounds shocking. Shades of Sabina Park in the 1998 test.I hope Beard is ok, he'll be needed in the 50 over cup.

[Crisp]

How do they decide it's unfit? Dangerous, inconsistent bounce?

I was there. 4 or 5 balls "popped" and rose up very  sharply, Beard was hit on the hand and retired, McKeena fended one off  his face and was caught and bowled. There was a sharp downpour  which further livened up the pitch, and with the rain break it allowed Dunn and McKerr, to continue bowling for 19 overs  continuously. They were a handful, and the Umpires decided to ring the ECB for advice. One of the Umpires was Harris who is listed in Playfair so not a novice, although no first class games to date.   Probably the right decision, but none of the batters could be blamed for being dismissed on such a tricky surface.

I went before the storm this morning and a couple of balls flew through, but I agree the 2 early wickets were not lost through the pitch misbehaving.
I went to the Middlesex game just 2 weeks ago and the pitch was placid.
A potential fine and Surreys expenses will be coming our way.

[Andy]

How do they decide it's unfit? Dangerous, inconsistent bounce?

I was there. 4 or 5 balls "popped" and rose up very  sharply, Beard was hit on the hand and retired, McKeena fended one off  his face and was caught and bowled. There was a sharp downpour  which further livened up the pitch, and with the rain break it allowed Dunn and McKerr, to continue bowling for 19 overs  continuously. They were a handful, and the Umpires decided to ring the ECB for advice. One of the Umpires was Harris who is listed in Playfair so not a novice, although no first class games to date.   Probably the right decision, but none of the batters could be blamed for being dismissed on such a tricky surface.

I went before the storm this morning and a couple of balls flew through, but I agree the 2 early wickets were not lost through the pitch misbehaving.
I went to the Middlesex game just 2 weeks ago and the pitch was placid.
A potential fine and Surreys expenses will be coming our way.

That’s the reason we don’t have outgrounds anymore.

[Valentines Park]

That’s the reason we don’t have outgrounds anymore.

Funny how every other county manages to make outgrounds work.
 
Danny Macklin has been gone a long while now I don't know why his legacy can't finally be binned.