westoelad wrote:Warks are going down so I'm surprised anyone wants to join. Sibley may have been told he'll start all competitions at 3 surely wouldn't get a guarantee to stay at 3 regardless. Looking at who will accompany Warks down surprised at how vulnerable Yorkshire are. Currently 36pts clear but all below them have a game in hand. Astonishingly, with Handscomb and Balance no longer available not one of their batsman averages 30 or more in the CC. That is a very worrying statistic. Squeaky bum time for the Yorkies!. Yet another example of how hoovering up other counties talent doesn't work.
County Cricket is probably the only professional sport in England where relegation is not necessarily a bad thing and gives chance teams to regroup and regain momentum. Working with a reputable coach in Ashley Giles and playing at a test venue gives budding players a platform for England selection. Surrey should be ashamed of themselves for not developing a local player, especially when scoring a double century against Yorkshire at the age of 17.
A season defining match against Essex on Sunday who will be without Cook and Westley. A lose/draw will put Yorkshire in a relegation battle, whilst a win keeps the title hopes alive.
Handscomb has done nothing of note in the Championship, except a ton against Lancashire where the match was draw bound. Marsh or Sarfraz will add that experience in the middle order. Yorkshire should be at full strength bowling wise with all bowlers fit and available, though perversely I would play Dave Willey and bat him at the top given his T20 form!
Ballance should be back for the remaining two CC matches at least, maybe all 4 if England persist with Jennings and Westley.
