County Cricket 2017 season

[st_brendy]

Nice figures for Borthwick

[Arthur Crabtree]

A win for Lancs. Great season for them. And ok for Surrey in third, though won 2 lost 2 doesn't look all that formidable. Everyone save Warks has won won more games.

Essex winners by 72 points!

[st_brendy]

Nice figures for Borthwick

Phil Mustard's declaration bowling was more economical.

[Durhamfootman]

so in effect, if Hants can hold on for the draw (or take the win), then Middlesex will have been relegated by FTECB points deductions.

and thinking about it, if Northants win (which they will) and Notts draw (almost certain), then Notts will gain promotion as a result of FTECB awarding points deductions to Northants

So the whims, discretions and digestions of FTECB officials will have decided half of the 44 promotion/relegation positions, which seems unnecessarily interfering.... and, I suppose, open to abuse, or at least open to the accusation of abuse or conflict of interest, given that some of these officials have links to other counties

[Durhamfootman]

so in effect, if Hants can hold on for the draw (or take the win), then Middlesex will have been relegated by FTECB points deductions.

and thinking about it, if Northants win (which they will) and Notts draw (almost certain), then Notts will gain promotion as a result of FTECB awarding points deductions to Northants

So the whims, discretions and digestions of FTECB officials will have decided half of the 4 promotion/relegation positions, which seems unnecessarily interfering.... and, I suppose, open to abuse, or at least open to the accusation of abuse or conflict of interest, given that some of these officials have links to other counties
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[westoelad]

So Notts got relegated last year and Middlesex this. Indicator of how shrewd our 2 England selectors are at spotting talent.

[Durhamfootman]

odd how Notts were romping away at the start of the season, and how they had to be helped over the line by the ECB at the end.

They can't blame England particularly, because Broad didn't do much other than get himself warmed up for England, when he was available. It looks as though their signing of Pattinson was the significant factor... 32 wickets in his 5 matches @12's. Without him at the start, Notts wouldn't have got anywhere near promotion

[Arthur Crabtree]

A few relieved counties right now. Yorks, Hants and Somerset. Couldn't have got much closer.

Feel pretty sorry for Northants and Middx. That's a bitter pill. You do the crime you do the time (in CC2) I suppose.

Congrats to Notts and Worcs, and what an amazing season for Essex.

An interesting season, though one I feel not helped by the two unequal divisions, the split fixture list, the reduction of games, the lack of a full home/away in CC2 etc... County cricket somehow survives, against the odds, in spite of a lack of care from its leaders.

My player of the season, Simon Harmer who always seemed to be scooping up wickets every time I looked at the scores.

[st_brendy]

odd how Notts were romping away at the start of the season, and how they had to be helped over the line by the ECB at the end.

They can't blame England particularly, because Broad didn't do much other than get himself warmed up for England, when he was available. It looks as though their signing of Pattinson was the significant factor... 32 wickets in his 5 matches @12's. Without him at the start, Notts wouldn't have got anywhere near promotion

Indeed. It's a rare example of a county really getting it right with an overseas player these days in four day cricket. (I'm excluding Jeetan, because he's basically part of the furniture now at Warks).

Did Pujara do much for Notts once he came in? Or Tahir at Derby? Did Hastings do much at Worcs? Kent seemed to have a different one each week almost. Bailey was OK for us, but we'd have wanted a whole lot more. McLaren was solid enough for Lancs I guess.

There's probably one or two out there who I've forgotten about, but I'd suggest that only Sanga & Amir can touch Pattinson this season.

[st_brendy]

I'm interested to see how Notts will cope without Read. It's not like (for example) a Foster or a Trescothick or an Ervine retiring (I'm not saying they are) - these are guys where loyalty and longevity exist, but not so much regular onfield contributions these days. But even this week, Read was still fire-fighting for Notts down the order.

There can't be many players around in county cricket who would be bigger losses. Even more so given that Tom Moores has yet to impress me.

[Arthur Crabtree]

That was Read's first ton of the season, though an important one. And not many fifties. Not sure he's the keeper he was. Fabulous player for Notts over many years, but maybe it's time. Quite a stirring contribution at the end even so.

[DiligentDefence]

That was Read's first ton of the season, though an important one. And not many fifties. Not sure he's the keeper he was. Fabulous player for Notts over many years, but maybe it's time. Quite a stirring contribution at the end even so.

Certainly a great way to finish.

[Arthur Crabtree]

My player of the season, Simon Harmer who always seemed to be scooping up wickets every time I looked at the scores.

Or Sanga!

[westoelad]

Steve Magoffin to Worcs. He's 37 year old -same age as Ottis when he joined Durham.
http://www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/n ... estershire

[captaincolly]

Steve Magoffin to Worcs. He's 37 year old -same age as Ottis when he joined Durham.
http://www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/n ... estershire

One of those left field signings that might be a great punt.

Could there be a final twist in the relegation battle? Pitch panel will announce their decision on the Somerset pitch on Monday - apparently they could technically change the "below average" umpires rating and impose a points deduction. That is probably highly unlikely but there is a suggestion that the umpires told Middlesex they would not be deducted points after the 'crossbow" abandonment only for the paperwork to be filed incorrectly! If that is true there must be a chance those two points will be reinstated and Somerset would go down!