Hampshire 2017 thread

[Durhamfootman]

Or is that me being over optimistic of our chances of ever winning the title in the first place!

I think so

Essex will be losing their run machine from hereon in

[st_brendy]

Can't be many, if any, sides who have had results in all their away games so far. We've been handed two thrashings, undertaken one superb run chase, and ultimately come out fairly comfortable winners in a very up and down game at Taunton, from our four games. Wonder what is in store for us this week.

Stoneman not being called up means that he'll be available for Surrey. But I did notice that Sangakarra didn't field yesterday, with strapping on his fingers. Wonder if that might put him out of this match.

Alsop has replaced Dawson in the squad (Alsop and Smith scored runs for the 2nds during the week, whereas Carberry didn't), Fidel returns in place of Salisbury (having apparently proved his fitness in that 2nd XI game), and Crane is added post England Lions duty to increase the squad to 13.

After his display with the ball, I'm happy for Holland to be given another chance (but maybe drop him down the order). It is only fair. So that's Crane, Wheal and Fidel for once spot. Presumably it goes to Crane, given no Dawson.

[st_brendy]

Sanga does indeed miss out with such an injury.

Seven bowlers plus Borthwick in their 14 man squad.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Just when you thought Rossouw might be getting a score together.

[st_brendy]

Says a lot about (a) where we think Carberry, Alsop and Smith all are with their batting, and (b) our faith in Holland's batting, that we were prepared to go with that line-up.

I get that losing Dawson really harms the balance of the team, but that's an out of form batting line-up with a batsman short. Not exactly a recipe for a big score (which, batting first at the Oval, you need).

[st_brendy]

Vince has suddenly decided to step up about four gears. Smashing it to all parts for the last couple of overs.

[budgetmeansbudget]

In consideration of recent knocks this innings is out of character for him!

[budgetmeansbudget]

Says a lot about (a) where we think Carberry, Alsop and Smith all are with their batting, and (b) our faith in Holland's batting, that we were prepared to go with that line-up.

I get that losing Dawson really harms the balance of the team, but that's an out of form batting line-up with a batsman short. Not exactly a recipe for a big score (which, batting first at the Oval, you need).

Yes but if one or two of those out of form batsmen can make a score, then with Abbott at nine there is potential for a decent total.

Always in the back of your mind is a mini collapse or two, need to stop those and we should be okay.

[st_brendy]

Unfortunately for the young kid (McKerr), the difference between D2 and D1 is quite evident right now. It's one thing taking a few wickets for Derby...

I am a huge Stuart Meaker fan; I think he'd walk into almost any bowling attack. Right now, picking McKerr over him isn't looking too bright.

[st_brendy]

Almost a bad mix up between Adams and Vince.

[st_brendy]

T Curran bowling it very wide (eventually called a wide by the umpire); Vince clearly trying - but ultimately failing - to prevent himself from going at them. Played and missed at three, connected with one for a four. 98*

[st_brendy]

Well done Vincey, top stuff! (Even if you failed to contain yourself in the previous over, and ultimately got lucky)

[budgetmeansbudget]

Dare I suggest maximum batting points?!

[budgetmeansbudget]

Almost a bad mix up between Adams and Vince.

Heard they were both at the same end!

[st_brendy]

Dare I suggest maximum batting points?!

Run rate is absolutely fine (and Berg and Abbott in particular are hardly going to slow it down - Bailey too can get a move on). So very much comes down to the wickets. Kept them intact, and we should.