The Essex CCC Thread

[MrB]

64-3, looking good.

 

[number11]

5 runs needed and they take lunch!! You think they would have squeezed in an extra over!!

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

5 runs needed and they take lunch!! You think they would have squeezed in an extra over!!

You've got to remember who is at the crease. Matt Walker will be keen on an extra lunch.

 

[BLUEBLOOD]

Nearly there 5 need with 7 wickets in hand

I was amongst a few posters deriding the Walker signing in the close season, but after guiding us to a 7 wicket win on Sunday it appears he's doing the same again with an unbeaten 44

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Nearly there 5 need with 7 wickets in hand

I was amongst a few posters deriding the Walker signing in the close season, but after guiding us to a 7 wicket win on Sunday it appears he's doing the same again with an unbeaten 44

I think it helps having a left-handed batsman in there as well.

BTW what has happened to Maunders?

 

[BILLERICAY BLUE]

Won by 7 wickets, good start to the season boys.

 

[MrB]

Unbeaten! Though you think that a promotion winning side would need to beat the likes of Derbyshire if we're to seriously be considered contenders. I just can't see us being strong enough to maintain a run of wins, particularly if Ravi performs well and forces his way into the Ashes squad (though I think that's fairly unlikely).

 

[BLUEBLOOD]

I think it helps having a left-handed batsman in there as well.

BTW what has happened to Maunders?

Well it certainly looks like he's added a bit of balance, and i think Maunders is destined for a 2nd XI career, or even one away from the county perhaps

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Unbeaten! Though you think that a promotion winning side would need to beat the likes of Derbyshire if we're to seriously be considered contenders. I just can't see us being strong enough to maintain a run of wins, particularly if Ravi performs well and forces his way into the Ashes squad (though I think that's fairly unlikely).

Ravi scored a hundred in his last test innings so it shouldn't be that unlikely.

 

[MrB]

Ravi scored a hundred in his last test innings so it shouldn't be that unlikely.

Assuming a 5 man attack including Flintoff would he be in your XI?

Not sure Ravi's bowling is up to test match quality yet so can't see him being chosen for that. I can see him being in squads but assuming Flintoff/Prior at 6 and 7 there doesn't seem to be a place for Ravi.

 

[number11]

Assuming a 5 man attack including Flintoff would he be in your XI?

Not sure Ravi's bowling is up to test match quality yet so can't see him being chosen for that. I can see him being in squads but assuming Flintoff/Prior at 6 and 7 there doesn't seem to be a place for Ravi.

On Essex's form, nice to get a win early in the season. A draw and a win is not too bad with the first match in overcast conditions and the second on a bit of a minefield. I agree Derbyshire look cack on paper but at least we got a draw....and I note they bowled Statski's Surrey out for 130 odd yesterday.



I agree with you B, I can't see Ravi getting in if we are playing Flintoff as 5th bowler. Ravi seems to have been left out of a lot of the press reports on who is getting the last batting place. He has probably gone ahead of Shah, but most attention seems to be on Bell, who has been included in the lions and has two tons this season, and Vaughan, who unfortunately was out to Harmison for just 24 today. If Ravi had played the county games and got some big scored he may have been considered but I can't see it happening now until later in the summer...and even then it will only be due to failures on those chosen ahead of him. Also, England dont seem to consider him a number 3 unlike Vaughan and Bell. With KP selfishly reluctant to do this role then I think Essex may be benefitting from Ravi's services for a few extra games.

 

[canveyshrimper]

I don't think that Ravi will make the test side this summer, I am sure that Bell or Vaughan will get the number 3 berth. Although he's a shoo in for the one day side.

A quick mention for David Masters who finished with more than tidy match figures of 6 for 28. Good start to the season for Essex considering that Cook, Bopara, Napier & Kaneria are on the missing list.

 

[BLUEBLOOD]

A quick mention for David Masters who finished with more than tidy match figures of 6 for 28.

From 28 overs to boot ... its always handy to have someone who can nail down one end (his wickets are a bonus of course) and this is something Masters has achieved with aplomb since joining us, one of our best signings in recent seasons i'd say

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Assuming a 5 man attack including Flintoff would he be in your XI?

Not sure Ravi's bowling is up to test match quality yet so can't see him being chosen for that. I can see him being in squads but assuming Flintoff/Prior at 6 and 7 there doesn't seem to be a place for Ravi.

Big assumption that Flintoff is going to stay fit all summer!

I'm undecided as to my test line-up, the big question is as England lack a natural no.3 do they go the route of an extra opener or another number 5 and push KP up to 3?

If Vaughan is in form I go with him, otherwise it is a battle between Key, Bopara, Shah and Bell. I'd favour Bopara over Shah and Bell, but am undecided between him and Key as they are very different types of players. As Cook will be lacking match practice, I'd be tempted to leave him out and go with Key and Bopara for the West Indies, with Cook to return once he's got some games (and runs) under his belt.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Big assumption that Flintoff is going to stay fit all summer!

I'm undecided as to my test line-up, the big question is as England lack a natural no.3 do they go the route of an extra opener or another number 5 and push KP up to 3?

If Vaughan is in form I go with him, otherwise it is a battle between Key, Bopara, Shah and Bell. I'd favour Bopara over Shah and Bell, but am undecided between him and Key as they are very different types of players. As Cook will be lacking match practice, I'd be tempted to leave him out and go with Key and Bopara for the West Indies, with Cook to return once he's got some games (and runs) under his belt.

Two and a bit hours later:'(:'(

 

[number11]

Two and a bit hours later:'(:'(

Good spot YB. I guess this is the best chance we have of 'wrapping him up in cotton wool' so he can be wheeled out for the ashes....just hope he can avoid any niggles. Big chance for RAvi to get in at 6 now, unless the selectors want to pick both Vaughan and Bell and let them have a shoot out for number 3!!

 

[Exiled Shrimper]

...BTW what has happened to Maunders?

John Maunders is currently on the injured list, having sustained a hairline fracture in his upper back whilst training on the pre-season tour to Dubai. He's due to make a return to action towards the end of April, although he didn't feature in the recent Essex-Kent combined Second XI defeat to Durham at Billericay. In truth, I don't think he'd feature in Essex's first eleven too often, but he is useful back-up. As I posted previously, I'm hoping that Varun Chopra is going to make his big breakthrough this summer.

Another player on the injured list (as he usually seems to be) is Tim Phillips. He's a very useful cricketer, especially in limited overs cricket, and he is also due to return shortly.

 

[The General]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8017786.stm

Ravi outshines KP!

:)

 

[The General]

Essex: Gallian, Cook, Chopra, Mickleburgh, Foster (C/W), Westley, Flower, Middlebrook, Westfield, Ahmed, Chambers
West Indies: Smith, Richards, Simmons (W), Chanderpaul, Deonarine, Nash, Bernard, Sammy (C), Baker, Richardson, Pascal


Gallian's gone early doors but good to see Cooky back in the team. Young bowling attack. Will be interesting to see how they do today/tomorrow!

Kev

 

[Grayson]

Chopra has had a great start to the season. Hopefully he will solve the problem with Ravi potentially getting in the England test squad.

Great 84* in the IPL for Ravi yesterday too. KP got 0.