No 15, June 2 - The Grumbler's County Cricket Newsletter
Last round of games before Blast off | ECB-ESL fans link | 'Why do I have to wear a mask in the stands?' | Rock stars at county games | Have counties broken ICC regulations? | The talented Mr Tawanda
It is the last week of County Championship games before the Blast begins. As much as I love T20s (and I’ll be covering them here), the four-day game is simply the more exciting format these days. It is like a gourmet, five-course meal with fine conversation as opposed to scoffing down a McDonald’s on your way home after a night down the pub. After all, six after six after six is hardly a varied cricket diet and it can all make you feel a little queasy. The contenders for the top conference in Super September are already being whittled down. For those looking with dread at the also-ran divisions late on this season, the short-form fare cannot arrive soon enough.
This week’s games
Click on each team for a different preview of that match.
Yorkshire v Sussex
Worcestershire v Durham
Essex v Nottinghamshire
Derbyshire v Warwickshire
Kent v Northamptonshire
Glamorgan v Lancashire
Somerset v Hampshire
Leicestershire v Gloucestershire
Rachael Hayhoe Flint Trophy news
Week 8 recaps
LVCC Team of the Week: Round 8 (Deep Extra Cover)
The Final Over of the Week in County Cricket – 31 May 2021 (99.94)
County cricket talking points: Lancs still unbeaten after Roses triumph (Guardian)
Wisden’s County Championship team of May (Wisden)
Tweet of the Week 1
News, Views and Interviews
A Pain in the Harris (Middlesex Till I Die)
A truly awful game for a Middlesex fan to blog about but, then again, it did not matter because the author was simply watching county cricket again. I will not see my beloved Essex play a four-day game at home until September at the earliest as I missed out in the ballot for Nottinghamshire tickets. It is a shame, but with only 1000 fans allowed in over the course of that game, around 600 for the previous one, and 5000 eager members, my chances were always less than one in three.
Members are crucial to county cricket, they need a voice now more than ever (Telegraph) ($)
An important piece from Nick Hoult in the Telegraph and I wrote something similar it in The Cricket Paper a few weeks ago too. As usual, fans have not been allowed a voice in the recent developments of the game (according to departing Surrey CEO Richard Gould, so have counties). We donated our membership fees in our thousands last season for one reason - we care. The recent history of the Premier League should tell you that supporters should not be ignored but the more arrogant powers-that-be will always try their best and, as Hoult writes, "cricket is not a sport with the punch of football. It would not have politicians jumping up and down to save it from private investors. There would not be the outpouring of anger like there was towards the ESL if domestic cricket fell prey to financial greed so, for the members, if they want to have influence, it is down to them to ensure it happens."
Make no mistake, private investment arrives at any enterprise with two issues in mind - how much will I make and how will I exit? These are questions sports fans never, ever ask. If anyone tells you venture capital is good for traditional sports clubs, then they can only see the money, not the game
To do your bit, join the The Cricket Supporters now, it's free.
A game of reminiscing (The Cricketer)
More quality penmanship from Paul Edwards. It is just a piece about a painting of a cricket match but it is the meaning the writer injects into the artwork. Without that, the game is just a bunch people in a field throwing, hitting and catching a hard, red leather ball. And we all know it is much more than that.
'Masks off in the pub but on while watching cricket outside? Madness!' (Worcester News)
Bob from Fernhill Heath is not happy about wearing a mask at New Road. I can almost hear his harrumph from here. One of the comments does explain the reason, however it is drowned out by more harrumphing from another complainant.
Then another commenter chips in: "Who to believe; Frank (who posts on the message board of the Worcester News) or Chris Witty?"
Quite.
Why cricket's best YouTube channel is under threat (The Cricket Paper)
My piece from The Cricket Paper this week. On this page there is a link to the podcast I produced with Roblinda2. Take a listen.
Razorlight and Editors band members spotted at Gloucestershire cricket club (Gloucestershire Live)
I recently read Derek Pringle's autobiography in which he talked about Eric Clapton turning up at a game due to Ian Botham's presence and playing an impromptu post-match gig in a pub. Much of the book is testament to Beefy's power of personality. The guy seemed to sprinkle stardust wherever he went. County cricket cannot do that these days but Razorlight and Editors will do just fine. Have you ever seen any popstars at county cricket? Let me know.
Tawanda Muyeye: asylum seeker who could become ‘best cricketer in the world (Guardian)
A buzz is growing around this 20-year-old with a deep backstory. It may be an advantage that he has to wait six years to qualify for England but, if he is that good, I'll wager a faster track will be uncovered.
Rapids captain Mooen to play for Seconds in T20 competition (Worcestershire CCC)
Blast-winning trio make Notts return (Nottinghamshire CCC)
Most counties started their T20 Blast prep with a couple of friendlies this week. And some have reintroduced their big hitters.
Netherlands beat Ireland by one run (BBC Sport)
Personally, I enjoyed the Netherlands' foray into one-day county cricket a few years ago and it is heartening to see Dutch television taking live coverage of their games for the first time.
English counties again thumb noses at mandatory release (Emerging Cricket)
I have no knowledge about these regulations and this is hardly an independent source. But are the counties not releasing players to the Netherlands and does this contravene ICC regulations?
Of course, if this were pushed then I suspect it would provoke some international retirements as the county game offers a full-time living, and associate-level international cricket does not.
Videos I like…
The story of Lara’s 501, the highest first-class innings in history, including testimony from everyone... but the man himself. I did not realise John Morris smacked him on the head the ball before the record-breaking shot. Come to think of it, I don’t think I even remember John Morris as a bowler. Oh and what a backlift Lara had. With that little wiggle at the top. Exquisite.
Links I like…
Join the Cricket Supporters Association, it’s free
County Cricket Matters - Buy the magazine direct or on Kindle
Tweet of the Week 2
Finally, let’s end on a high…
Along with Keith Miller, he was perhaps the most dashing character of the post-war era. Also, he was my Dad’s cricket hero. The old man used Brylcream to the day he died because Denis Compton advertised it. Here’s his story.
Finally, finally…
Yes, I am still plugging my book on county cricket and midlife.
Buy through Amazon or through me for an autographed copy
