***Official*** English Domestic Season 2009

[oitoitoi]

As I said to my Dad, doesn't really matter the standard of the bowling to be honest, was timing the ball well and thats about all that matters. When he's out of form with the bat it really doesn't matter what the bowling is like he will get out to it, most likely trying to clear mid off and not succeeding, because thats what he tries to do when he can't hit it off the square.

um....not sure I'd agree with that, it's an awful lot easier to time an 80 mph ball that does nothing and that's on a length than 90+mph swinging delivery. basically I'm pretty sure that even in the worst form Flintoff would thump me out of the park, but that wouldn't make me confident that he could give Johnson and co anything like similar treatment.

 

[oitoitoi]

It's good to see Cook has had a run with some limited-overs cricket. I think it'll be good for his development as a player in the long run. It was interesting to hear Langer talk about Cook, in the last Ashes series I think it was. He was saying that he thought if he added a wider range of scoring shots to his play, it would make him a better test player.

I'd like to see him in the ODI side, he's probably not going to ever tear international attacks apart, but he's an infinitely better long term prospect than luke wright.

 

[PhoenixFire]

um....not sure I'd agree with that, it's an awful lot easier to time an 80 mph ball that does nothing and that's on a length than 90+mph swinging delivery. basically I'm pretty sure that even in the worst form Flintoff would thump me out of the park, but that wouldn't make me confident that he could give Johnson and co anything like similar treatment.

Yeah but the difference between Johnson and Co and the bowlers Flintoff was belting today is obviously a huge amount smaller than you and your mates and the bowlers he was thumping today.

Obviously nobody is saying that he is going to waltz up and smash Mitchell Johnson out of the park, but the signs are very good.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Murdered Park out there, didn't he? Cork suggesting there's a little history there.

Better batsman when he doesn't overthink it.

I think Park got Law & Flintoff out with his medium pacers a season or two back in FC cricket.

 

[aussie]

Damn...i dont know how to react to Cook's performance

 

[superkingdave]

Damn...i dont know how to react to Cook's performance

exothermically?

 

[PhoenixFire]

Dominic Cork does speak a load of crap when he is commentating. Went on about how Croft bowls a 'heavy' ball and then tried to explain it in terms of the ball hitting the bat harder than a different ball at the same pace. Unmitigated nonsense, obviously, Croft just bowls faster than his action and run up would suggest, that's all. Bowled very well today though.

 

[superkingdave]

****in Durham, get some decent weather or go back to the minor counties...

 

[stumpski]

Incredible comeback from Somerset in the TV game. Were 23-4 chasing 174 against Notts, Kieswetter has been awesome. 82 now off 36 balls.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Looks like Kolpakshire v Durham for a quarter final spot. Fancy Durham to take it given their recent form.

 

[zaremba]

It's good to see Cook has had a run with some limited-overs cricket. I think it'll be good for his development as a player in the long run. It was interesting to hear Langer talk about Cook, in the last Ashes series I think it was. He was saying that he thought if he added a wider range of scoring shots to his play, it would make him a better test player.

I read an interview with Cook a couple of years ago in which he was asked which other player he aims to emulate. He said Matt Hayden and referred to Hayden's ability to dominate bowlers. It seemed an absolutely ridiculous comparison to draw because their approach to batting seemed so different, but it's interesting to see him now starting to put together some fast-scoring limited overs innings. Watch this space...

 

[grecian]

Andre Nel being his typically charming self for Surrey.

 

[PhoenixFire]

Andre Nel being his typically charming self for Surrey.

Haha, he was absolutely furious. TBH though, I'd rather have someone like Nel who gives a crap about doing well, rather than some Kolpak just turning up for the money and putting no effort in.

 

[Manee]

Haha, he was absolutely furious. TBH though, I'd rather have someone like Nel who gives a crap about doing well, rather than some Kolpak just turning up for the money and putting no effort in.

Definitely. He loves his cricket. If he crosses the line, fine him, suspend him, just let him get on with it. It is entertaining and shows true committment.

 

[FBU]

Afzaal must be one of the worst fielders I have ever seen.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Durham getting off to a flyer again against Leicester chasing a modest total. Will be very annoyed if they don't win from here.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Durham through. Nice one.

 

[jakob1978]

Durham through. Nice one.

Yep...good win today.

As much as I still think that splitting the Twenty20 league games into 2 halves either side of the World Cup was a stupid bit of scheduling, I have to admit it seems to have done wonders for Durham.
Before the break - played 6, won 2, lost 4
After - played 4, won 3, 1 abandoned.

 

[brockley]

Will they get dave warner back for the finals and the pro 40.

 

[fredfertang]

VVS looking ominously hungry for runs - is Lancashire's batting going to come together at last?