Good timing for a mid-season review.
Code:
[B]Sheffield Shield - Points Table[/B]
[U]Team[/U] [U]Points[/U]
QLD 30
WA 20
TAS 16
VIC 12
NSW 8
SA 2
Code:
[B]Ryobi Cup - Points Table[/B]
[U]Team[/U] [U]Points[/U]
TAS 18
QLD 17
VIC 13
SA 13
NSW 12
WA 0
Enjoying the Sheffield Shield and Ryobi Cup more than ever this season. Key positives:
- South Australia at the bottom of the Shield table.
- High number of Shield games that eventuate in close day four results
- Pitches have allowed batsmen, pacers and spinners an opportunity. Last season was ridiculous the number of medium pacers averaging less than 25.
- Ryobi Cup format is near spot-on.
- Cricket Australia streaming is more enjoyable than ever. Stability issues need addressing; however spreading Shield cricket to the masses has been a revelation. I have noted on this forum the awareness of domestic players has never been higher, and I attribute that to a greater viewing audience.
- South Australia at the bottom of the Shield table.
My pick for the Sheffield Shield XI of the mid-season is as follows:
1. C Rogers (492 runs @ 44.72)
2. W Townsend (502 runs @ 50.20)
3. M Klinger (538 runs @ 48.90)
4. P Forrest (581 runs @ 58.10)
5. M Wade (316 runs @ 63.20)
6. D Christian (475 runs @ 59.37) (10 wickets @ 49.70)
7. P Nevill (472 runs @ 67.42)
8. G Maxwell (355 runs @ 35.50) (14 wickets @ 30.92)
9. N Rimmington (122 runs @ 40.66) (14 wickets @ 23.57)
10. B Cutting (24 wickets @ 15.54)
11. M Hogan (32 wickets @ 21.65)
Also an interesting excerise to review my predictions at the start of the season.
Predictions for the season?
Sheffield Shield
Winner: NSW - Negative
Runner up: Tasmania - Good chance with the Final likely to be played in Brisbane
Wooden spoon: Western Australia - Negative
Most runs: Simon Katich - Slight chance. I was expecting a Bevan-like season from Katich in 2011/2012
Most wickets: Luke Butterworth - Please stay fit
Ryobi Cup:
Winner: Victoria - Victory in last three games gives us a chance
Runner up: NSW - No chance
Wooden spoon: Western Australia - Spot on
Most runs: George Bailey - Negative
Most wickets: Nathan Rimmington - Terrible call. I will be pleased if McDermott wins