Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
By Grockle et al
July 4 2021
We are moving into a phase of this season we have never been near before - there has been considerable speculation about what will happen but what does Somerset realisitically face in the 50 over competition they will be involved in while in direct competition with their own governing body and the alternative event they are offering at urban centres?
Tom Banton is presently kicking his heels in the Engand ODI bubble being called up for his country after performing out of his skin for his county. IF he does not play for England he will be released but he will not return to Somerset for long if at all.
Tom is one of 8 Somerset county players who have been attracted to the EBCs new franchise scheme across the country. Along with Tom Abell, Lewis Gregory, RvdM, Craig Overton, Tom Lammonby, Max Waller and now Will Smeed, Tom will report for his new 'job' towards the end of July and we will lose these player services for about 6 weeks while the franchise system goes through it's motions. Devon Conway will also be joining this new initiative I believe after he leaves us.
Alongside them we lose Head Coach Jason Kerr who will act as the assistant coach of one of the franchises in Cardiff. Paul Tweddle will be taking control of the county 50 over campaign under the captaincy of... well there's the first question.
We will be working to defend our Royal London 50 over title - that event sponsored under the ECB banner continues alongside the new idea.... I'm not sure that Royal London were aware of this when they took on the sponsorship but it is highly doubtful that the central administration will be marketing the 50 over tournament centrally in any way on main media formats. They will be pushing their alternative to the punters at every opportunity however in competition with... themselves?.
So what resources will we have?
Presently the county squad will include the experience of Steve Davies, James Hildreth, Marchant de Lange, Jack Brooks, Eddie Byrom, George Bartlett and Josh Davey. Jack Leach will probably be in the England bubble for the India Tests unless the selectors decide to do something stupid there as well.
The 'newbies' to the first team squad this year will be here as well Lewis Goldsworthy and Ben Green (not really a newbie as such) but we will need more than this to provide an adequate squad for a large and demanding competition. Kasey Aldridge, Ollie Sale, Ned Leonard and Sam Young will also be needed along with others who have shown some quality in the seconds this season. Sonny Baker and keeper James Rew will also be called in from the Academy list and the others in that group may find themselves as important backups as the tournament moves on.
For all that we may feel hamstrung by this lunacy from the ECB, there are some exciting prospects because of the theft of 2 thirds of our white ball first team. Young players may get early exposure to full blown first team experience because of the absences. THAT is the prospect in front of supporters who will not be zooming up to Cardiff to watch the ECB version of 'West Country' short format games.
Taunton is not called into action by the new event and so we can play at home when we have home games, something not possible for eight county sides. We have an audience if the club is sensible about how it sells this competition. Depending on the effect of the new scheme on other squads there could be some very competitive 50 over games - the counties fought to be able to play their more experienced players. The ECB would have liked them to have been inelligible for what they first called a 'development programme' and then tried to sell as an opportuinity to return to outground and festival cricket.
The politics of it all is for somewhere else, the local support will have the opportunity to ''support' and I for one am quite interested in what the side we can put out will be able to do. Based around a first team core and includiing some of our most exciting younger players we could pose many sides some real problems.
Batting is once again a problem because the majority of our remaining first team is part of the poorly performing front end of both the Championship and T20 squad, Apart from Steve Davies (who may not keep if James Rew is included) and James Hildreth we will rely heavily on Eddie, George, Lewis and Ben for runs. Most of them have not had a wonderful first half of the season. Lewis will also be given the role of slow bowler, though I think Sam Young is also a slow man.
I would expect the main bowling to be dealt with by the experience of de Lange, Brooks and Davey but Sale, Aldridge, Leonard and Baker will also be looking to make steps forward. If we need to rota the older players then the younger ones are there for that evenuality and if they do the job they are also there as competition for places and hopefully they will be given that opportunity
So we move towards something we have little control over. The initiative will do what it will do and Somerset will have to make the best of what we have. Will the fans come? Will they watch the TV instead? Can the squad we have put up a stiff enough resistance to other counties in order to make a formidable defence of our title?
I don't know, I'm not sure anyone does. It's all a 'moveable feast' and could be really so much better than expected. Personally I don't really care. I will not be travelling to Cardiff, I never personally had any intention of doing so. My county don't play in Cardiff. For the duration of the ECB 'foible', players who have represented Somerset but have gone elsewhere do not represent my county. Those who turn out for the county at Taunton or away in Royal London 50 over games are my county and deserve my support.
What that brings is important to me and should be important to you. The rest is irrelevant to the summer. The consequences of the 'balls up' elsewhere comes later. Hopefully after we fight for the cup in the final at Trent Bridge after having a succesful campaign in games we can control
See you for the real games in July people. Let's keep our county alive and watch it kick.
Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockles.com (IP Logged)
Date: 04/07/2021 20:59
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:27:12:47:44 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:27:12:47:44 by Grockle.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 04/07/2021 21:45
I’m quite looking forward to this competition to see some of the younger players.
I would hope that we won’t use Davey and MDL too much in the 50 over stuff, since we need them fit for what one would hope will be a CC1 campaign in September. I fully expect some of our guys going to Graves’ abomination to come back injured, so we need to at least keep the ones under our control fit!
I definitely think Kasey Aldridge will see some action in this thing, not least because he can also bat. I hope to see some of Baker and Leonard. Ben Green will have the chance to build on his impressive bowling in the two most recent T20 games. Eddie Byrom may have the chance to play himself back into form and, thus, back into the red ball picture.
As for Ollie Sale? I believe he is still injured, is he not?
That guy, Kervelas, seems to have vanished from the seconds. I was hoping we might sign him for some depth but wasn’t sure if he’s eligible to be signed. Maybe he will pop up again in time for this.
I would hope that we won’t use Davey and MDL too much in the 50 over stuff, since we need them fit for what one would hope will be a CC1 campaign in September. I fully expect some of our guys going to Graves’ abomination to come back injured, so we need to at least keep the ones under our control fit!
I definitely think Kasey Aldridge will see some action in this thing, not least because he can also bat. I hope to see some of Baker and Leonard. Ben Green will have the chance to build on his impressive bowling in the two most recent T20 games. Eddie Byrom may have the chance to play himself back into form and, thus, back into the red ball picture.
As for Ollie Sale? I believe he is still injured, is he not?
That guy, Kervelas, seems to have vanished from the seconds. I was hoping we might sign him for some depth but wasn’t sure if he’s eligible to be signed. Maybe he will pop up again in time for this.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 04/07/2021 22:21
I'm not sure where Ollie Sale is in terms of coming back. I think Aldridge is back to full fitness but Ollie may be considerably further back.
This was about the time of assessment of the second half of the season for him so we ought to know soon. I'd rather we used Leonard and Baker myself and let Sale get back to full fitness.
This was about the time of assessment of the second half of the season for him so we ought to know soon. I'd rather we used Leonard and Baker myself and let Sale get back to full fitness.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Somerset LaLaLa (IP Logged)
Date: 04/07/2021 22:21
I'll be going to all the home 50 over matches and hopefully a few away ones as well. It's a great competition and a fantastic day out, the right length for a limited over contest. I will be gutted if Somerset don't progress as we have a decent history in this type of competition to uphold. A few friends of mine are coming, some who haven't been for 2 years and others for the first time, especially as it's in the summer holidays. It won't matter to them who is in the team.
Don't care less about watching or following the Hundred
Don't care less about watching or following the Hundred
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 04/07/2021 22:40
Good job, La La La
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: That Bloke With The Dog (IP Logged)
Date: 04/07/2021 23:02
Assuming Hollins finally lifts his capricious ban on dogs and arbitrary demand for masks, I'll be at all these games. They'll be my first visit to the ground since 2019, and I'm really looking forward to them. There'll be some hungry young cricketers competing against each other, and I reckon even their older, and perhaps more jaded colleagues will enjoy the contests too once they step out into the sun at Taunton in front of a properly enthusiastic crowd of Somerset supporters.
But, as I said, in my case my presence rests entirely on Hollins ditching the masks and the dogs ban.
But, as I said, in my case my presence rests entirely on Hollins ditching the masks and the dogs ban.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2021 08:12
Ollie Sale was doing laps of the ground during interval plus sprints later in day. So he looked like being not far off fitness wise. But whether his shoulders are yet ready for cricket......
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2021 14:35
Hope you get to watch some cricket TBWTD.
Walking around the ground over the last couple of days has at times felt a little like wandering amongst a plethora of Hannibal Lecter lookalikes !
Now, where are my fava beans ?
Grizzers
Walking around the ground over the last couple of days has at times felt a little like wandering amongst a plethora of Hannibal Lecter lookalikes !
Now, where are my fava beans ?
Grizzers
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2021 14:51
You left them next to the Chianti.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: brt1919 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2021 14:01
2 years ago I wouldn’t say I was remotely excited about the 100 but I did think I’d take my girlfriend along to a few matches & enjoy the experience at least. And bearing in mind how little Somerset cricket there is when restrictions are fully lifted, I had a look the other day at the 100 site. The Oval is my nearest ground, but looking at the team, it just did nothing for me. I think for me to enjoy paying a lot of money to watch any sporting contest, I need to be able to care about who wins, I want to feel the tension, elation, despair etc etc. And I just can’t do that.
I guess we’ll see in 3 years or so what the real effect of the 100 is. Maybe it’ll be a huge success bringing more people into cricket. But I just can’t see that at the moment, T20 already does that job with near full capacity crowds. I think a ticket for the Oval was £35 or so & I get to see less cricket than a T20. If domestic cricket is geared up to benefit the England team, how does making the 50 over comp effectively a second X1 comp & having the best players play a completely different format do that?
But I’ll certainly be aiming to watch more of the 50 over matches whatever side Somerset are able to put out, because I’ll be watching something that matters to me.
I guess we’ll see in 3 years or so what the real effect of the 100 is. Maybe it’ll be a huge success bringing more people into cricket. But I just can’t see that at the moment, T20 already does that job with near full capacity crowds. I think a ticket for the Oval was £35 or so & I get to see less cricket than a T20. If domestic cricket is geared up to benefit the England team, how does making the 50 over comp effectively a second X1 comp & having the best players play a completely different format do that?
But I’ll certainly be aiming to watch more of the 50 over matches whatever side Somerset are able to put out, because I’ll be watching something that matters to me.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2021 14:30
Presently the event website is offering free tickets for up to 6 games
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2021 14:32
😝 🤣 🤪
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: cricketharris (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2021 19:53
The first two Welsh team games are sold out according to the 100 website.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2021 20:57
😝
If you count the fact that people agreed to receive free tickets as *sold* out, then sure…
If you count the fact that people agreed to receive free tickets as *sold* out, then sure…
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2021 21:02
Oh how I would love to care.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 14:04
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 14:28
Awful.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 14:40
The Twitterverse speculation is that the RLOD will be cancelled if there is any issue about COVID
Ben Green has also been announced as the captain for the 50 over. Good luck to him if he ever gets a side on the pitch!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:14:14:40:52 by Grockle.
Ben Green has also been announced as the captain for the 50 over. Good luck to him if he ever gets a side on the pitch!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:14:14:40:52 by Grockle.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 14:51
Yep, good luck Ben!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 14:56
Decision on Royal London tomorrow!!!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 16:35
The ECB press 'spin' team will be hard at work over the next few days.
Just wondering how having masses of County Grounds devoid of any action whatever over the next six weeks, in peak summer, during the school holidays is going to be communicated as some sort of victory. What are the 'non hundred' players supposed to do, stay at home and weed their gardens ?
Potentially just a horrendous situation for Counties, who once again have sold memberships in good faith, only to be unable to deliver anything.
Ah well, we can always buy an extra packet of KP Crisps and enjoy the rap music can't we.
That'll put everything to rights.
Grizzers
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:14:16:36:24 by Grizzers.
Just wondering how having masses of County Grounds devoid of any action whatever over the next six weeks, in peak summer, during the school holidays is going to be communicated as some sort of victory. What are the 'non hundred' players supposed to do, stay at home and weed their gardens ?
Potentially just a horrendous situation for Counties, who once again have sold memberships in good faith, only to be unable to deliver anything.
Ah well, we can always buy an extra packet of KP Crisps and enjoy the rap music can't we.
That'll put everything to rights.
Grizzers
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:14:16:36:24 by Grizzers.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 16:40
I bet Hundred delayed to Sep once they realise how bad Covid is, CC cancelled and all contracted county pros put on standby for the ECB’s folly.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 22:15
Personally I don't see how Covid is going to be much better in September and although the 'close contact' isolation regs may be dropped by then I can still see repeated infections occurring within county and Hundred squads. Vaccination may help - and more players will have been fully vaxxed by September- but it won't prevent all infection and transmission.
And of course if they delay the Hundred for a month they will be running it through September, outside of the school holiday period and at a time of year when dvdnjngs likely chilly at best and wet at worst.
And of course if they delay the Hundred for a month they will be running it through September, outside of the school holiday period and at a time of year when dvdnjngs likely chilly at best and wet at worst.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: nelliec (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2021 23:21
Can’t the ECB just admit that it’s going to be impossible to bring together 18 counties,6 or 7 countries,along with management and back room staff from all over the world,and then bring players in and out of this giant bubble without introducing any COVID.
The hundred won’t escape this.
They are even on about the test team playing possibly one or two games and then moving to their own bubble.
The hundred won’t escape this.
They are even on about the test team playing possibly one or two games and then moving to their own bubble.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 07:13
Bagpuss - as you say, vaccnination is likely to help a good deal.... I expect mid-September to be the point at which Covid cases will probably be lowest (the lowest point between the final week of July and, very possibly, the end of the year, that is). Current epidemiological consensus seems to be that this fourth wave is expected to peak in mid-August.
After that, a combination of vaccination rates, natural immunity and the school holidays are expected to lead to case loads diminishing, rather than growing.
Obviously, schools will then go back in the first week of September, people will start to spend more time indoors and there's a risk that cases will start to go back up again, from mid-September onwards.
Of course, September is liable to be worse, temperature wise, for running the Hundred and the ECB would have missed the school holidays... BUT.. unless the ECB bubble everyone for the Hundred then I don't see that there's any possibility whatsoever of successfully running the competition as anything other than a Vaudville spectacular during the month of August! I suppose the ECB will end up ordering all Hundred participants to bubble? In doing so, I suspect they would lose even more overseas players, however!!
After that, a combination of vaccination rates, natural immunity and the school holidays are expected to lead to case loads diminishing, rather than growing.
Obviously, schools will then go back in the first week of September, people will start to spend more time indoors and there's a risk that cases will start to go back up again, from mid-September onwards.
Of course, September is liable to be worse, temperature wise, for running the Hundred and the ECB would have missed the school holidays... BUT.. unless the ECB bubble everyone for the Hundred then I don't see that there's any possibility whatsoever of successfully running the competition as anything other than a Vaudville spectacular during the month of August! I suppose the ECB will end up ordering all Hundred participants to bubble? In doing so, I suspect they would lose even more overseas players, however!!
"This feels like the beginning of the end for the County game," (David Hopps)
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 07:16
Bleak, bleak, bleak - thanks ECB! (and Boris the idiot -- for your Covid policy!)
[www.espncricinfo.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:15:07:25:20 by AGod.
[www.espncricinfo.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:15:07:25:20 by AGod.
Re: "This feels like the beginning of the end for the County game," (David Hopps)
Posted by: Roger ivanhoe (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 10:14
AGod While you continue to take a knock at the current government over the handling of Covid , you have not enlightened this forum as to how you would have dealt with this world wide epidemic any differently.
Re: "This feels like the beginning of the end for the County game," (David Hopps)
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 10:31
I would have:
A) Cut flights from China the day that China confirmed human-to-human transmission. And cut flights from Italy / Spain the moment widespread transmission there became obvious.
Locked down as soon as we started to get widespread community transmission here - and most emphatically NOT have had an absurd week where the pubs were left open but people were advised not to go to them, as Boris the Incompetent did (that week of mind-blowing stupidity alone is estimated to have cost tens of thousands of lives).
C) I most certainly would not be throwing away all the rules now - in a situation where we have partial vaccination, combined with rapidly escalating caseloads. Since same is a recipe for encouraging mutations. Realistically, in terms of confined spaces inside, both social distancing and masks need to be maintained until we have completed the vaccination programme.
And, no, this isn’t hindsight in respect of lockdowns since we already had the experience of China, Italy and Spain to guide us. Thus, it was already known that lockdown was the requisite countermeasure to limit cases. Those countries were the canary in the coal mine but our incompetent government chose to hide in obviously absurd statements such as “There’s no reason to worry, the NHS is supremely well-prepared for pandemics.”
The first day I heard Matt Hancock say that? I ordered a rather good protective mask as that statement told me that the Govt was absurdly complacent or dishonest or both, in terms of Covid.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:15:11:04:35 by AGod.
A) Cut flights from China the day that China confirmed human-to-human transmission. And cut flights from Italy / Spain the moment widespread transmission there became obvious.
Locked down as soon as we started to get widespread community transmission here - and most emphatically NOT have had an absurd week where the pubs were left open but people were advised not to go to them, as Boris the Incompetent did (that week of mind-blowing stupidity alone is estimated to have cost tens of thousands of lives).
C) I most certainly would not be throwing away all the rules now - in a situation where we have partial vaccination, combined with rapidly escalating caseloads. Since same is a recipe for encouraging mutations. Realistically, in terms of confined spaces inside, both social distancing and masks need to be maintained until we have completed the vaccination programme.
And, no, this isn’t hindsight in respect of lockdowns since we already had the experience of China, Italy and Spain to guide us. Thus, it was already known that lockdown was the requisite countermeasure to limit cases. Those countries were the canary in the coal mine but our incompetent government chose to hide in obviously absurd statements such as “There’s no reason to worry, the NHS is supremely well-prepared for pandemics.”
The first day I heard Matt Hancock say that? I ordered a rather good protective mask as that statement told me that the Govt was absurdly complacent or dishonest or both, in terms of Covid.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:15:11:04:35 by AGod.
Re: "This feels like the beginning of the end for the County game," (David Hopps)
Posted by: Roger ivanhoe (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 11:50
AGod Fair enough, but while many of us are happy to take and accept the advice the Medical experts given, along the the Government ruling, there are so many people who do not or will not take on board the advice and guidelines.
Media suggested at some point that 50% were happy to comply with the guidelines, while the other 50% were not, as seen by the protesters at various locations etc. You then have those that say Covid is a Hoax, and then those mindless people who chose to use civil liberties as an excuse to ignore advise/rules.
Very easy for you to say you would not throw away all the rules now, but which rules do you keep and which ones should go, so many of us have different circumstances along with reasons to keep or remove restrictions.
Personally I totally agree with your point C in your posting, and I am concerned what lies ahead in the next twelve months in terms of the variations in Covid.
Whatever your Political views, any party in charge under the current circumstances would struggle to keep people happy IMHO.
China has a lot to answer for I feel, but are very unlikely to acknowledge the fact.
Media suggested at some point that 50% were happy to comply with the guidelines, while the other 50% were not, as seen by the protesters at various locations etc. You then have those that say Covid is a Hoax, and then those mindless people who chose to use civil liberties as an excuse to ignore advise/rules.
Very easy for you to say you would not throw away all the rules now, but which rules do you keep and which ones should go, so many of us have different circumstances along with reasons to keep or remove restrictions.
Personally I totally agree with your point C in your posting, and I am concerned what lies ahead in the next twelve months in terms of the variations in Covid.
Whatever your Political views, any party in charge under the current circumstances would struggle to keep people happy IMHO.
China has a lot to answer for I feel, but are very unlikely to acknowledge the fact.
Re: "This feels like the beginning of the end for the County game," (David Hopps)
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 12:22
Yeah, as I say, I'd keep masks and social distancing inside for about a further 2 months (until we reach a point where, say, 90% of the eligible population is double vaccinated). I'm not unduly concerned about the relaxation of restrictions on outside events.
Personally, I'd also get on with the vaccination of 12-16 year olds too. There's a debate to be had about vaccinating people who seldom suffer hospitalisation or death with a vaccine which has rare side effects. But I believe it can be justified on three grounds: A) Long covid is unpleasant and lots of people in this age group already have long Covid. b) Having long Covid can seriously affect their education, as it affects their ability to study and c) By vaccinating this age group you are strengthening the protection for any vulnerable relatives with whom they live - if said vulnerable person is a "bread winner," then it will be obvious how the incapacitation or loss of said person could adversely affect the life of the young person, quite apart from the emotional side of things that would apply with any relative with whom they lived. In other words, the gains for this age group of being vaccinated are not negligible even though it's true that they don't include much reduction in their risk of hospitalisation or death (because the base risk is so low anyway).
To be honest, from an early stage in the pandemic, I would have made more than the Government has of the difference between inside and outside, stressing the relative safety of the latter. For this reason I would, very possibly, have been a little less cautious than the government has been about people meeting outside but more cautious than they have been about things happening inside. For example, I would not have rushed, last summer, to get the inside of pubs open, even with masks and social distancing (at a time when nobody had been vaccinated).
Right now, I would also be making more than the government is of ventilation. And that would include giving grants to business (including hospitality businesses) to urgently improve ventilation on their premises.
Personally, I'd also get on with the vaccination of 12-16 year olds too. There's a debate to be had about vaccinating people who seldom suffer hospitalisation or death with a vaccine which has rare side effects. But I believe it can be justified on three grounds: A) Long covid is unpleasant and lots of people in this age group already have long Covid. b) Having long Covid can seriously affect their education, as it affects their ability to study and c) By vaccinating this age group you are strengthening the protection for any vulnerable relatives with whom they live - if said vulnerable person is a "bread winner," then it will be obvious how the incapacitation or loss of said person could adversely affect the life of the young person, quite apart from the emotional side of things that would apply with any relative with whom they lived. In other words, the gains for this age group of being vaccinated are not negligible even though it's true that they don't include much reduction in their risk of hospitalisation or death (because the base risk is so low anyway).
To be honest, from an early stage in the pandemic, I would have made more than the Government has of the difference between inside and outside, stressing the relative safety of the latter. For this reason I would, very possibly, have been a little less cautious than the government has been about people meeting outside but more cautious than they have been about things happening inside. For example, I would not have rushed, last summer, to get the inside of pubs open, even with masks and social distancing (at a time when nobody had been vaccinated).
Right now, I would also be making more than the government is of ventilation. And that would include giving grants to business (including hospitality businesses) to urgently improve ventilation on their premises.
Re: "This feels like the beginning of the end for the County game," (David Hopps)
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 12:31
I'm happy to be guided by the majority on this but are people happy for the COVID debate rather than comment on Mr Hopps piece... and does that in itself require a separate thread when there is already one strolling along?
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Old Boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 17:14
People talk about bringing statues of Slave Merchants from the past. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask Messrs Graves, Harrison and Co if they would sit for statues so that they could be used as target practice if it rains during a 100 game. As the introduction of that rubbish has ruined the summer for all real cricket supporters, I will stick to my plan to avoid watching a stupid game which has apparently been devised to appeal to small children and their mothers (that was the tag line when it was first announced). I believe there should be a special meeting of anyone who cares, to call for and demand the resignation of all the ECB.
Old Boy!
Old Boy!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 18:16
I am investing in a heavy duty stapler with which I shall seal off any coverage of the abomination in forthcoming editions of The Cricketer.
Incidentally paranoia was nicely nurtured by the latest edition of the magazine. In the section dedicated to reports on each of the championship counties there were a couple of paragraphs on Somerset at the bottom of a right hand page, with an uncompleted sentence at the end and an arrow indicating that the item would continue on the following page. No more of the article was to be found anywhere.
I blame Harrison and Trump.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Incidentally paranoia was nicely nurtured by the latest edition of the magazine. In the section dedicated to reports on each of the championship counties there were a couple of paragraphs on Somerset at the bottom of a right hand page, with an uncompleted sentence at the end and an arrow indicating that the item would continue on the following page. No more of the article was to be found anywhere.
I blame Harrison and Trump.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 18:24
It’s a good job you found it, LOL.
‘Twas a test.
The ECB was hoping that nobody would alert the magazine tô this deliberate error, with same serving as a pretext for our immediate abolition.
‘Twas a test.
The ECB was hoping that nobody would alert the magazine tô this deliberate error, with same serving as a pretext for our immediate abolition.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 21:40
It's gonna be a long six and a bit weeks!!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2021 23:31
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 02:26
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 07:20
Jaffa!!!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 08:11
Brilliant article from George Dobell. Sums up my own antipathy to the filth exactly.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Roger ivanhoe (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 09:31
If the ECB had Mafia connections George Dobell would need to go into hiding.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 09:54
Tom Harrison informs me that he’s sure that I “will find a place for the Hundred.”
Indeed, I have. It’s that metal thing with a footpedal in the corner of my kitchen.
Indeed, I have. It’s that metal thing with a footpedal in the corner of my kitchen.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Jon P (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 12:19
I hear that McDonalds are to stop selling the Big Mac until September, after trying to convince existing customers that it is not very good, even if they really like it. They will be replacing it with something more bite sized, that is likely to leave many people unsatisfied. But don’t worry it will come in a more colourful box and have extra sauce. Unfortunately for country dwellers it will only be available in major cities.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Somerset LaLaLa (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 12:53
Remember the Hundred is being supported by our 'impartial' public service broadcaster, for which we pay a licence fee
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 16/07/2021 14:32
Or don't in seemingly increasing numbers
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/07/2021 08:18
Thanks goodness for honesty, our live stream commentators when talking about the 100 do tell how supporters feel about it.
Unlike our club who try to tell as it's a good thing, what they say in private I do not know.
Unlike our club who try to tell as it's a good thing, what they say in private I do not know.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Old Boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 19/07/2021 19:21
If you are brave enough to watch it, let us know how the mothers and children are enjoying it. I would image some of the overs could be quite lengthy if you throw in a few wides, or no-balls. Where the proper cricket sometimes might get 8 or 9 ball overs, I'm guessing there might be a few 14 or 15 ball overs and the 100 being renamed the 130 game. Of course it is possible that that some of the balls might fall into the womble holes that are put there for fun!
Old Boy!
Old Boy!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/07/2021 19:34
Let’s hope nobody does a Boswell…. As a 20 ball over would be tough for the kids to stomach!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa (IP Logged)
Date: 20/07/2021 12:54
Keep up Old Boy!
Overs have been abolished: they are now sets.
Which is another example of the absurdity of the changes in the basic terminology and format of the game that the "experts" are seeking to make. Many of those unfamiliar with cricket probably have heard of the way the word "over" is applied in the game (it's not a very difficult concept, is it?) and it has already been use for two or three hundred years. If one of the intentions of the new format is to persuade people to take a wider interest in cricket (and there are grounds for suspicion on that point), do they think the rest of the world will want to replace "over" with "set"? That would be a fine wayy to make an admittedly slightly complicated game even more complicated.
Overs have been abolished: they are now sets.
Which is another example of the absurdity of the changes in the basic terminology and format of the game that the "experts" are seeking to make. Many of those unfamiliar with cricket probably have heard of the way the word "over" is applied in the game (it's not a very difficult concept, is it?) and it has already been use for two or three hundred years. If one of the intentions of the new format is to persuade people to take a wider interest in cricket (and there are grounds for suspicion on that point), do they think the rest of the world will want to replace "over" with "set"? That would be a fine wayy to make an admittedly slightly complicated game even more complicated.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 20/07/2021 13:07
The biggest insult is they are trying to boycott the singing of Sweet Caroline.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 21/07/2021 23:39
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Nailsea_Fizz (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 00:11
Well that seemed to go well, good size crowd, great profile for the women's game, plenty of skills on show and a tight finish. What's not to like.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Scrumper (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 00:35
Cricket.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 07:12
The abolition of County Cricket is "what's not to like," Nailsea Fizz.
As for the "crowd," I'd be astonished if most of the crowd there weren't local people and/or school kids that had simply been given free tickets.
Tonight? Unless they're going to put bouncers on the door, then the Chelsea Tractor driving, yahoo, champagne-swilling hooray Henrys that usually go to T20 at the Oval will be in attendance ( and probably will sing Sweet Caroline, regardless of the fact that some DJ will be playing rave music), whether the ECB likes it or not. These are the folks that I've often seen there before.. they wear suits, and stand (no kidding) with their backs to the cricket, half the time, swilling something fizzy and vile from wine-style bottles. But they will be there tonight. After all, the weather is very nice, there is booze to be bought and those lot don't really go for the cricket anyway, so why wouldn 't they turn up tonight?
Will the ECB's DJ manage to drive them away from future fixtures? I doubt it. But will they be buying merchandise for the abomination or proselytising for it? Very doubtful. After all, they're not likely to even remember where they were the next day.
The biggest joke will be yet to come, in Cardiff. There, I'd be amazed if more than 10% of the crowd had actually bought a ticket - the fact that Cardiff have been desperately ringing around fans trying to get them to buy tickets giving the lie to the laughable notion, displayed on the website that the games are "sold out."
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:22:07:14:04 by AGod.
As for the "crowd," I'd be astonished if most of the crowd there weren't local people and/or school kids that had simply been given free tickets.
Tonight? Unless they're going to put bouncers on the door, then the Chelsea Tractor driving, yahoo, champagne-swilling hooray Henrys that usually go to T20 at the Oval will be in attendance ( and probably will sing Sweet Caroline, regardless of the fact that some DJ will be playing rave music), whether the ECB likes it or not. These are the folks that I've often seen there before.. they wear suits, and stand (no kidding) with their backs to the cricket, half the time, swilling something fizzy and vile from wine-style bottles. But they will be there tonight. After all, the weather is very nice, there is booze to be bought and those lot don't really go for the cricket anyway, so why wouldn 't they turn up tonight?
Will the ECB's DJ manage to drive them away from future fixtures? I doubt it. But will they be buying merchandise for the abomination or proselytising for it? Very doubtful. After all, they're not likely to even remember where they were the next day.
The biggest joke will be yet to come, in Cardiff. There, I'd be amazed if more than 10% of the crowd had actually bought a ticket - the fact that Cardiff have been desperately ringing around fans trying to get them to buy tickets giving the lie to the laughable notion, displayed on the website that the games are "sold out."
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:22:07:14:04 by AGod.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: nelliec (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 08:37
I noticed that for an hour the BBC websites likes and dislikes buttons were approximately 10 to 1 dislike to likes on everything they commented on. Then all of a sudden the dislike button suddenly disappeared and 100 per cent liked everything.Now there's a funny thing!!!!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 09:15
The fix is in!
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: cricketjerry-mouse (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 10:18
Man of the Match has already been abolished by the ECB, as everyone knows. But social media is already a-buzz with complaints at a player from the Surrey Invincibles being named `Hero of the Match` last night. The campaign is already on for this to be changed `Heroine of the Match`.
Bit like something out of Jane Eyre.
Bit like something out of Jane Eyre.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 12:06
The FUNDAMENTAL aspect of crowd size that will be ignored in the press is that NO measure is important BUT the 'new' crowds coming to the 💯 games. I doubt the ECB are making any real attempt to identify those fans - how could you? However, the ONLY measure of 💯 success is the number of 'new' fans coming to cricket.
All those going to a cricket event because it is some cricket to watch and they like cricket are IRRELEVANT to the 💯 parameters.
Alongside that, all the fans attracted to 💯 events who would have gone to another cricket format event but now don't should also be included in the analysis. Those fans ARE relevant as they are taken away from county revenue generation and added to 💯 income instead.
NONE of this will be taken into account, the numbers will simply be counted and claimed as a 'massive' success.
11,000 💯 tickets sold yesterday... how many for 'sold out days'? How many to county members? What is that as a percentage of total sales made/available?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:22:14:50:49 by Grockle.
All those going to a cricket event because it is some cricket to watch and they like cricket are IRRELEVANT to the 💯 parameters.
Alongside that, all the fans attracted to 💯 events who would have gone to another cricket format event but now don't should also be included in the analysis. Those fans ARE relevant as they are taken away from county revenue generation and added to 💯 income instead.
NONE of this will be taken into account, the numbers will simply be counted and claimed as a 'massive' success.
11,000 💯 tickets sold yesterday... how many for 'sold out days'? How many to county members? What is that as a percentage of total sales made/available?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:07:22:14:50:49 by Grockle.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 13:04
As the article Bagpuss linked rightly stated, ultimately the only audience figures that will count are the TV audience figures. The TV companies won’t “buy,” this product again unless they command strong audience figures.
I don’t believe, for one moment, the GUFF spouted by the ECB about how TV companies “wouldn’t accept a County competition.” More like, they were never offered one! But what I do believe - because it makes logical sense - unlike the “counties,” claim - is that the TV companies that don’t have dedicated channels (e.g the Beeb) WOULD have been concerned about game length as they wouldn’t want something taking huge time out of the schedules. For this reason, I continue to believe the ECB made a major mistake not going with ten or twelve overs a side.
I can’t believe this stuff is going to attract significant TV audiences … but I do believe that, of course, the ECB will publish Beeb viewer figures for their abomination and compare them with Pay-TV figures for the Vitality Blast, in a shameless apples Vs oranges comparison to make their absolutely execrable product appear better in comparison.
I don’t believe, for one moment, the GUFF spouted by the ECB about how TV companies “wouldn’t accept a County competition.” More like, they were never offered one! But what I do believe - because it makes logical sense - unlike the “counties,” claim - is that the TV companies that don’t have dedicated channels (e.g the Beeb) WOULD have been concerned about game length as they wouldn’t want something taking huge time out of the schedules. For this reason, I continue to believe the ECB made a major mistake not going with ten or twelve overs a side.
I can’t believe this stuff is going to attract significant TV audiences … but I do believe that, of course, the ECB will publish Beeb viewer figures for their abomination and compare them with Pay-TV figures for the Vitality Blast, in a shameless apples Vs oranges comparison to make their absolutely execrable product appear better in comparison.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 14:56
A lot will be made of the 1.6m people watching a women's cricket match and that is good BUT it will only be a marketing tool for selling the men's 💯 because few central organisers care about the women's game and equality of coverage
It's good for women's cricket but it won't be used primarily for that because that isn't the ECBs main objective
It's good for women's cricket but it won't be used primarily for that because that isn't the ECBs main objective
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 15:05
Sure. And a big reason women’s cricket needs it is because the Egotistical Cricket Board deliberately abolished the women’s super league competition to create an additional pretext as to why this abomination was needed.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Scrumper (IP Logged)
Date: 22/07/2021 23:59
Great to see the use of the word "Guff", doesn't it mean mild flatulence?
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: skittler (IP Logged)
Date: 23/07/2021 08:38
Where I was raised in the Midlands, to "guff" was a term used to describe an attempt to change the atmosphere in a Bass pub. I have seen it clear a small bar, and, Scrumper, I wouldn't call it "mild" ...... mind you, neither was the beer.
Re: Speculation versus Realism the next few weeks
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 23/07/2021 11:56
Certainly meant a small fart in South Yorkshire... in all kindsa contexts
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