Middlesex CCC
An Aussie's view point....
I know... but....
By Pantherlike
May 25 2012
Pantherlike gives us the internet commentry view from his home in Oz....Thanks very much for staying up I know it was a struggle!!!!
Responding in the affirmative to an SOS call Downunder from Kev, I settled in to the BBC commentary over the web in the living room with half a box of chokkies and a wee dram of single malt, and a John Lennon special on the telly. Well content as I was, I surmised that if Middx could get Prince out they'd be right in amongst it for a few bowling points, otherwise it could be a laborious listen as Lancs continued to pile on a quite sizeable first innings....fingers crossed!
Lancs resumed on 276/4, having won the toss and making the right call on a pitch that was no April minefield, but was offering the bowlers just enough anyway (a somewhat commanding position if ever there was one). Accordingly Prince and Proctor (two good South African names I thought) resumed in a cautious, give it time to warm up mode of batting, Prince averaging a single an over through the first half hour with Proctor seemingly happy enough to keep his own picket fence ticking along in time...all very civilised. Dial M and Corey opened up for the visitors, were tight and no-nonsense, but equally as uninspiring as the batting. Kev also checked in on his remote listening audience. Pretty much the same usual suspects, I expect a similar thing with the actual crowd in attendance??
Ashwell Prince, test standard by any means was a good challenge for our bowlers, though Kev in his summary seemed to think had been a bit strange to see Prince's rather animated celebration on reaching his ton on day 1. Apparently Ashwell was quite relieved to get a ton, after he had had some ten half centuries since the last one....made perfect sense to me. And if you'll permit me a little indulgence, (and I sent in a little email to Kev to this effect) but they all count! Actually I recall some of my finest were on Richmond Green, got two in a row thre in early 2010....happy days....
Often such slowish cricket brings out the creativity from match commentators. Kev was doing his best, but the slowish start to the day was contagious and the Aigburth environs weren't exactly capturing the imagination. There were some descriptions of the weather, how well the pitch had played the day before and how things were....well....quiet with some musing on up-and-coming England selections...Woakes and Morgan being amongst those mentioned. Such is the stuff of County cricket early in the season!
Enter Dave Townsend. (DT to those in the know)
The very next delivery went to the fence (first for the day) as if Prince was just waiting for something to happen. The talk immediately ramped up to suggestions as to whether Lancs could get the max batting points. DT, like Sehwag on a flat deck was wasting no time in hitting stride recounting how he and Kev and driven by John Lennon's house last evening and had also found a decent eatery. Engrossing stuff for this little Vegemite as apropos you will recall, I had a John Lennon special on the telly. Now that's inspiring stuff!
And the bowling seemed to lift. Simmo soon after missed a rare chance off Dial M allowing Proctor to collect his first boundary of the day. According to DT, the ball just 'died' on the young Middx keeper. The Lancs 300 was struck shortly thereafter leading Kev to gloomily predict a first dig 500 by Lancs if some wickets didn't fall soon.
DT moved on to one day cricket and was rightly annoyed by the 3 day breaks scheduled between matches in the up-and-coming ODI series...I quite agree. Three day breaks between ODI’s is the same break that is considered sufficient between test matches. If you follow the ODI logic then there ought to be a two week break between tests…? Where’s Giles??
DT wasn't done and was on the march. He took a swipe at Nick Knight's good looks as to the reason being as to why he was on telly, which prompted Will Atkins to tweet that that was equally why DT was on the radio! Fabulous stuff! Now we were getting somewhere!
As it happens, I tend to think that Nick Knight as part of the Sky commentary team provides quite an insightful punditry. Wonder if this puts me in the minority??
Meanwhile Berg and Rayner had replaced the opening attack, but Prince and Proctor weren't going to be threatened and the pair continued towards the lunch break and building a big partnership.
Then it happened. Prince edged a new ball delivery from Berg to slip and Rayner took a good catch. Just like that it was over. Prince was finally gone for 144. The opportunity for bowling points were gone, but thankfully so to was Prince. That’s two current test playing safas now (Philander being the other) that have gotten in the way of Middx’s march to the title this season…hopefully this meant that 500 was off the table.
Could've sworn I heard Ivor Robson's voice as day’s ground announcer signalled that Gareth Cross was the new batsman...the golf tragics among you will know what I mean.
Now one often follows the other today was to be no different, when two overs later Lancs were 6-fer when Proctor mucked up a swing Rayner to leg only to find Denly at mid-wicket. Lancs were then 337/7 when Rayner got himself involved in another wicket, this time a catch to Robson to dismiss Shahzad. Gus, just next door to the commentators, we were informed was most impressed with the wicket.
Denly then got to roll his arm over and it was lunch...74/3 for the session in 30 overs. This judge awarded the points to the visitors, but only just.
The hour post lunch saw Lancs build a partnership between Croft and Chapple, till some Middx merriment and Lancs slip ups (Hogg’s not so good call for a second run being one of those) saw three wickets fall in seven overs.
Lancs all out for 392 and we had a big challenge match their effort.
Back here in Oz, the the hour hand was nearly upon the 12 indicating that it was time to hit the hay. Got to go to work the next day etc. I did though think that if we could apply ourselves in the way Ashwell Prince and Steven Croft had then there was no reason why we couldn’t also amass a decent first dig.
Well, you’ll all know the state of play at stumps by now. No need for me to Parrott the scoresheet. Expect Moggy missed an opportunity. Looking forward to day 3, Dex and Simmo just might be the pair to stave off any ideas Lancs have of a big win. If the lads can get it to 300, we’ll be back in it, though having to bat last on a pitch that will no doubt wear. I expect Kerrigan will have a part to play in proceedings.
And Some Beefy Bits to cover shift missed by Panthelike
This by text message long after game finished
Rogers -Berg (according to shirt) caught behind. Denly came in played a few decent shots but he went out via a slash to point. Robbo was a bit chatty on boudary with us he went plumb lbw. Malan out off spinner lofted it and was caught.
Morgan in 6 hit bloke in chest probably 2 broken ribs! Soon after was bowled off stump
Lanky bowlers sharper than ours.
The Family Adams Pavillion The Yorkie Lanky
And a Final View from Pantherlike
Prediction: Middx to win in a tight finish – well, you’ve got to be confident!
If only
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:27:04:59:57 by The Diamond ruled ok.
Clearly a slow wicket calls for a patient approach, and I guess some players (Prince) are better able to deal with it than others.
For anyone who doesn't know, KP was in trouble for a tweet questioning how Knght got his Test match role.
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele
I can't compare it to the Adams Family, as I don't think I have ever watched that programme.
Be sure to see the opening theme....da da da da Priceless!!
Churchy: And it's been a good say for Surrey.
Chorus: Oh no it's not!
And Will Atkins contributed, rather cruelly (well played, sir):
R4C: Where are my best days?
Chorus: They're behind you!
Plus discussion of who should play Widow Twankey. At least I think that's what they said...
Adelaide
