Here's a report on forum. After long wait a shock announcement to start with , followed by a good discussion and some very good news at the end
Once
play finished early there was and hour and half to kill before forum. However, at one stage we were
looking at 3PM finish to play, thanks for the dropped catch Scottie, the preceding 4 hours
would have been interesting. The
tone was set as Lower Pavilion was seen walking up wrong steps from Tavern Bar
to the Thomas Lord Suite.
There
was a low turn out probably due to weather and long day for those at cricket.
The panel was I Love it, Richard Scott, Richard Johnson and Chris
Rogers. Dext would have been there
had match been over. Angus Fraser
was delayed due to meeting with pitch inspectors.
Before,
I was comfortable Beefy said Strauss was going to Somerset and showed me link
from his phone. I was astounded.
The first question was concerning this followed by mass gasps of shock horror
for those not in know?
As
it was explained the move seemed to make some sense, but I am totally against
this and just showed disregard ECB have for counties. The blow was softened when mentioned Strauss would play
county match at Uxbridge.
Talking
of which, I asked question re Morgan’s not being seen at all?
It
was stated he wasn’t released for recent 20/20 games, unsure when next seen in
Middlesex shirt and I don’t recall any explanation why unlike Finn he is not
around when being “ rested “ from counties by ECB.
Lower
Pavilion passionately explained 20/20 games a chance to shine in front of big
crowds and what a let down our performances were.
Injuries
mentioned, Chris Rogers shared disappointment, as do players. Harsh words were
said after Kent game When logic of only bowling Ireland 1 over in 2 games he
said 20/20 a nightmare to captain. Someone thought we still had chance of
qualifying (I’ll have what he’s on).
When
asked about his injury Rogers said was expecting to be fit for Uxbridge. It was said Robson would definitely play
(I’m really not sure how we are going to accommodate our 4 openers.)
Fingers
suggested that at every forum we kept saying we are “evolving” and wonder when
we are going to evolve. He made the point mentioned nearly every forum about
our lack of urgency running between wickets with Clive Radley comparison.
Gus
walked in from meeting saying he would be very surprised if we would get points
deduction. Also mentioned we,
Somerset and ECB support Strauss loan
Rogers
was very complimentary about the Middlesex set-up compared with Derbyshire. He
was confident about our promotion prospects.
Of
course Owais was mentioned. The general opinion was time to move on.
Asked
about Rayner coming back. Indicated was certainly a consideration. Then someone
suggested signing James Taylor of Leicestershire and Gus defensively said we
don’t “tap” up players. Jokingly,
Rogers later mentioned when Middlesex “ tapped me up”
The
on-going Radlett situation was bought up.
Gus
compared with buying a dishwasher, these things do not happen overnight. Progress is being made a gym is 2/3rds
built. When we are banished during
Olympics will need it.
A
general question was raised about our spinners. Fraser accepted that this was
an area where we are slightly vulnerable; He then exalted the talents of our seamers.
Someone
asked about 2nds.
Jonno
gave special praise to Sam Robson, Housego, TRJ, Gurjit Sandhu, Robbie Williams
and Rossington has 100+ average. Names for future Adam Podmore and Tom Helm. Was said
Adam London wicket keeping may have effected concentration for batting
Was
suggested by member moving Scott Newman down order,
Panel
said idea was being contemplated.
Vinny
walked in to say ECB deemed no points deduction for pitch. This bought biggest cheer
of evening followed by a combined sigh of relief.
I Love it concluded by correctly assuming everyone must be thirsty and he hopes
next end of season forum won’t be the usual excuses one.
So
off to Tavern for some unrepeatable on here “careless whispers”.
I am not totally sure why Neil Dexter didn't attend, as I don't buy into the club's claim that he would have attended had the match been finished. When the date was announced, most people expected that it would fall while the Middlesex v Kent match was halfway between start and completion, so it wasn't a massive surprise that the match was indeed in progress at the time of the forum. Anyway, I thought Chris Rogers did a great job in Dex's stead.
I have long been hopeful that Eoin Morgan would play v Surrey at The Oval on Thursday considering that the ECB might like him to get into white ball mode ahead of the start of England's limited-overs series v Sri Lanka on Saturday, but the fact that the panel said that they don't know when he will next play for us implies that he won't play on Thursday.
The report sums up everything that was said at the forum.
I do recall going up the wrong steps.I suppose its the same thing when I walk into a room in my house and forget what it was I walked into the room for.Thank goodness I live in a small house.
By the way it was me saying how much I liked watching Scott Newman when he is in full flow and whether any consideration had been given to moving him a bit down the order. The trouble is his stay at the wicket often does not last long enough but while he is at the crease he is great to watch.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:06:21:19:34:08 by lower pavilion.
I thought Rogers came over so well and feel it was better hearing his perspective. Perhaps this was a change of plan that was a good one.
Dingy the report was edited highlights. There were bits I did miss and some not worth mentioning. Unlike my match reports I do actually try to pay attention to detail.
Wish I were there to hear it all Kev, thanks for your efforts even if there were bits that you are not allowed to divulge.
LP, is that like when you enter the west wing rather than the east?
Agreed that Chris Rogers made a very good impression. He came across as articulate, level-headed and a complete professional.
One thing that was said that was news to me, and which I haven't heard elesewhere, was that Gareth Berg is not expected back before mid-August at the earliest.
At the post-season forum on Monday 19th September, I would like someone to make a suggestion that spectators should be given prior notice of when a presentation of a player of the month award or county cap is about to take place. When the players go off for an interval, I tend to immediately make my way out of the stand for my walk round the ground, and I hate it when an announcement is made after I have left the stand that a presentation is about to take place, as it means that I am unable to view the presentation. If an announcement is made roughly five minutes before an interval, then it would enable me to know that I should stay in my seat. However, I acknowledge that it is traditional that capping ceremonies take place when the player(s) receiving their cap least expect it.
As you said yourself the problem with that JW is that the players who are due to receive the award don't actually know untill it is announced!
It's like a surprize! So I guess to announce it would spoil it.
And as it has been said to you on numerous occasions, if you want to ask something then do it yourself! You don't have to stand up, you can submit it beforehand.
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