Andrew Gale

By Gary Watton
June 29 2014

The diminutive and somewhat underrated James Taylor was the hero for the victorious Nottinghamshire Outlaws as he constructed a decisive unbeaten half century in a relatively low-scoring Twenty20 contest with in-form Yorkshire Vikings.

Whilst Taylor shone, Andrew Gale completely flopped yet again in his self-appointed portfolio of opening batsman. It is after all incumbent upon the opening batsman to cement the innings with a sizeable score. Regrettably captain Gale has consistently failed to supply the necessary runs at the top of the order, especially as it isn't acceptable to expect Aaron Finch to be the chief destroyer most of the time. In the event, none of the Vikings bowlers let the team down, as they all chipped in with wickets, and none of them were smashed out of the ground. Although Rashid missed out on the wickets avalanche, his four overs were not too costly. Unfortunately, having restricted the Outlaws to 143, the visitors revisited their 'form' of last summer, with a depressing response of 121. Gale must take much of the responsibility for the inadequate reply, and he seriously needs to 'reconsider his position'. While Alex Lees gave a good account of himself, one would hope that the belligerent Finch and Lyth need to deliver more substantial knocks if the white rose county is to qualify for the knockout stages.

Nottinghamshire Outlaws versus YORKSHIRE VIKINGS; at Nottingham; Saturday 28th June. Nottinghamshire Outlaws won the toss.

Nottinghamshire Outlaws: 143 for nine, off 20 overs (Taylor 52*; Sidebottom 3-24)

YORKSHIRE VIKINGS: 121 for nine, off 20 overs (Fletcher 3-21)

Nottinghamshire Outlaws won by 22 runs. Nottinghamshire Outlaws 2 points, YORKSHIRE VIKINGS 0 points.