Middlesex 2nd XI 2023

[Paul W]

We normally have the one thread for the 2nd XI. No need for a separate thread for each match.

The 2's finally get underway tomorrow, with a 2 day friendly against Surrey at Guildford, arranged to partly compensate for the fact the 2's have so far had ten days completely washed out- that's the intra club match in March (2 days) and the two championship matches against Derbyshire and Sussex.

The first chance this season (for most of them) to put a score on the board, or take some wickets, and put forward a case to be promoted to the first team.

Weather seems set fair, so they should get on the park!

Updates and link to scorecard tomorrow!

[Max Sawyer]

Is there a site that lists all the counties' 2nd. XI fixtures for the season? Members may be interested in watching - if they knew where to go!

[Paul W]

well, I scroll ahead on NVplay, which is a bit of a cumbersome way to do it, as it has all fixtures- 1st, 2nd, women's cricket all lumped in together (actually, I think it might be possible to go in to competition centre, and filter for 2nd XI only). Middlesex fixtures can be found on the official club site.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#

[Max Sawyer]

Thank you, Paul.

[Paul W]

Surrey won the toss and will bat.

We are fielding a strong 2nd XI, with every player on the pro staff.

Max Harris is studying at Loughborough University, so that might be why he is missing.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#ma65b5f8c-cf1f-4499-a080-d905fdc433c0_~summary

[Paul W]

Sadly no live stream (not even one static camera) so it can only be a scoreboard view.

Surrey 106-4 at lunch.

Blake Cullen a bit expensive, averaging a no ball for each over bowled (7 overs for 39 runs)

Thilan Wallalawita picking up two wickets, coming on just before the lunch break.

[Paul W]

Surrey made 308, with Andersson and Walallawita claiming three wickets each.

In reply, Middlesex so far 123-4, with Jack Davies just out at the stroke of lunch for 58 (including 11 fours).

[Paul W]

Middlesex 225 all out.

Martin Andersson, 48, and Daniel O'Driscoll 44. Amir Virdi 8-65. D O'D may have panicked a bit when he saw Thilan coming to the crease, and figured if he was going to get a 50 he'd have to take a risk (purely a scorecard point of view- but he wouldn't be the first to think the end of the innings couldn't be far off with Thilan coming out to bat!)

Blake Cullen then blasted through the first four in the Surrey order, but they closed on 159-5 (Cullen 4-35)

[Rogers and Out]

Went to Guildford yesterday.

A decent half century by Jack Davies and good contributions by Martin Andersson and Dan O’Driscoll.

It was good to see Martin scoring runs after his nervous looking innings against Notts, albeit against a second eleven attack.

Virdi was very good for Surrey. His spin claimed eight of the ten wickets to fall.

Blake Cullen was fast and at times unplayable in the second innings as he took four wickets in his opening spell. I think he could well be knocking on the door for a first team place quite soon.

[Paul W]

R&O-

Good to have you back on board!

Spread the word, as I don't want to be the only one posting!

[Paul W]

The 2's bad luck with the weather continues, with day one of the championship match against Hampshire rained off.

[Paul W]

The 2's have at least got on the field today.

Scorecard-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m970df3be-78e9-4689-baee-3464292193c0_~scorecard

Blake Cullen seems to still have a slight problem with his run up. So far 5 no balls in 8 overs. Not dreadful by any means, but suggests a bit more work is required to get fully back to his best.

[Paul W]

Another rain ruined second XI match.

Hants 450-8 dec.

Middx 13-0

Match complete.

Impossible to say who is, or isn't in form amongst the the second XI batters, because you've actually got to have a chance to bat to find out!

[Paul W]

Kind of half a first team for the first of our second XI's T20 competition.

Those who haven't featured much, if at all in the championship, but could well play in our first T20 on Thursday are playing today-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m5e1688d7-47af-4e5e-b62d-a1e0f7429861_~summary

[David Uren]

Good to see Malan named in the Middlesex team; presumably he is fully recovered as surely he would not be risked if his fitness remained doubtful

[Paul W]

An absolutely horrendous time for our seconds up against what was effectively Sussex's first team batting line up.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#mdd439c6e-a298-46a9-b00c-a2a1bdb8f8a0_~scorecard

Sussex 324-7 (must be some kind of record)

We have our genuine second XI playing, as I assume the first teamers must be in training for Thursday.

[Paul W]

Well, we managed to avoid the ignomy of losing a T20 match by more than 200 runs- just.

130 all out, so Sussex won by 194 runs.

[Barmy Kev]

Bopara beat Middlesex by 14 runs

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Looks pretty much like a Sussex 2nd XI to me Paul W.

[Paul W]

The top six in Sussex line up the other day all included in Sussex squad for their first team game tomorrow In all 8 out of the 11 who played are in the first team squad- so our seconds were very much up against their firsts.

We're playing Hampshire today. At half time we made 159-4 with Sam Robson top scoring with 55-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#mb50f91f2-b3d5-409c-a72d-c40baebbea35_~scorecard

[Paul W]

Hampshire duly won yesterday's encounter.

Today we were up against Kent, who made 153-6 batting first.

For most of our innings we seemed to have the run chase well under control, with Dan O'Driscoll (52) and Josh De Caires (37) putting on 76 for the third wicket.

After they departed in quick succession things fell apart, rather mirroring our firsts last night, so we lost by 8 runs.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m0e2f1933-6dea-4693-9976-0b364ea5d936_~scorecard

[Paul W]

The 2's won today.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#ma42182d9-7bbf-4887-a7e9-f100a9bea5fa_~scorecard

Jack Davies 87 not out off 47 balls doing the most to justify a promotion to the firsts.

Robbie White 53.

[Paul W]

Link to today's scorecard against Kent-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#md4759882-2e5b-489b-9461-7b35c2cf96c2_~scorecard

At half time we made 208-5, with runs for De Caires 68, Robson 60, and Stoneman 43.

One think of note- NV play confirms we won yesterday, but has us on 0 points, so it looks like we have incurred a 2 point penalty for some reason.

The last time that happened was either last year, or the year before (can't remember which) when Sussex were deducted 2 points for fielding an ineligible player.

I've no idea why we have a 2 point penalty. We haven't fielded any overseas players, apart from Malan in one game (I think we would be allowed two anyway) and everyone who has played has either been a full time professional, or a member of our EPG (academy) squad, so it's hard to believe it's for fielding an ineligible player, so at the moment I don't know the reason.

[Paul W]

Unless it's a mistake by Playcricket we must have done something really bad, as it's now showing Played 6 won 2 lost 4, but we are still on 0 points!

Am sufficiently intrigued I've emailed the club to see if it's a mistake or not.

Will report back when I know.

Today's match v Essex will be here-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m72228d9b-847b-4e61-aa86-379d1da22f3e_~summary

[Rogers and Out]

Went to Garon Park today in the hope that the Second XI could clock up three wins in a row.

Sam Robson batted well for his half century and both Dan O’Driscoll and Aaryan Sawant acquitted themselves quite well.

However, with the likes of Jamie Porter in the home side’s attack, run scoring was at a premium and 146 never looked a challenging target.

Josh Rymell, with an unbeaten 80 and Charlie Allison with a quick fire 31 ensured an easy Essex win after just 11.5 overs.

All our bowlers took some tap although Max Harris’s single over went for only seven.

With a record of two wins and five losses with just three games to play, our hopes of reaching Finals Day are over.

[Paul W]

NV Play is now correctly showing us as having 4 points, so not a points deduction.

I don't know if my email prompted club to contact NV Play, as I haven't (yet) had a reply, but at least we're not in any trouble!

[Paul W]

I guess John Simpson must be considered 'dropped' rather than 'rested' as he is playing for our second XI today-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#mc7e3a58f-1752-48bc-a4b7-2684c27900a1_~summary

[Paul W]

Another defeat for the 2's today (won 2 out 9 in T20 with last game tomorrow-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#mc7384cee-e8a1-4cac-9768-22ee90036b87

A couple of fresh faces in the side today- Pansilu Wijesinghe and Seb Morgan, who both played in last years Bunbury Festival, so must be about 16 years old.

Runs for Robson (48) and Stoneman (79) but nothing from anyone else (next highest score 13).

[Paul W]

Link to our final T20 match-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#meb869ff8-9a9f-410f-b89a-7ec4a2b73c5f

At the time of posting we are already 18-3.

No Daniel O'Driscoll for the second day running. No idea if he has an injury. I hope he hasn't already been given bad news, because we aren't even half way through the season, but it looks like Richard Johnson's preferred alternative to John Simpson is Jack Davies.

[Rogers and Out]

Our 147 all out was unlikely to be a winning score and so it proved. Having said that, if we had managed to bat for the full 20 overs instead of 18.1, we may have had a chance.

Robbo was snaffled early by the impressive Matt Burton, who then got rid of Simmo.

Nathan Fernades batted really well for 67 from
38 balls and was well supported by young Wijesinghe who hit a couple of huge sixes in his innings of 20 before becoming one of Will Sheffield’s four victims.

Although Kaushal bowled well, the wily Felix Organ and ‘keeper Eckland kept Hampshire always slightly ahead of the game and they won by 6 wickets with an over to spare.

I understand that Dan O’Driscoll is unwell so was unable to play today. Contrary to the information on NV Play, Simmo kept wicket today.

[Paul W]

Day one of four day game against Somerset-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#mf71d1bdc-a34a-4364-92b6-82a09c21718b

Archie Vaughan (son of Michael) in the Somerset side.

Runs for Robson (96) O'Driscoll (84) Sawant (80) and White (55).

[Paul W]

A good match with the bat for Daniel O'Driscoll who completed his second half century of the match (69), but will it be enough to persuade Richard Johnson to give him a chance in the first team?

He appears to be a bit of a slow starter, so I understand why Davies got a chance, but once he gets in to the twenties he does speed up considerably. Also he can play the obligatory reverse sweep as well as any of the others (reverse sweeping Archie Vaughan to get to his 50).

I don't know if Rogers and Out was in attendance- but no Robson in the second innings- so was that just because he got 96 in the first innings and didn't feel he needed any more practice for the championship match starting on Sunday (and a chance for Pansilu Wijesinghe to replace him half way through the game), or has he picked up an injury of some sort?

[Rogers and Out]

Didn’t make it to Radlett today, Paul, so not sure of the Robson situation.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Wijesinghe was not in the starting 12, but he appears to have replaced Greatwood rather than Robbo who was on the ground today and seemed fine. The most impressive knock of the day came from Bambi who again displayed his all-round potential. With three wicketkeepers already in the T20 side, hard to see how Dan can get in at present.

[Paul W]

18 year old academy player Rhys Lewis scored 111 off 115 deliveries today to give the 2's an outside chance of an improbable win tomorrow.

We are 393-7 chasing a target of 466.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#mb8e286bb-5630-41d3-b473-a28ba1591d06

[Paul W]

Link to 2nd XI scorecard v Surrey-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m15536f68-5e1b-4676-a89f-af5b05455d30

No idea if the omission of Daniel O'Driscoll, Max Harris and Toby Greatwood is significant, or not.

All three are out of contract at the end of the summer. Doddy has never had a first team opportunity, and it feels like Richard Johnson only ever picks Max Harris or Toby Greatwood if there are no other alternatives.

Ishaan Kaushal also absent, but I suspect he may have an injury of some sort, as he has been missing for two or three weeks in both club and 2nd XI matches (and his contract runs to 2024)

5 EPG players in the squad- so we are casting our eyes over the next group down.

[Paul W]

A rather dull draw, with Surrey just batting on and not setting us a target.

Surrey 331-8 dec and 358-8 dec Middle 362.

106 for Mark Stoneman, and 103 for Joe Cracknell in our innings. A good bowling performance by 17 year old EPG player Ben Salter who took 7 wickets in the match at a cost of 125 runs.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Sadly as so often happens the captains were unable to agree on a target, so rather than either willing to take the risk of defeat the match petered out. Without time lost to rain on the first day, the result would probably be different.

[Paul W]

For 2nd XI T20 averages, click on this link-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/

Then click on Competition centre (on left hand side by any of the matches) then stats then all teams, then Middlesex then show all.

I did say I'd type it out, but that would take ages (and it isn't possible to link direct to the page for some reason).

And for championship- https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/ use this link and do the same thing.

With so many early season matches abandoned there isn't much to go on with the four day averages, and thanks to the hundred there are just two four day matches left for the second XI, meaning anyone not selected for the 50 over competition has no cricket (apart from club) during August.

[Paul W]

As people don't always look at the players and Middlesex news part of the site, as it's second XI match it can go here-

Daniel O'Driscoll playing for Somerset 2's today, and opening the batting-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m4844a0a4-a6b3-4815-9f15-7f992551d714

Let's hope it leads somewhere for him.

And our 2nd XI scorecard v Kent here-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m0315cfe2-a649-4efe-b90a-b4452ee7e9e5

and just to add- Max Harris playing against us for Kent 2's.

[Paul W]

A good day for our second Xi, finishing on 454-6.

Another hundred for Joe Cracknell (158) who must surely be in serious contention for a place in our four day squad (too late for this week v Surrey).

A season's best 101 for Robbie White, plus 70 for Luke Hollman, and 64 for Martin Andersson.

Besides Max Harris, Kent also had Gloucestershire's Will Naish playing for them.

Dan O'Driscoll made 34 on debut for Somerset 2's. This might work out well for him, as Steven Davies is likely to retire, or be released at the end of the season, and Tom Banton will be on hundred duty, leaving James Rew as their only keeper. If I've counted correctly, Somerset will have seven players away at the hundred, so maybe Rew just plays as a batter, with O'Driscoll getting a chance to keep wicket.

[Paul W]

We beat Kent 2nd XI by 179 runs.

Nathan Fernandes top scored in our second innings with 69. The wickets were spread around fairly equally in both innings.

Max Harris may have done himself some good, with scores of 52 and 46 for Kent. Bowling wise he was a bit expensive- 22-4-103-2 and 9-0-50-2

Dan O'Driscoll made 66 in Somerset 2's second innings, so will also be hopeful of a loan deal whilst the hundred is on.

And thanks to the hundred, there is now just one second XI game left, against Essex in September, as there aren't enough spare bod's around to raise a side.

[Paul W]

Our released trio all turned out for Kent 2's today, who had a one day fixture against SACA.

Dan O'Driscoll had the best day, making 90 not out.

Max Harris and Toby Greatwood both went for a duck, and when bowling Max 5-0-44-0 and Toby 6-0-43-1

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m28933f1f-4aa3-4fb9-8cdc-a45825dcbf81

[Paul W]

Not a second XI match (there aren't any in August thanks to the hundred) but Rhys Lewis has completed a double hundred in the current U 18 game v Surrey-

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m7c7f0a20-b22e-4e23-984f-16a42c9fd8ca

He also made a hundred for our second XI earlier this season, and a couple of weeks ago was named in an 18 player young Lions squad for forthcoming games against Australia and Ireland.

Might be in line for his first pro contract in a few months time (any new recruits tend to be named in November).

[Paul W]

Rhys Lewis made his debut for England Young Lions against Australia Under 19's in a 50 over match today.

Unfortunately, he didn't have a great time, making 5 runs and bowling 4 overs for 40 runs.

Nevertheless, if you are good enough to be playing for the young lions, that usually means a pro contract will follow in due course.

[adelaide]

It's the Young Lions Invitation X!.

Only there are thirteen of them...

[Paul W]

I suspect the match doesn't count as an official England U 19 match.

Maybe because some potential U19 players would have been playing for their county sides today, as a result of counties weakened by hundred calls.

Thus they are billed as 'Young Lions' rather than 'England U 19'

[Paul W]

We've named our squad for the 2nd XI friendly against SACA-

https://www.middlesexccc.com/news/2023/08/squad-preview-middlesex-v-saca

A sort of hybrid 1st/2nd XI, but officially a 2nd XI match.

For me the most interesting member of the SACA squad is opener Savin Perera, who has played in most of their matches this season.

He played for England U 19's in the same side as Ethan Bamber, Luke Hollman and Jack Davies.

He was part of our age group sides, but like Thilan Walallawita and Anshy Rath, he wasn't English qualified (although for some reason this doesn't apply to age group cricket). We couldn't hold on to three young players waiting to get a British passport, so he disappeared without trace (well, playing for Berkshire, actually). Now english qualified and hoping someone will give him a deal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savin_Perera

[Sillypoint]

Interesting. Looks like three spinners fighting for one spot!

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Interesting. Looks like three spinners fighting for one spot!

Do you mean squad for tomorrow? There are only 12 named, and it may be 12 aside anyway,

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Is Jafar Chohan still in the squad PW, another who spent time at our Academy whom we failed to hold on to, currently at Yorkshire, and the most accomplished young leggies I've seen in a long while?

[Paul W]

I assume once you have achieved the goal of a pro contract you are no longer part of SACA. as he is now a Yorkshire employee.

I suppose he was in direct competition with Luke Hollman, who, as the better batter, got a Middlesex deal. We couldn't really have had both of them, so the system doing what is was designed to do (giving Chohan a chance elsewhere).

Shepherd's Bush's Chinmay Mullapudi who was part of our academy until the end of last season has played in a couple of SACA's matches (including against Northants, which concluded today) so there is a chance he might feature.

Weather tomorrow looks poor.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Not sure,he's only on a one year 'rookie' deal.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Looks very much like 12 aside at Radlett with Murts bowling but not named in the selected eleven.

[Sillypoint]

Murts came in off the long run.... Not selected just ran on and started bowling. Legend

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Nathan has yet to turn his arms over, so perhaps Murts has replaced him, only surmising,some clarification would be helpful.SACA 246-6.(tea)

[Sillypoint]

Ton for Davies.... Then a bit of carnage second innings with both spinners on. Guessing overseas will make it academic. JDC opened but skittish.

[Paul W]

Congratulations to our Under 16 team, who have just beaten Wales (an entire country!) to reach the final of the ECB Under 16 cup-

https://middlesexcb.play-cricket.com/website/results/6051620

[Paul W]

A bit of a surprise- but having looked at nv play fixtures, it appears we have arranged an extra second XI game- so in addition to Essex at Merchant Taylors starting on Monday, there is an additional championship match against Lancashire at Blackpool, starting on the 19th.

A bit late to help anyone find form for the firsts (just the game against Notts starting on 26th) but I guess it keeps them occupied.

[Paul W]

Our 2nd XI playing Essex this week.

Interestingly, we have Michael Cohen in our side- who must be this chap (same initials)-

https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/michael-cohen-952729

Just there to make up the numbers- or are we having a serious look at him? He counts as english (was on Derbyshire's books for a couple of seasons).

https://www.middlesexccc.com/fixtures/results/2023/09/11/middlesex-second-xi-v-essex-2nd-xi?id=1607&tab=m_summary

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Bamber and Cohen opening the attack for Middlesex would go a long way to satisfying diversity targets.

[Sillypoint]

Das enjoying MTS. Effortless 200 so far....

[Paul W]

He got a double hundred for Essex 2's last week as well.

Now that really is hammering the door down and demanding to be picked for the firsts.

Essex 359-3 off 64 overs at tea.

A lot of bowlers with a lot of first class experience going for a lot of runs!

[Sillypoint]

Looked an action packed day. Took finger spin to slow the show down.... Thilan and Fernandes took a few! If it's such a road then will anyone like white or Hollman make a case to get in?

Can't see the spinners moving Jdc and Yadav out the side....

[Sillypoint]

White didn't make a case. Fernandes got runs but ran out a partner with some shocking cricket. Hollman did well and looked fluent but fiddly outside off! He's got big potential up the order I think in his style of play....but can't see them experimenting at Lords like that if it's green

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Tom Hem hits 85 at OMT. With Toby struggling for full fitness and perhaps the need for an extra bowler next week, he must be a strong contender to return to the side.

[Sillypoint]

Tom Hem hits 85 at OMT. With Toby struggling for full fitness and perhaps the need for an extra bowler next week, he must be a strong contender to return to the side.

I think he might play as batsmen

[Huw Nathan]

#61. I suspect that you were referring to Blake Cullen, as a new ball partner for Ethan Bamber?

[Paul W]

#61. I suspect that you were referring to Blake Cullen, as a new ball partner for Ethan Bamber?

There is South African born (but english qualified) Michael Cohen trialling for us in this match (posted a link to his stats on last post on previous page)

He hasn't done anything special in this match (nothing outstanding- but not a disaster) so I don't know if he has done enough to get a deal 15-1-55-0 in the first innings, and so far 16-1-18-1 in the second.

Thilan Walallawita has outbowled Luke Hollman in this match 18-2-74-2 and so far 13-1-23-2 versus Luke Hollman 10-0-62-0 and so far 14-0-64-0

So, if Richard Johnson doesn't have favourites, on the latest evidence TW should be ahead of LH for first team selection (although with Josh de Caires doing so well, I doubt either will play).

[Sillypoint]

TW and LH aren't fighting for the same place. Not saying he doesn't have favourites but Thilan can't bat with discipline and fields fine leg to everything. Finger spin always going to be more consistent so doubt they are under same orders from coach in terms of aggressiveness, economy, etc

[MIDDLE EXILE]

#61. I suspect that you were referring to Blake Cullen, as a new ball partner for Ethan Bamber?

Er no Huw,I was referring to the similarity of Bambi's religious persuasion to Mike Cohen. and A Happy New Year to you too!

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Well PW not sure where you get those bowling figures from, but if Micky Cohen really did bowl 16 overs with just one maiden and only concede 18 runs I'd definitely have him straight in for next week, along with Thilan for knocking over the Essex 2ndXI tail, Helmy with runs and wickets another shoo-in, and last time I looked Robbie was 15* so another on the brink of selection, hope I haven't missed anybody else, who deserves to be in for this vital game.

[Paul W]

Well PW not sure where you get those bowling figures from, but if Micky Cohen really did bowl 16 overs with just one maiden and only concede 18 runs I'd definitely have him straight in for next week, along with Thilan for knocking over the Essex 2ndXI tail, Helmy with runs and wickets another shoo-in, and last time I looked Robbie was 15* so another on the brink of selection, hope I haven't missed anybody else, who deserves to be in for this vital game.

It should have been 6 overs at that stage. Don't know how I accidentally typed 1 in front. Finished (definitely) with 9-1-21-1 in second innings.

Maybe he'll get another go next week.

I see Thilan Walallawita ended up with 6 wickets in the match versus Luke Hollman's none.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

A welcome century from Robbie today will hopefully go a long way in restoring his confidence, well batted, whilst more runs from Luke keeps him in contention for selection at Lord's next week.

[Paul W]

and last time I looked Robbie was 15* so another on the brink of selection, hope I haven't missed anybody else, who deserves to be in for this vital game.

Just out for 117

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Just curious as to whether anything in the regulations prevents Eski from returning to this game for which he was originally selected.Does not appear to be there unless I'm mistaken. Ah, Wijesinghe's just appeared, so he must have replaced Eski.

[Paul W]

Probably not- but why would you?

Pansilu Wijesinghe replaced him in the first innings (not originally named in the starting line up) so it's not like we are a player down.

He also bowls off spin, but hasn't bowled in this match (presumably the same deal that applies to the firsts- as he replaced Eski who doesn't bowl, he hasn't been allowed to bowl in this match).

Very late edit (nearly two hours later)- You can see Middle Exile edited post 76 a minute after I made this post. Initially his post did not include 'Ah, Wijesinghe's just appeared, so he must have replaced Eski'.

So when I made this reply at 4.43 I genuinely thought I was being helpful- as in Wijesinghe's replaced Eskinazi (so it doesn't really matter) Apologies this then lead to a drawn out series of exchanges.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Well, we'd never have been a player down as it's 12 aside, just wondered if Eski could have had another bat today, that's all and you don't know the answer to that one, but thanks anyway for trying.

[Paul W]

Well we would have been a player down, because only 11 can bat- so having lost a batter, he needed to be replaced to restore us to 12.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Not disputing that, but curious as to how Eski is still listed to bat today rather than Toby Greatwood who batted in the first dig?

[Paul W]

Just a blip on the scorecard.

He won't be batting, or he would have done by now.

He was listed throughout the first innings (getting lower and lower as each wicket fell, until we were all out (so then no longer listed)

I doubt he is at the ground.

12 (only 11 bat) as I'm sure you know was brought in to help young teenage bowlers from bowling too much in a day- so the extra player reduces the workload- although as it happens, we only have Seb Morgan in that category for this match.

Pretty much anything goes in the 2's. For instance, young players may be able to get two days off school, or college, but not all four- so people regularly get subbed in and out of matches.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Yes, I do know how 2s cricket works and am aware there are restrictions as to how many overs young bowlers are allowed to bowl. I've worked out Eski's not there as I stated in my initial post, but what I wondered was, could he have been, which despite your extensive knowledge of the playing regulations you cannot answer. Fortunately, there's only the two of us reading this silly discussion and I think it's run its course, thanks for all your help, but I can manage without your patronizing responses in the future.

[Paul W]

Not disputing that, but curious as to how Eski is still listed to bat today rather than Toby Greatwood who batted in the first dig?

Every time you ask a question, it requires me to reply (as in that sort of blip happens a lot on 2nd XI scorecards).

Eski dropped lower and lower as each wicket fell, until he was 11. But sure enough, the moment the 9th wicket fell it changed to SHB Morgan.

[Paul W]

And we win a very close encounter by one wicket.

Lancashire at Blackpool next week.

A nice way to end the season for them.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Well played you Dinkies,a dramatic victory for our young blades which inspires hope for the future, By all accounts a highly entertaining run fest and a brilliant comeback from us after a first-day mauling, Credit due to all who competed so well throughout the match.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

But you couldn't answer my question, so a simple,' Sorry I don't know' would have sufficed rather than trying to educate me in the ins and outs of second-eleven cricket. My own fault, I'll not bother asking in the future.

[Sillypoint]

I see Thilan Walallawita ended up with 6 wickets in the match versus Luke Hollman's none.

Hollman scored 157 runs in the match versus 37 for Wallawita.... They aren't even remotely similar to compare

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Hollman scored 157 runs in the match versus 37 for Wallawita.... They aren't even remotely similar to compare#
PW is trying to prove that Richard Johnson strongly favors one over the other,where no such evidence exists. Luke is clearly the strongest candidate for selection and has been all season despite his failure to make an impression with the ball while Thilan has been equally unsuccessful and offers less with the bat and in the field.

[Paul W]

Thilan Walallawita could always bat at 10, meaning his lesser batting ability doesn't really matter.

However, Hollman is meant to take wickets (because he bats at 8) and in this particular match he didn't take any (just like the first team game v Essex).

In the Essex game 20 wickets fell to spin, De Caires 10, Robson 2, Harmer 6, Critchley 2=20. Hollman didn't take a single wicket in his 22 overs.

Yes, he's a better batter, but it's like the time Jack Leach made 92 as a nightwatcher in a test match. Extremely good, but it wasn't primarily what he was in the side for, so it wasn't going to count for anything when it came to retaining his place.

Jayant Yadav (off break) and Thilan Walallawita (SLA) would actually be more of a contrast than Hollman- but clearly de Caires has done enough to be the other spinner at present.

I'm not anti-Hollman. It's just fairly clear that Walallawita won't get a look in.

Will White's 117 get him in the firsts next week? Might get him named in the squad, but unlikely to make the starting line up.

[Paul W]

By the way- I've just had a look at Luke Hollman's championship bowling averages this season-

8 matches played, 5 wickets, average 80.4

My point being- if you are batting at 8 you need to be pulling your weight as a bowler. Nice to score runs- but you're not doing what you are in the side to do- take wickets. People say Walallawita doesn't take wickets. I suspect if he had been given the opportunity he would have managed more than 5 wickets in 8 matches.

When we signed Maharaj, Richard Johnson assured us it wouldn't hinder Hollman and Walallawita's development long term. Then that fell through- but the moment T20 started Johnson preferred Nathan Fernandes (with no 2nd XI track record) over Walallawita, at which point it looked suspiciously like TW was the next to be Sowtered. Clearly he doesn't get back in now (as de Caires is doing well)

White's two championship hundreds is twice as good as Max Holden's one in sixty plus appearances for us. Again, as the batting did ok in the second innings against Lanky, he probably won't get in- but my point (last time I'll make it) is 'What is so special about Max Holden that he gets to play 60 championship matches with only one hundred to show for it?' You see, some people get chance, after chance, after chance, because they look good, whilst others are out the side the moment they have one poor game.

Therefore coaches (all coaches at all clubs) undoubtedly have favourites that they will stick with- even if the stats suggest otherwise.

[Sillypoint]

I agree Thilan won't get a shot. He's literally had no chances all season. It's quite strange. Tbh Fernandes had a few opportunities and then got jettisoned for the format I thought he'd do well in (metro cup).

I can't think it's anything other than coaches not seeing something in practice or required focus.... Skills wise both look good prospects. Thilan especially with the ball and fernandes as batting all rounder

[Sillypoint]

However, Hollman is meant to take wickets (because he bats at 8) and in this particular match he didn't take any (just like the first team game v Essex).
.

Except he batted at 3 in the game we are discussing...

[Paul W]

Sometimes coaches improve players- sometimes they make them worse.

Ian Salisbury has clearly (I assume) brought about a massive leap forward for de Caires. There are signs he's made Hollman more economical (fewer atrocious deliveries) but at the expense of taking wickets.

If Johnson had wanted, in 50 overs White and Walallawita could easily have been given some games.

[Sillypoint]

By the way- I've just had a look at Luke Hollman's championship bowling averages this season-

8 matches played, 5 wickets, average 80.4

My point being- if you are batting at 8 you need to be pulling your weight as a bowler. Nice to score runs- but you're not doing what you are in the side to do- take wickets..

Can't dispute that but we don't know the role being asked to play. I agree it's a poor return but also first season facing division 1. There's also been a few drops and some strange captaincy around his bowling. I actually think he's more of a batting all rounder so it's a shame he never got a chance to go higher. That being said the way the top 5 batted he was always in early and under pressure.....

I agree Thilan may have picked up more wickets but perhaps were worried about longer tail

[Paul W]

Yeah- but he's not going to bat 3 in the first team.

[Sillypoint]

Sometimes coaches improve players- sometimes they make them worse.

Ian Salisbury has clearly (I assume) brought about a massive leap forward for de Caires. There are signs he's made Hollman more economical (fewer atrocious deliveries) but at the expense of taking wickets.

If Johnson had wanted, in 50 overs White and Walallawita could easily have been given some games.

I think Atherton said on comms that jeetun Patel had be around his house working with josh. Not bad mentor to have! England spin coach so mebbe not all Salisbury. The improvement has been stratospheric so hopefully has uncorked the whole group to follow suit

[Sillypoint]

Could bat 3. Why not? He's an opener by trade so understands the gig. Technique solid. I've seen people here advocating for JDC. I can see little between them and both could easily play higher. Much is made of the tag you are given.... Steve Smith was quirky leggy until they gave him a go and realised he was actually a batting genius!

[Paul W]

Could bat 3. Why not? He's an opener by trade so understands the gig. Technique solid. I've seen people here advocating for JDC. I can see little between them and both could easily play higher. Much is made of the tag you are given.... Steve Smith was quirky leggy until they gave him a go and realised he was actually a batting genius!

I was talking about Luke Hollman (because you said he batted at 3 in this match).

Agree Josh de Caires could bat in the top 5- would create space to get Tom Helm back in.

[Sillypoint]

I was talking about Hollman too

[Paul W]

The final game at Blackpool is looking like it might get rained off without a ball being bowled.

In the interests of cost cutting, it might be worth cancelling now, and not bothering to travel.

On a more positive note- Good luck to our Under 16's, who are playing Yorkshire in the U 16 50 over cup final at Loughborough today,

Commences at 10.45. Link to scorecard-

https://middlesexcb.play-cricket.com/website/results/6054416

[Paul W]

Our U16's made 273 in 49.4 overs.

The prolific James Isbell made 115 off 128 deliveries, and Caleb Falconer 81 off 86 balls.

[Paul W]

Congratulations to our Under 16's, who defeated Yorkshire by 27 runs.

Seb Morgan 8.2-0-34-4 the leading wicket taker, backed up by Sammy Singh 10-0-57-3 and Nilesh Bhandari 9-0-45-2

[Sillypoint]

That Seb Morgan is gonna go far. Great smooth action

[Paul W]

Final 2's game of the season abandoned, without a ball bowled.

And a write up of the Under 16's win the other day- Looking at the team photo two of our Under 16's sporting beards!

https://www.middlesexccc.com/news/2023/09/middlesex-u16s-win-ecb-50-over-competition

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=809643417690978&set=a.464201548901835

[Sillypoint]

Poor blokes having to drag themselves upto Blackpool when forecast was so bad!

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Mikey Cohen has signed a two-year contract with Kent.