Day one at Scarborough brought a bowling performance that put Yorkshire's title chase back into gear after months in neutral and a couple weeks in reverse.
Matthew Hoggard led the way decapitating the top order allowing the two youngsters, Bresnan and Shahzad, to cause middle order mayhem. Even McGrath got in on the act before Hoggard put Warwickshire out of their misery with a final burst.
It would be interesting to know whether Gillespie would have had as much success on this wicket, or whether his temporary departure has in some way contributed to today's performance. Certainly Shahzad did himself no harm with his performance. Two more confidence boosting wickets and another glimpse at what he could become.
It was also good of McGrath to join the wicket taking party. He's been the forgotten bowler this season having been underused, but his contribution as a partnership breaker was evident today, his wickets coming early on in both spells.
With Gale and Vaughan remaining at the crease until the premature close it was a day free of negatives. Should the pace unit recreate this effect against Sussex and Hampshire, Yorkshire will be back in with a chance of nicking the title. And if the rain, which has dogged Yorkshire's matches this season, continues to keep Surrey and Sussex kicking their heels at the Oval, a victory at North Marine Road will make the Division 1 table a more pleasant read for Yorkshire fans.
What makes today's bowling performance even more pleasing is that neither Gough nor Rashid took a single wicket. Gough was due an innings off having carried the attack all season and the young leg spinner was not required. No doubt both will be keen to assist in a second innings demolition expected to commence by lunchtime on Friday.
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
What do we need? Wickets! When do we need them? Now!
As suggested earlier wickets are what Yorkshire need in order to win the title and something they've so far failed to accrue in significant quantity since Matthew Hoggard left for Test duty.
With this in mind Yorkshire have moved to replace the economical pace bowling of Jason Gillespie with the leg-spin of Imran Tahir plucked from League Cricket obscurity for the Championship run-in.
After lots of head scratching and some indignation the signing of Tahir begins to make a little more sense. With Sussex almost certainly creating a spinners paradise for the Mushtaq's (Ahmed and Saqlain) playing two or three spinners is a distinct possibility. With Mark Lawson out for 'personal reasons' it leaves the promising finger spin of David Wainwright as the only option to accompany Adil Rashid. Bringing in an experienced, in-form, leg spinner seems reasonable.
Despite him excelling at limited overs cricket, Gough and Moxon have decided Wainwright is not yet ready for the step up to four day, title-deciding, cricket. The coach and captain still have faith in the slow left armer, shown by him bowling at the death against Glamorgan in the Pro40. Wainwright must know he has bright future at Yorkshire. He's emerged from the shadows and has made great progress in one season. Once Rashid gets snapped up by England, Wainwright could be Yorkshire's first choice spinner in all forms of the game.
However it's the pace bowling that needs serious attention. If sources are to be believed Kruis has been offered a contract for 2008 and Bresnan, Gough and Hoggard will all still be on board. Should the county's overseas player be a fast bowler of genuine wicket taking ability, on paper, that quintet of quicks could be adequate.
However Gough has already started to bowl shorter spells and may not be able to play such a substantial season in 2008. Kruis has been plagued by injury and lacked the fire of previous years. Hoggard will probably be only partially available and Bresnan blows hot and cold. Shahzad and Pyrah have shown promise but are they good enough to be relied upon? If Yorkshire suffer injuries like 2006 the attack would begin to look less than healthy. The bowlers seem to be either ageing pro's on the wane or raw, young quicks not yet ready to carry the bowling.
Therefore, if Shahzad fails to have a destructive finish to the season, the Yorkshire hierarchy could look to bring in either an English, or controversially a Kolpak, pace bowler of quality. They are out there. Durham have a plethora of quick bowling talent, of which Moxon will be familiar, a reasonable chunk of which have missed first team games this season. Graeme Onions, Mark Davies, Stuart Broad and a rejuvenated Steve Kirby would all consider moves to Yorkshire.
An attack led by two new strike bowlers, supported rather than carried, by Gough, Bresnan, Kruis and Shazhad would provide a more rounded quick bowling unit, offering genuine depth and better able to respond to injury and loss of form.
Some committed Yorkshire supporters will be horrified by the thought of bringing in the required players from beyond the borders of the Broad Acres. This view is an honourable one however if Yorkshire's bowling resources need improving and the required quality is not to be found in the Second XI, 'outsiders' must be considered.
Whatever occurs in the off-season Yorkshire's pulling power would be considerably increased with a Championship title to point at. Whether Tahir can help secure this time will tell. In the meantime the usual suspects will have to try and find wickets on a Scarborough pitch likely to be full of runs.
With this in mind Yorkshire have moved to replace the economical pace bowling of Jason Gillespie with the leg-spin of Imran Tahir plucked from League Cricket obscurity for the Championship run-in.
After lots of head scratching and some indignation the signing of Tahir begins to make a little more sense. With Sussex almost certainly creating a spinners paradise for the Mushtaq's (Ahmed and Saqlain) playing two or three spinners is a distinct possibility. With Mark Lawson out for 'personal reasons' it leaves the promising finger spin of David Wainwright as the only option to accompany Adil Rashid. Bringing in an experienced, in-form, leg spinner seems reasonable.
Despite him excelling at limited overs cricket, Gough and Moxon have decided Wainwright is not yet ready for the step up to four day, title-deciding, cricket. The coach and captain still have faith in the slow left armer, shown by him bowling at the death against Glamorgan in the Pro40. Wainwright must know he has bright future at Yorkshire. He's emerged from the shadows and has made great progress in one season. Once Rashid gets snapped up by England, Wainwright could be Yorkshire's first choice spinner in all forms of the game.
However it's the pace bowling that needs serious attention. If sources are to be believed Kruis has been offered a contract for 2008 and Bresnan, Gough and Hoggard will all still be on board. Should the county's overseas player be a fast bowler of genuine wicket taking ability, on paper, that quintet of quicks could be adequate.
However Gough has already started to bowl shorter spells and may not be able to play such a substantial season in 2008. Kruis has been plagued by injury and lacked the fire of previous years. Hoggard will probably be only partially available and Bresnan blows hot and cold. Shahzad and Pyrah have shown promise but are they good enough to be relied upon? If Yorkshire suffer injuries like 2006 the attack would begin to look less than healthy. The bowlers seem to be either ageing pro's on the wane or raw, young quicks not yet ready to carry the bowling.
Therefore, if Shahzad fails to have a destructive finish to the season, the Yorkshire hierarchy could look to bring in either an English, or controversially a Kolpak, pace bowler of quality. They are out there. Durham have a plethora of quick bowling talent, of which Moxon will be familiar, a reasonable chunk of which have missed first team games this season. Graeme Onions, Mark Davies, Stuart Broad and a rejuvenated Steve Kirby would all consider moves to Yorkshire.
An attack led by two new strike bowlers, supported rather than carried, by Gough, Bresnan, Kruis and Shazhad would provide a more rounded quick bowling unit, offering genuine depth and better able to respond to injury and loss of form.
Some committed Yorkshire supporters will be horrified by the thought of bringing in the required players from beyond the borders of the Broad Acres. This view is an honourable one however if Yorkshire's bowling resources need improving and the required quality is not to be found in the Second XI, 'outsiders' must be considered.
Whatever occurs in the off-season Yorkshire's pulling power would be considerably increased with a Championship title to point at. Whether Tahir can help secure this time will tell. In the meantime the usual suspects will have to try and find wickets on a Scarborough pitch likely to be full of runs.
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Maybe we were hiding behind the clouds after all.
So the wheels seem to have come off Yorkshire's fine season with back to back defeats against a good Lancashire side and bottom of the table Worcestershire. The weather has certainly given Sussex the chance to win the title, but they still have to grasp the opportunity and win matches, something Yorkshire have failed to do recently. Blaming the weather doesn't hold water if you get beat.
At least the equation for Yorkshire is now straightforward. Gough and his cohorts most likely need to win their three remaining matches. Warwickshire blow hot and cold, Sussex are top and Hampshire are the form team of the Division. However with Hoggard, Vaughan and Inzi in the team, on paper we should be able to compete.
Alas cricket is not played on paper. Gillespie should tear county batting line ups to shreds, yet he doesn't. Younus Khan, despite two matches of brilliance, has not had the consistent match winning effect that was hoped for. Bresnan, a player with all the attributes to succeed, has rarely bowled match turning spells. Yet Pyrah and Wainwright have come through and done well when given the chance.
Is it now time to give these youngsters a run out? Pyrah, after spending a few years on the fringe, has now begun to really shine in limited overs cricket. Wainwright has burst from nowhere and has already nudged ahead of Lawson in the pecking order. His lower order batting shows promise and he offers Gough some control with his bowling, something Rashid seems to have lost this season. Poor old Lawson has really gone off the boil. His season never really got started. Out of the team on early season pitches, the rain then disrupted the mid summer fixtures and now his form seems to have deserted him. A loan spell would do him good, or a winter tour down-under.
Still, there is still hope. Vaughan's return should shore up the opening partnership. Inzi may offer more consistency than his countryman. Rashid has finally begun show his all round capabilities. Brophy is still churning out runs and Mags, after slowly moving through the gears, is up to full power.
However wickets will be needed. Sixty of them.
At least the equation for Yorkshire is now straightforward. Gough and his cohorts most likely need to win their three remaining matches. Warwickshire blow hot and cold, Sussex are top and Hampshire are the form team of the Division. However with Hoggard, Vaughan and Inzi in the team, on paper we should be able to compete.
Alas cricket is not played on paper. Gillespie should tear county batting line ups to shreds, yet he doesn't. Younus Khan, despite two matches of brilliance, has not had the consistent match winning effect that was hoped for. Bresnan, a player with all the attributes to succeed, has rarely bowled match turning spells. Yet Pyrah and Wainwright have come through and done well when given the chance.
Is it now time to give these youngsters a run out? Pyrah, after spending a few years on the fringe, has now begun to really shine in limited overs cricket. Wainwright has burst from nowhere and has already nudged ahead of Lawson in the pecking order. His lower order batting shows promise and he offers Gough some control with his bowling, something Rashid seems to have lost this season. Poor old Lawson has really gone off the boil. His season never really got started. Out of the team on early season pitches, the rain then disrupted the mid summer fixtures and now his form seems to have deserted him. A loan spell would do him good, or a winter tour down-under.
Still, there is still hope. Vaughan's return should shore up the opening partnership. Inzi may offer more consistency than his countryman. Rashid has finally begun show his all round capabilities. Brophy is still churning out runs and Mags, after slowly moving through the gears, is up to full power.
However wickets will be needed. Sixty of them.
The return of The Yorker.
Apologies for my extended disappearance. I've been away from home on work at the Times having lots of late evenings and early starts. In the busyness I've neglected The Yorker, but now I'm back and look forward to finishing the season strongly. Let's hope a certain county cricket team do likewise.
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Hiding behind the clouds.
After Yorkshire's early season form catapulted them to the top of the Championship table fans of the White Rose were looking forward to watching the county get more wins under their belt. However the rains have curtailed almost all of their matches since the opening salvo which saw Yorkshire win 3 of their opening 4 games.
Worrying though is the thought that the rain has actually helped Yorkshire preserve their top spot rather than halt its charge to the title. Yorkshire's three wins have come against the bottom two side in the Division, the hapless Worcestershire and a Surrey team without the prolific Nicholson and dangerous Harbhajan. The other win was against Durham. All three were based on brilliant bowling performances by Matthew Hoggard.
Without the England seamer Yorkshire have failed to take 20 wickets in a match, in part certainly due to the weather. However the defeat by Durham, just before the rains came and washed out most of June and July, showed Yorkshire had weaknesses and could be defeated, pretty easily as it turned out.
Then came a series of tough games against Sussex, Lancashire, Warwickshire and an improved Surrey. All these games were washed out draws. Is it possible that the rain actually saved Yorkshire from a string of defeats against their table topping rivals just at a time when without Hoggard they were beginning to struggle and had suffered their first loss?
Now with the England fixture list releasing Hoggard and Michael Vaughan for the run in has the rain frozen the Division 1 table in time for our England players to return and complete a Championship win?
Let's hope so.
Worrying though is the thought that the rain has actually helped Yorkshire preserve their top spot rather than halt its charge to the title. Yorkshire's three wins have come against the bottom two side in the Division, the hapless Worcestershire and a Surrey team without the prolific Nicholson and dangerous Harbhajan. The other win was against Durham. All three were based on brilliant bowling performances by Matthew Hoggard.
Without the England seamer Yorkshire have failed to take 20 wickets in a match, in part certainly due to the weather. However the defeat by Durham, just before the rains came and washed out most of June and July, showed Yorkshire had weaknesses and could be defeated, pretty easily as it turned out.
Then came a series of tough games against Sussex, Lancashire, Warwickshire and an improved Surrey. All these games were washed out draws. Is it possible that the rain actually saved Yorkshire from a string of defeats against their table topping rivals just at a time when without Hoggard they were beginning to struggle and had suffered their first loss?
Now with the England fixture list releasing Hoggard and Michael Vaughan for the run in has the rain frozen the Division 1 table in time for our England players to return and complete a Championship win?
Let's hope so.
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Second Eleven ready to step up.
With the selection of Adil Rashid and Tim Bresnan for the England Lions team and the imminent departure of Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard there will soon be opportunities for the county's second eleven players.
The LV County Championship game against Warwickshire has seen Mark Lawson's first call up, Simon Guy has stepped in to replace Gerrard Brophy and Richard Pyrah has also been included in the 13 man squad.
So The Yorker decided to investigate how these, and other, second string players have been performing so far this season in the Second Eleven Championship.
After Mark Lawson's prolific partnership with Adil Rashid last season ensured Yorkshire would have the chance to compete for the 2007 Division 1 title, first team opportunities have been thin on the ground. The wet weather and good form of Yorkshire's pace attack has left little room for a second spinner alongside all-rounder Rashid.
Lawson may not have bowled any first team overs but he has sent down more second eleven deliveries, 564, than all other bowlers except Nick Thornicroft. The young leg spinner has taken six wickets as a pricey average of 68.50. However the damp conditions have not been ideal and no doubt some improved weather will produce more turn and bounce.
Lawson's fellow spinner, and Yorkshire's Twenty20 Cup hero, David Wainwright has faced similar problems in the Second Eleven Championship taking only five wickets at an average of 53.20 from 414 balls. What stands out about Wainwright's figures is his batting average of 39 from three innings, which include no not outs and a top score of 80. This compares favourably with Lawson who has batted with an average of 23 from seven innings including two not outs. Clearly both have some ability in this area and may yet develop into handy batsmen as well as quality bowlers.
Another player involved in Yorkshire's survival season but currently plying his trade outside the first team is Simon Guy. Despite the disappointment of playing second fiddle to Gerrard Brophy the enthusiastic Guy has applied himself and currently has a healthy batting average of 83.66 from four innings one of which was undefeated. His top score of 121 suggests he could well contribute vital runs against Warwickshire.
The third wicket keeper, England under-19 captain, Greg Wood has also played consistently for the second string notching up an average of 43.66 with a century and three 50s from nine innings. Should one of Brophy or Guy not be retained for 2008 Wood will be next in line.
Of the young batsmen waiting in the wings the next up is Andrew Gale. The Dewsbury born left-hander has been patiently compiling an average of 65.20 this year and contributed well in the Twenty20 Cup. Next season the single overseas player rule means that Younus Khan may not be with the county. With Craig White not getting any younger Gale could well be given the chance to cement himself as the young up and coming batsman in a line up surrounded by White, Jacques Rudolph, Anthony McGrath, Michael Vaughan and Joe Sayers.
The forgotten man of Yorkshire is Matthew Wood. The former vice captain has lost out in his duel with Joe Sayers who has made the opening position his own with some fine innings. Wood, a popular player in the dressing room, is the second eleven's highest run scorer with 393 runs at an average of 43.66. Should any injuries befall Yorkshire's stellar batting line up Wood can realistically hope for some first team action. However one fears he may have to move counties to get a regular first team spot, something many Yorkshire fans would be sad to see.
Of the pace bowlers Nick Thornicroft stands out with 12 wickets but each one has cost 40 runs something which may have contributed to him falling behind Ajmal Shahzad in the pecking order for Championship selection and the all rounders Richard Pyrah and Chris Gilbert in the one dayers.
Shahzad has taken nine wickets at 32 and performed well against Durham and Sussex for the first team. Pyrah's figures of eight wickets at 19 suggests he could well be ready for a first team call up and his solid batting and superb fielding has seen him already feature in the Friends Provident Trophy and Twenty20 Cup. Fellow all rounder Chris Gilbert showed how explosive his batting can be in the Twenty20 but his second eleven bowling has recouped only three wickets at 96. Both Pyrah and Gilbert could be given Pro40 games in which to show what they can do. The latest pacemen to come off the Yorkshire conveyor belt is Oliver Hannon-Dalby. The tall right arm quick has taken 7 wickets at 22 including a devastating 6 for 32 showing that on his day he can be as good as any of Yorkshire's up and coming bowlers.
As Yorkshire gun for the 2007 County Championship it will be interesting to see which of these young hopefuls get the chance to carry the county's future hopes in 2008 and beyond.
The LV County Championship game against Warwickshire has seen Mark Lawson's first call up, Simon Guy has stepped in to replace Gerrard Brophy and Richard Pyrah has also been included in the 13 man squad.
So The Yorker decided to investigate how these, and other, second string players have been performing so far this season in the Second Eleven Championship.
After Mark Lawson's prolific partnership with Adil Rashid last season ensured Yorkshire would have the chance to compete for the 2007 Division 1 title, first team opportunities have been thin on the ground. The wet weather and good form of Yorkshire's pace attack has left little room for a second spinner alongside all-rounder Rashid.
Lawson may not have bowled any first team overs but he has sent down more second eleven deliveries, 564, than all other bowlers except Nick Thornicroft. The young leg spinner has taken six wickets as a pricey average of 68.50. However the damp conditions have not been ideal and no doubt some improved weather will produce more turn and bounce.
Lawson's fellow spinner, and Yorkshire's Twenty20 Cup hero, David Wainwright has faced similar problems in the Second Eleven Championship taking only five wickets at an average of 53.20 from 414 balls. What stands out about Wainwright's figures is his batting average of 39 from three innings, which include no not outs and a top score of 80. This compares favourably with Lawson who has batted with an average of 23 from seven innings including two not outs. Clearly both have some ability in this area and may yet develop into handy batsmen as well as quality bowlers.
Another player involved in Yorkshire's survival season but currently plying his trade outside the first team is Simon Guy. Despite the disappointment of playing second fiddle to Gerrard Brophy the enthusiastic Guy has applied himself and currently has a healthy batting average of 83.66 from four innings one of which was undefeated. His top score of 121 suggests he could well contribute vital runs against Warwickshire.
The third wicket keeper, England under-19 captain, Greg Wood has also played consistently for the second string notching up an average of 43.66 with a century and three 50s from nine innings. Should one of Brophy or Guy not be retained for 2008 Wood will be next in line.
Of the young batsmen waiting in the wings the next up is Andrew Gale. The Dewsbury born left-hander has been patiently compiling an average of 65.20 this year and contributed well in the Twenty20 Cup. Next season the single overseas player rule means that Younus Khan may not be with the county. With Craig White not getting any younger Gale could well be given the chance to cement himself as the young up and coming batsman in a line up surrounded by White, Jacques Rudolph, Anthony McGrath, Michael Vaughan and Joe Sayers.
The forgotten man of Yorkshire is Matthew Wood. The former vice captain has lost out in his duel with Joe Sayers who has made the opening position his own with some fine innings. Wood, a popular player in the dressing room, is the second eleven's highest run scorer with 393 runs at an average of 43.66. Should any injuries befall Yorkshire's stellar batting line up Wood can realistically hope for some first team action. However one fears he may have to move counties to get a regular first team spot, something many Yorkshire fans would be sad to see.
Of the pace bowlers Nick Thornicroft stands out with 12 wickets but each one has cost 40 runs something which may have contributed to him falling behind Ajmal Shahzad in the pecking order for Championship selection and the all rounders Richard Pyrah and Chris Gilbert in the one dayers.
Shahzad has taken nine wickets at 32 and performed well against Durham and Sussex for the first team. Pyrah's figures of eight wickets at 19 suggests he could well be ready for a first team call up and his solid batting and superb fielding has seen him already feature in the Friends Provident Trophy and Twenty20 Cup. Fellow all rounder Chris Gilbert showed how explosive his batting can be in the Twenty20 but his second eleven bowling has recouped only three wickets at 96. Both Pyrah and Gilbert could be given Pro40 games in which to show what they can do. The latest pacemen to come off the Yorkshire conveyor belt is Oliver Hannon-Dalby. The tall right arm quick has taken 7 wickets at 22 including a devastating 6 for 32 showing that on his day he can be as good as any of Yorkshire's up and coming bowlers.
As Yorkshire gun for the 2007 County Championship it will be interesting to see which of these young hopefuls get the chance to carry the county's future hopes in 2008 and beyond.
Friday, 6 July 2007
Phoenix rise from the ashes.
After Yorkshire's start to the 2007 Twenty20 Cup, progression to the knock-out phase looked as bleak as the June weather.
However a remarkable second half saw the White Rose rack up four successive victories to knock holders Leicestershire out of the competition and claim a quarter final berth.
The Foxes put Yorkshire to the sword in the opening Twenty20 match in front of the Sky cameras but after some terrible weather they found their campaign fizzle out with their showdown match against Lancashire abandoned before a ball was bowled.
Yorkshire can now look forward to a quarter final match against County Champions Sussex and can take great heart from some gutsy performances to come back from the dead in the most lucrative of county cricket competitions.
The Yorkshire coffers will no doubt benefit from further Twenty20 action and Yorkshire fans will be hoping the tie will be picked to be shown live on Sky. With the respective Championship positions of both Yorkshire and Sussex and the Chris Adams saga of the winter the outlook is bright for the match to be televised.
Another benefit to come from the Twenty20 success is that it gives the younger players such as Andrew Gale, Chris Gilbert, Richard Pyrah and David Wainwright further first team action, something that may not be possible in the Championship such is the depth of quality batting and bowling at Yorkshire's disposal.
Yorkshire can also now take some winning momentum into a flurry of 4-day Championship games starting off with the Roses match at Old Trafford.
All in all, a successful Twenty20 competition for Yorkshire, who despite not playing the best cricket in the competition will be keen to give a good account of themselves at Hove in the next round.
However a remarkable second half saw the White Rose rack up four successive victories to knock holders Leicestershire out of the competition and claim a quarter final berth.
The Foxes put Yorkshire to the sword in the opening Twenty20 match in front of the Sky cameras but after some terrible weather they found their campaign fizzle out with their showdown match against Lancashire abandoned before a ball was bowled.
Yorkshire can now look forward to a quarter final match against County Champions Sussex and can take great heart from some gutsy performances to come back from the dead in the most lucrative of county cricket competitions.
The Yorkshire coffers will no doubt benefit from further Twenty20 action and Yorkshire fans will be hoping the tie will be picked to be shown live on Sky. With the respective Championship positions of both Yorkshire and Sussex and the Chris Adams saga of the winter the outlook is bright for the match to be televised.
Another benefit to come from the Twenty20 success is that it gives the younger players such as Andrew Gale, Chris Gilbert, Richard Pyrah and David Wainwright further first team action, something that may not be possible in the Championship such is the depth of quality batting and bowling at Yorkshire's disposal.
Yorkshire can also now take some winning momentum into a flurry of 4-day Championship games starting off with the Roses match at Old Trafford.
All in all, a successful Twenty20 competition for Yorkshire, who despite not playing the best cricket in the competition will be keen to give a good account of themselves at Hove in the next round.
Friday, 29 June 2007
The return of the cavalry
Yorkshire are hoping to have the services of both their most destructive bowler and England's most successful captain for their next two county championship games.
Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough hope to have Matthew Hoggard and Michael Vaughan back in the Yorkshire line-up for both the four day game against Lancashire and the following Warwickshire match. The latter finishes in time for both players to return to the England fold to face India in the first Test match.
Should England give the green light for their inclusion Yorkshire's championship hopes would receive a huge boost. Since Hoggard's departure Yorkshire haven't won a championship match, something they were finding almost easy whilst the shaggy haired destroyer was opening the bowling.
Whilst the bowling department has been struggling without Hoggard, the batting has remained relatively solid. However if Vaughan was made available he would be favourite to replace Craig White and open the batting with young Joe Sayers.
The four day Roses battle will be televised live on Sky, one of the few championship games on the box this year. Yorkshire fans will be hoping they'll be able to watch two of England's finest increase the White Rose's championship lead and dent Lancashire's hopes of a first outright title win since 1934.
Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough hope to have Matthew Hoggard and Michael Vaughan back in the Yorkshire line-up for both the four day game against Lancashire and the following Warwickshire match. The latter finishes in time for both players to return to the England fold to face India in the first Test match.
Should England give the green light for their inclusion Yorkshire's championship hopes would receive a huge boost. Since Hoggard's departure Yorkshire haven't won a championship match, something they were finding almost easy whilst the shaggy haired destroyer was opening the bowling.
Whilst the bowling department has been struggling without Hoggard, the batting has remained relatively solid. However if Vaughan was made available he would be favourite to replace Craig White and open the batting with young Joe Sayers.
The four day Roses battle will be televised live on Sky, one of the few championship games on the box this year. Yorkshire fans will be hoping they'll be able to watch two of England's finest increase the White Rose's championship lead and dent Lancashire's hopes of a first outright title win since 1934.
And the winner actually is...Ajmal Shahzad.
In an earlier post I suggested Nick Thornicroft had put himself in pole position for a first team call up with his excellent performance in the UCCE game against Loughborough.
However that was before Thornicroft's fellow paceman Shahzad took four first innings wickets against reigning champions Sussex at Headingly. His excellent performance staved off defeat after Yorkshire were bowled out for 139, 32 runs of which came from the bat of Shahzad himself in 49 balls.
So when Yorkshire return to their four day campaign Ajmal will be hoping to continue his good run of form in the first team. With Darren Gough's miraculous recovery from a broken finger and the possibility of Matthew Hoggard's return to county cricket before the India Test match, the 22 year-old right armer might have to wait a little while longer for a regular run out in the first team.
However his progress does bode well for 2008 when Yorkshire may be without the services of the ageing trio of Gough, Kruis and overseas player Gillespie.
However that was before Thornicroft's fellow paceman Shahzad took four first innings wickets against reigning champions Sussex at Headingly. His excellent performance staved off defeat after Yorkshire were bowled out for 139, 32 runs of which came from the bat of Shahzad himself in 49 balls.
So when Yorkshire return to their four day campaign Ajmal will be hoping to continue his good run of form in the first team. With Darren Gough's miraculous recovery from a broken finger and the possibility of Matthew Hoggard's return to county cricket before the India Test match, the 22 year-old right armer might have to wait a little while longer for a regular run out in the first team.
However his progress does bode well for 2008 when Yorkshire may be without the services of the ageing trio of Gough, Kruis and overseas player Gillespie.
Back from the break.
Like County cricket's mid season break for the T20, I have had a brief break from posting in order to revise for and finish some pesky exams.
Now with them behind me I promise to keep this blog more regularly updated.
Now with them behind me I promise to keep this blog more regularly updated.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
And the winner is...Nick Thornicroft
In a tense finish to Yorkshire's game against Loughborough UCCE Steve Patterson took two wickets in the final two balls to win the match by a solitary run.
However it was Patterson's fellow young pacemen Nick Thornicroft that stole the show taking 6 second innings wickets to set up victory.
Slow left armer David Wainwright also did well, adding 2 wickets to his 46 not out.
Whether Thornicroft's display is enough to nudge him ahead of Ajmal Shahzad in the pecking order time will tell. Shahzad only bowled 12 tidy overs in the match and may still be seen as the next in line should Deon Kruis not recover from his hamstring strain in time to face Durham at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.
However it is good to see there is competition within the bowling ranks. Thornicroft has been sniffing around the Yorkshire first team for five years since making is debut in 2002 but at 22, 'Mad Dog', really needs to break though this season.
With Matthew Hoggard now plying his trade with England (once he recovers from a thigh strain) and Gough, Gillespie and the recovering Kruis unlikely to last a full summer, Thornicroft could well be given his opportunity to shine.
However it was Patterson's fellow young pacemen Nick Thornicroft that stole the show taking 6 second innings wickets to set up victory.
Slow left armer David Wainwright also did well, adding 2 wickets to his 46 not out.
Whether Thornicroft's display is enough to nudge him ahead of Ajmal Shahzad in the pecking order time will tell. Shahzad only bowled 12 tidy overs in the match and may still be seen as the next in line should Deon Kruis not recover from his hamstring strain in time to face Durham at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.
However it is good to see there is competition within the bowling ranks. Thornicroft has been sniffing around the Yorkshire first team for five years since making is debut in 2002 but at 22, 'Mad Dog', really needs to break though this season.
With Matthew Hoggard now plying his trade with England (once he recovers from a thigh strain) and Gough, Gillespie and the recovering Kruis unlikely to last a full summer, Thornicroft could well be given his opportunity to shine.
Thursday, 17 May 2007
Runs after the rain.
After the first day of Yorkshire's game with Loughborough University was ruined by rain our young batsmen got a chance to shine on day two.
Captain Andrew Gale opened the innings and despite losing fellow opener Matthew Wood for 23 continued onto a respectable 68 before getting out. He hit 10 fours and two sixes and has certainly cemented the next-in-line spot ahead of Wood who has started the season poorly. Gale has played in Yorkshire's one day matches and was even made skipper for this game ahead of his opening partner despite the latter being Yorkshire's vice captain only a few years ago.
Young Adam Lyth came in at number 3 and looked assured for his 39 ball 31 before being trapped lbw by Parsons. Lyth has been touted as the brightest batting prospect at the club and will be hoping for some big scores in the 2nd XI this year.
The big runs however in Yorkshire's innings came from the middle order with all rounders Richard Pyrah and Chris Gilbert putting on 92 runs. Gilbert was the stroke maker motoring along at a run a ball. He smashed 64 off only 66 deliveries five of which were despatched to the boundary and another two clearing it altogether. Gilbert has emerged as a genuine first team contender and seems to have responded well after being given his county cap by Darren Gough in pre season. This correspondent hopes he will get more chances in the one day games than he is currently.
Richard Pyrah followed a couple of good Friends Provident performances by completing an accomplished century. The Dewsbury born right-hander has showed promise as he's moved up through the Yorkshire ranks but needs to make the step up this season and is responding well with both bat and ball. Pyrah saw the wickets fall of both Gilbert and wicketkeeper Simon Guy who was caught and bowled by Spriegel for 37. When Pyrah was out for 106 he left the field with Yorkshire 367 for 6.
He received some solid resistance from slow left arm bowler David Wainwright. The former Loughborough student was 46 not out when Yorkshire declared their innings at stumps. He is yet another of Yorkshire's promising spinners to emerge from the academy. He finished the day alongside Mark Lawson on 4.
Yorkshire will have some trouble in keeping three young spinners happy if Lawson and Wainwright progress as Adil Rashid has done. It's a nice problem to have but one which will still have to be resolved. Rashid's meteoric rise looks like it will result in him breaching the England squad within twelve months leaving space for Lawson and Wainwright to battle for the spinner's berth. Rashid's batting has made him easy to select and it could be this which will be the determining factor on who becomes his long term successor. Lawson has shown he has the potency to take wickets once the heat of summer is in full swing but should he fail with the bat his place will be under pressure.
Yorkshire's table topping form has coincided with the lack of any noticeable tail to the batting line up. Rashid is an all rounder, Gerard Brophy has realised he actually can bat and both Gillespie and Bresnan have hit first class centuries this season. Even Hoggard has racked up a half century as night watchman. Wainwright seems to offer some lower order run scoring and whether this gets him a chance ahead of of leg-spinner Lawson time will tell.
After a good day with the bat and some encouraging performances it's time for the bowlers to put the students to the sword. As stated in the previous post it is Yorkshire's fast bowling than needs bolstering. Let's hope Shahzad, Thornicroft and Patterson can oblige. However if Pyrah, Gilbert and Wainwright share the wickets they will have given Goughie and Moxon some real options for the forthcoming one day matches.
Captain Andrew Gale opened the innings and despite losing fellow opener Matthew Wood for 23 continued onto a respectable 68 before getting out. He hit 10 fours and two sixes and has certainly cemented the next-in-line spot ahead of Wood who has started the season poorly. Gale has played in Yorkshire's one day matches and was even made skipper for this game ahead of his opening partner despite the latter being Yorkshire's vice captain only a few years ago.
Young Adam Lyth came in at number 3 and looked assured for his 39 ball 31 before being trapped lbw by Parsons. Lyth has been touted as the brightest batting prospect at the club and will be hoping for some big scores in the 2nd XI this year.
The big runs however in Yorkshire's innings came from the middle order with all rounders Richard Pyrah and Chris Gilbert putting on 92 runs. Gilbert was the stroke maker motoring along at a run a ball. He smashed 64 off only 66 deliveries five of which were despatched to the boundary and another two clearing it altogether. Gilbert has emerged as a genuine first team contender and seems to have responded well after being given his county cap by Darren Gough in pre season. This correspondent hopes he will get more chances in the one day games than he is currently.
Richard Pyrah followed a couple of good Friends Provident performances by completing an accomplished century. The Dewsbury born right-hander has showed promise as he's moved up through the Yorkshire ranks but needs to make the step up this season and is responding well with both bat and ball. Pyrah saw the wickets fall of both Gilbert and wicketkeeper Simon Guy who was caught and bowled by Spriegel for 37. When Pyrah was out for 106 he left the field with Yorkshire 367 for 6.
He received some solid resistance from slow left arm bowler David Wainwright. The former Loughborough student was 46 not out when Yorkshire declared their innings at stumps. He is yet another of Yorkshire's promising spinners to emerge from the academy. He finished the day alongside Mark Lawson on 4.
Yorkshire will have some trouble in keeping three young spinners happy if Lawson and Wainwright progress as Adil Rashid has done. It's a nice problem to have but one which will still have to be resolved. Rashid's meteoric rise looks like it will result in him breaching the England squad within twelve months leaving space for Lawson and Wainwright to battle for the spinner's berth. Rashid's batting has made him easy to select and it could be this which will be the determining factor on who becomes his long term successor. Lawson has shown he has the potency to take wickets once the heat of summer is in full swing but should he fail with the bat his place will be under pressure.
Yorkshire's table topping form has coincided with the lack of any noticeable tail to the batting line up. Rashid is an all rounder, Gerard Brophy has realised he actually can bat and both Gillespie and Bresnan have hit first class centuries this season. Even Hoggard has racked up a half century as night watchman. Wainwright seems to offer some lower order run scoring and whether this gets him a chance ahead of of leg-spinner Lawson time will tell.
After a good day with the bat and some encouraging performances it's time for the bowlers to put the students to the sword. As stated in the previous post it is Yorkshire's fast bowling than needs bolstering. Let's hope Shahzad, Thornicroft and Patterson can oblige. However if Pyrah, Gilbert and Wainwright share the wickets they will have given Goughie and Moxon some real options for the forthcoming one day matches.
Monday, 14 May 2007
Young guns need to start pulling the trigger
Yorkshire's first team are having a well deserved break this week whilst the second XI get a run out against Loughborough University. As the youngsters try and stake their claim for a first team chance the prospective bowling attack for 2008 already looks a little thin.
The start to season '07 has been electric thanks in part to excellent bowling performances from Matthew Hoggard, Darren Gough, Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie as well as youngsters Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid. However the pace attack for next year could be led by Bresnan and one of the young quicks from the 2nd XI such as the raw Ajmal Shahzad. Hoggard (and maybe Rashid) will be with England, Gough's, then 37, year old body may not be up for another season and with only one overseas player will Gillespie be retained? Yorkshire's other veteran paceman Deon Kruis is also in his twilight years and has already suffered a hamstring strain this season. His Kolpak status also means he could incur Yorkshire a financial penalty when playing with fellow foreigners Jacques Rudolph, Younus Khan and Gillespie.
Thankfully Tim Bresnan has showed signs of maturity with both bat and ball and could be vital next year. But behind him, none of the youngsters, Rashid aside, have done anything which demands their selection in the first team. Ajmal Shahzad is next in line and has already played for the 1st XI against Durham this year. Nick Thornicroft, Steve Patterson, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, James Lee and Greg Norton are all playing regularly for the Academy and 2XI sides. But where Yorkshire have quantity do they have quality?
Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon and captain Gough have shown they want to blood the youngsters in the one day games, already giving Friends Provident run outs to Patterson, Richard Pyrah and Chris Gilbert. It is to be expected that the rest will see some first team action this summer. But with so many players vying to make the step up each young bowler will have to make the most of chances like this weeks friendly against LUCCE.
An 'attack' of Shahzad, Patterson and Thornicroft looks like one unable to compete in Division 1 when compared to this year's heavyweight trio of Gough, Gillespie and Kruis. Therefore it is imperative that Yorkshire look to recruit some quality bowling talent during the winter, should the three old warhorses be deemed unable or unsuitable. Hopefully one will be a star overseas bowler to replace the Australian but that leaves two spots to fill. Many Yorkshire fans may like to see the return of former Yorkshire championship winners Steve Kirby and Ryan Sidebottom. These two may be an 'old boys' reunion too far but it is these sort of English qualified county pro's that would bolster Yorkshire's bowling department.
With the ECB's financial penalties for playing cricketers not eligible for England selection the Kolpak route may be too painful on Yorkshire's pocket. After the furore (and success) of the Jacques Rudolph signing Yorkshire may want to avoid replacing Kruis with a younger, better Kolpak bowler. However it may have to be looked at should the battle be lost for any available English players. Should this happen Yorkshire would have 1 overseas player and two Kolpak players, the rest being English qualified and mostly Yorkshire born.
Moxon, Gough and Yorkshire fans will be hoping that the county can continue its tradition of producing top class young fast bowlers in time for next season. Who will be the next Gough, Hoggard, Silverwood or Sidebottom? It will be hoped this weeks match could provide some clues.
The start to season '07 has been electric thanks in part to excellent bowling performances from Matthew Hoggard, Darren Gough, Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie as well as youngsters Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid. However the pace attack for next year could be led by Bresnan and one of the young quicks from the 2nd XI such as the raw Ajmal Shahzad. Hoggard (and maybe Rashid) will be with England, Gough's, then 37, year old body may not be up for another season and with only one overseas player will Gillespie be retained? Yorkshire's other veteran paceman Deon Kruis is also in his twilight years and has already suffered a hamstring strain this season. His Kolpak status also means he could incur Yorkshire a financial penalty when playing with fellow foreigners Jacques Rudolph, Younus Khan and Gillespie.
Thankfully Tim Bresnan has showed signs of maturity with both bat and ball and could be vital next year. But behind him, none of the youngsters, Rashid aside, have done anything which demands their selection in the first team. Ajmal Shahzad is next in line and has already played for the 1st XI against Durham this year. Nick Thornicroft, Steve Patterson, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, James Lee and Greg Norton are all playing regularly for the Academy and 2XI sides. But where Yorkshire have quantity do they have quality?
Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon and captain Gough have shown they want to blood the youngsters in the one day games, already giving Friends Provident run outs to Patterson, Richard Pyrah and Chris Gilbert. It is to be expected that the rest will see some first team action this summer. But with so many players vying to make the step up each young bowler will have to make the most of chances like this weeks friendly against LUCCE.
An 'attack' of Shahzad, Patterson and Thornicroft looks like one unable to compete in Division 1 when compared to this year's heavyweight trio of Gough, Gillespie and Kruis. Therefore it is imperative that Yorkshire look to recruit some quality bowling talent during the winter, should the three old warhorses be deemed unable or unsuitable. Hopefully one will be a star overseas bowler to replace the Australian but that leaves two spots to fill. Many Yorkshire fans may like to see the return of former Yorkshire championship winners Steve Kirby and Ryan Sidebottom. These two may be an 'old boys' reunion too far but it is these sort of English qualified county pro's that would bolster Yorkshire's bowling department.
With the ECB's financial penalties for playing cricketers not eligible for England selection the Kolpak route may be too painful on Yorkshire's pocket. After the furore (and success) of the Jacques Rudolph signing Yorkshire may want to avoid replacing Kruis with a younger, better Kolpak bowler. However it may have to be looked at should the battle be lost for any available English players. Should this happen Yorkshire would have 1 overseas player and two Kolpak players, the rest being English qualified and mostly Yorkshire born.
Moxon, Gough and Yorkshire fans will be hoping that the county can continue its tradition of producing top class young fast bowlers in time for next season. Who will be the next Gough, Hoggard, Silverwood or Sidebottom? It will be hoped this weeks match could provide some clues.
Saturday, 12 May 2007
Yorkshire in double triumph
Yorkshire defeated both Worcestershire and the weather to notch up their third win from four opening county championship matches and sit unbeaten atop the Division One table.
The remarkable turnaround from relegation candidates to champion contenders has happened so quickly fans have been left dizzy. The crushing victory by an innings and 260 runs over Worcestershire was completed despite the match being curtailed by rain.
Yorkshire lost only seven wickets in the match and batted supremely to rack up 521 runs thanks to centuries from Jacques Rudolph and the "Headingly Limpet" Joe Sayers. The 23-year-old left hander batted for 459 minutes for his 123. This comes on the back of his two unbeaten knocks in the last match against Durham where he was on the field for the duration of all four innings.
But to wrap up victory against bottom of the table Worcestershire before the rain stepped in Yorkshire were going to have to take 20 wickets quickly. And that they did, despite having to face former Yorkshire overseas player Phil Jaques, England nearly-man Vikram Solanki and the evergreen Graeme Hick.
Matthew Hoggard played his way into form ahead of the impending Test series with five top order wickets in the first innings. After the Black Pears could only muster 129 they followed on. In their second attempt they escaped the clutches of Hoggard but in their determination to flee their shaggy-haired first innings destroyer they ran headlong into a wicket hungry Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid. The ensuing carnage left the batting card in tatters and the two young English bowlers with four wickets each. The victory was capped off with some fine fielding and close catching.
Yorkshire once again had to replace wicket-keeper batsman Gerard Brophy after he suffered a hand injury. He was replaced by mask-wearing Simon Guy. The gloveman donned a clear plastic visor to protect his face, and despite looking like Hannibal Lector it didn't seem to hamper his keeping. Guy said he was using the mask to protect his livelihood as he couldn't afford another injury. Whether it catches on time will tell.
Yorkshire will be buoyed by yet another 'easy' win but here the real test starts. England now pluck Hoggard from their midst and without him to lead the attack Yorkshire will be relying on three aged pros, one of which is currently injured. As scheduling would have it Yorkshire now have a break from LV County Championship matches with a University game. This may give their Kolpak paceman Deon Kruis enough time to recover from his hamstring strain. But should he, The Dazzler or 'The Dizzler', as Jason Gillespie is now known, break down the young pool of talent waiting in the wings is raw, erratic and toothless compared to the classy Hoggard.
No doubt that bridge will be crossed in due course. For now followers of the White Rose can sit back and enjoy a 12 point buffer between themselves and the chasing pack. It may not last for long.
The remarkable turnaround from relegation candidates to champion contenders has happened so quickly fans have been left dizzy. The crushing victory by an innings and 260 runs over Worcestershire was completed despite the match being curtailed by rain.
Yorkshire lost only seven wickets in the match and batted supremely to rack up 521 runs thanks to centuries from Jacques Rudolph and the "Headingly Limpet" Joe Sayers. The 23-year-old left hander batted for 459 minutes for his 123. This comes on the back of his two unbeaten knocks in the last match against Durham where he was on the field for the duration of all four innings.
But to wrap up victory against bottom of the table Worcestershire before the rain stepped in Yorkshire were going to have to take 20 wickets quickly. And that they did, despite having to face former Yorkshire overseas player Phil Jaques, England nearly-man Vikram Solanki and the evergreen Graeme Hick.
Matthew Hoggard played his way into form ahead of the impending Test series with five top order wickets in the first innings. After the Black Pears could only muster 129 they followed on. In their second attempt they escaped the clutches of Hoggard but in their determination to flee their shaggy-haired first innings destroyer they ran headlong into a wicket hungry Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid. The ensuing carnage left the batting card in tatters and the two young English bowlers with four wickets each. The victory was capped off with some fine fielding and close catching.
Yorkshire once again had to replace wicket-keeper batsman Gerard Brophy after he suffered a hand injury. He was replaced by mask-wearing Simon Guy. The gloveman donned a clear plastic visor to protect his face, and despite looking like Hannibal Lector it didn't seem to hamper his keeping. Guy said he was using the mask to protect his livelihood as he couldn't afford another injury. Whether it catches on time will tell.
Yorkshire will be buoyed by yet another 'easy' win but here the real test starts. England now pluck Hoggard from their midst and without him to lead the attack Yorkshire will be relying on three aged pros, one of which is currently injured. As scheduling would have it Yorkshire now have a break from LV County Championship matches with a University game. This may give their Kolpak paceman Deon Kruis enough time to recover from his hamstring strain. But should he, The Dazzler or 'The Dizzler', as Jason Gillespie is now known, break down the young pool of talent waiting in the wings is raw, erratic and toothless compared to the classy Hoggard.
No doubt that bridge will be crossed in due course. For now followers of the White Rose can sit back and enjoy a 12 point buffer between themselves and the chasing pack. It may not last for long.
Sunday, 6 May 2007
The winning habit
Following Yorkshire failing to clinch victory against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl man of the match Younus Khan was interviewed by BBC reporter Kevin Howells. In his rather broken English the Pakistani right-hander explained how despite scoring more than 300 runs and taking four wickets he was disappointed to not to be on the winning team.
Having players with winning mentalities is crucial to sporting success. It seems obvious that all professional sportsmen would want to win and be successful. However there is a difference between wanting to win and being prepared to do anything to be victorious.
It's a sliding scale. One player may want to win a match, but another may be desperate to and will run faster, concentrate harder and go further to achieve victory. It's often said about sporting teams in cup matches that one team 'wanted it more' than the other.
Peter Schmeichel the Danish goalkeeper who was the backbone to Manchester United's many years of success spent one of his final playing seasons at mid-table Aston Villa. The charismatic 'keeper publicly condemned the Villa players saying they had no desire to win matches. He said by losing they actually reduced pressure on themselves because expectations were lowered. Losing was easier. Schmeichel had spent years in the Old Trafford dressing room surrounded by winners such as Roy Keane and Alex Ferguson and the difference was clearly more than Schmeichel could take.
Looking at the current Yorkshire team it is good to see there are characters who are used to winning. Younus Khan is one of the best batsmen in the world and has been vice captain of Pakistan, a country where cricketing victory is expected. Captain Darren Gough, despite being in his twilight years, has never settled for second place giving his all for England and inspiring Essex to one-day silverware. Craig White and Matthew Hoggard have both been part of successful England teams surrounded by other determined 'winners' such as Dominic Cork and Andrew Flintoff. Australians are known for their win-at-all-costs mentality and having Jason Gillespie in the team must also be positive. After sharing dressing rooms with Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh and being the 5th most prolific Aussie test bowler I can't imagine he will tolerate less than determined play from his Yorkshire team mates.
Hopefully these older players can pass on not only their cricket ability but also their winning mentality to Yorkshire's new generation. Whether Adil Rashid, Joe Sayers and Tim Bresnan will be prepared to go the extra mile to secure victory time will tell. But having an environment in which victory is expected and forging a winning habit can only help.
Having players with winning mentalities is crucial to sporting success. It seems obvious that all professional sportsmen would want to win and be successful. However there is a difference between wanting to win and being prepared to do anything to be victorious.
It's a sliding scale. One player may want to win a match, but another may be desperate to and will run faster, concentrate harder and go further to achieve victory. It's often said about sporting teams in cup matches that one team 'wanted it more' than the other.
Peter Schmeichel the Danish goalkeeper who was the backbone to Manchester United's many years of success spent one of his final playing seasons at mid-table Aston Villa. The charismatic 'keeper publicly condemned the Villa players saying they had no desire to win matches. He said by losing they actually reduced pressure on themselves because expectations were lowered. Losing was easier. Schmeichel had spent years in the Old Trafford dressing room surrounded by winners such as Roy Keane and Alex Ferguson and the difference was clearly more than Schmeichel could take.
Looking at the current Yorkshire team it is good to see there are characters who are used to winning. Younus Khan is one of the best batsmen in the world and has been vice captain of Pakistan, a country where cricketing victory is expected. Captain Darren Gough, despite being in his twilight years, has never settled for second place giving his all for England and inspiring Essex to one-day silverware. Craig White and Matthew Hoggard have both been part of successful England teams surrounded by other determined 'winners' such as Dominic Cork and Andrew Flintoff. Australians are known for their win-at-all-costs mentality and having Jason Gillespie in the team must also be positive. After sharing dressing rooms with Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh and being the 5th most prolific Aussie test bowler I can't imagine he will tolerate less than determined play from his Yorkshire team mates.
Hopefully these older players can pass on not only their cricket ability but also their winning mentality to Yorkshire's new generation. Whether Adil Rashid, Joe Sayers and Tim Bresnan will be prepared to go the extra mile to secure victory time will tell. But having an environment in which victory is expected and forging a winning habit can only help.
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
And so it begins...
After Yorkshire's perfect start to the season the injury curse has struck.
Yorkshire's season was always going to depend on the fitness of it's ageing and injury prone pace attack. For the opener against Surrey the team was fit to bursting at the seams with bowling talent. Deon Kruis, the leading wicket taker the past two seasons was 12th man such was the depth of the bowling.
However a week on and the situation is looking much gloomier. Kruis took 3 wickets in the first one-day match of the year against Nottinghamshire, but left the field with a pulled hamstring ruling him out for over a month. The second paceman to fall victim was Aussie star Gillespie who hit his maiden county century at the Oval. Combined with Anthony McGrath's virus, the line up to face Durham today now takes a on greenish hue.
But as in nature when old forest tress fall it provides space for young saplings to grow and fill the void. Hopefully McGrath's replacement, Andrew Gale will take the opportunity and lay down roots in the thick jungle that is Yorkshire's batting department. When Michael Vaughan returns to the county there could be scant opportunities for Yorkshire's young batsmen in the four day game.
Not so in the bowling. Gillespie's replacement today is Ajmal Shazhad. It is these opportunities the younger players must grasp with both hands. With Kruis sidelined there could also be room for Patterson or Thornicroft to step up in the coming weeks.
However with youth there is hope. The one day games will be where most of the younger players will cut their teeth this season. Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah both contributed to the win over Notts and have been in sparkling form for the second XI.
2007 was always going to be a year of transition but it seems the process will have to happen sooner rather than later if Yorkshire are to compete.
Yorkshire's season was always going to depend on the fitness of it's ageing and injury prone pace attack. For the opener against Surrey the team was fit to bursting at the seams with bowling talent. Deon Kruis, the leading wicket taker the past two seasons was 12th man such was the depth of the bowling.
However a week on and the situation is looking much gloomier. Kruis took 3 wickets in the first one-day match of the year against Nottinghamshire, but left the field with a pulled hamstring ruling him out for over a month. The second paceman to fall victim was Aussie star Gillespie who hit his maiden county century at the Oval. Combined with Anthony McGrath's virus, the line up to face Durham today now takes a on greenish hue.
But as in nature when old forest tress fall it provides space for young saplings to grow and fill the void. Hopefully McGrath's replacement, Andrew Gale will take the opportunity and lay down roots in the thick jungle that is Yorkshire's batting department. When Michael Vaughan returns to the county there could be scant opportunities for Yorkshire's young batsmen in the four day game.
Not so in the bowling. Gillespie's replacement today is Ajmal Shazhad. It is these opportunities the younger players must grasp with both hands. With Kruis sidelined there could also be room for Patterson or Thornicroft to step up in the coming weeks.
However with youth there is hope. The one day games will be where most of the younger players will cut their teeth this season. Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah both contributed to the win over Notts and have been in sparkling form for the second XI.
2007 was always going to be a year of transition but it seems the process will have to happen sooner rather than later if Yorkshire are to compete.
Monday, 23 April 2007
An all round performance
With the news that England are sending Michael Vaughan back to Yorkshire ahead of the West Indies test matches the White Rose is looking almost spherical such is the all round nature of it's players.
The England captain will replace opener Joe Sayers.
The team now consists of:
Craig White (Right hand bat/off break/medium pace bowler) - At his peak the best all rounder in England. In his twilight years his bowling has taken a back seat due to a recurring knee injury however he has made himself available to bowl spin in the 2007 season. 395 first class wickets at 28 with best figures of 8/55 show his bowling class.
Michael Vaughan (Right hand bat/off break bowler) - Underused as a bowler, in part because of his own captaincy, his off break bowling has been the test match downfall of the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. In England's final match of the 2007 World Cup Vaughan was the only bowler to bowl 10 overs and returned match best figures of 3/39. He also scored a stylish 79 off only 68 balls.
Anthony McGrath (Right hand bat/medium pace bowler) - Yorkshire's second highest run scorer in 2006 has been a consistent performer with the ball in previous years. A useful partnership breaker McGrath reached the England side due to his useful medium pace bowling and formidable batting. He has 95 first class wickets at 34 giving up only 3.08 runs an over.
Younus Khan (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - The test double centurion was not known to Yorkshire fans as a bowler but has already shown he has some ability with the ball. Bowling in tandem with Adil Rashid he turned his arm over for 9 overs against Surrey in the 2007 season opener. He has 16 domestic one day wickets at an average of 24.
Jacques Rudolph (Left hand bat/leg break bowler) - Another test double centurion Rudolph has 45 first class wickets at 41. His best figures of 5/87 suggest on his day he can be a useful leg spinner.
Adil Rashid (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - Rashid could be the best all-rounder of his generation. Already Yorkshire's best spinner for a decade he has centuries for England under-19 and opened for the Yorkshire academy and 2nd XI.
Tim Bresnan (Right hand bat/medium fast bowler) - The 22 year old hit his first century for Yorkshire against Surrey and is now half of Yorkshire's highest ever 9th wicket partnership; 290. A first change bowler with 111 first class wickets at 32. Will struggle to get the new ball ahead of Gough, Hoggard, Gillespie and Kruis but has time on his side.
Darren Gough (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The Dazzler has spent years ripping out the best opening batsmen across the globe with his vicious in-swinging yorkers. 229 test wickets at 28, 235 ODI wickets at 26 and a 815 first class wickets at 27 mark him out as one of the finest bowlers of his generation. A belligerent, counter attacking lower order batsmen he has 19 first class half centuries and a highest score 121.
Jason Gillespie (Right hand bat/fast bowler) - Yorkshire's 3rd test double centurion has now added 123 not out in Yorkshire's 2007 season opener against Surrey. Gillespie is also Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker. Opening the bowling as well as offering rearguard batting support Gillespie will play a key role in both forms of the game.
Matthew Hoggard (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The 5th ranked bowler in world cricket Hoggard will lead the attack for the first part of the summer as he prepares to do battle with the West Indian batsman. A compulsive blocker of a batsman, Hoggard has an unbeaten first class 89 to his name and is England's regular nightwatchman.
Of the young prospects hoping for some first team action this year all rounders Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah have both shown promising early season form.
Darren Gough will certainly have options in the bowling department which will come in handy on long hot days in the field. The bowling support will allow Yorkshire's strike bowlers more of a rest and keep starlet Rashid from being over bowled.
The long batting tail will no doubt produce a greater haul of bonus points and prevent the collapses which have been Yorkshire's downfall in previous years.
The England captain will replace opener Joe Sayers.
The team now consists of:
Craig White (Right hand bat/off break/medium pace bowler) - At his peak the best all rounder in England. In his twilight years his bowling has taken a back seat due to a recurring knee injury however he has made himself available to bowl spin in the 2007 season. 395 first class wickets at 28 with best figures of 8/55 show his bowling class.
Michael Vaughan (Right hand bat/off break bowler) - Underused as a bowler, in part because of his own captaincy, his off break bowling has been the test match downfall of the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. In England's final match of the 2007 World Cup Vaughan was the only bowler to bowl 10 overs and returned match best figures of 3/39. He also scored a stylish 79 off only 68 balls.
Anthony McGrath (Right hand bat/medium pace bowler) - Yorkshire's second highest run scorer in 2006 has been a consistent performer with the ball in previous years. A useful partnership breaker McGrath reached the England side due to his useful medium pace bowling and formidable batting. He has 95 first class wickets at 34 giving up only 3.08 runs an over.
Younus Khan (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - The test double centurion was not known to Yorkshire fans as a bowler but has already shown he has some ability with the ball. Bowling in tandem with Adil Rashid he turned his arm over for 9 overs against Surrey in the 2007 season opener. He has 16 domestic one day wickets at an average of 24.
Jacques Rudolph (Left hand bat/leg break bowler) - Another test double centurion Rudolph has 45 first class wickets at 41. His best figures of 5/87 suggest on his day he can be a useful leg spinner.
Adil Rashid (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - Rashid could be the best all-rounder of his generation. Already Yorkshire's best spinner for a decade he has centuries for England under-19 and opened for the Yorkshire academy and 2nd XI.
Tim Bresnan (Right hand bat/medium fast bowler) - The 22 year old hit his first century for Yorkshire against Surrey and is now half of Yorkshire's highest ever 9th wicket partnership; 290. A first change bowler with 111 first class wickets at 32. Will struggle to get the new ball ahead of Gough, Hoggard, Gillespie and Kruis but has time on his side.
Darren Gough (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The Dazzler has spent years ripping out the best opening batsmen across the globe with his vicious in-swinging yorkers. 229 test wickets at 28, 235 ODI wickets at 26 and a 815 first class wickets at 27 mark him out as one of the finest bowlers of his generation. A belligerent, counter attacking lower order batsmen he has 19 first class half centuries and a highest score 121.
Jason Gillespie (Right hand bat/fast bowler) - Yorkshire's 3rd test double centurion has now added 123 not out in Yorkshire's 2007 season opener against Surrey. Gillespie is also Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker. Opening the bowling as well as offering rearguard batting support Gillespie will play a key role in both forms of the game.
Matthew Hoggard (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The 5th ranked bowler in world cricket Hoggard will lead the attack for the first part of the summer as he prepares to do battle with the West Indian batsman. A compulsive blocker of a batsman, Hoggard has an unbeaten first class 89 to his name and is England's regular nightwatchman.
Of the young prospects hoping for some first team action this year all rounders Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah have both shown promising early season form.
Darren Gough will certainly have options in the bowling department which will come in handy on long hot days in the field. The bowling support will allow Yorkshire's strike bowlers more of a rest and keep starlet Rashid from being over bowled.
The long batting tail will no doubt produce a greater haul of bonus points and prevent the collapses which have been Yorkshire's downfall in previous years.
Sunday, 22 April 2007
A team effort
Yorkshire started their 2007 season with a stunning 346 run triumph over newly promoted Surrey. What will have given great pleasure to Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough, apart from a maximum haul of 22 points, is the contributions from nearly every player:
Craig White - Last year's captain hit a lead building 131 ball 117. White's century put the game truly beyond Surrey, setting the foundation for a 500 run lead. He also took the vital catch of opener Jonathan Batty off the last ball of the 3rd day.
Joe Sayers - A patient second innings 57 contributed to a 163 run opening partnership.
Jacques Rudolph - Came in at 73/4 and steered Yorkshire from the brink of collapse towards a commanding lead with his stylish 122.
Gerard Brophy - The wicketkeeper took 6 catches and stumped nightwatchman Doshi. He certainly seemed to read leg spinner Adil Rashid better than the Surrey batsmen.
Adil Rashid - A first innings 86 combined with seven wickets in the match showed his all round potential. Set up the victory at the end of the second day by reducing Surrey from 221/1 to 237/5 and finished off the match by mopping up the tail on the last day.
Tim Bresnan - His first ever century built Yorkshire's first innings into a mammoth 594. Shared a Yorkshire record 246 9th wicket partnership with Jason Gillespie. Despite not getting any wickets another player who has all-rounder capabilities.
Darren Gough - The new captain took 6 wickets and hit 23 off 26 in the first innings to see off the second new ball and regain the momentum after Rudolph's dismissal. Took the vital wicket of Mark Ramprakash for 5 on the last day to trigger the Surrey collapse.
Jason Gillespie - Despite having an unbeaten test double century to his name not known for his batting. His 123 not out suggests Yorkshire have a new lower order general around which to build rearguard batting. Underused in the bowling department but dismissed the dangerous Ramrakash in the first innings.
Matthew Hoggard - Proved his Yorkshire doubters wrong by taking 6 wickets in the match. Ripped the heart out of Surrey's second innings resistance with 4 consecutive dismissals to expose the tail.
Anthony McGrath - Despite a couple of slip catches McGrath was one of only two Yorkshire players not to contribute much with bat or ball. In the second innings got out unselfishly trying to accelerate the scoring.
Younus Khan - After hitting his first delivery for Yorkshire to the boundary he was out to a great 4th ball and perished 2nd innings trying to add quick runs. Bowled 9 overs of spin which could be useful as the pitches dry out later in the summer.
Craig White - Last year's captain hit a lead building 131 ball 117. White's century put the game truly beyond Surrey, setting the foundation for a 500 run lead. He also took the vital catch of opener Jonathan Batty off the last ball of the 3rd day.
Joe Sayers - A patient second innings 57 contributed to a 163 run opening partnership.
Jacques Rudolph - Came in at 73/4 and steered Yorkshire from the brink of collapse towards a commanding lead with his stylish 122.
Gerard Brophy - The wicketkeeper took 6 catches and stumped nightwatchman Doshi. He certainly seemed to read leg spinner Adil Rashid better than the Surrey batsmen.
Adil Rashid - A first innings 86 combined with seven wickets in the match showed his all round potential. Set up the victory at the end of the second day by reducing Surrey from 221/1 to 237/5 and finished off the match by mopping up the tail on the last day.
Tim Bresnan - His first ever century built Yorkshire's first innings into a mammoth 594. Shared a Yorkshire record 246 9th wicket partnership with Jason Gillespie. Despite not getting any wickets another player who has all-rounder capabilities.
Darren Gough - The new captain took 6 wickets and hit 23 off 26 in the first innings to see off the second new ball and regain the momentum after Rudolph's dismissal. Took the vital wicket of Mark Ramprakash for 5 on the last day to trigger the Surrey collapse.
Jason Gillespie - Despite having an unbeaten test double century to his name not known for his batting. His 123 not out suggests Yorkshire have a new lower order general around which to build rearguard batting. Underused in the bowling department but dismissed the dangerous Ramrakash in the first innings.
Matthew Hoggard - Proved his Yorkshire doubters wrong by taking 6 wickets in the match. Ripped the heart out of Surrey's second innings resistance with 4 consecutive dismissals to expose the tail.
Anthony McGrath - Despite a couple of slip catches McGrath was one of only two Yorkshire players not to contribute much with bat or ball. In the second innings got out unselfishly trying to accelerate the scoring.
Younus Khan - After hitting his first delivery for Yorkshire to the boundary he was out to a great 4th ball and perished 2nd innings trying to add quick runs. Bowled 9 overs of spin which could be useful as the pitches dry out later in the summer.
Friday, 20 April 2007
Adil Rashid or Mal Loye?
As I write Yorkshire are hopefully edging their way to victory in the opening match against Surrey. The White Rose have a chance of maximum points because of Adil Rashid who skittled 4 batsmen out at the end of the second day. The Oval pitch had offered nothing for the bowlers and given up 425 runs and only two wickets on day two before the young leg spinner struck. When added to his 86 runs in the first innings Rashid has started the season in style.
However this blistering start combined with England's woeful demise suggests this year will see an international debut for the young leggie. If he then performs for England, Yorkshire may never really enjoy the benefit of producing one of the country's most exciting all rounders. A shame indeed considering how counties are encouraged to bring through young English cricketers.
Counties really need to produce players like Mal Loye. The Lancashire batsman has a first class average of 41 and has played over 200 times for his county. A cracking domestic player but not deemed good enough to make the step up to international level. Producing great players results in them being whisked off by England, not good enough and they're of no use. The Mal Loye level is just right.
Therefore one can understand Surrey signing the likes of Mark Ramprakash and Jimmy Ormond and Lancashire snapping up Dominic Cork, Luke Sutton and the English qualified Stuart Law. These players are free from international commitments and produce on a consistent basis on the county circuit. Ageing English pro's also avoid the financial penalties imposed by the ECB yet offer nothing to the national side. With the restrictions on overseas players kicking in next season these older players and new British residents such as Law and Ian Harvey will be in great demand.
Clearly the best players should play for England, yet counties must be able to have greater access to their best products. Otherwise the Kolpak culture will flourish and academies will become financially inefficient. Hopefully with the fall of the Fletcher regime the policy of 'resting' England players will be reexamined. The current England team are out of form and seemed to have suffered from being starved regular county cricket. If England's finest players were encouraged to play county cricket then not only might they be kept on their toes, but the county championship would receive a shot in the arm boosting interest, attendances and coffers. A rejuvenated domestic game would obviously have a positive affect on the national team.
For Yorkshire to bowl out Surrey on the final day tomorrow Adil Rashid will have to produce another of his excellent bowling performances. But for Yorkshire fans it will be a bittersweet experience. With every wicket he takes the closer he will be to the start of his England career.
However this blistering start combined with England's woeful demise suggests this year will see an international debut for the young leggie. If he then performs for England, Yorkshire may never really enjoy the benefit of producing one of the country's most exciting all rounders. A shame indeed considering how counties are encouraged to bring through young English cricketers.
Counties really need to produce players like Mal Loye. The Lancashire batsman has a first class average of 41 and has played over 200 times for his county. A cracking domestic player but not deemed good enough to make the step up to international level. Producing great players results in them being whisked off by England, not good enough and they're of no use. The Mal Loye level is just right.
Therefore one can understand Surrey signing the likes of Mark Ramprakash and Jimmy Ormond and Lancashire snapping up Dominic Cork, Luke Sutton and the English qualified Stuart Law. These players are free from international commitments and produce on a consistent basis on the county circuit. Ageing English pro's also avoid the financial penalties imposed by the ECB yet offer nothing to the national side. With the restrictions on overseas players kicking in next season these older players and new British residents such as Law and Ian Harvey will be in great demand.
Clearly the best players should play for England, yet counties must be able to have greater access to their best products. Otherwise the Kolpak culture will flourish and academies will become financially inefficient. Hopefully with the fall of the Fletcher regime the policy of 'resting' England players will be reexamined. The current England team are out of form and seemed to have suffered from being starved regular county cricket. If England's finest players were encouraged to play county cricket then not only might they be kept on their toes, but the county championship would receive a shot in the arm boosting interest, attendances and coffers. A rejuvenated domestic game would obviously have a positive affect on the national team.
For Yorkshire to bowl out Surrey on the final day tomorrow Adil Rashid will have to produce another of his excellent bowling performances. But for Yorkshire fans it will be a bittersweet experience. With every wicket he takes the closer he will be to the start of his England career.
Thursday, 19 April 2007
2007 Preview - A Year of Transition
After emerging unscathed from the winter months a renewed sense of optimism has filled Headingly Carnegie. Yet despite having the backroom staff in place, a new look batting lineup and Darren Gough back to lead the attack there are still many questions to be answered.
The first is whether Gough and his fellow seamers can perform at a high level whilst remaining free of injury. Yorkshire have four fast bowlers north of 30, of which three have had injury blighted histories - Gillespie, Gough and Kruis. Tim Bresnan is still young and there is a paddock of youthful quicks in the 2nd XI, but should Gough, 36, Kruis, 32, Gillespie, 32 and Hoggard, 30, break down the pace attack could rapidly become inexperienced.
Despite plugging the holes left in the batting lineup, neither Younus Khan nor Jacques Rudolph have played a full season of county cricket. English conditions may take a while to get used to and who knows what effect the World Cup will have had upon the Pakistani vice captain. Not only was Bob Woolmer's death a blow to the 29 year old right hander, he also didn't perform with the bat and was vilified on returning to his cricket-mad home country. However both Rudolph and Younus are of high calibre and the predicted hot summer may suit them.
The opening partnership was a big problem for Yorkshire last season. Craig White had a variety of partners with Joe Sayers eventually edging out Matthew Wood. However Yorkshire did not start innings' well and rarely did both batsmen survive the new ball. The middle order was where most of the runs came from, and it is this which has been largely replaced. White and Sayers will both open this season's first fixture at the Oval and it is hoped a Craig White, free of the burden of captaincy, will prove a more consistent opener. Joe Sayers is developing and has potential but needs to turn this into runs. Should he fail Matthew Wood will be waiting in the wings.
The wicket keeping position has been a difficult one for Yorkshire in the past few years. Simon Guy made his county debut in 2000 but has failed to keep the gloves on a consistent basis. The other 'keeper, South African born, Gerard Brophy was brought in as a wicket-keeper batsmen but never got going with the bat in 2006 and was dropped to the seconds. Despite a 97 against Warwickshire in 2006 he averages only 15. However he did show promise as an opener in the limited overs game. Pinch hitting in a twenty20 match he made the fastest ever half century in the competition; his 57 coming off 18 balls. Brophy will start the season behind the stumps but if neither him nor Guy makes the position their own this must be an area Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough address for 2008.
And what of young Adil Rashid? The spinning all rounder who bowled Yorkshire to safety, along with fellow leggie Mark Lawson, suffered a spinal stress fracture during the winter and has remodelled his action. The worry is what affect this body-saving action will have on his bowling. Despite some good scores for England under-19 Rashid did not impress with the bat in the 5 matches he has played for Yorkshire averaging only 19. He clearly has the ability and developing his batsmanship will be important for him if he is to become the all rounder Yorkshire, and England, so desperately require.
The ageing nature of Yorkshire's squad and newly appointed leadership suggest this will be a season of transition. Kruis, Gillespie, White and Gough may all be in their last season for Yorkshire, especially if they are struck by injury. Martyn Moxon has only had a few weeks to get to grips with his new charges and will be getting to know his squad throughout the season. There is talent in the 2nd's but much of it is raw and unlikely to be ready for full involvement this season. Batsmen Andrew Gale and Adam Lyth, bowlers Ajmal Shazhad, Nick Thornicroft and Steve Patterson, gloveman Greg Wood and all rounder Chris Gilbert have shown signs they could have futures in county cricket. Moxon and Gough's job will be to ensure these young players reach their potential and don't join the exodus of players now plying their trade at rival counties.
On paper Yorkshire have a team ready to compete with the best in the division. The White Rose faithful will be hoping they fulfill this potential on the pitch.
The first is whether Gough and his fellow seamers can perform at a high level whilst remaining free of injury. Yorkshire have four fast bowlers north of 30, of which three have had injury blighted histories - Gillespie, Gough and Kruis. Tim Bresnan is still young and there is a paddock of youthful quicks in the 2nd XI, but should Gough, 36, Kruis, 32, Gillespie, 32 and Hoggard, 30, break down the pace attack could rapidly become inexperienced.
Despite plugging the holes left in the batting lineup, neither Younus Khan nor Jacques Rudolph have played a full season of county cricket. English conditions may take a while to get used to and who knows what effect the World Cup will have had upon the Pakistani vice captain. Not only was Bob Woolmer's death a blow to the 29 year old right hander, he also didn't perform with the bat and was vilified on returning to his cricket-mad home country. However both Rudolph and Younus are of high calibre and the predicted hot summer may suit them.
The opening partnership was a big problem for Yorkshire last season. Craig White had a variety of partners with Joe Sayers eventually edging out Matthew Wood. However Yorkshire did not start innings' well and rarely did both batsmen survive the new ball. The middle order was where most of the runs came from, and it is this which has been largely replaced. White and Sayers will both open this season's first fixture at the Oval and it is hoped a Craig White, free of the burden of captaincy, will prove a more consistent opener. Joe Sayers is developing and has potential but needs to turn this into runs. Should he fail Matthew Wood will be waiting in the wings.
The wicket keeping position has been a difficult one for Yorkshire in the past few years. Simon Guy made his county debut in 2000 but has failed to keep the gloves on a consistent basis. The other 'keeper, South African born, Gerard Brophy was brought in as a wicket-keeper batsmen but never got going with the bat in 2006 and was dropped to the seconds. Despite a 97 against Warwickshire in 2006 he averages only 15. However he did show promise as an opener in the limited overs game. Pinch hitting in a twenty20 match he made the fastest ever half century in the competition; his 57 coming off 18 balls. Brophy will start the season behind the stumps but if neither him nor Guy makes the position their own this must be an area Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough address for 2008.
And what of young Adil Rashid? The spinning all rounder who bowled Yorkshire to safety, along with fellow leggie Mark Lawson, suffered a spinal stress fracture during the winter and has remodelled his action. The worry is what affect this body-saving action will have on his bowling. Despite some good scores for England under-19 Rashid did not impress with the bat in the 5 matches he has played for Yorkshire averaging only 19. He clearly has the ability and developing his batsmanship will be important for him if he is to become the all rounder Yorkshire, and England, so desperately require.
The ageing nature of Yorkshire's squad and newly appointed leadership suggest this will be a season of transition. Kruis, Gillespie, White and Gough may all be in their last season for Yorkshire, especially if they are struck by injury. Martyn Moxon has only had a few weeks to get to grips with his new charges and will be getting to know his squad throughout the season. There is talent in the 2nd's but much of it is raw and unlikely to be ready for full involvement this season. Batsmen Andrew Gale and Adam Lyth, bowlers Ajmal Shazhad, Nick Thornicroft and Steve Patterson, gloveman Greg Wood and all rounder Chris Gilbert have shown signs they could have futures in county cricket. Moxon and Gough's job will be to ensure these young players reach their potential and don't join the exodus of players now plying their trade at rival counties.
On paper Yorkshire have a team ready to compete with the best in the division. The White Rose faithful will be hoping they fulfill this potential on the pitch.
Sunday, 15 April 2007
2006/07 Review - A Long Winter
A tense conclusion to the 2006 campaign saw Yorkshire narrowly escape relegation in their first full season back in Division One. Too often the side had to rely on Aussie legend Darren Lehmann and former captain Anthony McGrath to bat them out of trouble. First innings totals were poor and Yorkshire missed out on valuable bonus points saving their best batting for the second innings.
The pace bowling was hindered by injuries to young all rounder Tim Bresnan and leading wicket taker Deon Kruis. New overseas player Jason Gillespie disappointed with a relatively meagre haul of wickets leaving much of the work to be done by 'spin twins' Adil Rashid and Mark Lawson.
Only recently out of the 2nd XI the two young leg spinners made the most of some dry late summer pitches to bowl Yorkshire to safety. After Rashid was selected for his batting at Scarborough he took six second innings wickets against Warwickshire suggesting he could be the all rounder to bring some much needed balance to the Yorkshire side.
Over the winter Lehmann returned to Australia signing off his Yorkshire career with 339 against Durham, Michael Lumb moved to Hampshire, Richard Dawson was released and signed for Northants, Craig White stepped down as captain and Anthony McGrath announced he no longer wanted to play for Yorkshire.
In a bold attempt to fill both the vacant captaincy and replace some of Lehmann's runs YCCC attempted to sign Sussex captain Chris Adams. County champions Sussex agreed to the deal and Adams initially accepted only to have an 11th hour change of heart and return to Hove.
Captainless Yorkshire seemed to be in disarray. Lehmann, McGrath and Lumb had accounted for over half the runs scored in 2006 and the batting line up was beginning to look fragile.
Then came the first good news. Younus Khan signed as an overseas player. A batsmen of pedigree who had racked up a double century for Pakistan at Headingly Carnegie last summer.
With Adams having disrupted recruitment plans and McGrath still wanting to play elsewhere YCCC made the shock appointment of Kolpak Jaques Rudolph. The South African test batsmen had finally tired of the Proteas' selection policy, like Kevin Pietersen before him, and committed himself to three years with Yorkshire. Although eyebrows were raised at the appointment of a Kolpak player Rudolph brought considerable calibre to a batting lineup now beginning to look more robust.
Jason Gillespie was re-signed as the second overseas player in the hope he could improve on his economical but slightly toothless bowling of 2005. Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker was having a good winter for South Australia and still harboured hopes of a return to test cricket.
With the departure of controversial Director of Cricket David Byas there were two leadership positions to be filled. With no obvious captain material amongst the Yorkshire side a suitable outside candidate was searched for. Enter Darren Gough. With his old enemy Byas gone the prodigal son returned from his three year spell at Essex. The 36 year old had been omitted from the England World Cup squad and took up the last major challenge of his playing career.
Gough brought not only his bubbly personality and experience but also some solid pace bowling and aggressive one day batting, reinforcing Yorkshire's lower order. His ambitions were to lighten what had been a gloomy dressing room atmosphere and help the players to once again enjoy their cricket.
The Director of Cricket position was filled by another former Yorkshire player. Martyn Moxon was somehow prised away from Durham where he had spent five years turning around the counties fortunes. During his time there Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Liam Plunkett all became part of the England set up.
With the team improved, the school masterly Byas gone and Gough and Moxon back to lead the side Anthony McGrath finally decided he did want to remain a Yorkshire player. This final piece of the jigsaw transformed Yorkshire's middle order into one of the most powerful in the country. His effective medium pace bowling was a further addition to Yorkshire's ageing pace attack.
After a tumultuous winter Yorkshire had somehow emerged with a strong team, on paper at least and renewed hope of a successful 2007 campaign.
The pace bowling was hindered by injuries to young all rounder Tim Bresnan and leading wicket taker Deon Kruis. New overseas player Jason Gillespie disappointed with a relatively meagre haul of wickets leaving much of the work to be done by 'spin twins' Adil Rashid and Mark Lawson.
Only recently out of the 2nd XI the two young leg spinners made the most of some dry late summer pitches to bowl Yorkshire to safety. After Rashid was selected for his batting at Scarborough he took six second innings wickets against Warwickshire suggesting he could be the all rounder to bring some much needed balance to the Yorkshire side.
Over the winter Lehmann returned to Australia signing off his Yorkshire career with 339 against Durham, Michael Lumb moved to Hampshire, Richard Dawson was released and signed for Northants, Craig White stepped down as captain and Anthony McGrath announced he no longer wanted to play for Yorkshire.
In a bold attempt to fill both the vacant captaincy and replace some of Lehmann's runs YCCC attempted to sign Sussex captain Chris Adams. County champions Sussex agreed to the deal and Adams initially accepted only to have an 11th hour change of heart and return to Hove.
Captainless Yorkshire seemed to be in disarray. Lehmann, McGrath and Lumb had accounted for over half the runs scored in 2006 and the batting line up was beginning to look fragile.
Then came the first good news. Younus Khan signed as an overseas player. A batsmen of pedigree who had racked up a double century for Pakistan at Headingly Carnegie last summer.
With Adams having disrupted recruitment plans and McGrath still wanting to play elsewhere YCCC made the shock appointment of Kolpak Jaques Rudolph. The South African test batsmen had finally tired of the Proteas' selection policy, like Kevin Pietersen before him, and committed himself to three years with Yorkshire. Although eyebrows were raised at the appointment of a Kolpak player Rudolph brought considerable calibre to a batting lineup now beginning to look more robust.
Jason Gillespie was re-signed as the second overseas player in the hope he could improve on his economical but slightly toothless bowling of 2005. Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker was having a good winter for South Australia and still harboured hopes of a return to test cricket.
With the departure of controversial Director of Cricket David Byas there were two leadership positions to be filled. With no obvious captain material amongst the Yorkshire side a suitable outside candidate was searched for. Enter Darren Gough. With his old enemy Byas gone the prodigal son returned from his three year spell at Essex. The 36 year old had been omitted from the England World Cup squad and took up the last major challenge of his playing career.
Gough brought not only his bubbly personality and experience but also some solid pace bowling and aggressive one day batting, reinforcing Yorkshire's lower order. His ambitions were to lighten what had been a gloomy dressing room atmosphere and help the players to once again enjoy their cricket.
The Director of Cricket position was filled by another former Yorkshire player. Martyn Moxon was somehow prised away from Durham where he had spent five years turning around the counties fortunes. During his time there Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Liam Plunkett all became part of the England set up.
With the team improved, the school masterly Byas gone and Gough and Moxon back to lead the side Anthony McGrath finally decided he did want to remain a Yorkshire player. This final piece of the jigsaw transformed Yorkshire's middle order into one of the most powerful in the country. His effective medium pace bowling was a further addition to Yorkshire's ageing pace attack.
After a tumultuous winter Yorkshire had somehow emerged with a strong team, on paper at least and renewed hope of a successful 2007 campaign.
Greetings
Welcome to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club web log. Here we will follow the fortunes of the White Rose throughout the 2007 season and beyond.
News, match reaction, informed opinion and debate will all be features of this emerging online resource.
Please feel free to shoot me down where necessary, comment on breaking developments at YCCC and generally vent any Yorkshire related feelings you have.
Here's to a productive and successful season.
Cheers
News, match reaction, informed opinion and debate will all be features of this emerging online resource.
Please feel free to shoot me down where necessary, comment on breaking developments at YCCC and generally vent any Yorkshire related feelings you have.
Here's to a productive and successful season.
Cheers
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