Unfortunately the weather wins again.
We were due to travel to Saffron Walden for our second East Anglian Premier League fixture, but the call came this morning confirming the wash-out.
That means yet again there will be no match report from the game today.
Better luck next week.
Saffron Walden: 7 points
Great Witchingham: 7 points
Here is a video of my younger brother being filmed in the nets at Great Witchingham CC.
Below I will analyse a couple of his technical flaws and explain how he can improve his game.
Backlift:
If you look at the back lift, the direction of the bat faces towards fine leg. Ideally his bat when rested in his hands should point towards the wicket keeper or first slip. The reason being it allows the bat to come down straighter. If you watch the video you will notice that he has trouble playing to the leg side, this is the reason.
Stride:
When playing the forward defensive stroke it is important that you have a good stride down the pitch. In this video his front foot is trapped a little on the crease, making it difficult for him to transfer his weight forwards. If his front foot takes a bigger stride then it makes it easier for him to transfer his weight making sure that his head, hands and feet remain in alignment.
Some of you many know that I play my club cricket for Great Witchingham in the East Anglian Premier League.
And yesterday saw the start of the 2012 season (or should have).
We were due to play Halstead CC at Walcis Park but rain meant the game never even got started.
So instead of a match report on the game, I will give you a player profile of each 1XI team member.
Carl Rogers (Buck):
Norfolk ‘legend’ has amassed thousands of runs for the county and will be hoping to continue his prolific career now he has passed the magic 40. Loves a cup of tea.
James Spelman (Spellers):
Spellers is GWCC club captain and opens the batting for Norfolk. He is Mr.Cricket. Eats, sleeps and drinks cricket. In his spare time he lays carpets.
Sam Arthurton:
The youngest member of the side and also the angriest. Product of the Essex Academy and enjoyed a prolific season for both club and county last season.
Tom Collishaw:
The big man joined the club three seasons ago after moving to the area from Nottingham. PE teacher who hits the ball a long way.
Shaun Arthurton:
Father to Sam, another who hits the ball along way, good with the slinger. Also one of the older generation.
Troy Allan:
Signed in the off season from Aldbrough, strong South African accent.
Willie Lonsdale (Pro):
Opens the bowling for Canterbury in New Zealand, should be leading wicket taker. Looks like Daniel Vettori.
Jonathan Spelman (Dodge):
Brother to James, social organiser, bowls right arm swing. Oakley enthusiast.
Sam Groves (Grovesy):
Wicket-keeper, terrific gloveman, average banter, loves Ron Jeremy.
Oli Howes (Howesy):
Joined the club last week from Brooke, another youngster who will add to the side. Norfolk dialect.
| Delhi Daredevils | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1.018 | 8 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +0.646 | 8 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +0.438 | 6 |
| Pune Warriors India | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +0.174 | 6 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +0.024 | 6 |
| Mumbai Indians | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -0.088 | 6 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -0.633 | 4 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -0.800 | 4 |
| Deccan Chargers | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -1.178 | 0 |
I tipped the Delhi Daredevils to shine in IPL 5 and so far they have not disappointed. Virender Sehwag’s men currently sit top of the table, having won four of their five matches.
Delhi’s success so far has been down to two world class players who are finally living up to expectation in the IPL. Morne Morkel has been devastating with the new ball and has taken 12 wickets and is the current holder of the purple cap.
And Kevin Pietersen has re-discovered his mojo in recent weeks and has carried his form over to the shortest format of the game.
Rajhastan Royals have surprised at the start of this year’s edition, and they have once again made playing at home a fortress.
The biggest surprise for me so far has been the poor form of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, winning only two of their five games. But there is still a long way to go in the competition and I fully expect them to finish in the top four.
I also predicted that Deccan would struggle and that has been the case. Although they have had great chances to win two of their four games, but poor bowling and fielding has been costly.
Pune Warriors India look like they have assembled a better squad than they had at their disposal last year, and currently sit fourth in the IPL table.
But both the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians sit below them in the table and I expect that to change. The Super Kings are just beginning to find their feet in the competition and soon the Indians will be able to welcome back Sachin Tendulkar after injury.
Lancashire v Sussex at Liverpool - Apr 12-14, 2012
Lancashire 124 and 176; Sussex 300 and 4/0
Sussex won by 10 wickets
Sussex comprehensively beat the holders of the LV County Championship by 10 wickets at Liverpool. James Anyon was the star with the ball in the first innings for the visitors with figures of 5 for 36 which helped dismiss Lancashire for only 124.
In response Sussex posted 300, thanks to Michael Yardy’s terrific 110 and then bowled the hosts out for 176 second time around. Monty Panesar returning to the county circuit after spending the winter with England returned figures of 3 for 54. But it was Steve Magoffin with terrific figures of 7 for 34 that saw Sussex pick up 22 points.
Durham v Nottinghamshire at Chester-le-Street - Apr 12-15, 2012
Nottinghamshire 161 and 335; Durham 129 and 253
Notts won by 114 runs
Nottinghamshire continued their 100% start to the campaign with a 114-run victory over Durham at Chester-le-Street.
Notts only managed to post 161 in the first innings as Durham took command of the first day. Graham Onions looking to force his way back into the England side took figures of 4 for 42.
But Notts wrestled back the advantage bowling out the hosts for just 129, Ben Phillips taking 4 for 33.
And given the opportunity second time around Nottinghamshire’s batsmen posted 335, to set up the victory. New signing Michael Lumb top scored with 131.
Durham required 367 for victory, but Andre Adams (4-68) ensured that Nottinghamshire took 19 points back to Trentbridge.
Middlesex v Surrey at Lord’s - Apr 12-15, 2012
Middlesex 256 and 106; Surrey 222 and 137
Middlesex won by 3 runs
Middlesex gained the bragging rights after beating local rivals Surrey in a thriller at Lords.
Surrey required only 140 in their second innings but were skittled for just 137, falling three runs short.
Middlesex posted 256 in the first innings and that was largely thanks to a patient 88 from Dawid Malan.
Surrey couldn’t gain a first innings lead as they were dismissed for 222. Neil Dexter was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 23.
The game at this stage appeared to be heading for a stalemate, but Surrey’s bowlers dismissed Middlesex for just 106, Jon Lewis taking 5 for 41.
Surrey skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown (63) then appeared to have steered his side to victory in the second innings but Middlesex had other ideas as both Murtagh and Roland-Jones took four wickets apiece to leave Surrey three runs short.
Warwickshire v Somerset at Birmingham - Apr 12-15, 2012
Somerset 147 and 354; Warwickshire 243 and 262/8
Warwickshire won by 2 wickets
Jeetan Patel made himself an instant hero at Edgbaston as he somehow guided Warwickshire to victory over Somerset.
Patel smashed 43 off 36 balls to earn Warwickshire 20 points and deny Somerset what seemed a likely victory.
Somerset were bowled out for just 137 in their first innings, Chris Wright was the pick of the Bears attack taking 4 for 47.
In reply Warwickshire posted 243, Keith Barker top scored with 46.
Somerset made a better effort of their second innings posting 354, Nick Compton’s superb 133 appeared to have put Somerset in control of the match.
But healthy contributions from the Warwickshire top order gave them a chance of victory, and it was left to Jeetan Patel and Jim Troughton to guide them to victory.
West Indies once again managed to conjure up defeat from the jaws of victory in the first Test with Australia in Barbados.
In the fading light reminiscent of when Australia won the World Cup at the same venue, the tourists managed to chase down 192, seven wickets down.
The bold decision of Michael Clarke to declare while still trailing in the first innings, gave his bowlers enough time to dismiss the Windies for 148 in their second innings.
It was then a simple equation Australia needed 192 in 62 overs to win the match. After the loss of Warner, Cowan and Watson’s 75-run partnership was moving along at a slow rate that looked set to hinder the visitors. Cowan went to tea with 11 from 61 balls.
That meant Australia needed 131 from the final session. Watson finally upped the tempo and passed fifty before falling to Deonarine. But he was dropped on four by Darren Sammy, a reprieve he shouldn’t have been gifted.
Cowan soon followed along with Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke to give the West Indies a slimmer of hope, but in the end the light would come closest to denying Australia.
But in Mike Hussey, Australia have Mr. Dependable and he was the man that played the crucial innings for Australia. His innings of 32 from 26 balls took the tourists to within touching distance of victory. It was left to Hilfenhaus and Siddle to steer their side to victory.
Australia now lead the series 1-0 with the next Test starting in Trinidad on Sunday.
Picture from google.
Essex v Gloucestershire at Chelmsford - Apr 5-7, 2012
Essex 364; Gloucestershire 180 and 146 (f/o)
Essex won by an innings and 38 run
Essex’ victory by an innings and 38 runs ensured they topped division two after the first round of matches. The first innings total of 364 was largely thanks to Billy Godleman’s superb 130.
It was then to work with the ball as Essex dismissed Gloucestershire for 180 and 146. David Masters picked up from where he left off last season picking up 3-39 in the first innings. In the second innings Graham Napier was the star taking 5-58.
Leicestershire v Glamorgan at Leicester - Apr 5-7, 2012
Leicestershire 249 and 110; Glamorgan 124 and 183
Leics won by 52 runs
Leicestershire overcame the worst possible start to the season with a 52-run victory over Glamorgan. The hosts found themselves 0-2 and 1-3 in the first innings before middle order contributions from Ramnaresh Sarwan (41) and Claude Henderson (57) allowed them to post 249.
Despite only making 110 in the second innings Leicestershire picked up 15 points as the bowlers picked up crucial wickets. Robbie Joseph was the star picking up six wickets in either innings.
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire at Derby - Apr 5-8, 2012
Derbyshire 286 and 314/3d; Northamptonshire 264 and 134
Derbyshire won by 202 runs
Derbyshire also got off to a winning start with a 202-run victory over Northamptonshire. Daniel Redfern (110) in the first innings and Martin Guptill (137) in the second innings provided the significant contributions. Paul Borrington also made (98) allowing Derbyshire to declare in their second innings on 314-3.
David Wainwright’s second innings figures of 6-33 sealed the win.
Yorkshire v Kent at Leeds - Apr 5-8, 2012
Kent 537/9d; Yorkshire 364 and 146/4 (f/o)
Match drawn
Yorkshire and Kent served up a batting feast at Headingly. Matthew Coles (103) made his maiden first class century batting at number nine, to add to good contributions from the top six.
In reply Yorkshire made 364, England starlet Jonny Bairstow (107) added a further reminder to the selectors with his century.
But despite the total Yorkshire were forced to follow on and got to 146-4 in their second innings. Joe Root, another on England’s radar made 76.
Surrey v Sussex at The Oval - Apr 5-8, 2012
Surrey 264 and 273; Sussex 196 and 255
Surrey won by 86 run
Surrey marked their return to the top division with an 86-run victory over Sussex at the Oval. Rory Hamilton-Brown’s men have been tipped by many to have a successful return to division one.
Good contributions from Tom Maynard and Rory Hamilton-Brown set up the victory, and the bowlers sealed the win dismissing Sussex for 273 after finalyl dismissing Luke Wells for 108.
Somerset v Middlesex at Taunton - Apr 5-8, 2012
Middlesex 246 and 175; Somerset 350 and 73/4
Somerset won by 6 wickets
Somerset’s six-wicket victory over Middlesex at Taunton means they are the early pacesetters in the division claiming 22 points. Overseas sensation Vernon Philander shone picking up seven wickets in the match including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
He was accompanied by young slow left-arm bowler George Dockerell who picked up impressive second innings figures of 6-27.
It was Somerset’s first innings total of 350 that helped set up the victory. Nick Compton (99) fell agonisingly short of a century and he was well supported by England wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter (83).
Nottinghamshire v Worcestershire at Nottingham - Apr 5-8, 2012
Nottinghamshire 118 and 403; Worcestershire 130 and 299
Notts won by 92 runs
Nottinghamshire’s 92-run victory over Worcestershire at Trent Bridge ensured they began their campaign strongly. A terrific result given the fact they were bowled out for 118 in the first innings. But their second innings effort of 403, with a century from Riki Wessels set up the victory.
It was then left to Luke Fletcher 4-53 and Andre Adams 4-90 to secure the victory.
England 460 (Pietersen 151, Cook 94, Herath 6-133) and 97 for 2 beat Sri Lanka 275 (Mahela Jayawardene 105, Swann 4-75) and 278 (Mahela Jayawardene 64, Swann 6-106) by eight wickets
England’s winter of discontent, which included four straight Test match defeats, has ended on a glorious high.
Kevin Pietersen dispatched Tillakaratne Dilshan over mid-wicket for six to clinch the match and level the series, ironic given England’s troubles against spin in the sub-continent.
More importantly it meant England maintained their position at the top of the world rankings.
In the end it was comfortable as England chased down 94 for victory, abolishing memories of their collapse to 72 all out in pursuit of 145 in Abu Dhabi. But it was the first innings score that set-up the victory, England’s highest of the winter, thanks largely to Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen’s mercurial first innings century (151) took the game away from Sri Lanka in just over a session. It was a fine example of the talent Pietersen possesses, it must not also be forgotten the contribution of Alistair Cook (94).
And once again the England bowling unit excelled, with Steven Finn and Tim Bresnan coming in for Monty Panesar and the injured Stuart Broad.
The option of the extra seamer certainly seemed to help the balance of the England side and allowed skipper Andrew Strauss to rotate his bowlers in hot conditions. But it was the comedy duo of Anderson and Swann who provided the crucial wickets that helped tie the series.
Anderson once again proved why he is arguably the best seam bowler in the world, with his exemplary control and skill with the new ball and Swann returned brilliant match figures of 10 for 181.
It was Swann at the end of day three that shifted the game heavily in England’s favour with two late wickets which left the hosts six down leading by only 33.
Sri Lanka could only extend their lead to 93, but were given optimism with the early wicket of Andrew Strauss who fell in the first over, but Cook and then Pietersen steered England to victory in just 19.4 overs.
The victory helps ease the pressure on Andrew Strauss ahead of the home series against West Indies and the eagerly anticipated duel with South Africa.
Picture from Mirror
Forget the on-going Test series between Sri Lanka and England, the glitz and the glamour of the Indian Premier League returns today.
Brashness, bravado and brilliance are set to dominate our screens over the next month. 76 games between nine franchises await us.
Outinthedeep gives you a guide to each franchise and predicts where they will finish:
Chennai Super Kings:
Chennai are going in search of an unprecedented third straight crown. Captained by India’s MS Dhoni, the Super Kings are blessed with talent. Suresh Raina is the IPL’s leading run-scorer and they have the power hitting of South Africa’s Albie Morkel.
Key Player: Suresh Raina
Prediction: 3rd
Picture from cricket dawn.
Mumbai Indians:
Mumbai won last year’s Champions League once again proving they are a big force. Led by captain Harbajhan Singh and inspired by Sachin Tendulkar the Indians have a great chance this year. They have a fantastic balance to their squad, and in Kieron Pollard they have one of the most destructive batsmen in the world.
Key Player: Sachin Tendulkar
Prediction: Runners-up
Picture from google.
Delhi Daredevils:
Struggled in last year’s competition having lost many key players, but the Daredevils have recruited well and I expect them to put in a good campaign. Their batting line up of Sehwag, Warner, Jayawardene and Pietersen will strike fear into any side.
Key Player: David Warner
Prediction: 4th
Picture from IPLcricket
Deccan Chargers:
Champions in 2009, but have struggled since then. They have the weakest side on paper, and they will be looking to the quality of Dale Steyn and Kumar Sangakarra to spearhead their campaign.
Key Player: Amit Mishra
Prediction: 9th
Picture from Thatscricket
Kings XI Punjab:
In Paul Valthaty, the Kings XI had last year’s surprise star. They will be looking to him and Shaun Marsh to provide the runs, while big signing Stuart Broad is touch and go because of injury. Australians Adam Gilchrist and David Hussey also have star quality.
Key Player: David Hussey
Predcition: 7th
Picture from IndiaTVnews
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Full of quality in their ranks. Gautam Gambhir captains the side, and he has the likes of Brett Lee, Eoin Morgan, Jacques Kallis and Yusuf Pathan at his disposal. They should go well but I have a feeling they may struggle this year.
Key Player: Jacques Kallis
Prediction: 6th
Picture from IPL
Pune Warriors
New to the IPL last season, they will be looking to build upon last year. Sourav Ganguly captains the side and he often has the ability to get the best out of his players. He will be looking to Michael Clarke playing in his first IPL and Robin Uthappa to score the runs.
Key Player: Robin Uthappa
Picture from Google
Prediction: 8th
Rajhastan Royals
They enter this season with Shane Warne for the first time. They have express pace in Shaun Tait and the ability of Shane Watson. Rahul Dravid captains them for this season and I think they will have a solid season.
Key Player: Shane Watson
Prediction: 5th
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Captained by Daniel Vettori, RCB have a glittering squad to pick from. De Villiers has yet to really sparkle in the IPL so far, but this may be his year. Virat Kohli is India’s latest star and I expect him to excel and not forgetting Chris Gayle.
Key Player: AB De Villiers
Prediction: Winners
Picture from google
