CC discussion thread 2014

[SaintPowelly]

Northants look to have saved their game against Middlesex by avoiding the follow on.

Slog until lunch and then 2 sessions to bowl them out, not out of the realms of possibility.

[captaincolly]

Northants look to have saved their game against Middlesex by avoiding the follow on.

Slog until lunch and then 2 sessions to bowl them out, not out of the realms of possibility.

Yes, Northants low on confidence so could collapse. It'll be interesting to see how bold Middlesex are and if they're prepared to take a risk...assuming of course they don't collapse in the morning.
With the division 1 table so tight and 5 points for the draw I'd be surprised if Middlesex take a big risk but it could be an interesting final day.

[SaintPowelly]

Northants look to have saved their game against Middlesex by avoiding the follow on.

Slog until lunch and then 2 sessions to bowl them out, not out of the realms of possibility.

Yes, Northants low on confidence so could collapse. It'll be interesting to see how bold Middlesex are and if they're prepared to take a risk...assuming of course they don't collapse in the morning.
With the division 1 table so tight and 5 points for the draw I'd be surprised if Middlesex take a big risk but it could be an interesting final day.

Any other ground than Lords, and there wouldn't be a risk of losing for Middlesex

[captaincolly]

It could be intriguing, if Middlesex bat well and set a tough target will Northants go all out to get the runs? They have nothing to lose so 5 points for a draw is not important to them. So Middlesex may feel they can bat quite long into the afternoon session if they feel Northants will be prepared to chase anything.

On the other hand after a really unfortunate start to the season Northants may already be resigned to relegation and feel that a fighting draw would be better for morale and confidence than to risk losing after their excellent fightback today.

Either side won't know what the other us thinking so that makes it even more interesting.

[SaintPowelly]

It could be intriguing, if Middlesex bat well and set a tough target will Northants go all out to get the runs? They have nothing to lose so 5 points for a draw is not important to them. So Middlesex may feel they can bat quite long into the afternoon session if they feel Northants will be prepared to chase anything.

On the other hand after a really unfortunate start to the season Northants may already be resigned to relegation and feel that a fighting draw would be better for morale and confidence than to risk losing after their excellent fightback today.

Either side won't know what the other us thinking so that makes it even more interesting.

Unless the 2 captains come to an agreement, 300 off 60 overs or something ? With both sides needing a win, its plausible.

[captaincolly]

Yeah, that could happen. I think generally in div 1 captains take a cautious approach on declarations but this might be different if Middlesex decide they must win the game and Northants feel the same.

[SaintPowelly]

A draw doesn't really help either of them, Northants need to win every game to stay up, and Middlesex need to keep winning for title hopes and will be bowling against the weakest team in the division who are also a batsman down ( Keogh didnt bat )

[captaincolly]

A draw doesn't really help either of them, Northants need to win every game to stay up, and Middlesex need to keep winning for title hopes and will be bowling against the weakest team in the division who are also a batsman down ( Keogh didnt bat )

Yes, I think the onus is on Middlesex to try and force the win. Let's hope it's an exciting finish one way or another.

[SaintPowelly]

A draw doesn't really help either of them, Northants need to win every game to stay up, and Middlesex need to keep winning for title hopes and will be bowling against the weakest team in the division who are also a batsman down ( Keogh didnt bat )

Yes, I think the onus is on Middlesex to try and force the win. Let's hope it's an exciting finish one way or another.

Its impossible to be worse than the Hants game today.

[captaincolly]

A draw doesn't really help either of them, Northants need to win every game to stay up, and Middlesex need to keep winning for title hopes and will be bowling against the weakest team in the division who are also a batsman down ( Keogh didnt bat )

Yes, I think the onus is on Middlesex to try and force the win. Let's hope it's an exciting finish one way or another.

Its impossible to be worse than the Hants game today.

A slow, solid start by Middlesex this morning.

[SaintPowelly]

Chris Wright, who averages 16, scored 65 in the first innings and is currently 45* batting as night watchman.

Trott was out early for 19.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Warks on top now, but could be nervy for them still.

[captaincolly]

It could be intriguing, if Middlesex bat well and set a tough target will Northants go all out to get the runs? They have nothing to lose so 5 points for a draw is not important to them. So Middlesex may feel they can bat quite long into the afternoon session if they feel Northants will be prepared to chase anything.

On the other hand after a really unfortunate start to the season Northants may already be resigned to relegation and feel that a fighting draw would be better for morale and confidence than to risk losing after their excellent fightback today.

Either side won't know what the other us thinking so that makes it even more interesting.

Unless the 2 captains come to an agreement, 300 off 60 overs or something ? With both sides needing a win, its plausible.

Great call Powelly, almost spot on-target is 304 in 56 overs.

[SaintPowelly]

Ajmal takes 7-34 to put Worcs top

[Aidan11]

12/140 in the match too.