Take me to the Riverside 2026

[Durhamfootman]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/jame ... ud-1529942

I didn't know about any of this

[captaincolly]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/james-minto-interview-its-been-tough-but-i-know-my-mum-would-be-proud-1529942

I didn't know about any of this

I had heard about her passing away. Very sad story but he's an impressive character.

[Durhamfootman]

I was watching Simon Hughes on his analyst podcast and he was really bigging up Surrey for their innovation in letting kids play on the outfield at the tea interval..... almost as if this had never happened before. Perhaps he hardly ever watched county cricket, because this was the norm at our ground right up until Covid.

It's bloody stupid that they keep kids off. The boy couldn't wait to get on with his bat and a ball when we used to go for all those years. There's not much there for kids to do now, apart from when the T20 is on and they have those play zones set up.

Even old lags would wander over to have a look at the pitch.... all respectfully done.

Stopping anyone from going onto the field has been a very retrograde step, if you ask me

[Durhamfootman]

Of course, I'm not suggesting that kids be allowed to line the boundary rope and run onto the pitch to throw the ball back, like they did in the 70's. I suppose no fielders ever chased the ball hard to try and save the single in those days. I try to imagine Boycott's response if told to do that and it makes me giggle, tbh

[captaincolly]

Of course, I'm not suggesting that kids be allowed to line the boundary rope and run onto the pitch to throw the ball back, like they did in the 70's. I suppose no fielders ever chased the ball hard to try and save the single in those days. I try to imagine Boycott's response if told to do that and it makes me giggle, tbh

Yes! Definitely a retrograde step.

[captaincolly]

Carse ruled out of the IPL with an injury ( hand.)
Apparently the second time his tournament has ended with injury without playing a game!

[Durhamfootman]

would he have even played?

I wouldn't have him bowling in our T20 side. I might send him out to bat at 6 or 7 (ie after 6 overs)

[captaincolly]

would he have even played?

I wouldn't have him bowling in our T20 side. I might send him out to bat at 6 or 7 (ie after 6 overs)

Me too. Far too expensive as a T20 bowler.

[Durhamfootman]

I was saddened to hear of the forced early retirement of Cam Smith last week. Only 30... who knew?

I had a lot of time for him when he was with us and he did really well for Surrey in a bit part role, filling in for internationals when they were away on duty

I hope he is able to find a way to stay in the game in some capacity. I think he recently had some experience writing a column in one of the papers and I wouldn't be surprised if the podcast world calls, but if he has, or can get, some badges, perhaps a career coaching at some level? At 30, he might feel he still has more to give the sport than just chattering away. I think his family are in Australia, so he might do his thing over there. Good luck to him, anyway

[captaincolly]

Very unfortunate. His column is in The Times. I'm sure he will have options in the media or coaching.

[Durhamfootman]

Kemar Roach is gone. Hamstring injury has ruled him out for the rest of his stay.

Seemingly Duanne Oliver had been lined up for the second half of the season and will now join us early. Whether that means Friday, I don't know. Nor do I know if that means he'll be joining us for the Dribble too, because I imagine Bedders will want to claim one of the 2 OS spots

I'd like to say that I'm disappointed to lose Roach, but I'm not, if I'm honest. Still, he lasted longer than other ageing bowlers we've signed over the last 2 or 3 years and by the end of the campaign might only be responsible for half of the no balls bowled by us in a single season, instead of the current 90%. Clearly Surrey knew which way the wind was blowing

[captaincolly]

Looks to be a decent signing, he has experience in county cricket and is the right side of 35!

[Durhamfootman]

this is interesting at the start..... an interview with Ash Thorpe and his work with Park View school

[Durhamfootman]

Looks to be a decent signing, he has experience in county cricket and is the right side of 35!

unless I've misunderstood this, it might have been intended for Roach to play in the Dribble too, so we might have to check out Oliver's T20 stats

[captaincolly]

Average of 24 and economy rate of 8.6.
I too don't know if the plan was for Roach to play T20.