Secrets behind Lancashire's Championship challenge
For those who can't or don't want to believe it, could end up being crowned county champions this season. It's been a long, long wait for a title - 1934 and all that.
But tells us this could be the year.ÌýMost pundits didn't even notice them pre-season, and the casual observer has either never heard of some of their players, or worse written them off too early. They could be in for a bit of a shock.
The pundit's first line of defence is usually to say that if the unfancied teams are doing well, it doesn't say much for the rest.
Well, maybe they are over-achieving, but they employ players who are chasing for a reason. That reason is a talent which suggestsÌýthat should they finish the season strongly, regardless of the title, theyÌýcould blossom into a very good squad.
Whether it's the pitches, the stupid schedule or lack of skill I don't know, but a look at the batting points won this season isn't great reading apart from Durham and I'm sure coaches are aware of it.
Lancashire display the team spirit that has helped them to second in the County Championship after Simon Kerrigan takes a wicket against Warwickshire
Lancashire coach spared a few minutes with me after the where the question of standards in the Championship had been raised after on the first day, despite the pitch inspector Peter Walker declaring the surface amongst the best he'd seen.
Moores is firm in saying to those who snipe from the sides "provide the evidence that standards are slipping".
He points at and as three of the more recent players who have made such a strong impactÌýfor England because of what they've achieved in their grounding in the county game.
Talking of his own players as a group,ÌýMoores can't be certain how far some will go in their careers but he has no doubt that they are of a level which can only be written off by people who don't watch his team often enough.Ìý
I, for one, think opener plays the sort of innings we need more of. He is patient and protective of his wicket.
His fellow opener is right up there in the frustration stakes as was shown again last week at Liverpool.
Playing himself in on the back of an and even accounting for good bowling conditions, heÌýdoes notÌýgive his wicket away. The knock at Trent Bridge had all the look of the same man picked for the England Lions.
That said, if there is an aspect of their team game which at present is over-acheiving it's the batting, not the bowling.
To watch in his last couple of matches has beenÌýa real joy.ÌýMoores is right when he says Mahmood probably bowled better against Durham than the previous week when he tookÌý10 wickets.
MooresÌýtold me that Mahmood had been away in the winter in Australia, where it had been tough but he has come back better for it. It's said he's more relaxed about his game this year and Moore believes that has helped him because sometimes when you are "fighting the game, it can fight you back".
Another one being kept a close eye on by EnglandÌýis Throw in exciting younger spinners and and the experienced men like and not to mention who always seems to put in the effort when playing for the Red Rose, and perhaps their league position isn't such a surprise.
There is, of course, a lot of talk that playing away from Old Trafford is serving them well. Three seasons on the bounce they have drawn five of their home Championship games, but Moores says it's not only about the pitches but also the weather.
I would add thatÌýif the second part of the summer goes well, the results should mean very little argument when back in Manchester as to the way forward. Liverpool certainly seems to suit their type of bowling.
Twice now Lancashire have lost to Durham and for me the north east side show the better signs of mounting a consistent run of results, but Lancashire's next game will be a cracker. away.
Whether or not it's being said publicly, relations between the two teams don't appear to be at their best and with so much riding on the game for different reasons the match in Leeds is expected to be lively.
I don’t fancy picking my game that week. You have the Roses match, Durham down at Taunton and back up in Birmingham for the return against
Both teams are in with a shout for the title, which neither expected to be at the start of the season.Ìý
My interestÌýwould centre around openers of Sussex, and of the Bears. England don’t throw surprises any more but I expect both of them to be featuring in Lions selection meetings over the next few weeks.
There are also two bowlersÌýcatching the eyeÌýin and former Warwickshire man The latter is improving greatly and Rankin has the best jumping about in the crease, including most recently
I hope the season isn't dismissed because the challenging teams aren't the fashionable ones most people tipped.
There are areas of standards and schedule to be addressed but out of those probems still come entertainment and skill, as shown in the absorbing finish at Liverpool between the top two.
I'm Kevin Howells, my main job is covering cricket and it is one of the best jobs in the world. I aim to convince as many as I can that the County Championship is as compelling and interesting as any other sport.
Comment number 1.
At 1st Jul 2011, R-Brooker wrote:Blimey, a cricket blog! Pigs might never cease, to quote a well-known and irrascible old cove from up north.
I'm a Hampshire fan with little but t20 fireworks to celebrate. But it concerned me that the question of county standards should crop up again. My impression was that the county system has been regularly producing fine young England potential for a number of years now. Someone sent a message to the live text commentary for the Eng/SL t20 game saying that England's wretched performance reflected very badly on the counties.
As I live in France, following the County championship is difficult, so I'm in no position to judge. But there does seem to be a mixed message here.
England's future as one of the top Test sides obviously depends on the strength of the county game.
I wouldn't be surprised if the t20 format had a negative impact on 1st class standards.
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Comment number 2.
At 1st Jul 2011, R-Brooker wrote:Sorry, wanted to add a congratulatory word to the England womens' team. Brilliant run. Keep going.
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Comment number 3.
At 1st Jul 2011, Alistair wrote:I am a Lancashire supporter and have enjoyed the season greatly but i do fear that the small squad is going to catch up on the lads later in the season, especially with the number of pointless 40 over and 20/20 games coming up. I hope they blood a few youngsters in these games and concentrate on the County Championship with the senior players.
Just to note though - i think to say the England selectors are watching Kyle Hogg is unrealistic. I'm glad he seems to be finally justifying the support shown by Lancashire over the years (many counties would have given up on him) but he lacks the pace to play international cricket.
Lets hope Glenn Chapple gets himself fit soon as i reckon he is the key to us sustaining a challenge.
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Comment number 4.
At 1st Jul 2011, hainba wrote:Batting in the CC seems to be harder work than ever and conditions have been predominantky bowler friendly. This has made for some roller coaster games that should be good for spectators.
While my team Kent are struggling the necessity for home grown talent seems stronger through both divisions. Which is a BIG plus....
Also add my support to R-Brooker - the women continue to raise their game and have a big game at Lord's next Tuesday.
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Comment number 5.
At 1st Jul 2011, wirral18 wrote:Lancashire;s run this summer has been a fantastic surprise. Chapple is key for the rest of the season though. We have a very winnable game in hand against Worcestershire and if we keep this small squad fit you never know.
I think the other thing people forget each year is how many games at Old Trafford are affected by the rain, for the past few seasons we've barely lost a game yet been conistently just off the pace for the title race. I think this has a lot to do with the amount of our home games being blighted by the rain. Northwest sun for the rest of the summer and this could be a great year for Manchester sport!!
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Comment number 6.
At 1st Jul 2011, Sticksman wrote:Good to see a Blog about the county championship Kev!
I'm a Bears fan, who lives in Lancashire ... and the Lancs fans that I've spoken to all seemed to be thinking Lancs would struggle to stay up this year!!
Lancs are playing good cricket, with a consistent team selection. They are really getting the best out of their younger players. Peter Moores should take a lot of credit for the way that the team is doing.
Really looking forward to watching some of the Lancs games v Notts and the inconsistent Bears at Southport and Liverpool in the coming month or so.
As for Hogg being watched by England .. you're having a laugh. Nothing more than a bits and pieces player that England used to pick back in the early 90s!
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Comment number 7.
At 1st Jul 2011, nickc wrote:I can tell you exactly what's wrong wrong with the T20 side (and probably the one day side as well but they seam to be going alright).
Last years T20 finals day saw Hamphire, Essex, Nottinghamshire and Somerset play here the run down of players in the international squad who played that day.
1st: Hampshire - None (elected not to play Pietersen)
2nd: Somerset - Kieswetter
Essex: Bopara
Nottinghamshire: Patel, Swann, Broad
So except for Nottinghamshire no one really represented and Broad & Swann rarely played for Notts due to the international game. I also find it hard to believe at out of the two finalists only 1 player is good enough for international duty!
As for the Championship, Somerset are realistically out of it but we have games in hand need a good run though. Last game of the season is at Taunton against Lancs so I suppose if we stay within spitting distance and go on a good run at some point (we appear to have problem changing gear this season thanks to the schedule not keeping any format consistent enough) so still attainable. I do think however it's going to be another year where the championship alludes us though. I'd like to see Warwickshire win though dunno why. I can't see Somerset not getting some silverware this season their form in the CB40 is great and when they turn the screw T20 they've completely spanked the opposition.
By the way if anyone wants to see some big hitting watch the 6 Jos Buttler hit over the member pavilion at Taunton against Glamorgan! I know shorter boundaries but you still have to get some height on the ball to it.
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Comment number 8.
At 1st Jul 2011, anotherbob wrote:Sad to read the disparaging comments from sticksman re. Kyle Hogg. It's a pity when people find it necessary to be insulting. Kyle's had some problems with injury and illness since he was signed by Lancs at a relatively young age and he's never given up. He has the same class now that he had when he was thought to be good enough for England at U17 and U19 level.
To Alastair who thinks Kyle lacks pace, that depends on what you are picked to do. Some said Mike Hendrick lacked pace, and Geoff Arnold wouldn't have lit up the speed gun..
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