Surrey news/articles

First topic message reminder :

Hi guys

Just a quick one to let you know that I have spoken with All Out Cricket regarding the amount of Surrey fans we have here at 606v2, and they're going to look to provide any Surrey related blogs/news/articles that they have to this section. Given that their office is located near to the Oval, they often chat with the Surrey guys and as such get some good interviews, so hopefully they can get some of those across here for you fellas to get your teeth into.

Cheers

Shelsey93 wrote:Yep.

Middlesex have been training under a tent at Radlett CC (which, having played junior matches there myself, I can tell you is not a warm place even on a sunny June evening!). Even after it snowed they trained there. Seems to have done them some good as they hammered Somerset in a warm-up.

However, I tend to think its probably better to train in some decent weather personally.

Quite right...I live near Radlett.

Not a great start for Surrey batting first - Roy out for 12, Harinath for 9. 39/2.

131/3 at lunch has quickly become 134/5 straight afterwards. Solanki 32, Davies 20, Burns 47.

After Meaker falls for 6 Wilson and Lewis lead the recovery. 244/6 with both players reaching 50.

278/8 at tea. Lewis 57, Tremlett 0. Wilson still going on 78 with the Viscount on 7. Wilson has to be in serious contention for the opener next week, at this point I think I'd feel more confident about him getting runs than the rest of our batsmen.

Batty isn't playing in this game btw, he has a slight side strain.

305/8 declared. 100* for Wilson

Hi Carrot - thanks for the updates.

Wilson has almost certainly played himself into the CC opener (I'm assuming he won't be away with Ireland then).

The tail is too long with Batty at seven. Without him ....

Yes, I hope Lewis' runs today don't fool Adams into thinking we can afford to play 5 bowlers! Gloucs finished on 67/2 tonight with a wicket each for Linley and Dernbach.

Would be odd not to play Wilson in the first cc match given his very strong pre season showing. Opportunity for pace bowler or two to cement their position with a few wickets in this match.

guildfordbat wrote:
In response to King Carlos' post on the ''Counties Ins and Outs'' thread -

Understand your concerns about Dernbach. Many had similar feelings last season. His bowling was too often poorish and certainly nowhere near as good as his body language suggested.

As well as the seamers you flagged, I understand George Edwards is highly regarded and so will probably come into contention at some stage.

Another who would bring more strength to the batting is Tom Jewell. That might be important if we're trying to play both Gareth Batty and Gary Keedy as well as two other front line seamers.

Apologies for taking so long to reply guildford, I've been struggling to get on here as much as I'd like lately.

I'd agree that Jewell could be an important player this season but in my eyes this could be in one-day games rather than the CC. He could add a much needed bridge between the batting and bowling portions of the side if he performs well.

In terms of the CC sides I agree with those who feel a second spinner would be excessive early season and due to his batting and leadership Batty earns the first spot IMO. As for the rest of the bowling I'd be reluctant to start Tremlett without the Brain here to offer a fourth seamer if needed. I'd rather see Chris come through some one-day stuff at full intensity first then come into the CC side. As such my XI for the first 4-day game would be;

1.Smith (c)
2.Burns
3.Harinath
4.Solanki
5.Davies (wk)
6.Roy
7.Wilson
8.Batty
9.Meaker
10.Linley
11.Dernbach

However I wouldn't be particularly upset to see Lewis replace Dernbach early season. He adds some experience and could do some damage on seaming wickets putting the ball on a length and watching it do a little either way.

Interested to learn from the highlights of the 2nd XI match that Tom Lancefield is playing for Gloucs. He opened, but was dismissed fairly cheaply by the Viscount (he seemed remarkably reluctant to leave the crease after being given LBW).

Pleased to see that Tom has found another opportunity.

Corporal - yes, I spotted Tom Lancefield too. Good luck to him. Surrey Ad journalist Richard Spiller speaks very highly of him as a person.

I just hope Tom is on at least a season long contract with Gloucs rather than this being a trial game for him - would be highly unfortunate for the Viscount to end Tom's career!

Always very difficult to form much of an impression from the brief highlights but Burns looks in good nick. Hope that's not a jinx!

Jordan has 6 for 48 on his debut for Sussex. Always seems to happen with players we let go.

kingdaveeagle wrote:Jordan has 6 for 48 on his debut for Sussex. Always seems to happen with players we let go.

Further to recent posts, Tom Lancefield scored an unbeaten 100 today to take Gloucs 2nd XI to a 5 wicket win. This followed a slightly generous declaration but is still somewhat embarassing as Adams deemed him not good enough and it was compiled against our first team squad.

Anyway, hope this gets Lancefield's career back on track.

As for us - more questions than answers as regards the eleven to play in next week's CC opener. Keedy was our top wicket taker but probably wouldn't have played if Batty had been fit. Lewis scored runs but took no wickets. Roy followed his two fifties last week with a couple of low scores. Hmmm ....

kingdaveeagle wrote:Jordan has 6 for 48 on his debut for Sussex. Always seems to happen with players we let go.

RHB to score a century tomorrow for Sussex?

I'm holding out for Spriegal to take 7-24 bowling leg spin for the hell of it, why would he use the off-breaks when he's already scored 240 in the first innings...

Our release of players I rate may have left me bitter

greetings everyone.... feels like I'm emerging from hibernation for the second time this year Good luck to the River in his Sussex career.... I think the Sussex v Surrey matches this year could be interesting!

king_carlos wrote:I'm holding out for Spriegal to take 7-24 bowling leg spin for the hell of it, why would he use the off-breaks when he's already scored 240 in the first innings...

Our release of players I rate may have left me bitter

Spriegel not selected for Northants in their first cc match, so you'll be spared at least on this occasion.

Corporalhumblebucket wrote:

king_carlos wrote:I'm holding out for Spriegal to take 7-24 bowling leg spin for the hell of it, why would he use the off-breaks when he's already scored 240 in the first innings...

Our release of players I rate may have left me bitter

Spriegel not selected for Northants in their first cc match, so you'll be spared at least on this occasion.

That blood vessel in my head will just about remain smaller than my ear for now then...

In truth the real frustration I hold with letting players go is with the young batsmen. We talk about a lack of batsmen now when just in recent seasons we've released the likes of Lancefield and Evans two players I rated very highly and felt could fit into the Surrey side pretty well in years to come. Alas, if I can't be content with the signing of journeymen in their late 30's who probably cost more than the youngsters would have to keep what will sooth these feelings!

Today is a day that makes Adams look very silly indeed however I think most of us would be in agreement that Jordan should have been let go as he's been as good as useless for about 3 years and injured a lot of that time too. If he goes on to do well at Sussex it makes me more frustrated and annoyed at him than Adams as he had a bucketload of chances here.

Lancefield is another matter though, pleased for him, massively worried about our first match.

kingdaveeagle wrote:Jordan has 6 for 48 on his debut for Sussex. Always seems to happen with players we let go.

Absolutely astonishing! He couldn't take 6 a season playing for us

Anyone know whether there is play at the Oval today in the 2nd XI Trophy game?

Is it just a coincidence that for this particular 2nd XI match the team hasn't been announced with as much fanfare as for this week's 2nd XI Championship match?

berrysteven wrote:Anyone know whether there is play at the Oval today in the 2nd XI Trophy game?

Is it just a coincidence that for this particular 2nd XI match the team hasn't been announced with as much fanfare as for this week's 2nd XI Championship match?

Hi berrysteven - unfortunately match abandoned without a ball being bowled. Info from Surrey twitter.

Goochie - delighted to see you've signed that summer contracr and rejoined us!

Thanks. Some lunch break reorganisation required... Chris Gayle on TV in the gym is a good option!

No problem, berrysteven. Take it you're a Surrey follower - hope you'll stick around on here for the season at least.

If you look in tonight, I'm sure the Corporal will invite you for a drink in the mess!

guildfordbat wrote:No problem, berrysteven. Take it you're a Surrey follower - hope you'll stick around on here for the season at least.

If you look in tonight, I'm sure the Corporal will invite you for a drink in the mess!

Guildford knows my movements too well! Welcome Berrysteven - and welcome back Gooch!

I see Jordan came back to earth with a duck today. And RHB didn't score a century either!

Corporalhumblebucket wrote:

I see Jordan came back to earth with a duck today. And RHB didn't score a century either!

Although, as per the Northants website, Spriegel top scored yesterday for their seconds with 58 against Middlesex at Radlett.

Shelsey93 wrote:Graeme Smith couldn't field today and is expected to miss SA's 5th ODI v Pakistan because of the recurrence of a long-standing ankle injury. I guess he must also be a doubt for the start of the county season then.

Richard Spiller reports in today's Surrey Ad that Surrey CEO Richard Gould has confirmed that Graeme Smith's long-standing ankle problem will not prevent him making his Club debut against Somerset in next week's CC match.

In the same article, Spiller praises Tom Lancefield for his unbeaten century this week ''against an attack including international speedsters Chris Tremlett, Jade Dernbach, Stuart Meaker and Jon Lewis''. After mentioning Jordan's same day sixfer, he concludes by questioning ''whether Chris Adams's regime is getting the best out of the county's talented youngsters''.

Spiller would be the first to admit that he has never been a great fan of Adams. It certainly shows here, perhaps a little too much and prematurely. However, what Spiller writes is probably only a taster of what is to come for Adams from many this season if things are not seen to obviously improve.

PS Carrot: in view of you having resumed playing - if you want to see a demonstration of a perfect straight bat, have a look at Churchy's reply to Shelsey ribbing him about the Club photo on the Club's twitter account.

Tom Curran signed for Surrey. (Son of the late Kevin Curran) Will continue his education at Wellington.

guildfordbat wrote:

PS Carrot: in view of you having resumed playing - if you want to see a demonstration of a perfect straight bat, have a look at Churchy's reply to Shelsey ribbing him about the Club photo on the Club's twitter account.

There goes my chances of getting accreditation for The Oval this season

Can't honestly say I know anything about Curran so any updates would be much appreciated!

Also is there any news on whether Zander has returned yet?

Yeah, Zander returned to the dressing room last Tuesday there was a picture on the Surrey twitter page.

king_carlos wrote:Can't honesty say I know anything about Curran so any updates would be much appreciated!

Your majesty I really only know what is on the Surrey website:

"Curran, 18, will continue his education at Wellington College for the next two summers – whilst also attending the Pemberton Greenish Surrey Academy – before joining the professional squad full time in 2015.

One of the stand-out performers on the recent tour to Cape Town, the right arm batsman and fast bowler also played for Surrey last year at both Second XI and U17 level – playing in the side that won the ECB National U17 One Day Trophy against Durham.

Curran was originally spotted playing schools cricket in South Africa by former Surrey captain Ian Greig, now working in Australian schools cricket, who recommended him to PG Academy Director Gareth Townsend.

Tom is the son of former Zimbabwe International all-rounder Kevin Curran, who tragically died late last year. Although he had already moved to England at the time of the tragedy, continuing his schooling with a bursary from Wellington College, it left his two younger brothers in Zimbabwe with an unsure and worrying future.

However, to keep the family together in England, Surrey have partnered with Wellington to ensure all three boys complete their education to the highest standards in the same school, whilst also ensuring through the Wellington/Surrey partnership that their cricketing development continues.

Speaking this week, Curran said: “I am very grateful for the opportunities given to me and my family by both Surrey CCC and Wellington College and now intend to concentrate on making the most of them over the next few years.”

PG Academy Director Gareth Townsend added: “Tom has the potential to be a very special player indeed and I am delighted he will be with the club for the next three years at least."

“The last twelve months have seen Tom go through some extraordinary changes that nobody should experience as a young man. Hopefully, the solidity we have been able to help him and his family find will help them rebuild from their huge loss and make the most of their new opportunities in England.”

Surrey Team Director Chris Adams added: “I have been immensely impressed with everything I have seen from Tom to date and very much look forward to working with him to harness his huge talent over the next few years.”

Cheers carrot and Corporal.

Glad to hear Zander is back in the barracks. Are people expecting him to start in the first CC game, if so the extra seamer would make me much more comfortable playing Tremlett who could be very dangerous at this time of year.

Curran sounds like a good talent, and it also sounds like Surrey are using their considerable wealth for a bit of good there with the family as a whole. Nice to see!

king_carlos wrote:

Curran sounds like a good talent, and it also sounds like Surrey are using their considerable wealth for a bit of good there with the family as a whole. Nice to see!

Evening King - I fully agree with what you say above about Curran and Surrey. However, the cynic in makes me question the timing of the announcement. Clearly a good news story - with the Club's AGM being held on Monday!

Evening (or even night now!) guildford,

It did come to mind that this could be an attempt to raise some faith in the management with what could be a tough start to the season ahead - the early April start with limited batting resources could be interesting!

I am trying to hold back the cynic in me as the season starts however otherwise my feelings toward Adams with releasing the likes of Lancefield could put me in a bad mood a bit often whilst following the summer. In the last few days before we begin I've decided to wrap myself in the warm blanket of hope and dream about our rise to the top of the table...

Weather looks promising for this week's match if unspectacular, hopefully it'll stay relatively dry over the 4 days although I hope we aren't praying fro rain after day 1!

Went to the AGM tonight.

Graeme Smith spoke briefly at the start. Nothing sensational or surprising but he very much hit the right tone and emphasised - twice - his committment to Surrey over the next three years. Extremely well received by the membership.

The broadcaster Sir Trevor MacDonald was elected Club President. Very much a PR role, hobnobbing with leading officials of other counties and such like. He gave a lovely acceptance speech, full of self-deprecating humour. He mentioned that he had written '' a poor book about Viv Richards - something which should be impossible!''. It was clear that he knows his cricket well (Surrey and West Indies particularly - so my kind of guy, he unquestionably would have voted YES to Wes Hall on our recent Hall of Fame thread!).

Something innovative - cricket wise anyway - the Club are proud of introducing this season for home matches is a text alert system. Basically, if a spectator has a problem - say, a drunken oaf nearby - he can text from his seat for immediate assistance. I was tempted to ask if I could use it when Lewis comes on to bowl but thought better of it!

A clear theme was ''to move on'' after the tragedy of Tom Maynard's death. Nothing was asked about Maynard, partly probably out of decency and also the practical realisation that nothing else meaningful would be forthcoming. I and others got the impression that the Chairman (Richard Thompson) and the CEO (Richard Gould) were taking an increasingly active role in many areas of the Club's running and that Adams - although still in charge of the playing side of things - was not quite the Queen Bee he once was. Hard to be definitive here. Alec Stewart was billed as ''Executive Director'' and sat alongside Adams but didn't speak.

I did ask Adams if he was happy with the balance of the squad and suggested we might be considered to have too many seamers and not enough batsmen. He very much ducked the batting part replying along the bl**dy obvious lines that he was confident we would get enough runs if all the batsmen played to their abilities (what if they don't, eh?).

Adams acknowledged we had many good seamers including some young players (he definitely mentioned Jewell and, I think, Dunn and Edwards as well) who were likely to have opportunities later in the season.

Interestingly, he then went on to say that for the CC opener ''we will play an extra batsman with 2 or 3 seamers''. He added that ''some good players will be left out''. I took that to mean we'll bat down to seven (including Davies) and play only four front line bowlers. I assume that if we only play 2 seamers, we'll include both Batty and Keedy but that the latter will miss out if we go with 3 seamers.

In flagging the frontline seamers in contention for Wednesday, Adams listed them in what possibly appeared to resemble a priority order. I'm not sure if he said Tremlett or not (he seemed to mumble at first) but the next names in order were Meaker, Dernbach, Linley and Lewis.

Generally, the meeting was viewed as having gone well but clearly the real challenges are to come out in the middle.

guildfordbat wrote:Went to the AGM tonight.....

Something innovative - cricket wise anyway - the Club are proud of introducing this season for home matches is a text alert system. Basically, if a spectator has a problem - say, a drunken oaf nearby - he can text from his seat for immediate assistance. I was tempted to ask if I could use it when Lewis comes on to bowl but thought better of it!

Endless possibilities there. Especially if the texter has had a few beers themselves...

Good report - thanks, Guildford.

Bit of fun here, a quiz - Can you name the Surrey County Cricket Club Opening Day Lineups?

http://www.sporcle.com/games/stulaw78/surrey-county-cricket-club-opening-day-lineups#

(I got 185)

Good bit of fun there Carrot!

I got 169 which I first thought was good but when I saw some of the names I'd missed disappointed me a bit. I'll wait until others who want to try it have done before disclosing who they were though!

Good luck for the season guys

Looks a fun quiz - I'll definitely have a go - and report my results good or bad, so don't give away any answers!

Cheers Jimbo Hope we will both be playing in Div 1 in 2014

The quiz looks like being a mix of fun and frustration! Too many players and years merge into one for me - that's old age! When on earth did players like Ian Ward, Darren Bicknell and Joey Benjamin appear on and disappear from the scene? Were valuable squad players like Jason Ratcliffe and Nadim Shahid ever starters on an opening day?

Happy to give it a go but suspect I'll tie myself up in knots!

I have a feeling that anything over about 150 is pretty good. How on earth to remember what changed between, say, 1994 and 1995

I struggled to think of many of the players from the 90's as I expected but one place I lost out was forgetting about players who played for us in the mid noughties but then moved on to other counties. Players such as Tim Murtagh, Nyan Doshi and even Azhar Mahmood somehow slipped my mind which was frustrating! Scott Newman was an example of such a player I got but even then only came to me near the end of the quiz.

One thing the earlier line-ups does represent is the ridiculously small amount that test players represent their counties these days. In the 90's Stewart, Butcher and Thorpe are all mainstays in most of the line-ups despite regularly playing for England in many of those years.

At the Oval where it has just been announced that "legendary Surrey all-rounder Azhar Mahmood" has returned to Surrey for this year's Friend Life t20.

He was a decent and very popular player in his day but feel that was a long time ago.

Adams quoted in a club statement: "From what I gather Azhar has been sorely missed since he left and should never have been released in the first place. " Sems a bit rich.

Azhar's been doing really well in T20 around the world in fairness. But does nothing for the average age.

Very good signing for Azhar, he's still got the class.