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Post by hhsussex on Jun 25, 2014 19:11:51 GMT
Sorry to upset the present thread but just a quick aside: Robinson now admits to 'BBC Sussex', "We are in a relegation battle..." as Tredwell finishes with 50*, the highest second innings individual score. That says a lot for the present batters malaise. Bring in a top batting coach... now, if Sussex are genuinely determined to avoid relegation. Beg, borrow, steal the money if needs be. Only the very best will do. Someone who can rediscover the players mojo, confidence and self-belief. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/28010045A few days ago our esteemed Vice-Chairman said that he liked to look in on this board because it provided a barometer for him of supporters' feelings about the club. In the spirit of providing him with a pressure-reading, here are a few observations that I have compiled from my own and other users observed experience. I don't think I overstate any of them and I've tried to avoid any emotive terms and speculations about why things should be so. - All of the batsmen seem to be out of form simultaneously
- If one strokeplayer does hit a vein of form he cannot find a partner capable of staying with him
- Our captain did not seem to inspire others to be successful when he was in form; now he is out of form and the rest remain becalmed
- It may be that the impact of the Vincent/Arif scandal has affected the dressing-room severely; certainly the team no longer present themselves as a cohesive and enthusiastic unit
- We lost one of three successful strike bowlers when Jordan joined the England squad; now Anyon's form has hit another downturn and it looks as if Robinson has shelved him for the moment. Neither Lewis nor Piolet has taken that place and Hatchett has only just been introduced into the team this year
- Panesar - gone; Zaidi - never was; Beer - not to be; Tredwell - burning up the overs and quenching the runs but top little reward. Unless there is a squad of 4 high-quality seam bowlers at all times no side can afford to be without a quality spin bowler. Whoever comes up from the 2nd Division next year will be equipped with one far outreaching the current standard and this might make games more testing
- There is frustration that young players are spotted in the Academy, reach the Second XI and then stick there, with occasional forays into the First team, but seemingly little enthusiasm for a longer trial. There is always a danger of this, but winter signings of low-budget senior and unestablished players who then gain regular places in the First XI sends a signal to young local players that there is little to hope for
- Whilst delighted and honoured that Prior and Jordan have been selected for England honours, they do leave a quality gap and with the disastrous slump in form generally and Yardy's injury there is concern that losing Joyce (2 games) and Machan (possibly 3 games) will now imperil our chances of retaining First Division status
- We all know that the Hove pitches are being expensively relaid over a period of seasons and that some matches have to be played on the "dead" side toward the pavilion. Theories that our best tactic on these wickets is to bowl first have ruinously backfired in the absence of a full team of bowlers capable of gaining early life and subsequently containing a resourceful and determined opposition
Whether we cling on to First Division status this year or are relegated there must be some significant changes. We cannot keep on drifting, hoping to recruit a Jordan or better still a Mushtaq who will keep us afloat. We must have some faith in the Academy, or if there is something wrong with that process, then challenge it and bring in a new way of developing and retaining talent within the county.
It's understood that good financial management is paramount, so perhaps we should look to engage one really effective signing over a winter, rather than eking the money out to cover three possibles. We have an excellent coaching team, so let them concentrate on getting the best out of players such as Finch, Hobden, Hatchett and Beer, rather than let them become Gattings, Thorneleys and the like. If there are problems with the nature of the coaching process, then let us confront those problems and resolve them rather than lose our future.
Finally, County management should not be so suspicious of the motives of supporters, particularly those who air their opinions on this board. It is natural that feelings will become heated and words won't always be as temperate as they might be in a face to face discussion. That's the thing about barometers: when the pressure is really high they swing right over and won't be stopped!
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jun 26, 2014 9:13:30 GMT
A fascinating story brewing. Narayanaswami Srinivasan has been confirmed as chairman of the new-look ICC, despite all the ongoing alleged corruption charges against him. Perhaps, one of the biggest political cricket battles in the sport's history. It is disturbing to think that a man who is accused by some to be behind a series of supposed spot-fixing and illegal betting occurrences during the 2013 IPL is now head of the new-look ICC Board with India, Australia and England at its bridge. Lalit Modi, who believes Srinivasan was behind having him booted out of the IPL - the tournament he created - will be furious and no doubt shall write a raft of tweets today condemning the choice. On his most hated list, Srinivasan is up there alongside Giles Clarke. It is disturbing too that the ECB are part of a new organisation that has a pall of purported corruption already surrounding it. But as the phrase goes, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Perhaps, one dares to suggest, those in Asia who want the 'alleged' match/spot fixing corruption to continue to be covered up, have won the day? PS: Modi appears serious about buying 'The Cricketer Magazine' and to use it as a manifesto to bring down Clarke. He tweets alongside the said 'Cricinfo' article: "Watch this space for more action on ECB's Joker of the Pack Giles Clarke soon." Bizarre! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/28031972 |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jun 26, 2014 10:37:41 GMT
The 'Evening Standard' believes Ben Stokes is a shoo-in for the impending Indian Tests which is good news for Sussex supporters who may hope to see Chris Jordan back at Hove and Horsham during July and August. But there is a problem... Ol'-timer Jimmy Anderson looked pretty knackered in the field during the 2nd Sri Lankan Test - his age catching up with him - and alongside Broad's now perpetual injury concerns, the fear is that Jordan may be picked as cover. All will be revealed on July 3rd when a potential 14 man squad is named. Do not be surprised if Sussex's hopes are dashed. Meanwhile, England's favourite marmite man proposes that Stokes, Buttler and Panesar should be part of the Test squad. Panesar and Stokes are an unlikely couple. Whilst one orders the drinks, the other can act as a Minder (down boy down!) Although, in reality, it may be Jordan carrying the drinks which is a kick in the stomach for the Sussex team as they could spend the next three months battling Championship relegation. Meanwhile, will the team have Prior back for late August and September or could the ECB whinge about his achilles problem and not allow him to play? Given how Sussex have bent over backwards to appease the ECB in the past, it is in times of trouble, surely, when favours are returned - particularly when the England coach is a former old boy. www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-set-for-recall-as-jimmy-anderson-and-stuart-broad-feel-the-strain-9561643.html |
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Post by flashblade on Jun 26, 2014 10:42:36 GMT
Fluffy, I can understand why you want CJ back in the Sussex team. However, I think it's a little uncharitable to hope that he will be dropped from the England squad. It wasn't long ago that we were all wishing him well with his international career!
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jun 26, 2014 10:47:30 GMT
Which would you prefer - Jordan carrying the England drinks tray or Sussex being relegated?
In times of perceived crisis the club comes first, England second... imho.
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Post by flashblade on Jun 26, 2014 10:53:51 GMT
Which would you prefer - Jordan carrying the England drinks tray or Sussex being relegated? In times of crisis the club comes first, England second... imho. Those are extreme alternatives. English cricket is structured so that country comes before county. I hope CJ continues to play for England, and if Sussex are relegated - c'est la vie. Why should CJ's career be sacrificed to prop up an under-performing county squad? |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jun 26, 2014 11:07:36 GMT
Jordan owes everything to Sussex. Without that signing, he might be sweeping the floors
of the Surrey boot room today. Astonishingly, Sussex were the only division 1 side to show
any interest in him. Alongside Mushy, one of the shrewdest signings in the club's history,
perhaps.
Of course, one wishes Jordan's international career well, but if England are picking him to
merely carry the drinks tray throughout the series, I am sure Chris would be the first to
want to help Sussex avoid relegation. If Anderson or Broad gain long-term injuries in the early
part of the series, the ECB could always draft Jordan in then, when required.
Unlike Panesar who merely saw Sussex as a stepping-stone to boost his international career,
Jordan has a loyalty, just as Prior has a loyalty, to the club. In times of difficulty you want to
be at Hove helping out.
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Post by flashblade on Jun 26, 2014 11:17:32 GMT
Jordan owes everything to Sussex. Without that signing, he might be sweeping the floors of the Surrey boot room today. Astonishingly, Sussex were the only division 1 side to show any interest in him. Alongside Mushy, one of the shrewdest signings in the club's history, perhaps. Of course, one wishes Jordan's international career well, but if England are picking him to
merely carry the drinks tray throughout the series, I am sure Chris would be the first to want to help Sussex avoid relegation. If Anderson or Broad gain long-term injuries in the early part of the series, the ECB could always draft Jordan in then, when required. Unlike Panesar who merely saw Sussex as a stepping-stone to boost his international career, Jordan has a loyalty, just as Prior has a loyalty, to the club. In times of difficulty you want to be at Hove helping out. Why should you make that assumption? Because it boosts your contention that he'd be better employed at Sussex, I guess. Would you find it acceptable if he's picked to actually play for England? How many English cricketers would choose to play for their county in preference to England? You shouldn't try to make CJ feel guilty by playing the loyalty card. You seem to be panicking about the prospect of relegation, IMHO.  PS (on edit) The bottom line seems to be that you'll be pleased if CJ is dropped by England. I will be disappointed. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jun 26, 2014 11:37:56 GMT
fb, I am not trying to make CJ feel guilty at all. If he gets picked to actually play for England then brilliant, well done. But if Jordan is merely in the squad to carry the drinks tray, then yes, most Sussex supporters along with Chris would not be happy. As for your positive response to the prospect of relegation, heads in the sand do not help at this stage, although agreed, one remembers when Sussex lost to Derbyshire last season at Hove, there was a similar outcry and the side went on to achieve third in the Championship. Although, we had Jordan in the side and an on-fire Anyon. One presumes with that in mind, it's why Robinson is sounding unperturbed. He says in the 'Evening Argus' today. "We are in a relegation battle but there are so few teams in the division you are nearly always
battling near the top or bottom. We are feeling a little bit sorry for ourselves at the moment
but we have got a bit of a break coming up which will give us some time to regroup. We know
we weren’t good enough at Durham but what you don’t want to do is make any knee-jerk
reactions. You generally don’t make your best decisions when things are raw.”
www.theargus.co.uk/sport/11300850.Sussex_boss_won_t_panic_after_defeat/?ref=eb |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 11:42:30 GMT
I am sure CJ is desperate to continue his England career, but it is likely that someone will have to make way for Stokes and possible someone will have to make way for a specialist spinner if they go down that route, and that is most likely to be Jordan. I am sure they will persist with him in the one-day stuff though
One thing worth pointing out is that often a player struggles to adjust back to the more mundane world of county cricket - Sussex have had several examples of this in recent years, so dont necessarily expect an instant hit by CJ should he return.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 12:00:27 GMT
Jordan certain to be in the squad announced on July 3, even if he is drinks waiter when the first Test gets under way on July 9. Unfortunaterly that means there is no way he will play in the must-win fixture v Northants (July 6-9). But if he's still carrying drinks by the second test at Lords on July 17, you''d hope he would be released to play v Warwicks at Horsham.
It's a relief that Robinson recognises we're in a relegation struggle; there has been a feeling abroad in recent weeks that the club was in denial about the seriousness of Sussex's slump (or perhaps it was just Kim's Panglossian nothing-is-wrong spinning on here that gave us that impression?) But it's alarming to hear him admit they're feeling sorry for themselves. Thats's not going to take them anywhere more positive as a group of players. I'd rather hear that they're angry and hurting because they know they are better than that and are determined to put it right and shove all criticisms rudely in out faces by bouncing back.
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Post by flashblade on Jun 26, 2014 12:18:53 GMT
As with most media interviews these days, Robbo's basically said nothing at all, other than recognising we're slipping down the table. As for action, some jerks do need kneeing. I'm sure you've been on this board before - something rings a bell. |
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Post by hhsussex on Jun 26, 2014 14:33:06 GMT
Got to keep on the move. I've received a 50% warning from Umpire 1 and suddenly I'm not half the man I used to be. Is there a shadow hanging over you? Do you believe in yesterday? |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 14:41:30 GMT
Scrambled eggs/oh my baby how I love your legs...
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jun 26, 2014 18:56:53 GMT
The extended version of Mark Robinson's interview with the BBC today, sounding more like Martin Scorsese than a cricket coach. "Sussex are in a dangerous position...You have to apply yourself and
fight your corner, whatever you are feeling. This is where sportsman
have to be actors and kid yourself where you are."www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/28020906 |
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