LUFCTALK

In the hundred following the preliminary draft Stokes to Leeds, Root to Nottingham & Bairstow to Cardiff. Even less interest now.

Chris Silverwood appointed new head coach for England.

Dawid Malan signs a 4 year deal with YCCC

Could this move revive his test career?

Mr Russell wrote:Could this move revive his test career?

I’m pretty certain it’s his main reason for joining us. He’s made it public knowledge that he’s not been happy with the pitch at Lords, meaning he’s not been scoring loads of runs, thus keeping him out of the Test squad. Makes you wonder how much influence Root has had in this decision.

West Indian wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran back for the Vitality Blast for next seasin

From the cricketer regarding next season's schedule.

The schedule – sent to county CEOs – sees three Championship matches in April and four in May. Then the Vitality Blast enjoys a run (May 28-June 7). A Championship match pops up in mid-June. Then more Blast matches (June 19-26). Then two four-day windows (starting June 28 and July 5).
The Hundred is poised to start on July 17, the ‘development’ 50-over tournament commencing a day later. The Blast quarter-finals are from August 18-21, then it is two Championship windows (August 23 and 29).
Blast Finals Day could be on September 5 (with a reserve day). Then two Championship windows (September 8 and 14). The 50-over final to be on September 19 (with a reserve day). And finally two Championship matches (September 21 and September 27 – going into the last day of the month)... later than ever before

Absolute madness

Is cricket the only sport with no fixed diary date to announce the fixtures ? I actually think it’s a shambolic way to run a major sport & shows that the ECB are not a fit governing body to run cricket. How hard can it be to sort out the fixtures ?

Just found out that Kumar Sangakkara is staying in the same hotel at Scarbados as us next year, comes across as a really nice guy. I’ll find out now.

Booked accommodation in Scarbados, Southampton, Manchester, Newport, Cheltenham, Chelmsford for next season. Am also looking at ‘ bagging ‘ new grounds at Bristol, Grantham, Blackpool & Gosforth can’t blooming wait As much as I oppose the hundred it is making counties use more out grounds so anoraks like me are rubbing their hands together.