The Final Countdown: Surrey vs Hampshire away.

Jackers wrote:It is very possible that we may already be confirmed as champions on Day 1: I think this would be the case if Essex were to bat first and be bowled out for fewer than 400 while we secured three bowling or batting points. Under those circumstances, would we even bother to make changes to the team who started the game? On the one hand, Smith and Jacks are part of our strongest team and would give us the best chance of finishing with a win. On the other, unlike both last year and 2018 we don't have an unbeaten record to protect, so is it really worth messing about with the starting eleven under those circumstances?

Jhe10077 wrote:Very Shortsighted selections imo. It must surely  have a detrimental effect on the players getting replaced on day 2

Steve wrote:Is the game on Sky does anyone know? They will be showing the most pointless ODI ever tomorrow of course.  Maybe Sky will only be at the Ageas Bowl from Day 2!!!

Jackers wrote:

Jhe10077 wrote:Very Shortsighted selections imo. It must surely  have a detrimental effect on the players getting replaced on day 2

I'm not sure I'd feel that sorry for Ryan Patel, who has probably had more than one drink from the last chance saloon (this season at least). Cam Steel is the other obvious candidate, but as  "Team Player of the Year" I'm sure he would be quite sanguine about making way for Jacks. As I said, though, I am not sure I would bother to do it if we are mathematically over the line after Day 1.

Incidentally, this isn't the first time we've faced selection headaches in a championship decider away at Hampshire. In 1971 we went into that final game needing, I think, six bonus points to become champions. Bob Willis and my hero Robin Jackman had been competing for the opening bowler slot to partner Geoff Arnold all season. Micky Stewart had to break the news to Robin that he was opting for Bob's extra pace. When the wicket fell to give us the winning bonus point (Gilliat c Long b Intikhab), Robin along with Micky's wife Sheila marched out with trays of champagne. I gather the celebrations continued into the night. Unsurprisingly, we didn't get any further points, lost the match, finished level on points with Warwickshire and were only champions by virtue of winning more matches.

Keith Powell wrote:On the bus to the ground no rain at the moment had some over night

guildfordbat wrote:Marcus - many thanks for this preview and all the others during the season. Much appreciated as ever.

As regards the Hants team for this match, it should be to our advantage that the experienced and almost ever reliable Keith Barker misses out with a leg injury. Although Marcus has James Fuller replacing him, I wonder if it might be Ian Holland.