Specsavers Championship, Monday, April 24, 2017
News from the grounds, supporter views and our unrivalled live county scores service
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The main issue with the current structure seems to be how long and drawn out the competition is. I don't see why we can't maintain all counties but just compress the format into, say, a 4 week block? This is the only real barrier to attracting the top overseas talent. Seems like a no-brainer to me - and doubtless the ECB would find a way to ruin a city based tournament anyway.
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- Live Update
George Dobell at Warwickshire (222-5) v Surrey
Ian Bell has gone for a very fine 99. Lunging forward to what may have been an arm ball from Gareth Batty – easily the pick of the bowlers this morning – he gave a little outside edge to the keeper. He looks disgusted with himself and the wait for that century – he has not scored one since April 2016 – goes on. He should take some consolation from the fact he has given his side a chance of saving – or even winning this match. He needs his middle-order to contribute now. - Live Update
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WICKET: Lancashire 456/8 (158.5 ov, lead by 287 - 2nd inns) v Somerset
R McLaren c Elgar b Gregory 45 (123) Partnership: 77 (27.4 ov)
L Gregory 30.5-6-73-4 SD Parry 43* (94) -
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I can probably cover the arguments in favour, which are basically "it's not for you, you're not supposed to like it". It's meant to be attractive to new fans, children especially, rather than the often fairly boozy atmosphere at the current T20 blast. It's also built for television coverage. On paper, I don't actually think it's a terrible idea, I just don't trust the ECB to organise and schedule it...
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@BethWatson 3 years is a long time...i really can't see how they can fill grounds with all these new fans that currently have little or no interest in cricket whilst simultaneously alienating the existing hardcore...despite the millions of reserves they've accumulated...TV and Sponsors won't be interested in empty grounds -
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WICKET: Warwickshire 222/5 (72.1 ov, lead by 117 - 2nd inns) v Surrey
IR Bell c †Foakes b Batty 99 (162) Partnership: 75 (19.3 ov)
GJ Batty 15.1-2-28-1 TR Ambrose 31* (64) -
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- Live Update
Paul Edwards at Lancashire 456-7 v Somerset
One wonders a little whether the adhesive qualities of Lancashire's tail might cost their side a chance of victory. The lead is now 287 - we lost five overs, which one can't get back on the last day - and there will come a point when Somerset will be reluctant to chase a target. Anyway, Stephen Parry has batted very well indeed and has made a career-best 42 and Ryan McLaren, who looks a quietly impressive signing, is on 44. - Live Update
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