Forum. Return of a legend

BARMY KEV REPORTS ON UPBEAT FORUM ENHANCED BY RETURN OF LEGEND

Panel

I Luv it, Vinny, Gus

Big turn out presumably for the appearance of our illustrious ex leader, but then again maybe Ged has not that greater appeal.

I Luvit started by saying forums previously have been a mixture of bad news, moderate news and some good news. Well since last year we have progressed from being 10th to 3^rd best county , were exactly the same in CB40 2^nd in qualifying stage and still cr&p at 20/20.

1^st half of forum on Middlesex and 2^nd half Andy Strauss appearance.

Middlesex Forum

Gus announces signing of James Harris on 3-year deal. Rapturous applause. There was of competition from 12 other counties for his signature, although he left Glamorgan as there was clause he would leave if they were not in Division 1. Not sure about other 3 counties who had no chance.  He signed not for financial reasons but was impressed by our set up.

Gus was asked about Finn accidently hitting stumps and costing a wicket in test against south Africa?

He thought umpires got it wrong and rules should be changed.

Shots asked why we don’t play 2 spinners?   

If pitch dictates we will, like at Oval but it did not work out for us. Ollie was injured and Ravi was unavailable for this game.

Radlett, are we going to be playing 1^st class games there? 

Still issues here, like the hedge at side. Not ready for 1^st class cricket but excellent training facilities. England have trained and are impressed.

20/20 cricket. Performance and structure?

Thought we wre better than last year, Lost 7 close games in toughest group.   Not sure exactly how structure is going to change long term , but next year will be split into 2 because of Champions League.  Mass audible sigh in room.  

Fingers made 4 points.

Finn’s bowling technique of knocking stumps over and falling when bowling.

Suggested Finger’s as bowling coach. He then compared this to like Olympics foot fault in long jump after 4 years of training.

 James Harris. He thought better we sign a batter.

Was pointed out end of season we had 2^nd highest batting/2^nd lowest bowling points  

 Crookie should be capped. Not answered

 Fixtures. Middlesex v Sorry games shouldn’t clash with test matches. Not answered.        

Middx v West Indies game why the weak side?  Weak team was a travesty and insult to fans and W Indies.

Gus read out side with and justified each player.  Just accepted was a poor performance.

Paul Stirling should be playing. 4-day cricket?

Not enough experience, but he is in our plans. He was injured at Oval game where he probably would have been picked.

Dingy Bags asked about our 150-year anniversary to celebrate championship.

This will be put back to us members on what we would like. If we spend £30,000 spend on this, could be price of young player for season.

Someone in audience suggested an old timers day.  Two teams consisting of ex and current players which was well received.

Good question next I thought. Why male members can purchase Middlesex CCC ties,  but lady members don’t have equivalent especially with 150 years celebration in mind? This wasn’t fully answered, but there was a careless whisper about a celebratory thong.

Anymore comings and goings?

Gus confirmed Tom Scollay released. No other signings imminent.

At AGM stated we lost 700 members to MCC last year.  Compensation? 

Hard to claim for this.  There are many issues with MCC who we have a good relationship with under discussion.

Andrew Strauss Show

Andrew Strauss was introduced by I Luvit outlining his many achievements with Middlesex and England He walked in to standing ovation from audience. He was presented with framed certificate of 100th test at Lords. MCC wouldn’t allow this presentationat that game???

Alan Ashton Seaxe Club Chairman presented champagne and thanked him. 

Now for questions.

1^st question from Fingers. Now what?

Waiting for dust to settle.

Question about a South African who he used to share dressing room with. Mass groan all round.   We are talking about Compton. Why he took so long to fulfil his potential?

AJS recognised this and felt he may have been a bit intense at first.

Highlight of career?  

Ashes ton at Lords.

I Luvit asked why a lot of runs in a day and out early following morning. Met by tongue in cheek answer celebrating?

Could have he stayed and improved his batting average at 35.

AJS. No energy left at time of retiring. No regrets. Left when time right.

Asked about his 1^st wicket?

It was KP.

Why he didn’t play in our last game home to Lancs?

AJS said 2 reasons. Gus intervened said he had to be selected first. ( mass laughter and applause). He thought about it, but wanted his last game to be test at Lords without announcing it in advance. He felt wasn’t right frame in mind for match.  He didn't want big fuss on his final game.

Asked about his captaincy for England?

He was passionate changing about culture of cricket team, especially in respect to practise and training.

Comment he made 21 test hundreds and needed one more to equal record?

Gus said would take another 3 years to achieve this. AJS- Landmark was not a motivation his ambitions were team motivated.

Who should take his place as opener? Joe Root?

Not sure as hadn’t seen him.  He remembered Alistair Cook’s ton on debut in 2006 as youngster in India and feel there could be similar opportunity from current crop.

Thoughts on the changes in culture of county cricket? 

Old days when he started many county players would act as hey could casually cruise through. Noticed now fitter and more motivated players were.   He finished on an unpopular note saying he feels we should play less county cricket.

I Luvit rounded up by saying 2 years ago we were 17^th , now 3^rd and thanked Gus for bringing us to this point. He thanked everyone for their support with special mention to office staff.  I echo that

 Party followed with some careless whispers and affectionate comments about our posters.  Strauss was centre of attraction and sure he appreciated the attention, but could see him edging to exit at end while surrounded and still smiling.