Mid-season forum

By Barmy Kev & David Slater
July 2 2003

The mid-season forum was held after play on day 1 of the Sorry match and rather suprisingly Kev was sober enough to take notes. (No you did NOT mis-read that!!!)

The panel included Vinny Coddrington, Chris Lowe, Chad Keegan and Phil Edmonds. Chad was a last minute replacement for Andy Strauss, who was on the 606 show with Tuffers.

Firstly Chad was congratulated for his outstanding catch against Hampshire at Uxbridge. Then it was down to business.

Embury's opening speech made three points about the season so far.
1) They are very disappointed about our County Championship first innings scores that are preventing us getting into winning positions
2) They are pleased that the top end of the batting order are scoring runs in one-day cricket
3) They are pleased that we are now winning matches in tight situations.

Then it was time for questions from audience.

20/20 and One-day matches:
Embury began by saying that these days’ players need to be more adaptable from quick runs in
20/20 to long innings in CC. Chad was asked which version he prefers; he said likes both forms of games.

I (Kev) asked about use of Nash at four and wisdom of 2 keepers in one-dayers. Nash, as suspected, asked to be moved up order to boost England chances. Embury admitted didn't work. They feel that the Vulture is better at standing up for 1 dayers and Nash is worth his place batting and is flexible higher up to steady ship or low down to martial tail. They also feel his fielding is asset too.

Someone then asked why Sven isn't in the one-day team. Embury said his style is not suited to the shortened form of the game. He went on how team spirit has improved and players are happy with flexible roles. Edmonds commented in his day players preferred set role for season.

Then the subject of music came up. The club feels is makes no difference to enjoyment. However Vinny suggested an explanation of rules/basic shots, etc. for first timers would be of more value. He also said that we hoping to host Sorry at Lords next year. (Should be interesting!)

Spinners:
As expected there was a concern about our lack of spinners on turning wickets towards end of season in potentially crucial games?

The panel admitted that Tuffers left them high and dry and agreed that Weekes is not a match winner. They did stress that contrary to rumours; Embury will not be playing this season. Jamie Darymple is now back at the club after Uni.
Enquiries are being made as to the availability of other spin bowlers.

Differences in Divisions:
The panel were asked what they felt the difference between the 2 divisions were in the County Championship.

Chad said he felt there was no difference. Vinny said the standard same but there was more pressure in Division 1. Embury said winning games was a lot harder.

Overseas players:
Next came questions regarding Razzaq's availability in August. (Ceefax mentioned that Pakistan would play in another tri-nations tournament.) It was agreed a nuisance but the club are still not sure of his availability. However Imran Tahir and Joe Dawes are still on standby.

Emerging players:
Mali Richards: Arrival delayed. (Has now arrived). They are unsure of his exact role in squad. The audience were warned not to expect too much from him and Compton in light of their ancestry.

Nick Compton: He is unlikely to play this summer.

Tom Savill: Has potential. The club are delighted that we have developed a homegrown player.

Financial Situation:
Things are tight. It is believed Scotland, and possibly Ireland, playing the NCL could affect things. There is a concern about losing money.

Edmonds felt it would help if MCCC merged with MCC. Unsurprisingly this went down quicker then a lead balloon.

The club made £35K gross and £25k net from 20/20 which was an unexpected windfall. However Lord's not hosting the 20/20 final has held us back.

Floodlights at Lords:
Unsurprisingly the MCC will not allow this.

Finally Chad was asked about ambitions for his career. "I'll take each game as it comes,” he said

The meeting was then adjourned.