2024 County Championship Round Four Review Show

Speaker 00s - 32.66s

Hello and welcome to another episode of the County Cricket Podcast in association with our friends at Bear Crickets ORG. I'm your host, Aaron, aka the Cricket Connoisseur, and joining me. First and foremost, on my left, is everyone's favourite up-and-coming cricket journalist, Mr. Kieran McCarthy PERSON. So Kieran, first thing's first, mate, always a pleasure to have you here on the podcast, to chat all things county cricket and the wonderful Vitality County Championship ORG. I've got to ask, mate, how's your day been so far?

Speaker 233.86s - 46.82s

It's been all right, thank you. I am still feeling the residual effects of a hangover from Saturday night, but I played a successful rain card because I was supposed to be playing on Sunday, and it absolutely hammered it down. So I'd categorise that as a success.

Speaker 047.88s - 85.52s

Yeah, to be honest, I would as well. Aside from the hangover, of course, not exactly ideal prep for today's show, but I'm sure that myself and our other co-host, Joe PERSON, can pick up the slack over the course of this show. And of course, speaking of our fellow co-host, returning for back-to-back episodes, I think, for the first time since 2022. Joe PERSON, you might be able to correct me on that, but I am of course talking about everyone's favourite Lancashire County Cricket Club ORG supporter,Mr Joe Nutsi Nuttall. So Joe, again, I'll ask the exact same question, mate, but how's your day been so far? Yeah, not too bad, thanks, mate.

Speaker 185.66s - 100.02s

I think you are correct. It is first time for me back-to-back podcast since 2022. So, yeah, it's been a while, but excited to talk to cricket. Yeah, as you say, only one result, so yeah, it's going to be an interesting podcast, I'm sure.

Speaker 0101.2s - 210.68s

It certainly will, and see, it always tends to be the case when we talk about the county championship because even when we do have drawn matches there is a lot to discuss and at this point of the season with four rounds in we're already one monthinto the 2020 season that's absolutely flown by and even though the weather has been bitterly disappointing and I'm really frustrated, actually,about the amount of rainfall that we've seen around the country because it's robbing us of great results. We're seeing some excellent cricket in both divisions, but it's just these rained off days, and we're talking fully abandoned days. It is ruining the fun and the excitements of those results.So fingers crossed, that of the weather does improve heading into May because it's what this competition deserves. It's what the fans deserve as well. And speaking of that positive results, the only positive result, actually, of the seven matches that we witnessed in the fourth roundof this year's county championship, that is a wonderful place to pick up our game-by-game analysis. So let's head down to the nation's capital and let's head to South London GPE, where Surrey beat Hampshire by innings and 11 runs at the Kia Oval FAC. Now, Surrey won the toss and elected to have a bowl first in this game, and to say that this decision paid off is probably a bit of an understatement.The defending champions skittling Hampshire out for 151 runs within the space of 44.4 overs. And Joe PERSON, I'll go straight to you with regards to this question. But in terms of that first innings, Hampshire's batting display and the irresistible nature of that Surrey ORG seam attack. What did you make of the events that we witnessed on day one in London this week?

Speaker 1211.62s - 290.62s

Yeah, I mean, you mentioned that Surrey ORG bowling attack. They're so good, aren't they? They have so much depth. I mean, Tom Lawson didn't obviously play this week. I'm pretty sure he was injured. I'm right saying that.So obviously, you know, they have so much depth. Roach, Warrell, Clark and Atkinson is seriously good quarter. And yeah, I think Dan Warrell PERSON certainly deserves kind of a big mention. You know, he's been, I think I read earlier, he's taking 100 wickets in the county championships to see Jo in Surrey and actually mentioned potential England GPE call up like he's ready to go. And I tell you what, we played down under in an Ashley series next year.And Dan Warrell has played in Australia GPE for the majority of his career. That could be a very, very good option for England GPE. So I'm just throwing that out there right now. But yeah, he's so good. And that whole Surrey attack is really well balanced, actually. Obviously, you've got Gus Atkinson PERSON, he's a little bit quicker, you know, kind of Roach, Warren and Clark PERSON made the ball a lot as well. So, yeah, it's a really well-balanced attack.And as far as Seamsats ORG go, potentially the best in the country, or apart from Essex ORG is. So, yeah, certainly up there. It's a very good attack. And I think Hampshire ORG will be disappointed, but, you know, you get put in against that sorry side in those kind of conditionsis potentially what you'd expect any side. So it's not really a kind of thing to be kind of disappointed about Farmsdra ORG, like beat themselves up about.

Speaker 0291.78s - 407.18s

I don't know, to be honest, Joe PERSON. I tend to take a different perspective to that, to be honest, because I agree about the quality of Surrey ORG seam attackers. When we take a look at the numbers so far this season, you mentioned Dan Warrall, 14 wickets at 12.14, Gus Atkinson, nine wickets at 20.88. Tom Laws, five wickets at 26.80. And then, of course,you got the likes of Jordan Clark and Keimar Roach PERSON also chipping in. It really is a tour de force when we look at the Division I seam attacks. But I feel like in that first innings, I think a few of the dismissals were actually of Hampshire ORG's own doing. I think they'll be just as disappointed, actually, with the bad dismissals compared to the good ones, because don't get me wrong, there were some great, great pieces of bowling, right, in particular from Atkinson and Worrell PERSON.Those two were unstoppable at times and produced some absolute gems of deliveries. I'm thinking of the ones to Vince and Dawson, Walter Middleton PERSON as well, really stuck out from my perspective. But I feel like at times Hampshire ORG actually were the architects of their own downfall. And as a result of that, even though it was a green surface at the Oval this week, they allowed Surrey ORG to dictate the tempo of the game. And Kieran, this is where I'm going to bring you in to the conversation, mate. But we've got to discuss Surrey ORG's batting.Because after a difficult start, at one point there were 44 for four within the opening 20 overs. Ultimately, they reached a total of 359 all outs. the two main men in terms of Surrey ORG's batting this week were of course the captain Rory Burns an expert 113 up the top of the innings and the aforementioned Jordan Clark at barnstorming 106-knit-outs from 102 deliveries how impressive were those two on home soil this week?

Speaker 2408.14s - 516.78s

Yeah, firstly, I think it's important for Rory Burns PERSON to be able to get some runs. I don't recall him having had the best of times, you know, back end the last season and the start of this season. So, you know, when players around him have been hitting decent scores, it's obviously ideal that as captain, he can step up and when his team are in a little bit of a sticky situation, managed to dig them out and, you know, lead from the front.And it was obviously a useful innings in the resolute nature, the fact that he was striking, you know, just under 50, which is, you know, sort of what you would expect generally from an opening batter, particularly, you know, when the side had got off to a poor start. And then Clarks PERSON was completely the opposite, a little bit more than a run a ball, and obviously managed to push things on once the score has moved on a bit. So for very different reasons, they were both very useful innings, and it could have been a very precarious situation for,sorry, in the situation they were in, the fact that they were at one point, as you say, 44 for 4 and then 119 for 5, the fact that they bowled Hampshire ORG out for 150 that had been looking to build upon that and get a big lead. At one point it looked like that might not have been the case.So, yeah, obviously a really useful pair of innings from Burns and Clark PERSON in sort of different ways, but both very much contributing to the eventual fairly good score when it could have been very much not that.

Speaker 0517.7s - 651s

It easily could have been, and again, two massive performances. It has been the calling card, hasn't it, of Surrey ORG in these past two, three seasons. Every single time you think the door is open, someone slams it shut, whether that's the top order, the middle order, someone like Worrell, for example, as Joe PERSON mentions, comes in and just starts teeing off towards the end and scores a quickfire 30 or 40. They really are a tremendous batting unit, and as a result of that result of that a massively 208 runs to be exactand then in that second innings as well Hampshire ORG tried desperately to cling on you know I'll give a lot of credit to the likes of James Vince he dug away with 26 from 95 balls and Ben Brown PERSON with a counterattack in 45 but ultimately the visitors dismissedfor 197 runs within the space of 77.2 oversons. Joe, I wanted to talk to you about this particular point, but just looking at Hampshire ORG's start of the season, because I feel like so far we've mentioned at length about Surrey ORG. This was yet another commanding performance to add to the ever-growing list of outstanding displays. But in terms of Hampshire starts in this season, how would you assess their performances across these opening rounds? Because for a lot of people, myself included, you know, we went on at length in the preview show about the strength of the bowling attack.But the batting just is not coming to the party, just in terms of some stats from the Hampshire ORG side of things. This is absolutely staggering, but just one Hampshire ORG cricketer is averaging over 50 with the bat in hand so far this season. In fact, it actually extends to 40.So Nick Gubbins PERSON, at this moment in time, is averaging 73. The next best average is Tom Prest's 39.75. Now in comparison to Surrey, Surrey have seven cricketers, averaging over 40, as to Warwickshire ORG. So in terms of those stats, in terms of the displays, in terms of what you've witnessed, so far this season, Joe PERSON. How did you summarise this first month for the Rosencrowne of Hampshire ORG?

Speaker 1653.66s - 728.58s

Yeah, I think, well, firstly, you mentioned their bowling, the type being a particular stent. I think they will actually be slightly disappointed. They've conceded a lot of runs. Obviously, the first match against Durham ORG was abandoned without a ball being bowled, but against Lank's 484, Orichshire, 455, and then, sorry, considering the position that they had them in 159,I mean, they did bowl all three of those sides out. But I do think that would be quite disappointed in that sense to kind of let the game get away from them a little bit, obviously, most recently in Jordan Clark and Murray Burns PERSON. But yeah, going back to the bat, and again, you know, they've got a lot of experience, especially in that middle order. You know, they've got obviously Vince PERSON, Gobbin PERSON, you mentioned, obviously, is performing fine this season.Ben Brown PERSON, being endorsed. So they've got a good amount of players, sorry, a good amount of experienced players in that middle order. And I think they'll be a little bit frustrated that kind of stepping up a little bit more. So, yeah, I mean, look, it's a long season. And Hampshire are not kind of, like, immediately threatened by relegation at the minute.But potentially it will come into their mind and the Hampshire Van's ORG mind kind of later or in the season. Yeah, as I say, I think that Middala ORG kind of really needs to step up as well. And obviously we saw Middleton get a tonne last week. That kind of platform kind of needs to be set as well. But I think we saw Middleton get a tonne last week. That kind of platform kind of needs to be set as well. But I think that would be generally quite disappointed.

Speaker 0730.16s - 876.14s

I'd definitely agree with that. To be honest, Joe PERSON, I think it's been a very, very underwhelming start to the campaign for Hampshireans. I mentioned this with Lanks ORG, actually, last week, but in terms of the buy week, so the week off, this will be Hampshire ORG's. I think it's a great time to reset, refocus, refresh and just concentrate on this next block of matches, because these next three games could determine their season. If they win one or two, they're back in it. Even if it'smid-table, right at this stage of the season, at least they're giving themselves a chance, an outside opportunity. If they lose them, and this almost seems incredible to say, but if they were to lose two or even all three, they could be in the relegation battle. That's how tight it is in Division I. So a massive, massive month coming up for Hampshire. And as for Surrey, again, an outstanding way to wrap up the month of April, currently top ofDivision I. ORG It was a great performance. Yes, they had a little bit of a buckle, a bit of a wobble in that batting performance, but again, the great teams, they have those moments, and do you know what they do? They bounce back strong, and that is exactly what the brown caps did at the Kia Oval this week. But gentlemen, aside then from that game, let's now turn our attention to two other potential title contenders in the first division this season. And let's make the long trip up north.Let's head to the Riverside, where Durham and Essex ORG played out a draw in Chester LaStreet. So just to give some context behind this particular performance, Durham won the toss and elected to have a bat first, and Kieran, I'll bring you in straight away to discuss this performance. But Durham ORG's middle order, how impressed were you,with the likes of Colin Ackerman, of course the likes of David Beddingham PERSON? And the one which really makes me proud and very happy we've had him on the podcast here Joe PERSON obviously knows some talking about here but Ollie Robinson again all three of those cricketers producing big knocks this weekso Ackerman scoring 112 it was his first century in a Durham ORG shirt David Bedingham a quick fire counter attacking 52 from 51 balls and Ollie Robinson with an electrifying 90 from just 86 deliveries David Beddingham, a quickfire counter-attacking 52 from 51 balls, and Ollie Robinson, with an electrifying 90 from just 86 deliveries.How impressed were you with that terrific trio in the North East this week?

Speaker 2877.14s - 973.4s

Yeah, very impressed. And I think Robinson's the one that's getting a lot of applaud at the moment because I think he's not failed to reach a half-century in any of his inning so far this season. So, you know, he obviously is in line for a lot of praise. And he's sort of the glue that's holding that middle order together at the moment. Because, you know, even if the top order were to fail at the moment, it looks like, you know, Robinson PERSON's going to be there to dig Durham out of the hole. And it's obviously ideal when there's players of the quality of the likes of Ackerman and Bedding PERSON around him that, you know, Durham ORG can put on big scores, even if the openers, you know, don't go well.So, you know, first innings, Lees and Borthwick PERSON both failed. And then Ackman, Beddingham and Robinson PERSON all managed to dig them out. Impressive for Ackerman, good for him to, you know, managed to get a hundred in a Durham ORG shirt, obviously showing that you can sort of translate his runs from his time at Leicestershire to Durham ORG. Beddingham PERSON, obviously, you know, he is one of the more aggressive players in the championship. And, you know, you see often enough that he's striking at more than a runner ball.So for him to be just over at a runner's actually sort of slightly out of character. And then, yeah, Robinson PERSON as well, obviously another phenomenal innings. And, yeah, it's obviously very useful for Durham that there are guys in that sort of form, Robinson PERSON particularly. It really is.

Speaker 0973.4s - 1072.22s

And again, it puts them in a great position, doesn't it, to go into May? Because they've got momentum. They've got confidence in that batting lineup. And it was the big question heading into this season. Will Durham be able to match the batting arsenal of the likes of Surrey, of the likes of Essex ORG? And so far it really has been so good.So a big tick next to the Northeastern Outfit's ORG name in that particular department. And just talking about their opposition, Joe PERSON, this is where I want to bring you into the conversation with regards to this game. But I thought Jamie Porter PERSON bowled excellently. In that first inning, he finished with figures of 3 for 57. Obviously, Sam Cook, again, we all know what talented and high-calibre operator he is, with those figures of 3 for 60. But aside from the bowling department, after Durham scored that 358,Essex parted on 488 all-outons. Two men in particular, who impressed massively this week were Ferros Cushy and Nick Brown PERSON. Two guys at different stages of their career, Nick Brown PERSON, the experienced veteran,had a difficult campaign last season. And then Ferris Cushi PERSON, who in recent years has been one of the rising stars of this Essex ORG team. This was his second century in the first class format. In terms of their partnership, Joe PERSON,and in terms of their respective performances, just how impressed were you with their displays and the exhibition of batting that we witnessed from Cushy and Brown at the Riverside this week?

Speaker 11073.5s - 1162.46s

Yeah, I mean, firstly, close to 200 partnership, they were 34 run short of that. So that would have been a really gold milestone, but obviously, a massive partnership between Cushie and Brown PERSON there. Firstly, Cushie, I mean, he got a rapid house injury as length to see the week. 50 out against 33, off 33 balls. So that was a really good knock.And a little bit more reserved this week, but by no means slow, 107 or 165. So, you know, really kind of showing that. I mean, also worth noted he did about three since Sam Cuck PERSON opened. Another handy knock, as well, from Cuck, by the way, 25. So obviously, didn't come in against a new ball on this occasion but still you know how to kind of steady the ship and it was a it was a much more reserve knock as I say but a verygood one and Cushy PERSON's quality and he really isn't to kind of go go into that top order and kind of you know obviously Elgar has replaced Cook per se but also Cushy PERSON is still going there and kind of is like the long-term opener for Essex he's going to be here longer than the three years Elgar will so that's a really kind of tough role and so far he's played it very well and Nick Brown I mean it's great to see him getting runs again because obviously the first game of the season for him and it's not a bad way to kind of re-announce yourself under the scene. So, yeah, 184, very impressive knock. And classic fashion, really, not quick by any means again. You know, 321 balls for his 184. But a very, you know, kind of classic Nick Brown PERSON knock.And, you know, he's such a wily operator. And he's so, yeah, very happy to see him getting runs. And as I say, Kushi PERSON is a very, very good talent.

Speaker 01163.5s - 1305.38s

Well, to be honest, Joe PERSON, I completely echo both of those points and in terms of Nick Brown's average at the moment, it is exactly 184, so not a bad way to start the campaign at all for the experienced Essex ORG batterns. In terms of Ferris Cushy as well, he scored 218 runs. He's striking at 80.7.4, which is really impressive. You know, he's had a very, very good start to this season, and he is currently He's striking at 80.7.4, which is really impressive.You know, he's had a very, very good start to this season. And he is currently Essex's fourth leading run scorer. So he's in the mix, isn't he? He's producing these big knocks. He's changing match narratives and getting Essex ORG into winning positions. So, yeah, he deserves a massive, massive mention as well for his performance this week. And in terms of the rest of this game, unfortunately, the weather did play spoil sports,didn't it? Day 3, completely abandoned as a result of persistent rainfall in Chesterla Street FAC. As for Durham ORG, though, we did see Callan Parkinson take his first five-wicket hall in a Durham shirt. So again, positive signs in the bowling department. And ultimately, there wasn't really going to be a result in this game, even though there was a somewhat convincing margin between the two sides, around about 130 runs, you know, the likes of Alex Lees and Colin Ackerman PERSON,David Beddingham PERSON, chipping away at the deficits, ultimately taking them, past and into parisy. And as a result of that, it did mean that the two side shook hands and ultimately settled on a draw. But in terms of the bigger picture, we've mentioned Essex ORG a lot in these opening rounds, haven't we?And it has been a tremendously impressive start to life in the first division this season, 71 points, currently joint leaders leaders along with Surrey ORG. So they've been excellent, great, great team to watching both departments of the game as well. But in terms of Durham ORG, I just wanted to focus on them a little bit more because they are newly promoted. There were a lot of questions about how they would adapt to life in the first division, considering that it's been eight seasons since we last saw them at this level. How would you assess Durham's performances in Division I ORG so far this season? Because if you're toask me, I've been pretty impressed. So how do you view their displays so far in this early stage of the season? Yeah, I do think they've been impressive as early stage of the season.

Speaker 21307.6s - 1413.2s

Yeah, I do think they've been impressive as well. Obviously, the bowling group's been useful last week with, you know, Pots, Rain, Coglin PRODUCT, or chipping in this week, Parkinson, and, you know, the scene bowlers as well. And as we've already mentioned, you know, the middle middle order chipped in the first innings here. Lees is obviously not continued exactly the same rate as he was playing at last season, but he's still one of the premier buyers in the competition.And obviously, currently Thorham fifth in the table, one win, a couple of draws in an abandoned game. You know, the draws for a lot of teams this week, particularly, have been, you know, unable to be helped because of the weather. So, you know, whether or not they've managed to get themselves into a decent position with an extra day in this game, who knows.But, you know, they've managed to hold one of the better sides in the competition to a draw here. And obviously on top of the other results that they've had so far this season. I think you categorise that as a successful start to the season. And for them, you know, once the weather does get better and there's less chance of the rain interfering, I think they'll be hoping that they can, you know,kick on from the useful results that they've already had, whether that be the wind they've had or the draws they've had and look to continue to push on and, you know, make a fist of Division I. And I expect that there can be one of the top three sides, which position they're in, in that.You know, who knows. But I certainly think it's been a good start and something they can certainly kick on from. It really has been.

Speaker 01413.4s - 1529.24s

And I think we're all happy to see it as well, aren't we? When it comes to Durham, a side which for so many years were just kind of stuck in the second division. They're almost stagnant at times. And I think a lot of people miss them in Division I, you know, Durham ORG's a side full of identity and character and good cricket and we're seeing that first and again in the first division this season. So I think they've been very, very good and in terms of that abandoned game, if they would have played that and maybewould have got a few bonus points, they could be fourth or third. So that's how they have to look at that. But in terms of Ryan Campbell's side in this early stage of the season, I think they've been mightily impressive. So too have Essex, who will be right up there, I think, in the mix, come the conclusion of this year's campaign in September. pain in September and talking of another side who unfortunately have been played by poor weather in the county championship so far this season. Let's turn our attention from the northeast and let's head down to the West Midlands. Let's head to the second city of Birminghamwhere Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire played out a high-scoring draw at Edgebaston GPE. Now not won the toss and chose to have a bat first in this game. And Joe, I know that you're a massive fan of Ben Duckett PERSON. He's really improved, hasn't he, in terms of the technique, in particular defensive side of his game. He looks so much more assured and confident in that aspect of his cricket.In terms of that double centri and in terms of the tempo at which he batted in Birmingham this week, just how remarkable of a knock was that from the England GPE opener? Because 218 from 264 balls, he's facing the likes of Oliver Hannan Dahlby, Ed Barnard, Hassan Alley PERSON, Amir Jamal PERSON as well, to name but a few.That was a seriously, seriously impressive knock, wasn't it?

Speaker 11530.5s - 1605.96s

Yeah, I mean, as you know, I'm a very big ducky fan, as you mentioned there. And I guess when he first got brought into the England side under McCullum, it was a bit surprising to most because he wasn't even opening the button for knots, Slater and Hamid PERSON were. And in terms of openers, he got plucked out of relative obscurity for that, for that Bas-ball side.And he's really kind of taking that into his stride and has adapted his game so well to become kind of like the ideal opener. And, you know, you mentioned that the defensive side of his game has got a lot better. He was getting out quite cheaply, you know that the defensive side of his game has got a lot better he was getting out quite cheaply you know at the start of his time under mccullum PERSON but obviously he has spent a lot of time at the top of the other than red ball cricket since then and just kind of holding those skills in and obviously kicking on and getting a massive 218 this weekend a good rate as well you know Ducky PERSON doesn't score slowly.He doesn't mess around. So, you know, 218 of 264, striking to 82 is pretty impressive. So, yeah, I mean, it's just great to see him scoring runs. And he's so good square of the wicket as well. So, yeah, you know, he's just a superb batter, isn't he? And to do that against that dangerous worrisher attack is really impressive.

Speaker 01607.08s - 1776.84s

It certainly wasn't 25 boundaries next to his name. Over the course of this inning, she mentioned about strength square of the wicket and the cut shots that Ben Duckett PERSON possesses really are a sight to behold.So in terms of this match, you'd have to say, he is probably the standout from either side. It was a masterful knock from an opener who, England GPE will be desperate to see in that similar vein of form heading into the test summer. Butaside from Ben Duckett PERSON, Ben Slater is also someone who deserves a mention from a note's point of view. He was dropped on zero by Jacob Bethel PERSON. It was a chance which Bethel PERSON probably should have taken.He is a wonderful field of one of the best that I've seen in a Warwickshire ORG shirt, to be honest. But, yeah, he made the Bears pay as a result of that and ultimately went on to score 65 from 108. And then as if that wasn't enough for the visitors, Jack Haynes, finding some form with an excellent 74. So all things considered, that 400 all-outs was very good for knots. They still had the collapses, though. That is something if I was to nitpick, right, and I was to look at the negatives from this performance,they did collapse slightly. They just relied on a couple of massive partnerships, but sometimes that is the game of cricket. And for the Bears, Oliver Hannan D'Orby PERSON, yet again, he's so consistent, so reliable, so dependable, claiming his 14th career, first class five wicket hall. Five for 78 in an innings where an opposition has scored 400 is exceptional.So again, shout out to the owl, an ever-present figure in that bear's same attack, and if the bears are to go on and become title contenders, his wickets will be absolutely crucial in this year's county championship. But aside from that first innings, Kieran, we've got to discuss Jacob Bethel PERSON. He would have been bitterly disappointed to have dropped that catch in the first innings. But boy, did he respond absolutely superbly in Warwickshire ORG's batting innings,scoring a career best 93 from 163 balls, shared a brilliant partnership with Ed Barnard PERSON, who also batted very nicely for his 69 from 142 deliveries. In terms of Bethel's batting, batted very nicely for his 69 from 142 deliveries. In terms of Bethel's batting, what did you make of Jacob's performance? Because it might not have been to the same extent as Ben Duckett's, you know, with 25 boundaries. By comparison, it was a little bit more reserved, just 15, right, for good measure.But in terms of the shots it was playing, the maturity that he was displaying at the crease fought for such a young cricketer. Just how remarkable, how impressed were you with that knock, again, against a very, very solid Nottinghamshire ORG attack?

Speaker 21778.04s - 1867.92s

Yeah, really impressed. I mean, that's only his second first class half century. So the fact that he got so close to get into 100, it's obviously a fantastic achievement for him. Obviously, he'd be disappointed not get into the three figures, but he's 20 years old. He's going to have a long time ahead of him to be able to get to that. So, yeah, from where he's come from as one of the standout players in his Englandand the 19s group, he's certainly, you know, making the progress that some of the other players in that group previous they have done, he was in the same World Cup EVENT side as Rayan Ahmed and Tom Prest, obviously Rayan Ahmed, you know, shot to the top quite quickly. But, you know, I think Bethel was in that World Cup EVENT tournament, probably the best of a lot of them. And I know, the injury last season probably didn't help him an awful lot.I know he continued playing through it. But, you know, back to full fitness now, he's certainly put down a marker and shown, you know, how good of a player he is. And it would be exciting for Warwickshire ORG to see how high of a ceiling he's got. And, you know, in a middle order with the likes of Ed Barnard, Dan Mosley PERSON, it certainly should be good for Warwickshire ORG going forward that, you know, he's showing that he's able to pull out innings like this in first class cricket.

Speaker 01868.8s - 2159.04s

It is, it's massive, to be honest, and I don't think I'm alone in saying this, but I think as Bears ORG fans, we're really proud of him. For that innings, Nottingham shirt bowled tremendously well in Birmingham GPE over the course of the weekend, and Dylan Pennington, I think was the standout, at least in my view. Don't get me wrong, the likes of Lynd and James and Dame Patterson also chipped in with some very good efforts, but Dylan Pennington's PERSON bowling. On that third day, in overcast conditions, troubling the batters with extra bounce,the hooping out swingers as well, thought for Jacob's not only ride the wave, see it out, but then capitalise on it as well. It was so, so impressive. And Kieran not only ride the wave, see it out, but then capitalize on it as well. It was so, so impressive. And Kieran, you mentioned the ceiling. I think he will be an international cricketer. I know that's a very bold prediction at this stage of his career, but he's just one of those cricketers. He's got that aura about him. He's got absolute confidence, whether it's batting, bowling. His fielding is very, very high standardas well. And that's why he was so disappointed on that first day. But again, that's what good cricketers do. They bounce back. They might have maybe underachief slightly in one area of their game. But then they take full advantage in another. And to witness him put that display together, oh, I can't even come up with a superlative, to be honest. I'm absolutely delighted for Jacob and fingers crossed that the maiden first class century is on the way, because again, I think as Warwickshire ORG fans, we would love to see it,and he would be thoroughly, thoroughly deserving after all of the hard work that he's put in over these past couple of seasons. But as a result of that wonderful 93, courtesy of Jacob Bethel PERSON, also some very handy knocks from the likes of Dan Mosley and Danny Briggs PERSON, Michael Burgess with 43 and new signing Amir Jamal PERSON, chipping in with a quickfire 40 from just 56 deliveries.The Bears ultimately getting up to a total of 3601 all out by the end of that first innings and unfortunately the poor weather, it was a mix of rain and bad light, did mean that the game was pretty much done and dusted. Nottinghamshire did ultimately reach 75 for 1 from their 22 second innings over's but by that point there was never going to be resolved and unsurprisingly the two teams did shake hands. But at the end of that game, I've got to say, I think both sides will be very impressed.I think Nott PERSON, in particular, they'll be very, very pleased with their bowling, the seam attack, looks so much stronger when Pennington PERSON's up bowling like that. You've got Lyndon James chipping in, Ollie Stone PERSON returning as well for the extra pace and bounce. I think a lot of people are very happy to see him back in first class cricket. So next to Nottinghamshire ORG's name, I think quite a few ticks.It's a performance which they can be proud of. And they did actually get that extra batting bonus points. So again, that's something which could be crucial come the end of the season. And as for my bears, I've got to say, it's been a disappointing start of the season with the weather. But in terms of the batting performances, I don't think I could be much more pleased. I really do mean that because this game was a greatexample of where this team is at in terms of confidence and levels of belief. The likes of Rhodes and Davis and Yates PERSON have carried the batting for the first three matches. And those three this week combined for 25 runs. And at that point you lose those three earlyand a team lacking in confidence collapses. The Bears ORG didn't. The Bears ORG showed their grits, their metal, their resolve and that middle order stepped up to the plate. So again for the Bears ORG, a good performance, gutted about the weather, but it happens.We're unbeaten throughout April. We're in a good position. We're currently third in the table and can use that as a springboard as we head into a massive bay against the likes of Essex, Surrey and Lancashire GPE. But, lads, aside from the first West Midlands LOC County, let's now turn our attention to the second side,and let's head to Kidderminster GPE, where Worcestershire and Somerset ORG played out an entertaining draw at Kidderminster Cricket Club ORG. Now, Worcestershire won the toss and chose to have a bowl first in this game. And as we headed towards the latter stages of play on day one, Somerset were 3009 for 9.And Kieran, what did you make of that decision from Lewis Gregory PERSON and Somersets to declare on 309 runs? Because I loved it personally. I thought at that point of the day, it was gloomy, it was overcast, five overs to have a proper go and try to dislodge the likes of Jake Libby PERSON, who's been in great form. Were you a fan of that decision from the visitors to declare on that

Speaker 22159.04s - 2219.2s

total? Yeah, certainly. I think, you know, giving yourself as much of a chance of bowling against someone of Libby PERSON's quality and, you know, potentially being able to get him out in good bowling conditions. You know, why would you not give yourself that chance with, you know, just one wicket left for Somerset ORG? The chances of them getting, you know, a lot more runs probably wasn't there with ball and the sheer of the crease. So, you know, I think it's a positive decision to declare and, you know, give yourself a chance of getting a head start in your bowling innings. He didn't really pan out that way, but, you know, it's sound thinking and had it done and, you know,one or two wickets gone down early, then you start in the next day in a very good position. So, yeah, I was happy with that decision. I think it's a positive way of looking at the game and could have come off but didn't. Yeah, to be honest,

Speaker 02219.36s - 2335.32s

I would agree with that. If they were 349 for 9, it's a little bit different because you'd be questioning, well, why didn't they go for the extra batting bonus point? But 309 for 9, you've got the conditions in your favour. You might as well use them to your advantage. So I didn't mind that at all. I thought it was a very bold and courageous move, especially when you consider the weather, which unfortunately did play spoil sport for the majority of this encounter. But in that first innings, Tom Banton, the real standout for Somerset, an excellent 92,always good to see Tom Banton, scoring runs in Red Bull ORG cricket because he makes it entertaining, doesn't it? There's never a dull moment when Tom Banton PERSON is at the crease in the county championship, so yeah, I thought he was superb in the West Midlands and also Miguel Pretorius ate a blistering 49from 34 balls I know he's there as a bowler but goodness me he can bat and yeah he's had a very impressive start to life in that capacity for the West Country outfit and aside from thatfirst innings unfortunately for Somersets the the bowl decision didn't pay off they didn't take a wicket in those final five overs of the day's play in Kidaminster, but Worcestershire ORG really did put together a complete performance with the batting hands and Joe, just in terms of Worcestershire ORG's batting this week. I've just mentioned it there, but it was a clinic, wasn't it? From the pairs, right from the get-go, Jake Libby setting the foundation, laying the tone with at 97, and then GarethRoderick, with a classy 122. I know it's still early on in the season, but do you think Worcestershire ORG can survive the drop? because so far, everything that they're putting together in both the batting and the bowling departments suggests that they're a much more competitive side than a lot of people thought they might have been at the start of this season.

Speaker 12336.68s - 2421.34s

100%. Personally, I think that they've been quite underrated by many people so far. I mean, if you go through the batting line up in the usual order, because obviously Anna Finch PERSON would not normally open the button. But if you go through the usual order of Livy and Roderick PERSON,I mean, that's a great opening pair, who both obviously got runs this week as well. Kashi Falley showed exactly what he can do in the first game of the season. Rob Jones PERSON, I've seen a lot of Rob Jones. He's a top player. Adam Hoes, again, Aaron, you'll know all about Adam Hoesfrom this time at Warwickshire ORG, and then Brett Dolevere PERSON has been, you know, consistently solid player, and then he kind of into like the lower order, like the all-rounders, the likes of Jason Holder PERSON. So, I mean, I think they've been incredibly underrated by many this season, and having Libby and Roderick PERSON at the top of the orderis really, really beneficial because Libby PERSON is someone who, obviously, Knots to try and kind of, I guess, broaden his horizons in a way and kind of push for that England GPE place. And he's got himself, you know, back into Division I ORG now. And again, there's a lot of good openings out there. We talked about Duckett's Doubleton, you know, just a few moments ago. But Libby has been in great form this season as well.And another 97 this week, he's a very, very good, very good opener, potentially if there's an opening slot for England GPE, if they kind of move away from that more aggressive opener and kind of go to someone a little bit more conserved, potentially Libby PERSON is a name that crops up. So, yeah, I think he's a top player.

Speaker 02422.32s - 2552.08s

He really is, and he's had a great start of the season, hasn't he, so far in the space of six innings, one century, three-half centuries, 349 runs at 69.80. Unsurprisingly, Worcestershire ORG's leading run scorer in this year's county championship. So, yeah, a massive shout out to Jake Libby PERSON. Always so dependable, so reliable. Just a rock, isn't he? At the top of the order, a little bit like Dean Elgar would be for Essex ORG.It is just one of those players who, every single week it seems, just churns out run, after run, after run, Worcestershire ORG batted very, very well. I must say, 451 for 9 declared. Also, a bit of a mention to Brett Olivera PERSON, just ushering and marshalling the tale to get them that additional batting bonus points.They ultimately got four as a result of reaching 400 within that 110 over allotment. But again, so, so impressed, so so impressed with Worcestershire ORG so far this season. And then they had a good start with the ball in hand as well. Coming into that second inningsat one point, Somerset was 66 for 3 but then Andy Umead PERSON and Tom Lamanby putting on a clinic. It was a display of real class and quality and calibreand talking to players who are having great starts to this year's county championship. Tom Lamanby PERSON has to be up there as one of the most impressive players in the division so far. He's scored 373 runs. He's averaging 74.60. One century, three half centuries. Yes, the strike rate is a little bit low to talk aboutEngland GPE conversations or anything like that, but he's just doing the job. He's churning out consistent runs. He's laying a bedrock for Somerset ORG to build off of. So again, I think Tom Lamanby PERSON deserves a huge mention, as does Andy Umeadens PERSON. I imagine a lot of people saw the dismissal of Andy Ume PERSON, but Ben Gibbon PERSON, that incredible reflex catch.It was so casual and nonchalance. I think a lot of people actually didn't realize it had caught it. A lot of people thought it was a bump ball, but cracking catch, wasn't it?

Speaker 12552.82s - 2557.32s

It reminded me of, do you remember the catch by Joffre when he was playing for the Hobart Hurricanes ORG?

Speaker 02557.92s - 2563.44s

It was very like that for people who have seen that, if you haven't seen this, this particular catch.

Speaker 12563.94s - 2565.64s

Yeah, it was an incredible piece field.

Speaker 02566.5s - 2802.08s

It was, it was absolutely remarkable. And Kieran, we were talking about it before the show started, but it was almost this microcosm of different reactions. You had Andy Umead PERSON, holding the pose. Tom Lammerby PERSON was ducking because he's expecting this ball to just whispast past his head. And Ben Gibbon PERSON, I mean, he just plucked out of thin air.It really is one of the catches of the season and the reflexes, the reactions. That's just pure instinct. It was an absolutely unbelievable catch. So, yeah, a bit of a mention to to Ben Gibbon PERSON as well. Hopefully he can pull off a few more of thoseover the course of this campaign because we'll have plenty to discuss and chat about. But yes, ultimately that game did end in a draw. The poor weather in Kidderminster GPE did play spoil sports in the end. But in terms of the cricket that we witnessed, I was thoroughly, thoroughly engrossed. I loved it.I really did. And a bit of a shout out as well to the streaming team at Kiddiminster FAC, considering it's an outground and it doesn't have the same facilities as New Road FAC, for example, or some of the other first class venues. I thought the quality of the broadcast was top tier. So all in all, a really, really enjoyable weekend in the West Midlands LOC. And as a result of those draws and, in Surrey ORG's case, their victory, let's take a lookat the Division I table at the end of this fourth round. So at the top, as we mentioned at the beginning of the show, are the brown caps of Surrey on 71 points. In second also on 71 points are Essex County Cricket Club. In third of my county of Warwickshire on 55 points. In fourth a Somerset on 53 points. In fifth are Durham on 50 points. In sixth and seventh are Worcestershire ORG and Nottinghamshire on 45 and 43 points respectively. In eighth are the Rosen Crown ORG of Hampshire on 31 points. In ninth place but with a game in hand are Kent on 26 points. And in 10th and bottomplace, but again, only having played three, as opposed to four matches, are the Red Rose ORG of Lancashire GPE. So the table is beginning to take shape and that title race does look tasty. Let's face it, I know there's been a lot of draws, but Surrey and Essex ORG have been the frontrunners. And if the likes of Warwickshire and Durham, potentially Somerset ORG as well, you can never ever discount Somerset. They're a funny team, aren't they, in the county championship? But again, it could be a very, very gripping title race as we head towards the latter stages of the season in the first division.But, lads, aside from the first division, let's now turn our attention to Division 2 LAW. And to be honest, there's only one place that I wanted to start this week. And funnily enough, it is actually in the West Country. Let's head to Bristol GPE and discuss that draw between Gloucestershire and Middlesex ORG,because we've got so much to discuss. And to be honest, this is probably the one that I'm most frustrated about when it comes to the weather because if it would have stayed dry, this would have been a captivating encounter. We would have had such a thrilling conclusion and unfortunately it just had to rain. But in terms of this game and talking first and foremost of the start, it was Gloucestershire who won the toss and elected to have a bowl first on a hybrid wicket at the Bristol County Ground FAC.And to be honest, it was the decision which really did pay off. They bowled out Middlesex for just 203 runs within the space of 59.5 overs. And of course the main man on this occasion, Kieran, was Marshaunt de Langer PERSON, 6 for 49. This was fast bowling of the absolute highest standard. So in terms of that performance, what did you make of that scintillating display of seen bowling courtesy of the experienced South

Speaker 22802.08s - 2852.78s

African? Yeah, I've watched the wickets that he took. He's bowling absolute rockets. I think it goes without saying that most people would not fancy face in Marshall D'Langa PERSON. Yeah, he's an interesting playerbecause obviously, you know, he's like massive and quick, but, you know, potentially isn't the most consistent of bowlers. So, you know, when he gets into a mood like this, it is obviously very good to see, and it's just really good to see, like, genuine fast bowling in a county championship game. And when it comes off, she's six for 49.You can't really turn your nose up with that. So, yeah, phenomenal effort with the ball. And, yeah, Middlesex ORG didn't look like they really knew what to do with him. And, you know, a lot of teams probably wouldn't when he bowling like that.

Speaker 02853.68s - 2998.88s

He was far too hot to handle, wasn't he, in the West Country this week? And it really was a phenomenal display with the ball in hand. So I think it goes out saying, but the bowler of this match was definitely Marchant Delanger PERSON. And I just love the nature of this wicket this week. I know there's been a lot of chat about the hybrid pitches and the lack of deterioration.But in terms of the battle for the scene bowlers, it really was a blockbuster encounter. You know, we saw some genuine pace from the likes of Delanga PERSON. AJ Dale PERSON as well, honestly, keep an eye on this guy because he has got a very, very bright future. And also, Dom Goodman, I thought he bowled some nice paces as well this week. So for Gloucestershire in that first innings, you really can't complain.But I suppose the batting side of things for Gloucestershire GPE was where they would have been slightly disappointed because aside from an 81 courtesy of Miles Hammond and an excellent 75 from the captain Graham Van Buren PERSON, they just couldn't find too many partnershipson home soil this week and you feel as though if they could have reached that magic 400 number they really could have forced their point home and potentially gone on to win this game but But again, it was just good bowling. Henry Brooks PERSON as well, the new signing from Warwickshire, I thought he stood out like a beacon for the Caxes this week.So a bit of a mention for Henry Brooks and also Ryan Higgins PERSON. I know he didn't quite get the wickets, but one for 35. Absolutely outstanding with the ball in hand. And to be honest, Joe, it wasn't just his bowling this week, was it, in Bristol GPE? It was also the batting because we've got to talk about that response from the visitors in that second innings after a very disappointing start with a bat in hand. They completely flipped the script on its head, amassing 449 for 7 from 96 overs and,the main man was, of course, former Gloucestershire Rounder, Ryan Higgins PERSON, with a blistering 155 from 174 deliveries, expertly accompanied by Max Holden and that superb 111. In terms of that batting display from Middlesex ORG, how much confidence can they take from that heading into the rest of this season?Because it was an extraordinary turnaround after that first innings.

Speaker 12999.68s - 3000.28s

100%.

Speaker 03000.28s - 3014.92s

And, you know, obviously everyone has battling in the the news is tough, or tougher, I should say, because, you know, the state of the game is completely different to when you obviously begin your first innings.

Speaker 13016.12s - 3095.44s

And, yeah, I mean, obviously, disappointing start for the openers. But then to have Holden, obviously, get that 111, and then Higgins get another massive 100. He's been in some form, hasn't it, this season? But also, Lewis Deploy, I know he only got 30, but he's obviously been in great form and obviously got a handy little start there. Escanarza, he got 65 an hour, Jack Davis, got 33. So, you know, you're kind of getting people batting around those two people who went on and converted the 50s to hundreds.And I think that's really important for middle six. They have a really, really good side, a really good middle order. And obviously, relegated last season. But a lot of these players genuinely could do well in the Division I this season. They're all quality players. And it's kind of showing through.I mean, Higgins, batting five kind of a bit higher than past seasons, but he's really kind of stepping up to that challenge and, you know, he's got hundreds and hundreds of runs already. So, yeah, he's been superb. And as I say, kind of deploy again. I know when he got 30, but he's just magnificent, isn't he?And has been in great form. So that kind of hold and deploy Higgins 3, 4,5 is phenomenal. I would say best in the county championship if Yorkshire ORG didn't have Massoud Rue and Brook. So yeah, apart from that, it's probably the best in Division 2 LAW.

Speaker 03096.34s - 3210s

Well, we'll talk about Yorkshire in just a few moments' time because, again, that engine room was phenomenal this week. But in terms of Middlesex ORG, after a very disappointing campaign with the bats in the first division in 2003, that they have found form again, and you look at Higgins, 448 runs at 112, Max Holden, 423 runs at 84.6,and Leas Deploy, I know he didn't fire this week, but 376 runs at 75.2. It's been a great start of the season for a side who historically have been stronger in the bowling department. So, yeah, for Middlesex ORG, very, very promising signs in that aspect of their game indeed. And in terms of the conclusion of this match, as I mentioned, could have been really, really good. But ultimately bad light and rain, playing that spoil sport, ruining what could have been a thrilling climax.But again, what we witnessed from Ollie Price PERSON was also very encouraging. A very resolute 52, it wasn't quite the free-flowing and fluent kind of knock that we usually see from the Gloucestershire number three, but again, it's dictated by the matchday situation, and he played to that scenario very, very well. So in the end, Gloucestershire, in their pursuit of 331, ultimately, finishing on 127 for three, and Kieran, before we turn our attention to Yorkshire and we discussed that game at Headingley FAC,we've spoken a lot there about Middlesex ORG, but in terms of Gloucestershire starts of the season, I know this might be a little bit early again at this stage, we're only four rounds into the action, but looking back with the power of hindsight and retrospect, how would you summarise and analyse the glorious Gloucester GPE startto the championship in 2024?

Speaker 23211.32s - 3309.32s

Well, I mean, the big thing that stands out is obviously there's still not been a win. And it's been many moons since their last one. But, you know, I think last week we spoke about the fact that things aren't really being done as an ensemble and that, you know, there are a few players who are shipping here and there, but, you know, there's not been many big team performances. So I think this week will be encouraging the fact that, you know, the bowl has obviouslystarted well on the first day, the Langer PERSON in particular, but obviously then in the Middle Sex's second innings, he only took the one wicket and, you know, the likes of Ajit Dale, Gwoodman, Van Buren PERSON, chipped in with wickets as well.And, you know, with the bat in hand, the likes of Hammond, Van Buren, Charlesworth, actor, all getting in the act. So I think, you know, even though there hasn't been that elusive win still, which obviously will be something that will be playing on the mind,even though, you know, there's obviously been weather concerns in a few of the games, which has meant that, you know, that's not really been possible. I think you would say that they're probably getting towards a level that they'd be happy with, where, you know, last season,it didn't really look like that was going to happen in a lot of games. I think, you know, this performance in particular probably gives encouragement that they are on the right path and that win might be coming at some point soon. And that's the key, isn't it?

Speaker 03309.32s - 3395.9s

It's almost the Mickey Arthur philosophy, which you mentioned at the start of his time with Derbyshire GPE. Instead of becoming a winning team overnight, you have to become a team which is hard to beat. And so far, Gloucestershire GPE are showing that resolve, that resilience, that fortitude, but it will be a process. And that will definitely play on their mind as well. They've got to break the seal.They've not won a championship game since 2022. So that does play on the mind. Of course it does. When you've had a winless season last year, your four matches into the campaign this season, and they still haven't won a match. It's a long drought.But again, they are showing signs of promise, and all it takes is for one key performance, let's say in the fifth or sixth round, and yeah, they could be looking at that first victory in nearly two years. So, again, I think the initial sign to be good for Gloucestershire GPE, and as for Middlesex, I've mentioned it already, but very impressed with their batting, and talking of two sides, Kieran, who had a very good weekends in the fourth round with the bat in hand, let's turn our attention to the north of the country, and let's head up to your home ground. Let's go to Heddingley GPE, where Yorkshireand Derbyshire played out a very high-scoring draw. So, as our resident Yorkshire correspondent, Mr McCarthy PERSON, I'll pass over to you for this game. But what did you make of the action that we witnessed in Leeds over the course of these past four days?

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It was obviously, you know, an ideal start from Yorkshire on the first day. Adam Lithe PERSON continuing in the vein of form that he's been in so far this season. Obviously, he's already got a couple of centuries, and he was agonisingly close to another one, getting 97, but for somebody with as many first-class centuries as Adam Lydid PERSON has got, I don't think he'll be too precious about the three runs that he didn't get,but, you know, just to know that he's contributed to another big Yorkshire score of 450. And obviously, you know, the other two big contributions to that were Joe Root PERSON and Harry Brooke PERSON. And I think it was only a matter of time before Joe Root PERSON came good. Like, he can go through spells where he's not fantastic. But, you know, he's arguably the best battering than I've ever produced.So, you know, it wasn't going to be too long until he had a big score. And the 119 of 190 balls certainly was that. And, you know, for Yorkshire ORG fans, I think it would have been very good to see both him and Harry Brooke batting together for a 200-run partnership. Brooke PERSON, obviously, the more aggressive of the pair, but, you know, both just, you know,playing their respective games and Brooke PERSON, you know, playing more aggressively, but, you know, sort of tempered that towards the back end. But, you know, the fact that there were so many big scores allowed Yorkshire to get to the 450 and then declare and looked like Yorkshire were going to be in a good position after a couple of good wickets from Matt Fisher, but then Derbyshire managed to claw it back through largely Madsen PERSON, but Guest and Donald PERSON as well. And then there's similar trabails as have been the case for Yorkshire ORG in recent times, both this season and last season, we're failing to get a couple of late wickets.Chappell was able to hit, you know, a very useful lower order 78. And the game obviously losing the third day

Speaker 03526.42s - 3626.2s

sort of meandered beyond that point. Yeah, it did and it was a case of almost deja vu for Yorkshire ORG, wasn't it? It was a case of getting consistent wickets and then it seems to be eight to ten, doesn't it? Those are the wicket stands which seem to be causing problems over the course of this past year or so and on this occasion it was the eighth wicket stand, wasn't it? Between Anirondonald's and Zach Chappell PERSON, ultimately amounting to a hundred and nine runs.So at that point, you maybe could have enforced the follow-on if they would have taken those wickets rather quickly. But as you mentioned, Derbyshire GPE, showing a lot of grits, a lot of fortitude, and Chapel, Donald, Brooke Guest, and obviously the timeless Wayne Madsen PERSON, incredibly impressive and ultimately salvaging that draw for the East Midlands County GPE, and Joe PERSON, in terms of that middle-order engine room, right, I mentioned there the likes of WayneMadsen, I'll mention the likes of Brooke Guest, Of course you've got Anage Dal PERSON in there as well. He hasn't quite fired this week and obviously the likes of Anirid Donald and David Lloyd, the captain. But in terms of that middle order, just how crucial will they be for Derbyshire heading into the rest of this campaign? Because you look at the other teams, for example, and their strengths are bowling, right? But Derbyshire haven't quite had the same edge, have they, in comparison to a Sussex GPE.For example, just the name one. So in your view, how crucial, how pivotal, will those middle order contributions be for Derbyshire GPE if they are to take that next step and evolve from a team being hard to beat to a team which is challenging for those

Speaker 13626.2s - 3727.02s

promotion spots. Yeah, really, really important. I mean, obviously getting 447 is, firstly, a massive bonus. And, you know, you mentioned the kind of contributions, I'll just go over them again, Madsen 104, guests 75 and Donald 97. Like, they're three really useful, useful innings. And obviously, Chapel, as Karen mentioned, there with 78 as well, which obviously, I mean, chapel can back, by the way. Like, I don't really know if he's a number nine.I think he's a bit hard done by bat in nine. But, yeah, that was a really good inning. So, yeah, I mean, obviously kind of Madsen PERSON is like the key man. He's kind of like the anchor of that whole Derbyshire GPE side. And, you know, if he fires, it's kind of just the case of batting around him. And obviously, it would have been nice for Guest and Donald PERSON to kind of kick onand get three figures. I mean, Donald, similar to live, was only three run short. So obviously, you know, he'll be a bit disappointed there. But, you know, Donald PERSON's a great player, very experienced. Guest PERSON has now played a lot of cricket. Obviously, you've been at Lanks ORG and didn't really get much much game time but since he's been at derby isa key player and he's a really good player and madsen is just timeless as you say he's just so good uh germ we bought a lot of overs this week um he bought 17 overs and madson PERSON is such a wonderful player of spin um as well so you know that kind of obviously um i suppose works me madsen's such a wonderful player of spin as well. So, you know, that kind of obviously, I suppose works me in Madison PERSON's favour a little bit as well, if you want to argue that. But he's timeless, isn't he Madsen PERSON?He's so good. And as I say, he's the key man. And if he fires, his kids are batting around him and ideally converting those 75s and 97s into three figures. But, again, it's a really good innings from Derbyshire GPE and I think definitely positive strides.

Speaker 03727.86s - 3751.26s

They certainly are and it shows a lot of character doesn't it? Under Mickey Arthur they really have taken tremendous strides in the batting department I still think the bowling could improve right and that's a lot easier said than doneI still think that the same attack in comparison to those teams who mentioned before might be a little bit lacking in terms of depth and in terms of that almost cut-throw edge.

Speaker 23752.18s - 3792.64s

Yeah, I just wanted to bring light to something that I thought was quite funny that it might have gone up for some people's heads because Matt Revis played his first game for the season in this game and obviously once Brooke and Root go back on England GPE duty, we'll play quite a bit more. So I assume the thinking once Finn being got out in the second innings was that Revis had come out at three and get some back in practice.And he managed to face four balls before New Yorkshire ORG went off for the light. So I just thought that was quite funny that he got promoted up the order from, I think he about seven in the first innings, bad three and managed four balls. So funny. Well, in fact, Keen,

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I think he was actually batting eight in that first inning. I'm pretty sure he didn't bat, did he? Yeah. That's why they tried to get him into a little bit of rhythm and confidence. But yeah, it was just the summary of this week, wasn't it with the weather?Honestly, it didn't play ball for anyone. So, yeah, that's almost a microcosm which sums up the Great British weather rather nicely, doesn't it? But in terms of that match, obviously not too much to write home about for the bowlers, but for the batters, yeah, plenty to take a lot of plaudits for, and great to see Ruth and Brooke PERSON racking up the runs for fun. Again, isn't that a wonderful sight to see as we head into the summer of 2020?But chaps, aside then from that encounter aheadingly, let's turn to our seventh and final match of the championship this week, and let's head back to the East Midlands LOC. Let's head to Grace Road, where Leicestershirehire North Ants ORG played out of very high-scoring drawings. Unfortunately, this is the one where weather probably impacted it the most, and I just wanted to start this analysis by giving a tremendous shout out to the hardworking ground staff in Leicester this week, because the fact that they managed to get a game on on day four after torrential rainand for those who've not seen the pictures or the videos of what Grace Road FAC looked like it turned into a lake. The fact that they managed to clear that surface water and get any cricket on was absolutely miraculous. So a massive shout-out to each and every single person who helped out with that effort because ultimately those efforts paid off and Leicestershire GPE got some extra batting bonus points which when we might look back at the end of the season could be the difference between thirdand second place. That's how tight it gets in the second division. So they are often the unsung heroes but but as I said, going into the last stages of the season, yeah, those efforts should not go unnoticed. But in terms of the match itself, only two innings actually being able to be played. So Leicestershire GPE won the toss and chose to have a bowl first, North Ants racking up a mammoth 453 for 7 declared, and the man of the moment was George Bartlett PERSON.And that makes me really, really happy because I mentioned George at length. In the previous show, I spoke about these past couple of seasons, and he hadn't quite found his mojo in comparison to other seasons that he had at Somersets ORG. But seeing batting with confidence, with rhythm, with a real fluency at the crease again. Really was wonderful to see. So in terms of that innings from George Bartlett PERSON,he can take great confidence and momentum, heading in to the rest of the Ashire PERSON's campaign. And aside from Bartlett as well, Emilio Gay PERSON, Kieran, we mention this guy all the time, but a seriously quality operator, isn't he? Emilio Gay in some parts of the country is seen as that next big England opener in years to come, and also the Captain Luke Proctor, with that gritty 64 from 164 deliveries.In terms of North Antis ORG batting, absolutely no complaints.

Speaker 23982.82s - 4071.34s

No, I think we mentioned last week that, you know, there's been a fair few contributions now from a few top order players with Vascon Seilos PERSON, you know, coming back in and doing well last week. Obviously, we mentioned that Emilio Gay knock, I believe it was the week before. It was a fairly mammoth knock. Proctor ORG's had a few decent contributions now.Karen PERSON there has. Save Zabe ORG has. I think Sales has had a decent knock somewhere as well. So for Bartlett to then chip in with it 100 as well, Northansulk ORG a completely different team to the one of last season where they struggled a lot last season. And yeah, there's been absolutely no such problems this season.And yeah, the entire top seven seemed to be firing. So, you know, if that happens all at the same time, then they certainly should maintain the good position they're in for the rest of the season. And they could be in line for a very good finish. I don't think I had them. Well, I certainly didn't have them in my top two at the start of the season, but they're up there now.So on current form, it doesn't seem any reason to suggest that they can't stay there. Well, it doesn't seem any reason to, there doesn't see many reason to suggest that they can't stay there. Well, it doesn't, to be honest. And in terms of the batting

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averages, I know they have played on some rather flat wickets. I do think we have to take that into consideration. But eight cricketers in that north-hand side are averaging over 50 at this stage of the season. So that is a really promising start. And when you consider the lack of Rob Keo PERSON at this stage of the season, unfortunately, he is still injured. I think they've really stepped up to the plates in his absence.So again, for Northans ORG, in that department, absolutely no concerns whatsoever. I suppose the issue, of course, is the bowling. Because aside from Ben Sanderson, who's averaging 29.41, also reached that massive milestone of 500 wickets across all formats for the East Midlands LOC outfits during this game. Aside from him, they haven't got a single bowler averaging under 35. So it is something, again, to be rather careful and wary of heading into the rest of this season because those numbers simply have to improve. I mean, you look at the averages. Squimshaw 42.5 proctor exactly 50. Safe save, 50.60. And Chris Tremaine PERSON, who had a really good season last year, currently averaging 180 with the ball. So, yeah, for North Ants, that is just the one departmentwhich they do certainly need to improve on heading into these next few weeks. But Joe, aside from North Ants ORG, just looking at Leicestershire GPE, of course, some big performances from the likes of Louis Kimber PERSON. He scored 65, Tom Scriven with 54.He also had an impressive 44-0-outs from Scott Curry PERSON. But the main men on home soil this week were, of course, Rian Ahmed and Peter Hanscom PERSON. Rian scored at 8, a fluent, fast-scoring 85 at that. And then Peter Hanscombe PERSON, he's always classy, isn't he? He's a cricketer, a real splendour and elegance,scoring a fine 99 from 117 deliveries. Aside from North Antis's ORG batting performances, again, the foxes should be pretty pleased with what they saw from their middle order in Leicester this week.

Speaker 14201.32s - 4280.44s

Yeah, 100%. I mean, firstly, Ray and Ahmed, he kind of reminds me a little bit of Rishi Khan PERSON, the way he bats. I don't know if you can see that in terms of he's so nonchalant at the crease and some of the shots that both of them come out with are just... I mean, I seem to remember Rayan Ahmed last year against Yorkshire ORG, headingly playing like an outrageous, like, flat battedshot down the ground of like a short ball. I might be completely making this up, but I've got that in my head. So, yeah, that's who he kind of reminds me of when he bats. So a very nonchalant player.And I do think Rayan Ahmed has the genuine all rounder potential. The average is just a little bit below 30 in first class cricket. He averages 29.80. And, yeah, as I say, he kind of feels to me like he's on the brink of being like a very good middle order player. He's had a few handy knocks here and there. and, you know, this is another one this week.Peter Hanscom's PERSON, again, that's what you pay your overseas player to do, isn't it really? Kind of just solidify that middle order. Goate PERSON that he didn't manage to go on and get a triple figure score there. But a good pace as well, both of them scored that, scored their runs at a good pace. 99 of 117 for Hanscom and run out on 99 is pretty devastating. I can't really think of many more gutting ways to get out on 99.But yeah, I mean, that's exactly what you kind of want from your overseas in the middle order. So, yeah, I think Leicester GPE will be very happy with. They certainly will be.

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And as a result, they are currently top of the Division 2 table as well. So, yes, they didn't have the greatest of weeks with the ball in hand, but the batting signs are really, really promising. So again, we can't really analyse too much about that game. The weather was ultimately the victor, but I think for both sides, some positive signs with the bat and also they are some valuable points. So I think both of them will take that as we headinto the month of May. But talking of the Division 2 table, let's just take a look at it at the end of this fourth round and currently at the top of the table on 56 points are the Foxes of Leicestershire GPE, in second are Northamptonshire on 54 points. In third, our middle sex on 53 points. In fourth, but with that game in hand, are Sussex on 51 points. In fifth are the White Rose of Yorkshire on 44 points. In sixth, a Derbyshire on 41 points.In seventh, Gloucestershire on 39 points. And in eighth and bottom place of the second division, but with a game in hand, our Glamorgan on 34 points. So, again, it was a week of draws in the second division, but honestly, that promotion race could go anyway.We'll have to wait and watch and see what happens as we head into the month of May, but at the moment, very, very nicely poised to say the least. And talking of another table, which is very nicely poised, just to round out the show, we do of course have the County Cricket Podcast ORG cricket draft table, and I roast 35 places this week. So a decent week, to say the least.And in terms of the top three at the end of the fourth round, we've got Arthur Roundtree at the end of the fourth round, we've got Arthur Roundtree at the top of the table on 6,824 points. In second is Dan Priolo on 6,714 points, and still in third place, actually retaining his place from last week is James Butler on 6,664 points. So again, folks, if you want to join that league, you can of course do so by clicking on the link in the podcast description below.You can find the league code and the league token. So if you want to join that, just get involved with the league. It's just a bit of fun. There's no real prize or competition element to it, but it just adds to the experience. And yeah, fingers crossed, we can rise another 35 places in the fifth round, because that would put me top of my owntable. But I think that is a lovely place then, folks, to wrap up what's been another fascinating episode of the countercredit podcast. Of course, we're hoping that the weather improves heading into the fifth round, and we will, of course, be there to take you through all of the action, all of the thrills and all of the spills as the Vitality County Championship EVENT enters the month of May. But that is it from myself, Kieran and Joe for today's episode of the County Cricket podcast to each and every single one of you wonderful listeners out there. Thank you ever so much fortuning in and as always guys we'll see on the next one.