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Northamptonshire CCC: Search for the Holy Grail

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  • #16
    Next up for Northamptonshire is the formidable Yorkshire line up at the County Ground. Northants sit in third and Yorkshire in fourth but only one win separates the sides making this of huge significance for finals sports.

    Without doubt this will be a tough battle but its made even harder by the fact Jason Holder is off on international duties for the West Indies and with Bavuma out injured still they won’t have the benefit of either.
    Jason Holder has been in ridiculous form this year taking 17 wickets in the his five matches at an average of 8.82.

    It is expected Ben Cotton will come into the side due to his strong second eleven form but possible Brett Hutton or Jack White could take the fourth seamer spot. With the pitch most likely to suit pacemen you wouldn’t think Graeme White would be considered.

    The batting line up still looks a bit fragile which could see Rob Keogh back in the side. Keogh has hit two fifties in his last two second eleven outings and may replace Rowell who is yet to live up to his potential.
    No doubt Yorkshire will start favourites in this one but Northamptonshire have surprised many in the early season so this should be a beauty. Newton is expected to retain his position at the top of the order.

    Attached is some stats from the season so far.
    Attached Files
    Last edited by beedub; 07-06-2019, 02:19 PM.

    Comment


    • #17
      Challenge Trophy- North Game 6
      Northamptonshire vs Yorkshire



      Northamptonshire were looking to take one step closer to securing a quarter final position when they took on the mighty Yorkshire at home. The sides met one another sitting third and fourth respectively with the winner going a game clear in the top 3.

      Northants made two changes to the side that beat Lancashire last game, one forced and one of their own choice. Holder was called up to the West Indies squad meaning no international was available. Whalan chose to go with the extra bowling depth bringing in Ben Cotton for his second game of the year. Cotton has been bowling well in the second eleven and deserved his opportunity.

      The other change was in the batting line up. Finally Rowell had been given enough chances and looking at more middle order depth was dropped to be replaced by Rob Keogh for also his second game of the year. Like Cotton, Keogh had impressed in the second eleven and was very worthy of his re-selection.

      Team: Cobb, Newton, Levi (C), Rossington (W/K), Vasconcelos, Keogh, Proctor, Head, Cotton, Muzarabani, Sanderson

      As has been the common theme at Northamptonshire games the pitch had a tad of green. The sun was out though and expected to blaze all day. Northamptonshire had no hesitation choosing to bat when they won the toss.

      Northamptonshire 1st Innings
      Northamptonshire’s strength this season has been its opening batting pairs and once again this come to fruition. Cobb and Newton recorded the fastest start the season for Northants being 0/22 after 5 overs and the 50 runs in the 12th over. The pair continued on their merry way and guided Northants to 100 runs in the 23rd over. Newton brought up his 50 in 69 balls and Cobb brought up his 50 in 72 balls.

      Looking to increase the run rate Cobb hit the first three balls of Waite’s over for four, only to be caught on the boundary very next ball for 69 off 84 balls and the score at 1/124. Levi came and looked to be aggressive from the off hitting his very first ball for a boundary. The pair of Newton and Levi added another 69 runs to the scoreboard until Levi was out to Waite for 21 and the score at 2/193.

      This had proven to be the point in which most Northants innings slowed down, Newton continued to score runs freely just needing support from the other end. Unfortunately support didn’t come from Rossington who was out cheaply for 5 and the score at 3/227. Newton then brought up his first one day hundred of the year off 121 balls. He continued to bat aggressively until Vasconcelos ran Newton out in comical fashion for a stunning 135 off 148 balls and the score at 4/242.

      For the first time this year the last ten overs all belonged to Northamptonshire. With Vasconcelos and the newly promoted Keogh at the crease the pair accelerated the scoring and finished ensured Northamptonshire reached a highly competitive 4/282 off their 50 overs. Keogh played a superb cameo with 29 off only 13 balls whilst Vasconcelos finished with 14 off 11 balls.

      Yorkshire 2nd Innings
      Whilst the Northamptonshire total looked an impressive one it was by no means unchaseable and once again the Northamptonshire bowlers struggled early. The Yorkshire openers, Kohler-Cadmore and Tattersall started off magnificently with 26 off the first 5 overs. The score ticked along to 37 at a rapid rate until Sanderson struck first dismissing Tattersall one ball after being hit for a six 1/37.

      Lyth came to the crease and immediately looked at home score 27 off 17 balls until he was clean bowled first bowl after the power play with the score at 2/78. Head came into the attack and as he has all year was able to take the big wicket in Gary Balance. The classy left hander was gone for 21 off 19 balls leaving Yorkshire 3/114. When Proctor dismissed Brook almost immediately and the score at 4/117 the game looked all but over. Someone forgot to tell Leaning…

      Leaning and Waite set about rectifying the Yorkshire innings and guided their side to 5/200, 80 runs for victory with 20 overs left. The pair were batting brilliantly and never looked like losing their wicket. Muzarabani was brought back into the attack to strike and that he did, getting the breakthrough of Waite, ending the 73 run partnership and leaving the score at 6/213. Game in the balance.

      It was Yorkshire though who appeared to be holding their nerve with Leaning continuing to score heavily and Rafiq supporting. The pair got Yorkshire to the strong positon of 6/257 only 25 runs shy of the total with 10 overs to go. Cotton was reinstalled into the attack having only bowled four overs in two spells for forty runs. It was Cotton though who got the much needed breakthrough with a brilliant caught and bowled to dismiss Leaning for 78 off 72 balls. Cotton then dismissed Rafiq in the exact same fashion leaving Yorkshire 8/264, 18 runs behind 3 wickets in hand and 8 overs to go.

      Muzarabani was brought back into the attack and to the delight of the home fans took two wickets in three balls to win the game and seal Northamptonshire fifth one day win of the year. The game was an absolute cracker with both teams looking on top throughout various stages of the second innings.

      Northamptonshire – 4/282 (Newton 135, Cobb 69; Waite 2-93)
      Yorkshire- 265 (45.5) (Leaning 78, Kohler-Cadmore 47; Muzarabani 4-46, Cotton 2-63)

      Northamptonshire won by 17 runs
      MOTM – Rob Newton


      At the press conference Whalan said:
      “What a game that was, I was really happy about the way we went about it with the bat, what more can you see about Newton’s innings he was exceptional. We weren’t at our best with the ball today but we did win the big moments. The guys showed a lot of character especially without Holder in the side. Cotton was indicative of this with the way he came back to grab two wickets after being toweled up early. This wins are special and we will really enjoy this one”

      Whalan on Muzarabani promotion:
      “Muza was great today wasn’t he? I was real comfortable bringing him back in the side, the way he committed to training and went back and performed in the seconds shows the attitude of
      Last edited by beedub; 07-08-2019, 07:34 AM.

      Comment


      • #18
        Northamptonshire are one win away from securing a spot in the next round of the Challenge Trophy. Next up though is an away trip to the sixth place Leicestershire.

        Northamptonshire will be on a high after an epic victory over powerhouse side Yorkshire and are not expected to make any changes.

        Both Keogh and Cotton played solid roles in the win and are expected to hold their spot. The only question mark is over what pitch Leicestershire will dish out. If the pitch takes spin will that force Whalan’s hand to play the recognised spinner Graeme White or will they still stick with the proven four paced attack.

        The game is all set to be a beauty with Northamptonshire excited about the prospects of finals cricket for the first time in three seasons.
        Attached Files

        Comment


        • #19
          Challenge Trophy- North Game 7
          Leicestershire vs Northamptonshire

          A win is all Northamptonshire need to guarantee qualification for the quarter final round. They will head into the vital match with an unchanged line up from the one which beat Yorkshire in their last outing.
          With the sun blazing and a pitch that looks perfect for batting it is expected that this will be a high scoring affair.

          Team: Cobb, Newton, Levi (C), Rossington (W/K), Vasconcelos, Keogh, Proctor, Head, Cotton, Muzarabani, Sanderson

          Northants have had all the luck at the coin toss this season and once again Northamptonshire had no hesitation, choosing to bat when they won the toss.

          Northamptonshire 1st Innings
          The opening pair of Cobb and Newton have been the key to success for Northants this year and once again they started the innings brilliantly. 0/24 off five overs quickly turned into 0/56 off ten overs their best start for the season. The runs continued to flow and Northants 0/93 of the first fifteen overs.

          Newton brought his 50 up off 59 balls and the 100 run stand was reached in the 23rd over. Shortly after Cobb joined Newton bringing up his 50 in a slower 80 balls. The opening pair batted beautifully and reached the 150 partnership in the 29th over of the innings.

          Seven overs later and Cobb hit his second hundred for the season, eight in his career in 118 balls. His second fifty only coming off 38 deliveries. The pair brought up the 200 run opening partnership in the 37 over. That was where it ended as Newton was dismissed two balls later for a brilliant 90 off only 102 balls. Cobb was then gone in the next over for 110 off 127 and the score of 2/206.

          In previous games Northants had let good starts slip but that was not the case on this occasion with Levi and Rossington smashing the bowling to all parts of the ground putting on a 49 run partnership until Rossington was dismissed for 30 off only 17 balls

          Levi continued to blast the bowling finishing the innings not out on 48 off 36 balls and Northamptonshire with 4/298 off their 50 overs. This was their highest score for the season.

          Leicestershire 2nd Innings
          Northamptonshire have failed to early wickets in each of its game and once again this was the case. Leicestershire dominated the scoring in the powerplay with 0/47 off 4 overs primarily due to Ackermann smashing the bowling. Once again though it was the inform Mazurabani who struck first bowling Hortin for 8. Dearden came to the crease and hit a quick fire 18 off 17 before he was adjudged LBW off Mazurabani with the score at 2/67.

          Ackermann continued to despatch the bowlers to all parts of the ground and had great support from Ned Dexter. At 2/122 in the 15 over the run chase was most certainly on. Tom Head came into the attack and as the rookie has done all year struck immediately getting rid of the dangerous Dexter for 27 off 27 balls. Head struck again in his very next over having Hill LBW for 5 and the score at 4/144. The game was back in the balance.

          Ackermann was on fire though and continued to score at a rapid rate. Unfortunately for Leicestershire he struggled to find support and despite reaching his 100 in only 80 balls a steady stream of wickets saw their last 6 wickets lost for 64 runs, dismissed for 208 a loss of 90 runs.

          Head was the chief destroyer taking 4-33 whilst Muzarabani, Sanderson and Cotton all took 2 wickets a piece.
          Northamptonshire are into the finals series.

          Northamptonshire – 4/298 (Cobb 110, Newton 90, Levi 48*; Griffiths 2-81)
          Leicestershire- 208 (35.5) (Ackermann 102, Head 4-33, Cotton 2-33)

          Northamptonshire won by 90 runs
          MOTM – Josh Cobb


          At the press conference Whalan said:
          “That was probably our most well rounded performance of the year. I thought we were really good throughout our entire 50 and once again with the ball we did the job. Cobby and Newts have the backbone of our batting line up and it gives the rest of the team confidence seeing them go out to bat. With the ball we just continue to have blokes step up and once young Head was the man, geez his going to be a good cricketer. At least now we can sleep a little easier knowing we will play finals…….were not there to make up the numbers.

          Whalan on Newton’s return to the top of the order:
          “How good has he been! Credit to Newton when he was placed at four and just went and got the job done, no fuss, no complaints. His a hard working cricketer and is reaping the rewards, we are all so happy for him. Blokes like Newton you can build a squad around.”

          Comment


          • #20
            Semi Final spots are up for grabs when Northamptonshire take on Nottinghamshire in the last round game of the Challenge Trophy.

            Nottinghamshire currently sit on top of the table on NRR with the winner going top and straight through to the semifinals. With the game being held at Northamptonshire we are expecting a pitch that will favour pace bowling. With this in mind we don’t expect a change to the lineup that has won in Northamptonshire’s last two outings.

            The one potential change is Alex Wakely could come in for his first game of the season after hitting 78 in the second eleven. Vasconcelos has struggled of late and could be the man to make way.

            With all up for grabs this is set to be a corker of an encounter. Nottinghamshire will start slight favourite but Northants have surprised all year. Can they do it one more time?

            On a side note inform Northamptonshire bowler Jason Holder took 1/67 off his 10 overs in the West Indies loss to Ireland overnight.
            Attached Files
            Last edited by beedub; 07-09-2019, 09:53 AM.

            Comment


            • #21
              Challenge Trophy- North Game 8
              Northamptonshire vs Nottinghamshire


              With top place up for grabs in the North division of the challenge trophy Northamptonshire made one change to their side. Out was Ricardo Vasconcelos who had failed to make an impression with the bat and in came the experience Alex Wakely for his first game this year. During the week coach Whalan mentioned that with one game left before finals that Wakely would be given a chance in the middle order to impress.

              The pitch had a tinge of grass covering it and with a bit of cloud expected to hang around all day Northamptonshire were confident their all pace attack could get the job done. This was sure to be a cracker.

              Team: Cobb, Newton, Levi (C), Rossington (W/K), Wakely, Keogh, Proctor, Head, Cotton, Muzarabani, Sanderson

              Northants have had all the luck at the coin toss this season and once again Northamptonshire had no hesitation, choosing to bat when they won the toss.

              Northamptonshire 1st Innings
              The opening pair of Cobb and Newton have been the major reason for Northamptonshire success this season and once again they got off to a positive start despite some movement in the pitch. After the first five overs Northants were 0-20. The seventh over though brought about the first wicket of the day with Newton gone for 11 with the score at 1/27.

              This was the earliest captain Richard Levi had batted in many week and set about attacking the bowling from the get go. The pair brought the 50 up in the 13th over and then procceded to take 23 of the next two overs. The partnership ended though with the score on 87 when Cobb was bowled by Coughlin for 45 off 53 balls.

              Levi and Rossington had a positive mind frame and continued to tick the score over, bringing up the 100 in the 23rd over. Levi then reached his 50 off 58 balls and at the end of the 30th over Northamptonshire had reached 2/150 off 30 overs. A very strong position to build from. The pair ended up putting on 81 for the third wicket stand when Levi was out for a captains knock of 70 off only 74 balls and the score at 3/168.

              Northamptonshire continued to build mini partnerships with Rossington and Wakely putting on 30 runs until Wakely was gone for 10. Another 30 runs stand from Rossington and the ever improving Keogh guided Northamptonshire to 5/238 at the 45th over mark. Keogh hitting 25 off only 24 balls in a solid cameo.

              In the end Northamptonshire finished their innings with 254 run for the loss of 8 wickets. Rossington was the star hitting 71 off 85 balls. Broad bowled very well at the end of the innings taking 3 wickets and restricting Northants to what was a par score.

              Notttinghamshire 2nd Innings
              Northamptonshire had failed to take early wickets in any of their games this season, a good start was going to be imperative against the powerhouse Notts batting line up. Ben Sanderson with ball in hand did a magnificent job in the first ten overs taking two wickets including the important one of Alex Hales for 8 restricting Notts to 2/39 off 10 overs.

              Proctor was bought into the attack and as he has done on many occasions this year struck early dismissing the dangerous Joe Clarke for 13 and the score at 3/60. It was a magnificent catch by Rossington who superb behind the stumps. It was Slater and Patel who set up restoring the innings and the pair counter attacked perfectly with Notts bringing up 100 in the 20th over. Both Slater and Patel then reached their half centuries with Patel reaching his is a scintillating 38 balls.

              At 3/124 in the 25th over Notts were on top but as he has done all year young gun Tom Head came into the attack and took the big wicket of Patel. Rossington was in the action taking a beauty to dismiss the dangerous batsmen, the score 4/134. When Northamptonshire then dismissed Slater and Mullaney thanks to another two wickets by Proctor they were well and truly on top with the score at 6/168.

              Coughlan and Pattinson joined each other at the crease and played some superb shots hitting the Northamptonshire bowling to all parts of the ground. Northamptonshire continued to change the bowlers but could not find the break through as the pair climbed closer to the total.

              With the score at 7/235 only 19 runs short with 6 overs to go Northamptonshire were going to need something special. Having used all ten overs from the two main strike bowlers in Sanderson and Muzarabani it was up to all-rounder Pollock and youngster Head to try and get the job done.

              It was Head who got the much need breakthrough dismissing Pattinson LBW for 21. In his next over and 5 runs later Head struck again getting rid of Broad for 2 thanks to Rossington fifth catch of the match. 14 runs was still need with 4 overs to go and one wicket in hand.

              With the fans chanting his name Head was the hero, very next ball getting rid of Jake Ball for a golden duck to win the match taking 3 wickets with his last 6 balls. What a win, Northamptonshire are through to the semi finals.

              Northamptonshire – 254/8 (Rossington 71, Levi 70; Broad 3-41, Coughlin 2-49)
              Nottinghamshire- 240 (47.2) (Slater 69, Patel 51; Head 4-43, Proctor 3-66)

              Northamptonshire won by 14 runs
              MOTM – Tom Head


              At the press conference Whalan said:
              “Wowser I am not sure my heart can deal with any more of these close ones. That was our most well rounded performance of the year, the lads deserved the win. We now have a week to get ready for a home semifinal, feels good saying that. We are definitely confident, whoever we play we will give ourselves a chance especially on our home deck. Im so proud of the lads.

              Whalan on calls for Head to get an England ODI call up:
              “His a beauty isn’t he! It’s far too early for that kind of talk though, the kid has talent in bucket loads be he needs time to craft his art and he will get that here at Northamptonshire. Personally we just want him to continue to work hard and go about his business, the rest will take care of it’s self.”
              Attached Files

              Comment


              • #22
                Who would have thought at the start of the year Northamptonshire would be hosting a home semifinal in the Challenge Trophy. The team has been superb this year and have just found out they will be taking on the mighty Nottinghamshire in rematch of their meeting only last week.

                This will be an extremely tough encounter with Northamptonshire by their own admission playing absolutely superbly in their previous meeting. Can they replicate that performance?

                We don’t imagine there will be many surprise selections heading into this with the only possible change being Ricardo Vasconcelos potentially coming back in the side at the expense of Alex Wakely. The pitch is expected to play as it has all year with a little bit in it for the pacemen. The four man attack of Sanderson, Muzarabani, Head and Cotton have been brilliant all season and will get the chance in the semifinal.

                It’s expected to be a sell out in what is sure to be one of the contests of the year, especially if their last game is anything to go by.

                If Northamptonshire can go on to win the one day title it will be there first since 1992, 27 years ago.
                Attached Files

                Comment


                • #23
                  Challenge Trophy- SEMI FINAL
                  Northamptonshire vs Nottinghamshire


                  Semi Final time at it was this season surprise packet Northamptonshire hosting the powerhouse Nottinghamshire side for a place in the Challenge Trophy final.

                  Northamptonshire made one change to their line up with Ricardo Vasconcelos returning to the side in the place of Alex Wakely. It was felt Vasconcelos had slightly more hitting power and was a very handy slip fielder.

                  With the pitch favouring the pacemen there was no thought of changing the successful bowling line up which has Northants rip through most batting line ups.

                  The weather was looking good for this one with the sun out early for a small amount of cloud cover to come in later in the day. This may assist the side batting second.

                  Team: Cobb, Newton, Levi (C), Rossington (W/K), Wakely, Keogh, Proctor, Head, Cotton, Muzarabani, Sanderson

                  Northants have had all the luck at the coin toss this season but on this occasion lost the toss and Nottinghamshire had no hesitation, choosing to bat. Northamptonshire were going to have to win chasing for the first time this season to make the ground final.

                  Nottinghamshire 1st Innings
                  Northamptonshire were in unfamiliar ground bowling first, in the previous meeting they bowled well very early despite struggling in that department most of the year. The first five overs was an even start with Hales and Slater putting on 19 for no loss. The sixth over produced the first wicket though with Slater, who scored a fifty in the last outing being run out in sensational fashion by Newton at gully. 1/20.

                  Notts upped the scoring rate despite the loss of the wicket and were 1/51 after ten overs. Levi decided to keep Sanderson in the attack to bowl his 6th and 7th overs and it paid dividends picking up two vital wickets, firstly Hales caught behind for 17 and then next over Moores for 23 leaving Notts at 3/55. When Cotton got Clarke for 5 also caught behind Notts were 4/72 and in serious danger.

                  Proctor has been a key elements in Northants success this season and he struck in his first over dismissing Duckett LBW for 16 and Notss in all sorts at 5/76. Patel and Mullaney joined one another at the crease and took the score to 100 in the 26th over. The pair continued to build their partnership nicely scoring at roughly four runs per over. With the score on 137 Proctor came back into the attack and as he has done on many occasions got the breakthrough getting rid of Mullaney for 26 and Notts 6 down for 137. Northants well on top.

                  Coughlin batted brilliantly last time out against Northants hitting 28 not out and he started well once again. Coughlin and Patel brought up the 150 runs in the 38th over, looking to pose a respectable first innings score. Despite changing their bowlers regular Patel and Coughlin batted brilliant lifting the run rate eventually taking Notts to 200 in the 44th over.

                  It Muzarabani who got the breakthrough getting rid of Coughlin first ball of his spell for 41 off 40 balls and the score at 7/203. Youngster Head was also brought back into the account and he also struck straight away getting rid of Patel for a patient 53 off 82 and Notts at 8/205. Same late order hitting from Pattinson and Broad took Notts to an under whelming 9/235 at the end of their innings.

                  Northamptonshire were in the box seat but by no means home and hosed.

                  Northamptonshire 2nd Innings
                  The strength of the Northamptonshire batting this season has been their opening partnerships, Newton and Cobb got off to a slow but steady start being 0/17 off 5 overs. Notts opening pair Broad and Pattinson bowled well and it was Broad who got the first wicket, getting rid of the dangerous Newton for 15 off 17 balls and the score at 1/27.

                  Captain Levi came to the crease and the signs were ominous early hitting a six second ball of his innings. Alongside Cobb the pair cruised to 1/52 off 10 overs. The pair were in fine form and that quickly became 1/90 off 15 and then 1/104 of 20. Northamptonshire were well on their way. Levi brought up his 50 off a fast 47 balls and the Cobb his 50 off 72 balls. The two batsmen took the score to 150 in the 28th over only needing a further 86 runs.

                  With the score on 152 Notts saw a glimmer of hope getting rid of Levi for 77 of 72 balls. Rossington settled into his innings well though taking 12 off his first 5 balls. Between himself and Cobb they took the score to 200 with 13 overs remaining in the innings.

                  The rest was a formality, Cobb got his 100 in 133 ball, his third for the year, surely a candidate for player of the tournament. Northamptonshire reached the score two dover with 7 overs remaining for a famous victory and grand final spot.

                  Nottinghamshire – 9/235 (Patel 53, Coughlin 41; Head 2-43, Sanderson 2-45)
                  Northamptonshire 2/236 (43.3) (Cobb 101*, Levi 77; Coughlin 1-40, Broad 1-42)

                  Northamptonshire won by 8 Wickets
                  MOTM – Josh Cobb


                  At the press conference Whalan said:
                  “That was exactly what we asked for, that was undoubtedly our best performance of the season, im so proud of the guys. We will definitely enjoy this tonight and then tomorrow we move on concentrating about our next match. Whoever we play in the final we are confident we can get the win. What a day for Northamptonshire.”

                  Whalan on Josh Cobb:
                  “His been outstanding this year hasn’t he. 3 runs and a truck loads of runs. He belongs at the top of the order in the one dayers and does such a good job for us. He has to come into consideration for the 4 day side as well doesn’t he.”
                  Attached Files

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    After an amazing win for Northamptonshire they will meet Hampshire in the Challenge Trophy. First up though is a return to the four day County Championship action with an away game to the ninth placed Lancashire.

                    Lancashire are much better than their ladder position suggests having only played the one game this season which was a loss.

                    Northamptonshire have a lot to think about when selecting their side this week. Due to injuries and international call ups they will not have the luxury of an international player available. This looks likely to path the way for a return to 4 day cricket for Josh Cobb who is the leading run scorer in the one day version of the game. Where he will bat is anyone guess.

                    Daniel Rowell is likely to hold his spot at the top of the order due to the missing players whilst Levi is expected to move up the order.

                    The bowling attack could take many forms with Brett Hutton looking likely to return to first team action after a brilliant start to the first two County games. Tom Head was modest in his first two games in the County Championship but has brilliant with the white ball and should hold his spot in the team.

                    The big question will be how do Northamptonshire convert to playing four day cricket after such a large one day campaign and their minds on a final.

                    Comment

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