posted Apr 15, 2008

Stuart Law is the key to Lancs title challenge this season - a brilliant leader, batsman and run machine. I think he will first counteract the negativity that has been clearly evident under the apologetic leadership of Chilton in recent years. I expect a much more focused and aggressive brand of cricket this season.

One of the main weaknesses with Lancs has been runs on the board and the ability to control the game that that invariably affords. I think Hodge is vital and hope that fellow Aussie Law can gavanise him to start to deliver some performances in the version of the game that really matters - yes I know this is heresy as we stand on the cusp of the 20 over global circus - the 4 day game. Pranav S - please check your facts! Hodge has brought a poor return for Lancashire and has been a huge disappointment in 4 day cricket. He's played 21 championship matches in 3 seasons with an average of just 32 in both 2005 and 2007. His game is not really tight enough - he's too chancy and is an all or nothing player and in that regard the figures aren't that surprising.

Now that he probably won't be jetting off to an Aussie training camp since he is so out of favour with the selectors we may get a sustained performance from him. We need it and he is undoubtedly a vastly talented player underneath that should be sufficient to generate numerous Championship centuries through the season given application and concentration. I for one will be checking if we are getting value for money...!

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posted Apr 15, 2008

The batting concerns me, as I don't think we have enough strength in depth. Chill and Sutts are not good enough and our only signing, Du Plessis is unknown so he could shape our season. Also don't want to see the likes of Cork and Chappers batting higher than 8!

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posted Apr 15, 2008

In-depth Lancs preview: http://third-umpire.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-season-preview-lancashire.html

Personal prediction: there or thereabouts again! Keedy is absolutely crucial.

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posted Apr 15, 2008

Go Lancashire.
We've got a strong team this season. I'm sure we'll be up there from day 1.

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posted Apr 17, 2008

Want to change your mind yet? Lucky that rain tomorrow might save us already. This team does not inspire confidence.

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posted Apr 18, 2008

Gaz Cross 'on a par with Sutts' with the gloves. Leave it out mate. Gaz is far superior to Sutts, so much so that I rate him as the best keeper in England. But don't tell Peter Moores about him in case he tries to nick him for England. Gaz is a

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posted Apr 19, 2008

Batting doesn't look quite strong enough, bowling doesn't look quite strong enough ... ... more disappointment!

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posted Apr 22, 2008

The bowling should be strong enough, we have plenty in reserve but the batting looks thin if a couple of the 'stars' get injured. The key to batting strength should be the accademy, unfortunately it is not. Lancashire's accademy is very good at bringing through bowling all rounders but is week when it comes to speacialists.If they could bring through one specialist batsman every two years (and keep hold of them) we would eventually build a championship winning team instead of having a team of imports. Lancashire's aging team of imports could do with freshening up a bit, however the temptation to fill the squad with kolpacs should be resisted at all costs.

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posted Apr 23, 2008

Batting will definately be the key to a succesful season. They also need to work on catching or it will be a long, long season.

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posted Apr 25, 2008

Quite right catching is all important. After seeing Trescothick dropped for times on Wednesday and then seeing the mighty Lancashire batting order collapse once again I fear that the county championship might already be lost unless there is a marked improvement.
Posting good scores in the first innings not only puts you in charge of the game it also gets bonus points. If Lancashire had averaged 1 extra batting bonus point in 2007 they would have been the County Champions and not Sussex.
Obtaining roughly 50% of the batting points available due to the top of the order failing consistantly is simply not good enough.

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