For the first time in 50 years I am forcing myself to show
an interest in professional cricket in order to follow the progress
of Matthew Prior.
In the 1950 era a game between Sussex CCC
and Northamptonshire CCC in Grenada
would never have been arranged and,if it had, it would not have
been reported upon in the Daily press, the radio or the fledgeling
television. Today with the power of the internet three local web
sites - The Evening Argus, Sussex CCC, and the Sussex Sharks are
carrying up to date news on each game as it happens. The local
News Agency in Grenada has posted 2 reports but is far more concerned
with the Test Series versus South Africa to allocate very much
space.
Interest
in being shown at the County Club
as an off the cuff comment revealed " We are not always used
to reading about our lower order batsman making runs."
From this distance it looks as if Matthew
has achieved his main taget for the tour - he has put his name
forward as a potential batsman/keeper in the one day game. This
was his target when he began his net sessions back in December.
Such an aim was considered feasible by the County coaching staff
and, in a game which was probably also a trial for some of the
opposition, Matthew scored 53 not out.
One must however keep matters in perspective. Young Michael
Yardy, in one innings, has scored on this tour more runs
than his entire first class total of 64 from 4 innings. Michael has slimmed down during the winter
and is a leaner, fitter individual. One hopes that he continues
to improve.
With the 4 day game v Durham scheduled for April 10th already
off due to uncertain ground conditions it looks as if Matthew will be looking at the selection
for the 1 day game v Kent in Canterbury on April 12th 2001.
I am preparing myself
mentally to attend a professional game for the first time this
century. Today I practiced sleeping after lunch for two hours,
and must admit to a major success.
Sussex remain unbeaten in their pre-season tour of Grenada after a crushing 122 run win over Northamptonshire yesterday.
It was in the first match of a three-match one-day series.
Despite losing their last eight wickets for 70 runs, Sussex still posted 231 from 48.1 overs before dismissing Northants for a paltry 109 in 33.5 overs.
Coach Peter Moores said: "What pleased me most was that we dictated 90 per cent of the game. We lost our way a bit with the bat, but our bowling and fielding was of a really high standard."
There is not too much to concern Moores at the moment. His batsmen, with the exception of Tony Cottey, have got a score under their belts in the four matches played so far, while his bowlers have performed admirably in the energy-sapping Caribbean heat.
The best batting yesterday came from Chris Adams who looked in ominously good form while making 79 off lost 70 balls with a six and 14 fours, six of them coming in just 12 deliveries bowled by veteran Paul Taylor at the start of the innings.
Adams and Bas Zuiderent put on 89 in 14 overs for the second wicket after Richard Montgomerie fell to Taylor in the first over.
Zuiderent fell for a polished 35, but the momentum was maintained by Adams and Will House in a third wicket partnership of 56 before Sussex lost two wickets in the 28th over with the score on 151.
Adams, by now struggling after hitting the ball into his ankle, was run out when his runner, Montgomerie, responded sluggishly to House's call for a quick single.
Cottey was stumped off his third ball for a duck, after he was lured out of his crease by left arm spinner Monty Panasar. House went on to make an accomplished 50 off 66 balls with seven fours, but no one stayed with him long enough to maintain the earlier momentum. Panasar finishing the 3-36.
The fact that 29 extras was top score said much about a dismal Northants' batting performance.
But that should take nothing away from Sussex's bowlers.
Well marshalled by Kirtley, who led the side while Adams rested his bruised ankle, they were rarely collared.
Adrian Rollins top-scored with 26, but Northants lost wickets regularly before Umer Rashid applied the coup de grace, finishing with 4-28. Mark Robinson, who also held an outstanding catch in the deep, and Kirtley both took two wickets.