So it is that time of year again. The time when the summer can really start. The time the cricket purists hate. The time the cricket-hater actually comes to a game. The time when orthodox goes out the window and in flies unorthodox. The time is Twenty20!!!
It all kicks off tomorrow with a repeat of last years final, Hampshire versus Somerset. Its a welcome change of format for us after a very difficult start to the season for the Hampshire squad that had high expectations in all competitions. There will be changes in the team with South Africa's World Cup star Imran Tahir coming into the team, along with Shahid Afridi, and Michael Lumb, who has returned from the Indian Premier League. This might be just what the doctor ordered as hopefully we can release the shackles and play freely.
Baring an absolute miracle, this is the only realistic chance of bringing silverware to the Rose Bowl this summer. With only one victory in all forms of cricket so far this season I admit we may not be favourites but the nature of Twenty20 gives every club optimism for success at the beginning of this tournament. The bookmakers odds prove this as even though we are in a poor run of form the bookies still have us at 2nd favourites to win the competition outright.
With the rewards of success in Twenty20 for Club and player being great Counties have made large investments in their overseas players for the competition. World class players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shahid Afridi, Scott Styris, Murali Kartik and Kieron Pollard are all coming over to star in this years Twenty20 so there is no shortage of crowd pulling names. So this is the chance to attract new supporters to the game. Its short, its fun, its loud and its a great excuse for a beer or two in the setting sun!!
Amongst all this razzmatazz we have some serious business to get down to, preparation for the Test match which is only 15 days away. That hallowed piece of turf was brushed and cut out today, and its ready for a bit of water after the match tomorrow night. There is huge unspoken pressure for this game to be a success on all fronts for the Rose Bowl. I just hope the first ball doesn't roll along the ground and bowl the England Captain!!!!
But the sleepless nights haven't started yet, and I doubt they will. Its a good pitch that has been proven in the past. I am more interested in how it develops over the 5 days, (that must be the grass nerd in me), and how much it changes and deteriorates as the game goes on. Ideally it goes to the afternoon session on the 5th day, everyone will be a winner then!!!
For up-to-date pictures, news and maybe a bit of gossip follow me on Twitter @Karl_McDermott
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