Yorkshire
Bank 40, Group C
The
glory days of Russell, Harvey and Snape are now but a distant memory for
Gloucestershire fans more familiar with tales of financial woe, ground
redevelopment and wooden spoons. However, a new generation of one-day
Gladiators have quietly given themselves the opportunity to bring back the good
times. They have won six of their nine Yorkshire Bank 40 matches an, should
they win at Lord’s tonight, will be in pole position to emerge from the
congested Group C.
The
shrewdest decision made by Director of Cricket John Bracewell, the common
demoninator between today and the treble winning season of 2000, has been the
appointment of Michael Klinger as captain. The South Australian has no
international experience, and only a moderate record at domestic level, but has
been a revelation for the Bristol-based outfit. In nine List A games he has
scored 529 runs at the remarkable average of 105.80, often marshalling run
chases. Since the Twenty20 break he has been unbeaten for 220 runs, most
recently guiding his side to a seven wicket victory over Leicestershire.
But
it is not only with the bat that Gloucestershire have been well drilled in this
competition. James Fuller, previously a bowler of pace but limited accuracy,
has really kicked on this season whilst Craig Miles, at just 19, looks
immensely talented. They have also performed well in the field, just like the
teams of old did, with Fuller among the most athletic.
Middlesex’s
YB40 campaign finally came to a juddering halt last night in Cardiff after
threatening to recover from two early defeats. The batting line-up, strong on
paper, has chased extremely well at times but crumbled under pressure at
others. Last night was an example of the latter and, not for the first time
this season, will leave supporters hopeful of reaching the knock-out stages of
a one-day competition for the first time since 2008 disappointed.
Team News
Despite
their elimination Middlesex’s Director of Cricket, Angus Fraser, has named an
unchanged group from that which travelled to Wales yesterday. That means Steven
Finn is again likely to feature, along with Toby Roland-Jones and James Harris.
Ollie Rayner could find himself rested with the coaching staff keen to get Ravi
Patel involved.
Middlesex squad: Neil Dexter (c), Gareth Berg, Joe Denly,
Steven Finn, James Harris, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Patel, Ollie Rayner, Toby
Roland-Jones, John Simpson (wk), Paul Stirling, Adam Voges
Gloucestershire
are without Tom Smith, whose loan from Middlesex has ended. Ed Young therefore
returns to the squad. Will Gidman, usually used mainly in four day cricket,
could join brother Alex in the team today.
Gloucestershire squad: Michael Klinger (c), Hamish
Marshall, Chris Dent, Iain Cockbain, Alex Gidman, Benny Howell, Gareth Roderick
(wk), James Fuller, Ed Young, David Payne, Craig Miles, Matt Taylor, Will
Gidman
Key Men
It
could be a big few weeks for Eoin Morgan.
Since bursting into England’s one-day side in 2009 he has been regarded as a
world class player, particularly in the final 15 overs of the innings. But 2013
has been an annus horibillis for the
Irishman. He has failed to score even a half-century on English soil all season
and, following a hand injury, has found all manner of ways to get out since
returning to the Middlesex side. With Alastair Cook likely to be rested he
might well captain England in the upcoming limited-overs matches but, if he
doesn’t start scoring runs soon, his international place might be in jeopardy.
Tonight would be a good time to find his touch.
Opening
batsman Michael Klinger has been
simply sensational for Gloucestershire since joining them at the start of the
season. He averages over 100 in this competition and, on a usually placid
Lord’s pitch, will be looking to add even more runs. Many of the Gladiators
victories this season have come when the Australian has led a successful run
chase. Therefore, if he falls early a
lot of pressure will be placed on a middle order not accustomed to setting up
victories.
Prediction
Gloucestershire
are the team that still have a realistic hope of reaching the semi-finals and
so ought to be favourites for this one against a Middlesex side that will be
starting to think about the County Championship run-in. Nonetheless, the
Gladiators (11/10) are still seen as the outsiders by bet365. Middlesex are
priced at 8/11.
Dates: 15th August (3. 40 pm)
Umpires: Mark Benson and Nick Cook
