YCCC Magic Pill

Warwickshire 178 all out
v Yorkshire 295-6
Close on Day 2

Played at Edgbaston

Saturday 15 April 2017

Twitter @ball_sup

In my last Blog of last season's County Championship, with Gillespie as good as on the plane, I asked for stability. In particular, I suggested Gale should not fall on his sword.

Well. It's mapped out differently, but it's compatible. Gale has retired from playing. But, he's been appointed coach. Non-Yorkshire born, non-Yorkshire nurtured, gunslinger for hire, Ballance appointed Captain. At least that gives some stability.

Here's the Magic Pill for this season. Top order to make runs consistently. Seam bowlers to be penetrative. But, tight & economical when necessary. Rashid to hoover tails. Extra medication includes Rashid to make runs as well, Hodd to make runs. Rafiq to get bang at it with ball, bat & general geeing up & in your facedness when he gets a shirt. Plunkett to rattle 'em.

First thing Gale should've done is put the required fitness science into play. Fail. Brooks, Sidebottom, Plunkett, The Fish all Crocks. Give 'em the Bresnan pill.

Big, big season for Leaning. Gale gone. Bairstow kidnapped by Bayliss. There is a shirt there if Leaning wants it. (See also Rhodes). Leaning's 40 doesn't look too bad. But, it was 114 balls. Bresnan got 61 from fewer. Handscomb got 75 from fewer. I feel Handscomb will be disappointed. He should be. Looked like a ton for the taking. Maybe he got a snorter though. Looked to be a booming inswinger.

Glass half full. Leaning, Handscomb, Bresnan & Red Ink Rashid all played their part in a team effort 117 lead with 4 in the hutch.

You know the drill. Major sports ground. They're gonna have Pouring Partners. Of the Industrial Brewer type. In Edgbaston’s case, that is Marston's. Infrequency of games means Cask Ale may be a challenge. You're hoping for some “interesting” keg, or bottles. The EPA handpull was turned around. For the first hour, there was a sign up saying “no draft beer”. Apparently “unforeseen circumstances”. FFS.  But, they got there.

Marston's, 61 Deep, Pale Ale on keg at a quaffable 3.8%.

Good first impression. Smells lovely. Bursts full of flavour. Hop aroma, hint of citrus in the background. First mouthful has a nice upfront bitterness. By the second, it does taste a little too sweet. But, I'll have that. Refreshing & tasty.

(Marston's, Pearl Jet, Stout was also on keg).

463/970