The Surrey Second XI game against Somerset, starting today was an unremarkable affair...except for the tall man opening the bowling - one Christopher Timothy Tremlett. Yes that's right, he finally made an appearance in Surrey colours. He only bowled 10 overs all day and they went for almost 50 runs, but he did pick up the wicket of Andrew Tye (whoever he is) for 22.
He'll be very rusty, I'm not sure when he last bowled competitively but it must've been a while ago, so the run rate while disappointing, isn't all that surprising. He'll hopefully now begin working himself up to full match pace and fitness and can then begin to play a full role in Surrey's season. The game on Sunday against the ECB Unicorns now seems a perfect match for him to make his competitive debut for Surrey and if the weather holds I'm looking forward to watching it!
Now, onto the Chawla update, the following from Gus Mackay seems to me to indicate that he's not going to be pulling on a Surrey strip any time soon:
"Sadly, once again, situations have conspired against us and he has now been selected for the Indian squad in the ICC World Twenty20, which means he will definitely not be available until the middle of May at the earliest.
After that however, India have a tour to Zimbabwe and are then due to play in the Asia Cup, so if he remains involved through that period there is sadly a strong chance he will not arrive at all. We are still regularly speaking to the Indian board though and we will make an announcement when the situation is clearer."
He doesn't indicate whether Surrey are in negotiations to sign a replacement, rumours abound that Vettori is being targeted, but I've only heard that in relation to the Twenty20 Cup - we need a quality spinner to play all cricket. One thing's for sure, Rao Ifthikar Anjum has not proven himself to be of sufficient quality to fill that space. I await news eagerly!
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The World Cup is here Again!
1 year ago
4 comments:
I don't think you need to worry about Chawla being picked for all those tours - he's not the type of bowler who would excel on ODI's. He's doing OK in T20 because he mixes it up, but in longer formats a bowler requires a strong stock ball. In his case, that's a good consistent legspinner, which he doesn't have yet!
I think maybe its Surrey softening us up for his non-appearance though, whether he's included in the squads or not I wonder if the BCCI will prevent him from coming? You're in a better position to know than me!
I doubt they'll stop him from going if they haven't picked him for anything else. It will be the off-season and it's no secret that county cricket would be good for him!
I hope you're right, we need a spinner who spins!
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