Post
by eagles123 » Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:16 pm
oops never did make a tour report ... but at least we went up ... here's the T20 Preview anyway.
England travel to ... well, England, next week as they face their first T20 tour under the leadership of manager eagles123. Following the promotion in the One Day tour, morale is high amongst the camp as they aim to get out of the basement division in the shorter form of the game. The winning bidders, Kenya, selected Crumbling, Hard, Dry as the pitches to be used, and most pundits think the conditions will generally be best suited to spinners.
Here's a rundown of the selected squad:
Wicket Keepers
R. Biss - The Canterbury Villagers gloveman is an experienced International player, having already represented England 41 times in competitive fixtures. Turning 31 the week the tour starts, it's possible this will be one final hurrah for a player that has served his country so well.
M. Goodsell - The 29 year old The Bengals player made his competitive national team debut in the recent One Day tour, and equipped himself well enough to earn a place this time around. His skilled power is sure to be an attribute in this format, and he will hope to gain some much needed experience whilst on tour.
Batsmen
A. Gibaud (C) - Named as captain for the tour, Gibaud finds himself in scintillating form for club side Handford CC. Especially adept at dealing with spinning conditions, the left-hander will look to lead by example in the middle order.
L. Lawrence (VC) - A surprising pick at vice-captain, previously unpicked Lawrence has impressed the coaching staff with his leadership abilities. Like Gibaud, he's got great skill at dealing with spin bowling, and no doubt the Wolfberries batsman will be eager to impress on his tour debut.
M. A'Beckett - Having played 10 competitive One Day games for his country, it's somewhat of a surprise that this will be Beckett's first foray into the world of T20 nat cricket. Often compared to the Great M.S. Dhoni, the Unusual Suspects batter has a great knack of getting teams over the line in tight games.
P. Labyrinth - The 29 year old is the leading light of the talent factory currently being produced at Division Two promotion hopefuls The Raging Speed Horns. Having already had a good amount of international experience, he will be keen to improve on his poor T20 record to date.
M. Trescothick - A surprise pick for the One Day tour, the left-hander shocked the world with his performances, as he soared to the top of the run scoring charts. The Sofa King player is seen as someone that prefers batting against seam, but with his confidence at an all time high, he will expect to be in the runs no matter the opposition.
T. Tuntrace - By now a veteran of the side, but still just turned 29, Tuntrace has flattered to deceive on the National stage so far. The Ball Busters man is one of the best batsmen in the world, and it's only a matter of time before he truly shows it on the biggest stage.
J. Dart - Another player who made his competitive national team debut in the recent one day tour, Dart keeps his place for this one. The Phoenix123 28 year old is likely to be around the side for the next couple of seasons, and this tour gives him a great opportunity to showcase his talents.
All Rounders
S. Noack - The youngest member of the squad, Noack had an assured start to life in an England jersey in the One Day tour, and will be keen to impress with his fast-medium bowling and lower order runs. The Tobago Saucers 27 year-old is said to have an extremely bright future, and is one to watch out for.
J. Maurangi - A player that has represented his country well over the last couple of seasons, the 31 year-old has confirmed that this will be his last tour for England. The Mighty Mighty ducks wrist spinner still has a lot to offer despite his advancing age, and this tour gives him a great chance to go out in style.
M. Stockton - Hailing from Wolfberries affiliate side, Stockton has decent experience of National one day cricket, but this will be his competitive T20 debut. Seen as being the stronger batsman of the selected all-rounders, this finger spinner's role will be as much to contribute runs as it will be to take wickets.
Spin Bowlers
S. Holland - Yet another to hail from the legendary Wolfberries, Holland is considered to be England's premier spinner right now. The wrist spinner has a good amount of international experience, but was controversially left out of the recent One Day tour. With a point to prove, can he inspire the side to glory?
J. Donfield - Turning 30 the week the tour starts, a first tour call up is a welcome birthday present for the Sledgingshire finger spinner. With a deadly Doosra in his arsenal, he is sure to bamboozle even the strongest of batsmen.
Seam Bowlers
R. Hourn - One of the all time great fast bowlers, the Dishkyommm!!! pace-man is once again picked for national team duty. With rumours swirling that he may be set to retire after this series, he'll be sure to entertain the fans with his explosive style of bowling.
D. Scannell - The oldest member of the squad, Scannell, like Maurangi, has already confirmed his international retirement after this tour. The Exiles quick has been a great servant of this England team, and still has plenty of fire left in the belly to make his swansong a memorable one.
B. Lukeman - A relatively late comer to international cricket, Lukeman has been a key figure for England since bursting onto the scene last season. Despite an admitted weakness in the fielding department, his ability to swing the ball at pace is seen as a key attribute, and he will look to follow up on an impressive start to his international career.
M. Woodcock - Considered by some to be a surprising selection for this tour, the Tobago Saucers left armer makes his national team debut on this tour. Whilst not possessing express pace, he does have a great deal of power in his delivery, and the variation he offers is said to have been attractive to selectors.
Speaking ahead of the tour, England National Team manager eagles123 spoke to Nasser Hussain.
"I'm really happy with the squad we've selected, I think it's a good mix of youth and experience and gives us every chance of success. Of course T20 can be something of a lottery, but I'm confident in the boys, and am looking forward to seeing how the week unfolds," he said."
England's games for the week are as follows:
Monday - Bermuda
Tuesday - Kenya
Wednesday - West Indies
Thursday - Sri Lanka
Friday - Scotland
Thanks to everyone for your support, and come on England!
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Will post a tour report tomorrow ...