Hampshire CCC 2025

[Lighthouse]

7 minutes ago, Window Cleaner said:

We can only hope for a sudden alteration in the weather, some continual drizzle punctuated by a tropical storm or two.

Seriously though this is down to the senior players, Gubbins,Brown and Dawson. We had a start and then the 3 of them contributed virtually nothing. As for the rest, we just proved once more that we just cannot handle good bowling, be it pace or spin. That's a coaching problem and to my advice they should all follow Birrell out of the door.

We had a day and a half to chase a very low total, no time pressure at all, and yet only four batsmen managed to stay at the crease for more than twenty balls.

[Window Cleaner]

9 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

We had a day and a half to chase a very low total, no time pressure at all, and yet only four batsmen managed to stay at the crease for more than twenty balls.

Because they can't handle a really good bowler like Chahar on a wicket that suits him. Dawson decided he was going route 1 which didn't help. Gubbins and Brown aren't top level batters any more.

They couldn't handle Jack Leach last week either.

Edited 26 September, 2025 by Window Cleaner

[Weston Saint]

26 minutes ago, Window Cleaner said:

Barker might have been a better option than Currie. Perhaps he just didn't fancy it, not looked great since he came back. 

Baker was not allowed to play. ECB said he had not played enough Red Ball leading up to this game and 4 days might be too much for a young player on an England Contract...true but you could not make it up.!!  

Edited 26 September, 2025 by Weston Saint
Sorry misread, thought you said Baker but you said Barker! Too much wine with Rod Brasgrove today :)

[Window Cleaner]

Ah right, cos if a certain amount of games was a pre-requirement then Surrey couldn't play Chahar.

That would have been handy. Still doesn't explain Barker though, perhaps he's not fit.

Currie hardly bowled and looked crap with the bat this afternoon.

[Weston Saint]

23 minutes ago, Window Cleaner said:

Ah right, cos if a certain amount of games was a pre-requirement then Surrey couldn't play Chahar.

That would have been handy. Still doesn't explain Barker though, perhaps he's not fit.

Currie hardly bowled and looked crap with the bat this afternoon.

Chahar does not have and England contract though, he is Indian. ECB made the decision which is why Surrey England contract players could not play as they have to play for England in three months!! (from a Surrey Official today) 

[Dusic]

Guessing Dawson will go white ball only for next season, especially now England hopes are over.

At least Abbott should clean up in Div2, although he certainly doesn't deserve relegation.

Will need to sign a Gareth Berg type reliable seamer who has a bit with the bat.

[Window Cleaner]

8 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Guessing Dawson will go white ball only for next season, especially now England hopes are over.

At least Abbott should clean up in Div2, although he certainly doesn't deserve relegation.

Will need to sign a Gareth Berg type reliable seamer who has a bit with the bat.

What like Barker you mean ? Probably didn't want to stay though after we ballsed up his TUA (or so they said)

Some vintage Barker would have been handy in this match. Better bowler than Wheal and Currie, better bat than both as well.

Edited 26 September, 2025 by Window Cleaner

[Andrew Watson]

Well done to Fuller and Wheal for fighting till the end,as for most of the rest they can hang their heads in shame. I feel for Abbott in particular,who in no way deserves to be in a relegated side.

[badgerx16]

Is that relegation confirmed ?

[Lighthouse]

Durham have got a day, minus weather delays, to defend ten wickets. Obviously Hants would be AO by tea but I think they'll most likely see it out, especially with Yorks now having nothing to play for.

[Window Cleaner]

1 hour ago, badgerx16 said:

Is that relegation confirmed ?

Practically, Yorks don't have a big enough lead to make whatever happens up there of any importance.

Serves us right, poor management and poor performances from all but a couple of players throughout the season.  When you're not up to scratch in D1 you get found out sooner or later. 

Still doubt it makes much difference to the owners, no money to be made in County Championship cricket and players of the correct level no doubt cost quite a lot, probably why we've had 10 different overseas players in the 3 formats this year.

[Dark Munster]

Nine years ago Durham got docked enough points to relegate them and Hants were the beneficiaries. Roles reversed now. 

[Window Cleaner]

12 minutes ago, Dark Munster said:

Nine years ago Durham got docked enough points to relegate them and Hants were the beneficiaries. Roles reversed now. 

Wouldn't mind so much if we, as they, got points docked for spending money they didn't have to try to create a good side.

We got points docked for a crap pitch, something we've also done in the recent past. Now if we'd gone out ground for some of the girl's games or had an Isle of Wight festival or something that might not have happened. It's pretty clear to every man and his dog that there are too many matches being played at the Utilita.  7 CCC, 7 T20 plus eventual knock outs, 4 ODC, 4 Hundred games, all the girl's equivalents, don't think they played routine games on the main pitch before ,  plus the internationals. So probably about 35 games? in a dry summer.

[Window Cleaner]

But soft ! Durham have collapsed, 2 wickets left, will Yorkshire finish them off, we'll see.

Edited 27 September, 2025 by Window Cleaner

[Window Cleaner]

4 minutes ago, Window Cleaner said:

But soft ! Durham have collapsed, 2 wickets left, will Yorkshire finish them off, we'll see.

Yes they can, thanks to the Tykes, I'll not criticise that dump at Harrogate for a while !!

[Barsiem]

Unreal!  We owe Yorkshire a few beers for that one! 

[Andrew Watson]

UNREAL totally Barsiem,we are more than lucky. Very,very happy though.

[Toadhall Saint]

That was a bit too close!

[Lighthouse]

No f**king way!

 

Watch us get another points deduction for a crap wicket.

[badgerx16]

Jammy gits.

[Window Cleaner]

13 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

No f**king way!

 

Watch us get another points deduction for a crap wicket.

We'll have to see, but I saw most of the game and the low scores looked to be due to shîte batting and a brilliant leg spinner who'd played virtually no recent cricket, thus not worn out or jaded, on a helpful wicket rather than any fundamental pitch defect.

[Picard]

Ben Brown will have to redo his post match interview.

[Dark Munster]

Jammy? Yes and no. Yes the batting has been crap all season. But the bowling has been decent, Hants have been unlucky not to have won several more matches due to weather, had to play the worst team twice with a tennis ball, had a dodgy 8 point deduction, and only lost 3 matches all season (Durham lost 6). 

[Weston Saint]

Well, that was a lucky escape.

One of our problems this season has been that we had an excellent coach whose knowledge and Man Management skills were excellent, but he was not a strong enough voice in the dressing room. That was his character and personality. That is fine if you have a strong character as Captain. Vince was good in that respect. Brown is an excellent tactician but again, a quiet character.  We need a strong character with authority next season.

Some of the younger players need to step up.

Prest has been a disappointment. There may be reasons for that not being said.

Albert has a good character and even practices on his own to get extra time batting. He is a determined character and hopefully he will succeed.

Currie was devastated after the loss in the T20 and One day cup. Blamed himself and was unconsolably for at time. That shows a good spirit and another who will likely succeed.

Ben Mayes is one for the future. England are already snooping around. Apparently, he is ahead of Root at the same stage in his career. If he continues to improve, we have a star.

Recruitment continues to be an issue.  We had one player we had approached only for Australia to pick him for heir squad. Another from a county where we offered an increased deal only for his present club to match it. It is happening more and more. (Don’t ask me to name names or clubs because I will not).

Orr is beginning to get confidence and push on. Middleton is steady although there is still room for improvement. Gubbins has had a poor second half red ball but don't write him off just yet. We need a good strong experience number 4 next season. Dawson is Dawson at 5

Bowling department is ok, through plenty of inexperience. 

Club will have to do a lot of sole searching over the winter and rest assured.. they know it.  

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Barsiem said:

Unreal!  We owe Yorkshire a few beers for that one! 

Saved us again around 10 years ago final day by beating Sussex (who they had beef with and clashed with early season at Hove) when we won our game at Trent Bridge. Remember Billy Sharp reminding us on Twitter!

[badgerx16]

43 minutes ago, Dark Munster said:

Jammy? Yes and no. Yes the batting has been crap all season. But the bowling has been decent, Hants have been unlucky not to have won several more matches due to weather, had to play the worst team twice with a tennis ball, had a dodgy 8 point deduction, and only lost 3 matches all season (Durham lost 6). 

We got 12 batting points, Durham got 30. ( Mind you, Worcestershire got 39 bowling points )

[Lighthouse]

28 minutes ago, Weston Saint said:

Club will have to do a lot of sole searching over the winter and rest assured.. they know it

I think they need to concentrate more on finding decent batsmen, rather than a fish.

[Weston Saint]

One thing I could not report on until now (Adi would have not known until this morning) was that when Adi Birrell announced to the squad he was not renewing his contract and leaving at the end of the season, they contacted his son to see what would be a good leaving gift from them. He said Adi needed a new Bull for the farm. They paid for it out of their pockets by contributing a percentage of their salary so it was a fair and even donation.

Just shows the closeness of the dressing room and the respect they had for him. 

I spoke to Adi on Thursday. He is going to do some farming and may take a coaching job going forward but not a big one like the Hampshire one was.

[John B]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

I think they need to concentrate more on finding decent batsmen, rather than a fish.

Like the Saints get a decent striker getting a Div 1 number 4 is going to be pretty difficult I would have thought 

[Window Cleaner]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

I think they need to concentrate more on finding decent batsmen, rather than a fish.

This is right, we need an opener, for me Middleton isn't good enough and a number 3 or 4, Gubbins can drop down one place if needs be. Also a decent bowler, I just don't want to see Wheal opening the bowling come next april.

[Andrew Watson]

Thanks for the things you can report on over the seson, Ron.

[Toadhall Saint]

17 hours ago, Window Cleaner said:

This is right, we need an opener, for me Middleton isn't good enough and a number 3 or 4, Gubbins can drop down one place if needs be. Also a decent bowler, I just don't want to see Wheal opening the bowling come next april.

Let’s see if the new owners agree. 

[John B]

19 hours ago, Weston Saint said:

Well, that was a lucky escape.

One of our problems this season has been that we had an excellent coach whose knowledge and Man Management skills were excellent, but he was not a strong enough voice in the dressing room. That was his character and personality. That is fine if you have a strong character as Captain. Vince was good in that respect. Brown is an excellent tactician but again, a quiet character.  We need a strong character with authority next season.

Some of the younger players need to step up.

Prest has been a disappointment. There may be reasons for that not being said.

Albert has a good character and even practices on his own to get extra time batting. He is a determined character and hopefully he will succeed.

Currie was devastated after the loss in the T20 and One day cup. Blamed himself and was unconsolably for at time. That shows a good spirit and another who will likely succeed.

Ben Mayes is one for the future. England are already snooping around. Apparently, he is ahead of Root at the same stage in his career. If he continues to improve, we have a star.

Recruitment continues to be an issue.  We had one player we had approached only for Australia to pick him for heir squad. Another from a county where we offered an increased deal only for his present club to match it. It is happening more and more. (Don’t ask me to name names or clubs because I will not).

Orr is beginning to get confidence and push on. Middleton is steady although there is still room for improvement. Gubbins has had a poor second half red ball but don't write him off just yet. We need a good strong experience number 4 next season. Dawson is Dawson at 5

Bowling department is ok, through plenty of inexperience. 

Club will have to do a lot of sole searching over the winter and rest assured.. they know it.  

I do not think the bowling  department is OK as it relies on Abbott and Dawson who together with Fuller are near the end of their careers

The others Turner Jacks Baker Currie and Wheal are erratic to say the least

[Window Cleaner]

11 minutes ago, John B said:

I do not think the bowling  department is OK as it relies on Abbott and Dawson who together with Fuller are near the end of their careers

The others Turner Jacks Baker Currie and Wheal are erratic to say the least

Turner never plays, think he's a sort of permanent injury case. Baker is an England contract case and might not be available much. Wheal, don't know why he's still here.

Doubt it's possible but i'd like to see us try to tempt that young fella from Worcs, Brookes. Bowls well, bats well.

Edited 28 September, 2025 by Window Cleaner

[Gloucester Saint]

Durham’s collapse here. Commentator scathing and predicting they would collapse and lose from three wickets down.

 

[Barsiem]

12 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Durham’s collapse here. Commentator scathing and predicting they would collapse and lose from three wickets down.

 

Final line from the commentator is spot on.  We cannot believe our luck!

[Dusic]

On 27/09/2025 at 16:32, Weston Saint said:

Well, that was a lucky escape.

One of our problems this season has been that we had an excellent coach whose knowledge and Man Management skills were excellent, but he was not a strong enough voice in the dressing room. That was his character and personality. That is fine if you have a strong character as Captain. Vince was good in that respect. Brown is an excellent tactician but again, a quiet character.  We need a strong character with authority next season.

Some of the younger players need to step up.

Prest has been a disappointment. There may be reasons for that not being said.

Albert has a good character and even practices on his own to get extra time batting. He is a determined character and hopefully he will succeed.

Currie was devastated after the loss in the T20 and One day cup. Blamed himself and was unconsolably for at time. That shows a good spirit and another who will likely succeed.

Ben Mayes is one for the future. England are already snooping around. Apparently, he is ahead of Root at the same stage in his career. If he continues to improve, we have a star.

Recruitment continues to be an issue.  We had one player we had approached only for Australia to pick him for heir squad. Another from a county where we offered an increased deal only for his present club to match it. It is happening more and more. (Don’t ask me to name names or clubs because I will not).

Orr is beginning to get confidence and push on. Middleton is steady although there is still room for improvement. Gubbins has had a poor second half red ball but don't write him off just yet. We need a good strong experience number 4 next season. Dawson is Dawson at 5

Bowling department is ok, through plenty of inexperience. 

Club will have to do a lot of sole searching over the winter and rest assured.. they know it.  

Must be some doubt over whether Dawson will play Championship cricket next season? Feels like recruitment of a frontline spinner is key over the winter as surely the other remaining overseas slot has to be taken by a batter (or likely multiple over the season).

[Picard]

Will Neal get a contract? I think he was in the squad for the last two games.

[Picard]

Kyle Abbott named County Championship MVP. Well deserved.

[John B]

1 hour ago, Picard said:

Kyle Abbott named County Championship MVP. Well deserved.

He is definetely in my Hampshire Team of best players I have seen replacing Derek Shackleton

[John B]

12 hours ago, Dusic said:

Must be some doubt over whether Dawson will play Championship cricket next season? Feels like recruitment of a frontline spinner is key over the winter as surely the other remaining overseas slot has to be taken by a batter (or likely multiple over the season).

I agree with your sentiments but he probably has contract to play four day cricket with us

[Toadhall Saint]

14 hours ago, Dusic said:

Must be some doubt over whether Dawson will play Championship cricket next season? Feels like recruitment of a frontline spinner is key over the winter as surely the other remaining overseas slot has to be taken by a batter (or likely multiple over the season).

Daws just loves playing - I think he’ll be there for the championship. 

[John B]

On 27/09/2025 at 16:56, badgerx16 said:

We got 12 batting points, Durham got 30. ( Mind you, Worcestershire got 39 bowling points )

Half the points were won when Tilak was playing without him we would be relegated so he is my player of the season

[Lighthouse]

I’d have TV back next season in a heartbeat. I’ve no idea how much of it he’d be available for with Indian domestic and international matches but I’d have him when available. County cricket looks to be heading towards being a patched up league of ringers anyway, like a team of dads in a five a side league, where half of them have to pick their kids up from violin lessons on any given match day.

Who is out of contract, on the subject? Keith has gone, I’m guessing we won’t hang on to Stoneman. Wood (uuughh), Brown and Abbott signed new deals, I think most of our younger lads are signed up until at least the end of next year. Howell I think is out of contract . 

[Gloucester Saint]

2 hours ago, Toadhall Saint said:

Daws just loves playing - I think he’ll be there for the championship. 

Plus he gets to bat at 5 which adds to his appeal for white ball franchises and England’s T20 squad.

[badgerx16]

2 hours ago, John B said:

Half the points were won when Tilak was playing without him we would be relegated so he is my player of the season

He top scored as India beat Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup final yesterday.

Edited 29 September, 2025 by badgerx16

[Gloucester Saint]

Not directly Hants related but West Indies hit new low https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c2dn8j29eljo

England have had some humiliating defeats over the years, notably to Netherlands at Lord’s in 2009 and again in 2014, but that is even worse for a side who dominated cricket in both formats for nearly two decades. 

[John B]

On 28/09/2025 at 12:36, John B said:

I do not think the bowling  department is OK as it relies on Abbott and Dawson who together with Fuller are near the end of their careers

The others Turner Jacks Baker Currie and Wheal are erratic to say the least

Turner given a two year contract extension wish he had the attribute of Butch White who got loads of wickets

[Picard]

Brad Wheal has a 1 year contract extension.

[Picard]

Dawson and Baker both awarded ECB one year central contracts. I suppose that means we won't be seeing much of them are Hants next year. 

Jack has a development contract.