This post looks at the Vitality Blast T20 fixture between Middlesex and Surrey last night.
THE SURREY INNINGS
Surrey found themselves batting first. They batted very well overall, with Tom Curran hitting 48 off 28, Laurie Evans 41 off 20 and Dan Lawrence 32 off 29. The only reason their total ended up short of 200 (185-9 to be exact) was because of an outstanding performance from leg spinning all rounder Luke Hollman who ended with 4-0-16-5.
THE MIDDLESEX REPLY
Stevie Eskinazi and Martin Andersson scored 32 for the first Middlesex wicket, but once the opening stand was broken wickets began to tumble. At one stage Middlesex were 41-4. Jack Davies, initially supported by Ryan Higgins showed some fight, as did Tom Helm further down the order, but Middlesex were close to being on terms, and in the end Surrey won by 56 runs. Veteran Aussie seamer Sean Abbott matched Hollman’s five-for with one of his own, conceding only two runs more than the Middlesex leg spinner. Scorecard here.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HOLLMAN’S EFFORT
England’s current white ball leg spinner, and a crucial component of the squad currently contesting the T20 World Cup (they are in action as I type, against South Africa) is Adil Rashid, but he is in the veteran stage of his career and unlikely to be around for many more tournaments. Thus in producing such a fine performance on a big occasion (yes, whatever the context, in English men’s cricket terms Middlesex v Surrey is a big occasion) Hollman (23 years old) may also have presented England with an answer to the question of where they go for a leg spin option when Rashid’s playing days are done.
PHOTOGRAPHS
I have an excellent photo gallery (periodic reminder – if you want see pictures at a larger size just click on one), boosted by this morning being ideal for a long walk, to share with you…
aspiblog 