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[pablomarmite]

Hi guys no 2s game at the weekend but 1s had sat and sun game. Got the call late sat night to help out sun. Opposition batted 1st got 250 I didn't get a bowl. Then I was due to bat 10. We lost 3 early wickets and then I was promoted to 6 try to protect the other batsmen! from the opening bowlers. If no more wickets fell before 20 overs I was to drop down again. So at 50-4 after 17 overs in I went. I was out in the 35 over for 36 with the score at 150. Felt batted well wicket was popping although I went back o one that kept low. They want me 2 play 1s next week but have been non committal about my role. It appears there is no chance of a bowl and that my batting position depends on how well everyone else does on the day. If they bat well I don't get in if they lose lots of wkts in I go. Would rather play for 2s but don't want to be awkward and sound like I am dictating my position.

[Manormanic]

This is a really tricky situation; on the one hand, I am a firm believer that you play for the club, not for a particular side or with your mates/where you get to be the star all rounder/ where the teas are better - at my club we have a real issue with players not wanting to step up from twos to ones and threes to twos, and I get so sick of it (I got called up to the ones last week despite a) being twos skipper and b) being crocked and said "thanks, see you Saturday" because its the right thing to do).

BUT...

There has to be some common sense involved.  I wasn't asked to do that to field, I was asked because they desperately needed a three bat.  That is to say, a role within the side.  Number ten bat and specialist fielder is not a role and, whilst that may be a fair reflection of how they rate you (sorry) its not a role I would ask someone to perform without having first 1. made sure they understood and were okay with it and b) having considered whether there was more value in that player bolstering a lower side and getting someone else to run the boundary.

[pablomarmite]

This is a really tricky situation; on the one hand, I am a firm believer that you play for the club, not for a particular side or with your mates/where you get to be the star all rounder/ where the teas are better - at my club we have a real issue with players not wanting to step up from twos to ones and threes to twos, and I get so sick of it (I got called up to the ones last week despite a) being twos skipper and b) being crocked and said "thanks, see you Saturday" because its the right thing to do).

BUT...

There has to be some common sense involved.  I wasn't asked to do that to field, I was asked because they desperately needed a three bat.  That is to say, a role within the side.  Number ten bat and specialist fielder is not a role and, whilst that may be a fair reflection of how they rate you (sorry) its not a role I would ask someone to perform without having first 1. made sure they understood and were okay with it and b) having considered whether there was more value in that player bolstering a lower side and getting someone else to run the boundary.

Thanks mate you have hit the nail on the head. I am a club player and therefore wish to put the club first. There was no 2s game and they were a player short and therefore I played. I thought I would be specialist fielding again as I hadn't played well for 2s week before so was prepared for it. Your right in saying I'm not rated by some unfortunately they have the ear of the captain. I only rejoined at end of last season having lived away on the other side of the country so I haven't recent performances in their eyes to fall back on so they feel I have to prove myself, whereas they appear to be able to fail without consequences. I had a long text conversation with skipper last night about my role at the club. I'm 30+ with a young family so I don't think is fair to expect me to play as a fielder. If and when I am ready to open and or be actually given a bowl then I would love to play firsts. It was interesting that when we were warming up I was told not to waste my time bowling as I wouldn't be bowling and that if I wanted to bat higher I needed to prove to this guy I was good enough. These guys are not the capt but have a big influence. However two new players who actually come to nets and watch me bat and bowl asked me why I wasn't  bowling and were shocked I was batting 10 as they played against us in sept and I opened 17 no chasing 60 and bowled 1 over a maiden. I don't think I'm a cook swann hybrid I just want a fair go like everyone else and I am more than happy to play 2s if I'm not good enough and help bring through some youngsters.

[uknsaunders]

It's a fine line between getting on your high horse and being a pain in the (No Swearing Please) and doing what is right for the club. At the moment it seems they are picking and choosing when to use you and when not. I would talk to them and say happy to play 1s, as long as I can get in the game ie. top 6 in some shape or form, ideally knowing beforehand what they want you to do. If they want you to do a specific job then fine but if they are pretty non committal, just point out you pay to play and enjoy it. You also stepped in at the last minute the previous week so you have helped them out and it's not too much to ask. It's not fair to be used as a "filler" with little chance of being involved.

[no1northernbloke]

First off let me say I sympathize. You obviously want an opportunity and to do well.

From a first team perspective it's tough. I'm guessing that most of the top six have a decent pedigree and have scored decent runs when the pressure has been on. It's obviously tough competing with that.

In our club the firsts are in the ecb premier and the twos are in div 5. The difference is huge. Facing a premier opening bowler is going to be a challenge. The captain will want to know you have the right stuff as he wants the innings to get off to a good start.

I think that what tends to happen is captains go for what they know and back the players that have 'done it before' for them. Breaking in is difficult because of the difference in standards. Key is to really cash in when you do get chance. Show some grit, don't give your wicket away, bit most important is to score runs. If you're good enough you'll be racking them.up in the twos...

Good luck, practice in the ones net and show them how good you are!

[pablomarmite]

First off let me say I sympathize. You obviously want an opportunity and to do well.

From a first team perspective it's tough. I'm guessing that most of the top six have a decent pedigree and have scored decent runs when the pressure has been on. It's obviously tough competing with that.

In our club the firsts are in the ecb premier and the twos are in div 5. The difference is huge. Facing a premier opening bowler is going to be a challenge. The captain will want to know you have the right stuff as he wants the innings to get off to a good start.

I think that what tends to happen is captains go for what they know and back the players that have 'done it before' for them. Breaking in is difficult because of the difference in standards. Key is to really cash in when you do get chance. Show some grit, don't give your wicket away, bit most important is to score runs. If you're good enough you'll be racking them.up in the twos...

Good luck, practice in the ones net and show them how good you are!

The standard of 1s nowhere near Ecb premier league but a few canny operators but there is a bit of a gap between 1s and 2s. I played in the league years ago and the one above with this team in my late teens early 20s and normally batted 3/4/5. I have been away for 10 years and most of the players weren't there then. There are some great bats in top 5 definitely better than me but they give their wickets away a lot easier than I do. I feel we are a bit top loaded so when the fifth bowler actually appears all those great batters are out. If I'm down to bat 6 and we bat well, you wouldn't bring me in the 40th over as I don't hit a lot of boundaries so I would drop down and not get in. Batted well on Sunday my dad didn't realise it was me! Think I made a point had I not got a grubber would still be batting! Been texting me today about playing 1s but still non committal about role I said wait to later in week when he is clearer about availability and the make up of the side. I want to play 2s to get big runs I've worked out a few of my early season faults and my feet were moving on Sunday unlike last week so my confidence has returned what a difference a score makes.

[pablomarmite]

Looks like I'm opening and keeping wicket at the league leaders on Saturday for the 1s. I will tell you how we and I get on.

[ProCricketer1982]

Played 4 games. Second highest run scorer in the firsts yet been dropped

Not happy about it tbh given there are two other batsmen who just haven't score runs in the firsts or seconds this year (both are also new to the club), so tbh.. totally confused. I'm on 550 runs for the season so far already with in 14 games isn't too shabby. Got to be in the seconds now for at least this week but probably a few weeks so hopefully I'll open again and just aim to score big again like the only other seconds game I played in.


I agree that the club comes first but sometimes I really do think the people in charge of clubs need their heads testing. Spoke to 4 other first teamers and the pro and none of them can understand it so I'm confused.

[nudgemaster]

Pro

That is shocking and depending upon your contribution in the field etc, I would be having a polite word with the skipper!!

Gutted for you with 550 in 14!!!

[FattusCattus]

Played 4 games. Second highest run scorer in the firsts yet been dropped

Not happy about it tbh given there are two other batsmen who just haven't score runs in the firsts or seconds this year (both are also new to the club), so tbh.. totally confused. I'm on 550 runs for the season so far already with in 14 games isn't too shabby. Got to be in the seconds now for at least this week but probably a few weeks so hopefully I'll open again and just aim to score big again like the only other seconds game I played in.


I agree that the club comes first but sometimes I really do think the people in charge of clubs need their heads testing. Spoke to 4 other first teamers and the pro and none of them can understand it so I'm confused.

Does your face fit?  Do you rub people up the wrong way?

In the minds of selection committees form is not always all they consider.

[ProCricketer1982]

Does your face fit?  Do you rub people up the wrong way?

In the minds of selection committees form is not always all they consider.

No idea on face tbh, I've never had a problem in sport in my life about not fitting in so hopefully not. Rubbing up the wrong way I doubt as well as I'm one of the first to get asked about extra nets, helping with other people coaching wise and beers after games etc. The only thing I can think of is because I'm a 'bigger' chap. The other two are 'normal' and so run better between the wickets so look busier. I still outscore them on Strike rates though so I'd hope they'd look at that and not just go of 'what it looks like' but I suspect that's what has clinched it.

I'm not too unhappy as I'm more interested in just opening and getting a darn good bat and scoring runs but it's more the genuine reasons why.

[FattusCattus]

So you are excellent at cricket, a gifted coach and people want to have a beer with you?

You sound like a self-confident, fine, upstanding chap - THEY CAN'T HANDLE YOU - SOD 'EM!!

[ProCricketer1982]

So you are excellent at cricket, a gifted coach and people want to have a beer with you?

You sound like a self-confident, fine, upstanding chap - THEY CAN'T HANDLE YOU - SOD 'EM!!

yeah not really me but hey ho. We'll see what happens.

[mini998]

550 in 14 games is very impressive mate, I feel for you.

But hey.. at least still you get to play for 2's , I just got dropped from 4's due to bad form so I don't have a game at all this week.

Good luck.

[ProCricketer1982]

550 in 14 games is very impressive mate, I feel for you.

But hey.. at least still you get to play for 2's , I just got dropped from 4's due to bad form so I don't have a game at all this week.

Good luck.

Ok you win. At least I have a game. Feel for you having none given the cracking weather and the fact wickets will be the best so far this season as well


Got another 20 today in a Civil Service game. Buggers opened with a leftie spinner who was actually good, wasn't fun. Hard track to bat on at Dunstable as well but I did my job and got out trying to push the score on to a diving running backwards catch ... They dropped 3 others of other guys much easier... just my luck