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[northernboy1987]

Oh I've no doubt that opportunities are easier to come by in private education I was merely pointing out my belief that with hard work and determination (and obviously the talent) it's possible to achieve almost anything you could dream of from almost any kind of background.

[Seniorplayer]

Having worked in fee paying schools and FE cricket  academy there's far far more opportunity  for cricket development at private school as already mention better coaching from a top player coach who has been there and done it plus facilities time allowed for practice with coach on a one to one  own ground with all the facilities. FE academy two hours per week during term time with ex county player coach for the whole squad brought in for the session  indoor league during the winter league ground rented for matches one afternoon per week during term time.

[ProCricketer1982]

Oh I've no doubt that opportunities are easier to come by in private education I was merely pointing out my belief that with hard work and determination (and obviously the talent) it's possible to achieve almost anything you could dream of from almost any kind of background.

it is possible, but a lot less likely

[edge]

Obviously private schools are better at education, sports and providing opportunities... That's kind of the point!

Cracking QF between Glos and Hants tonight in Bristol, couple of top knocks from Jimmy Adams and Klinger and a nice tight finish. Carberry got a 3 ball working over from James Fuller and a blob.

[rickjames]

Couldn't quite believe the game I watched at the Oval last night with that 10th wicket 'partnership' of 63 with Matt Coles scoring 100. They were chasing 251 off 40 overs, were 169-9 (it was 73-6 at one point) and then he just went off on one, just smashing anything the Surrey seamers threw at him. Dernbach's second spell, welp, then Batty brought himself in and got knocked off one over for 17. It took nearly 40 minutes before the other guy at the crease Matt Hunn faced a delivery!

Honestly thought with 2 overs to spare and chasing 20 or so that Surrey were going to throw it but they pulled through, just about. Still can't believe it happened.

[northernboy1987]

Does anyone think Coles deserves to be considered for England again? I know he got sent home from a Lions tour for boozing with Stokes but there's no doubt he's a talented lad.

[Manormanic]

talented, but is he international class?  he doesn't get above 80 with the ball, has average fitness levels and is fairly....rustic in his methods...

[northernboy1987]

talented, but is he international class?  he doesn't get above 80 with the ball, has average fitness levels and is fairly....rustic in his methods...

Yeah I'm not sure if he is either, I was just wondering what people thought, just with him being on Lions tours in the past I figured they must have seen something in him they liked.

[Buzz]

Some game last night - I am a little frustrated that Notts are meeting Surrey in the semi final - they have been the 2 best sides in the comp and make a worthy final - plus it is likely that Hales, Taylor and Roy won't be able to play due to England duties which puts a dent in the quality.

Matt Coles for England? urm not sure it is likely to happen!! But that switch hit he played as astonishing!!

[Manormanic]

Some game last night - I am a little frustrated that Notts are meeting Surrey in the semi final - they have been the 2 best sides in the comp and make a worthy final - plus it is likely that Hales, Taylor and Roy won't be able to play due to England duties which puts a dent in the quality.

Dude, you cannot complain about having one or two players away when Yorkshire are winning the championship easily with their second XI!

[smilley792]

Do we reckon England will let root play in the semi??

[Buzz]

Dude, you cannot complain about having one or two players away when Yorkshire are winning the championship easily with their second XI!

Ha no, that isn't what I meant, although it is damming on the standard of the championship when a virtual 2nd team can win the pennant.

What I meant was that I would rather see all the best players on display. From a Surrey perspective, the loss of Roy isn't as bad as the loss of Hales and Taylor for Notts

[Manormanic]

Ha no, that isn't what I meant, although it is damming on the standard of the championship when a virtual 2nd team can win the pennant.

What I meant was that I would rather see all the best players on display. From a Surrey perspective, the loss of Roy isn't as bad as the loss of Hales and Taylor for Notts

Damning on the other eight teams, yes.  Or indiciative of the might of the white rose.... 

But I do agree that England - if they are not to move from behind a paywall - need to make sure that their best and most marketable players - Root, Stokes, Anderson, Broad, Hales, Ali and Buttler - play as much for their counties as they possibly can.  It raises the standard, yes - but more importantly, it gives the casual viewer or kid one more reason to go to a game and thereafter to get properly involved in the game...

[Bats_Entertainment]

All the England players should be available for the big games. They should all be available at the same times.

I'm not sure if it's realistic, but I'd like to see the end to counties flying in overseas players for just a few games.

Clubs and teams should have identity and soul. This is where the humble county game has the edge. I'm enough of a romantic to believe kids could still fall in love with this.

[Manormanic]

I'm not sure if it's realistic, but I'd like to see the end to counties flying in overseas players for just a few games.

This is the big one for me - there are too many players playing two or three weeks.  Accepting that not everyone can play the whole season, the way around this is to say that teams have one or at most two overseas registrations for the year and can use no more than that.