CLUB CRICKET Channel 4’s cricket coverage. Umer Rashid, who played for Middlesex and Sussex, also came through the Colts and Senior sides. He tragically died in Grenada in 2002 on Sussex’s pre-season tour and was just starting to blossom as a county pro. The way he was heading, he would probably have had international honours by now. Owais Shah has played for Ealing since he was 17. Nayan Doshi, the leftarm spinner, played a season for us in 2004 and Middlesex’s current left-arm spinner, Chris Peploe, has been at the club since he was 10 and plays whenever he can. Also former Middlesex all rounder Ian Blanchett has been our Head Coach since 2003 and Peter Wellings remains involved in coaching. Who would be your young player to watch at the club and why? Two youngsters in particular come to mind. Ravi Patel, a young left-arm spinner on the Middlesex Academy. He played for England U16’s last year and bowled very well in the 1st XI in league and Cup games when available. Also Ned Eckersley, a young wicketkeeper/batsman who is on a MCC contract this year. He’s very talented and last year put in some great performances for the 1st XI.
What is your favourite ground to play at? I don’t have a particular favourite, apart from Ealing, although I’m glad Southgate got promoted as their ground is fantastic. Who was the best player (and his club) you came against last season? There are lots of good players in the league at the moment. Steve Selwood from Finchley is a very fine player who bats aggressively and can take games away from you. Mukesh Bhatt, a left-arm spinner from Stanmore, seems to always get the highest wicket tally in the league too and is a good bowler. Paul Weekes, at Hampstead, is obviously still a great player too. Tom Simpson and Ben Claypole at Brondesbury also spring to mind. What are your aims for the club in 2008? Who are your main rivals? Traditionally, our main rivals have been Finchley, Brondesbury, Teddington and Hampstead. Our aims this year are to be the first club to win the Middlesex league for four consecutive seasons, defend our Evening Standard title and perform better in the National Knock Out.
The Ashes Answers 1. 1882
2. BODYLINE
3. THE INVINCIBLES
4. MIKE BREARLEY
5. 364 BY LEN HUTTON IN 1938 17