Friends Life T20 - Hampshire v Surrey - Ageas Bowl, Southampton

The domestic T20 tournament starts in the UK, and it will no doubt be as frenetic as ever.

The exchange markets have become more robust, with institutional money, now mixing with the gamblers.

Mr Lumpy traditionally likes to back the side batting second, and almost falls over himself at times, wanting to get matched, in a size the market cannot accommodate.

It's all v well, matching him, when the price is wrong, but, it tends to stay wrong, far longer than it should, and rarely leaves u a good exit point. This makes life v hard, and liquidity can at times suffer.

This yr, I am going to stagger my entry points, far greater, with only a token interest, in the early stages.

Tonite, Hampshire have Carberry, who is definately in the running for an England spot, of some sorts, and Surrey look well below par, with Ponting missing due to injury, and Pietersen on England duty.

Hampshire are traditionally v strong at home, and in the last 5 yrs, Surrey typically only make 140 or so, which is rarely enough.

3 hrs before the game :

 

Hampshire 1.90

Surrey. 2.10

Hampshire won the toss, elected to field, and Lumpy got with Hampshire. A fair start by Surrey, didn't really dent his enthusiasm, and they were just starting to look like favs, when the 2nd wkt fell. Unfortunately, for Surrey, the next 6 overs, had little momentum, and they tossed away a decent start, of 70-1 after 10, to a final score of 139.

It's always easy to look back, but Roy was out, when Surrey were 31-0, and Solanki when Surrey were 64-2, at both points, the Surrey price seemed fair, but, it gapped down, huge, on a wicket, so, I am starting to respect Mr Lumpys play.

It didn't look enough, and although the winning margin of 3 balls looks like its close, Hampshire were never really in danger. The Hampshire captain, Mckenzie, excels at pushing the ball around, and a small chase, is right up his alley. He got a decent 60, and is a seasoned professional.

I am going to try and keep a record, of how lumpy goes on each game .. So far ..

Lumpy 1-0

 

Posted with Blogsy