Chelmsford looked lively on Wednesday evening shortly ahead of Surrey’s visit to the County Ground for the T20 Blast match against the Essex Slappers. Chelmsford always looks lively but especially so after England had just beaten Dr Congo in the World Cup.
The crappy, crappy ground soon started to fill once the full-time whistle had been blown in the football. There’s nothing like watching a T20 game with some slightly lubricated Essex folk on a midsummer’s evening.
The wicket looked an absolute beaut. This was all set to be a batting evening. Elsewhere around the outfield and it looked like something of a cabbage patch. The County Ground really is a shithole. Sorry but I come from very high standards.
We’ve still got to play this slot twice in the competition this year. With the table already being bunched, this was always going to be a key match to see who progresses in the Blast.
It was an incredibly strong start from J-Roy. He’s having something of an Indian summer in the Blast for Surrey. He formed a great partnership with Laurie Evans. They are the oldest cricket swingers in town.
Evans finally went for a fine 40 after he skied high a ball which was caught behind by Pepper.
J-Roy got lucky and was dropped on 64. He was caught behind next ball by Pepper. As ever he didn’t look too pleased as he grunted his way back to what is apparently a cricket pavilion.
The prediction that this would be a belter of a pitch for batting on played out with an incredibly fine 50 from Surrey captain Ollie Pope off 22 balls. Lead from the front, Ollie.
Surrey new boy Philippe continued with the run fest. He’s now had consecutive half centuries in his first two matches for Surrey. Not a bad start to your career.
Snater finally bowled out Pope for 59. Up stepped TC, only to head back into the hutch after a first-ball duck. Ta for coming, etc.
Surrey finished their 20 overs on 240, the highest ever T20 innings against the Essex Slappers.
The returning Reece Topley opened the bowling for Surrey. His first two balls went for wides. Welcome back to the County Ground, fella.
Elsewhere Jordan Clarke looked energetic as ever. This was despite having had a severe haircut which didn’t seem to have a Samson effect on him.
A little bit of chaos from Tall Paul for Essex threatened the run chase for the first 10 overs. Essex then lost their momentum. I lost the rest of the Crap Match Report as the booze took over.
Chin chin.