Marcus Hook
@marcushook.bsky.social
Creative accountant, cricket writer, Oval regular, electronic/punk music lover and tipster of horses that finish 2nd. Own views expressed.
Reposted by Marcus Hook
There have been some silly ideas in county cricket over the years.
Heavy roller. No roller. Toss. No toss.
But this was the worst of them all.
It brought about the most desperately dull cricket.
Draw after draw.
Stupidly high scores on lifeless pitches.
Surrey 820-8d v Durham, anyone?
Heavy roller. No roller. Toss. No toss.
But this was the worst of them all.
It brought about the most desperately dull cricket.
Draw after draw.
Stupidly high scores on lifeless pitches.
Surrey 820-8d v Durham, anyone?
October 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
There have been some silly ideas in county cricket over the years.
Heavy roller. No roller. Toss. No toss.
But this was the worst of them all.
It brought about the most desperately dull cricket.
Draw after draw.
Stupidly high scores on lifeless pitches.
Surrey 820-8d v Durham, anyone?
Heavy roller. No roller. Toss. No toss.
But this was the worst of them all.
It brought about the most desperately dull cricket.
Draw after draw.
Stupidly high scores on lifeless pitches.
Surrey 820-8d v Durham, anyone?
Rahul Chahar's 8-51 = the best on f-c debut for Surrey. Previous best was 7-61 by William Mudie v The North at The Oval in 1859. Also, the best figures for Surrey in f-c since 2021, and the best figs by a spinner for Surrey since Pat Pocock's 9-57 v Glamorgan at Cardiff in 1979. #Cricket
September 27, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Rahul Chahar's 8-51 = the best on f-c debut for Surrey. Previous best was 7-61 by William Mudie v The North at The Oval in 1859. Also, the best figures for Surrey in f-c since 2021, and the best figs by a spinner for Surrey since Pat Pocock's 9-57 v Glamorgan at Cardiff in 1979. #Cricket
Reposted by Marcus Hook
Just heard that sportswriter Rob Steen has died suddenly. He gave me one of my first breaks in journalism - researching his David Gower biography - and walk-on roles in a couple of his books. The Mavericks is a classic. www.bloomsbury.com/uk/mavericks...
The Mavericks
ONE OF FOUR FOUR TWO MAGAZINE'S '50 FOOTBALL BOOKS YOU MUST READ''A great book' – Henry Winter'A lovely read, the kind in which you constantly annoy people by r…
www.bloomsbury.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Just heard that sportswriter Rob Steen has died suddenly. He gave me one of my first breaks in journalism - researching his David Gower biography - and walk-on roles in a couple of his books. The Mavericks is a classic. www.bloomsbury.com/uk/mavericks...
Just seen the news about Rob Steen, who was a huge source of inspiration and encouragement to me in my early days in the press box at the Oval (or wherever a Surrey away game brought us together). 67 is no age to be taken. Wishing now we had stayed in touch more. #RIP
September 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Just seen the news about Rob Steen, who was a huge source of inspiration and encouragement to me in my early days in the press box at the Oval (or wherever a Surrey away game brought us together). 67 is no age to be taken. Wishing now we had stayed in touch more. #RIP
Reposted by Marcus Hook
Surrey seal the Second XI Championship with a comprehensive 201-run victory over Worcestershire in the final at Loughborough. 🏆
Report from a fast-moving final day 📲 buff.ly/cC7pBCc
🤎 | #SurreyCricket
Report from a fast-moving final day 📲 buff.ly/cC7pBCc
🤎 | #SurreyCricket
September 19, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Surrey seal the Second XI Championship with a comprehensive 201-run victory over Worcestershire in the final at Loughborough. 🏆
Report from a fast-moving final day 📲 buff.ly/cC7pBCc
🤎 | #SurreyCricket
Report from a fast-moving final day 📲 buff.ly/cC7pBCc
🤎 | #SurreyCricket
Reposted by Marcus Hook
The radical right in Britain increasingly claims to represent "Christian values" & "Christian civilisation" - though its leaders rarely go to church or pretend to believe anything.
It's especially important that Christian leaders speak out against this, as it's their tradition that's being claimed.
It's especially important that Christian leaders speak out against this, as it's their tradition that's being claimed.
A courteous but very impressive rebuke to Nigel Farage from the Bishop of Oxford.
"I heard no compassion in what you said...".
"I disagree profoundly with your attempts to ... increase fear of the stranger in our communities".
Do read.
blogs.oxford.anglican.org/an-open-lett...
"I heard no compassion in what you said...".
"I disagree profoundly with your attempts to ... increase fear of the stranger in our communities".
Do read.
blogs.oxford.anglican.org/an-open-lett...
An open letter to Nigel Farage - Bishop Steven's Blog
Bishop Steven writes an open letter in response to Nigel Farage MP's immigration policy which was launched in Oxford this week.
blogs.oxford.anglican.org
August 29, 2025 at 4:06 PM
The radical right in Britain increasingly claims to represent "Christian values" & "Christian civilisation" - though its leaders rarely go to church or pretend to believe anything.
It's especially important that Christian leaders speak out against this, as it's their tradition that's being claimed.
It's especially important that Christian leaders speak out against this, as it's their tradition that's being claimed.
Here's my preview of today's Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash between Notts and Surrey at Trent Bridge www.ovalworld-online.com/prevnotsurod... #Cricket
Oval World on the Net - Game Preview
www.ovalworld-online.com
August 24, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Here's my preview of today's Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash between Notts and Surrey at Trent Bridge www.ovalworld-online.com/prevnotsurod... #Cricket
List A stats sheet for Surrey vs Notts www.ovalworld-online.com/ListA_Stats_... #Cricket
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
www.ovalworld-online.com
August 24, 2025 at 7:58 AM
List A stats sheet for Surrey vs Notts www.ovalworld-online.com/ListA_Stats_... #Cricket
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
Here's my preview of tomorrow's Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash between Surrey @kiaoval.com and Hampshire at the Oval www.ovalworld-online.com/prevsurhamod... #Cricket
Oval World on the Net - Game Preview
www.ovalworld-online.com
August 17, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Here's my preview of tomorrow's Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash between Surrey @kiaoval.com and Hampshire at the Oval www.ovalworld-online.com/prevsurhamod... #Cricket
List A stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Hampshire www.ovalworld-online.com/ListA_Stats_... #Cricket
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
www.ovalworld-online.com
August 17, 2025 at 6:48 PM
List A stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Hampshire www.ovalworld-online.com/ListA_Stats_... #Cricket
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
Reposted by Marcus Hook
🗓️ On this day, a century ago, in 1⃣9⃣2⃣5⃣...
Surrey legend Jack Hobbs broke WG Grace’s record of 125 first-class tons! 🤯
Richard Spiller dives into Hobbs' astonishing run-scoring achievements 🔗 buff.ly/KrQmV0C
🤎 | #Surrey180
Surrey legend Jack Hobbs broke WG Grace’s record of 125 first-class tons! 🤯
Richard Spiller dives into Hobbs' astonishing run-scoring achievements 🔗 buff.ly/KrQmV0C
🤎 | #Surrey180
August 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
🗓️ On this day, a century ago, in 1⃣9⃣2⃣5⃣...
Surrey legend Jack Hobbs broke WG Grace’s record of 125 first-class tons! 🤯
Richard Spiller dives into Hobbs' astonishing run-scoring achievements 🔗 buff.ly/KrQmV0C
🤎 | #Surrey180
Surrey legend Jack Hobbs broke WG Grace’s record of 125 first-class tons! 🤯
Richard Spiller dives into Hobbs' astonishing run-scoring achievements 🔗 buff.ly/KrQmV0C
🤎 | #Surrey180
Reposted by Marcus Hook
2025: Nigel Farage says tells Downing Street that he wants unelected Reform candidates to be in the House of Lords
2011: Nigel Farage says unelected officials do not have any democratic legitimacy
2011: Nigel Farage says unelected officials do not have any democratic legitimacy
August 15, 2025 at 9:40 AM
2025: Nigel Farage says tells Downing Street that he wants unelected Reform candidates to be in the House of Lords
2011: Nigel Farage says unelected officials do not have any democratic legitimacy
2011: Nigel Farage says unelected officials do not have any democratic legitimacy
Here's my preview of tomorrow's Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash between Essex @essexcricket.bsky.social and Surrey @kiaoval.com at Chelmsford www.ovalworld-online.com/prevesssurod... #Cricket
Oval World on the Net - Game Preview
www.ovalworld-online.com
August 14, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Here's my preview of tomorrow's Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash between Essex @essexcricket.bsky.social and Surrey @kiaoval.com at Chelmsford www.ovalworld-online.com/prevesssurod... #Cricket
List A stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Essex @essexcricket.bsky.social www.ovalworld-online.com/ListA_Stats_... #Cricket
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
www.ovalworld-online.com
August 14, 2025 at 7:47 PM
List A stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Essex @essexcricket.bsky.social www.ovalworld-online.com/ListA_Stats_... #Cricket
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
Here's my preview of the Rothesay County Championship Division One clash between Durham @durhamcricket.bsky.social and Surrey @kiaoval.com which starts today at Chester-le-Street www.ovalworld-online.com/prevdursurcc... @martycricket.bsky.social #Cricket
Oval World on the Net - Game Preview
www.ovalworld-online.com
July 29, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Here's my preview of the Rothesay County Championship Division One clash between Durham @durhamcricket.bsky.social and Surrey @kiaoval.com which starts today at Chester-le-Street www.ovalworld-online.com/prevdursurcc... @martycricket.bsky.social #Cricket
First-class stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Durham @durhamcricket.bsky.social www.ovalworld-online.com/fc_stats_sur... @martycricket.bsky.social
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
www.ovalworld-online.com
July 29, 2025 at 6:39 AM
First-class stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Durham @durhamcricket.bsky.social www.ovalworld-online.com/fc_stats_sur... @martycricket.bsky.social
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
Reposted by Marcus Hook
A two-thirds consensus has been reached on a reduction of games in the Men's T20 Blast for next season and beyond | ✍️ @nickfriend.bsky.social
Counties close to T20 Blast structure agreement | The Cricketer
A two-third consensus has been reached on a reduction of games in the men's T20 Blast for next year and beyond, The Cricketer understands
www.thecricketer.com
July 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
A two-thirds consensus has been reached on a reduction of games in the Men's T20 Blast for next season and beyond | ✍️ @nickfriend.bsky.social
Reposted by Marcus Hook
Allan Donald's dual with Mike Atherton at Trent Bridge (27 years ago today) has gone down in cricket folklore. “It was the nastiest, most ill-tempered match that I have ever played in,” wrote Atherton. “Throughout it was clear that neither side had much regard for the other.”
July 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Allan Donald's dual with Mike Atherton at Trent Bridge (27 years ago today) has gone down in cricket folklore. “It was the nastiest, most ill-tempered match that I have ever played in,” wrote Atherton. “Throughout it was clear that neither side had much regard for the other.”
Reposted by Marcus Hook
Here's my preview of the Rothesay County Championship Division One clash between Yorkshire @yorkshireccc.bsky.social and Surrey @kiaoval.com which starts today at Scarborough www.ovalworld-online.com/prevyorsurcc... #Cricket
Oval World on the Net - Game Preview
www.ovalworld-online.com
July 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Here's my preview of the Rothesay County Championship Division One clash between Yorkshire @yorkshireccc.bsky.social and Surrey @kiaoval.com which starts today at Scarborough www.ovalworld-online.com/prevyorsurcc... #Cricket
First-class stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Yorkshire @yorkshireccc.bsky.social www.ovalworld-online.com/fc_stats_sur...
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
www.ovalworld-online.com
July 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM
First-class stats sheet for Surrey @kiaoval.com vs Yorkshire @yorkshireccc.bsky.social www.ovalworld-online.com/fc_stats_sur...
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
For Surrey's fixtures and scorecards go to: www.ovalworld-online.com/cards.htm
Reposted by Marcus Hook
A Day for Thorpey 🤎
We'll be celebrating the life of Graham Thorpe on Day 2 of the 5th Test Match at the Kia Oval.
🤎 | #SurreyCricket #DayForThorpey
We'll be celebrating the life of Graham Thorpe on Day 2 of the 5th Test Match at the Kia Oval.
🤎 | #SurreyCricket #DayForThorpey
July 21, 2025 at 9:21 AM
A Day for Thorpey 🤎
We'll be celebrating the life of Graham Thorpe on Day 2 of the 5th Test Match at the Kia Oval.
🤎 | #SurreyCricket #DayForThorpey
We'll be celebrating the life of Graham Thorpe on Day 2 of the 5th Test Match at the Kia Oval.
🤎 | #SurreyCricket #DayForThorpey
Reposted by Marcus Hook
🏏 New County Cricket newsletter. Pls share & enjoy
🟣 Who will 'love' county cricket?
🟢 Blast groups coming to the boil
🟠 More counties declare schedule stance
🔴 Surrey's record membership
🔵 Yorks may go south
🟡 Gower sells his stuff on eBay
countycricket.substa...
🟣 Who will 'love' county cricket?
🟢 Blast groups coming to the boil
🟠 More counties declare schedule stance
🔴 Surrey's record membership
🔵 Yorks may go south
🟡 Gower sells his stuff on eBay
countycricket.substa...
No 162, July 16: The Grumbler's County Cricket Newsletter
🟣 Who will 'love' county cricket? 🟢 Blast groups coming to the boil 🟠 More counties declare schedule stance 🔴 Surrey's record membership 🔵 Yorkshire may go south 🟡 Gower sells his stuff on eBay
countycricket.substack.com
July 16, 2025 at 3:33 PM
🏏 New County Cricket newsletter. Pls share & enjoy
🟣 Who will 'love' county cricket?
🟢 Blast groups coming to the boil
🟠 More counties declare schedule stance
🔴 Surrey's record membership
🔵 Yorks may go south
🟡 Gower sells his stuff on eBay
countycricket.substa...
🟣 Who will 'love' county cricket?
🟢 Blast groups coming to the boil
🟠 More counties declare schedule stance
🔴 Surrey's record membership
🔵 Yorks may go south
🟡 Gower sells his stuff on eBay
countycricket.substa...
Reposted by Marcus Hook
Four from today's walk up Castle Crag
July 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Four from today's walk up Castle Crag