The Grumbler
@thegrumbler.bsky.social
Tweets on 2017/19/20 🏆, Essex CCC | 📚 Last-Wicket Stand |
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📰 Read my FREE #countycricket newsletter
Sign up here https://countycricket.substack.com/
Someone has suggested…
…Stiff Writtle Fingers
Clear leader so far
…Stiff Writtle Fingers
Clear leader so far
Ok, inspired by Brentwood Mac, who rocked Hatfield Peverel Village Hall in July, name your Essex-based tribute bands 🎸
I’ve got…
Lloyd Colchester and the Commotions
Iron Maldon
Queens of the Ingatestone Age
Walton-on-the-Naze against the Machine
I’ve got…
Lloyd Colchester and the Commotions
Iron Maldon
Queens of the Ingatestone Age
Walton-on-the-Naze against the Machine
November 11, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Someone has suggested…
…Stiff Writtle Fingers
Clear leader so far
…Stiff Writtle Fingers
Clear leader so far
Ok, inspired by Brentwood Mac, who rocked Hatfield Peverel Village Hall in July, name your Essex-based tribute bands 🎸
I’ve got…
Lloyd Colchester and the Commotions
Iron Maldon
Queens of the Ingatestone Age
Walton-on-the-Naze against the Machine
I’ve got…
Lloyd Colchester and the Commotions
Iron Maldon
Queens of the Ingatestone Age
Walton-on-the-Naze against the Machine
November 11, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Ok, inspired by Brentwood Mac, who rocked Hatfield Peverel Village Hall in July, name your Essex-based tribute bands 🎸
I’ve got…
Lloyd Colchester and the Commotions
Iron Maldon
Queens of the Ingatestone Age
Walton-on-the-Naze against the Machine
I’ve got…
Lloyd Colchester and the Commotions
Iron Maldon
Queens of the Ingatestone Age
Walton-on-the-Naze against the Machine
The BBC, the NHS and county cricket are the essence of my concept of Britishness.
Let's defend all three.
Because they sure need it
Let's defend all three.
Because they sure need it
November 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The BBC, the NHS and county cricket are the essence of my concept of Britishness.
Let's defend all three.
Because they sure need it
Let's defend all three.
Because they sure need it
And there are only 70,000 county members across ALL counties. 25k of them at Surrey.
Shows the value of the ‘big event’ to sports fans and the relative paucity of county cricket’s product/appeal.
But it also the lingering appeal of red-ball cricket
Shows the value of the ‘big event’ to sports fans and the relative paucity of county cricket’s product/appeal.
But it also the lingering appeal of red-ball cricket
Over 40,000 England fans set to travel to Ashes amid record demand
Supporter group Barmy Army has tripled sales from 2017-18 tour, with this year’s travelling contingent to Australia set to be biggest in series history
www.thetimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:32 AM
And there are only 70,000 county members across ALL counties. 25k of them at Surrey.
Shows the value of the ‘big event’ to sports fans and the relative paucity of county cricket’s product/appeal.
But it also the lingering appeal of red-ball cricket
Shows the value of the ‘big event’ to sports fans and the relative paucity of county cricket’s product/appeal.
But it also the lingering appeal of red-ball cricket
This story rather destroys its own premise.
Suffice to say, it ain't happening anytime soon but is not off the agenda.
Given county🏏's existential crisis & the small window created by franchise $, outground is a 'nice to have' unless it brings future $
Suffice to say, it ain't happening anytime soon but is not off the agenda.
Given county🏏's existential crisis & the small window created by franchise $, outground is a 'nice to have' unless it brings future $
Essex weighing up ending outground absence
NICK HOWSON: Chelmsford staged all men's and women's professional fixtures in 2025, but options are available to take the strain off the venue
www.thecricketer.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:32 PM
This story rather destroys its own premise.
Suffice to say, it ain't happening anytime soon but is not off the agenda.
Given county🏏's existential crisis & the small window created by franchise $, outground is a 'nice to have' unless it brings future $
Suffice to say, it ain't happening anytime soon but is not off the agenda.
Given county🏏's existential crisis & the small window created by franchise $, outground is a 'nice to have' unless it brings future $
Reposted by The Grumbler
When it was first proposed, we were told that brands were carefully created & based upon distinct local characteristics, see story. Partly because counties did not resonate
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
November 4, 2025 at 10:05 PM
When it was first proposed, we were told that brands were carefully created & based upon distinct local characteristics, see story. Partly because counties did not resonate
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
When it was first proposed, we were told that brands were carefully created & based upon distinct local characteristics, see story. Partly because counties did not resonate
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
November 4, 2025 at 10:05 PM
When it was first proposed, we were told that brands were carefully created & based upon distinct local characteristics, see story. Partly because counties did not resonate
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
It was just more BS.
Build it quick, flog it off, count the cash, lose control
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/...
Reposted by The Grumbler
🏏 New County Cricket Newsletter. Please share and enjoy
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
No171, Nov 1: The Grumbler's County Cricket Newsletter
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot 🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings 🔴 Woakes commits to Warks 🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs 🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
countycricket.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 9:50 PM
🏏 New County Cricket Newsletter. Please share and enjoy
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
🏏 New County Cricket Newsletter. Please share and enjoy
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
No171, Nov 1: The Grumbler's County Cricket Newsletter
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot 🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings 🔴 Woakes commits to Warks 🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs 🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
countycricket.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 9:50 PM
🏏 New County Cricket Newsletter. Please share and enjoy
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
🟣 Yorks skipper walks out as football mascot
🟠 Northants and Sussex make key signings
🔴 Woakes commits to Warks
🔵 Coaching changes at Lancs
🟡 Will Harmer be the last 1000-wicket bowler?
"Woods, Whitby Town skipper in the absence of Lewis Hawkins, had the bizarre pre-match spectacle of holding hands with Whitby-born Yorks and Eng cricketer Adam Lyth, whose side came bottom of a Fantasy Football League, last season, so was made the adult mascot as a forfeit."
October 28, 2025 at 7:18 AM
"Woods, Whitby Town skipper in the absence of Lewis Hawkins, had the bizarre pre-match spectacle of holding hands with Whitby-born Yorks and Eng cricketer Adam Lyth, whose side came bottom of a Fantasy Football League, last season, so was made the adult mascot as a forfeit."
Happy with this.
Fernandes made strides with bat and gloves last year.
Put up the order in One-Day Cup and biffed a few. Stood up nicely at times too
Taking the best from the Essex Leagues should be part of the Essex DNA
Fernandes made strides with bat and gloves last year.
Put up the order in One-Day Cup and biffed a few. Stood up nicely at times too
Taking the best from the Essex Leagues should be part of the Essex DNA
October 27, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Happy with this.
Fernandes made strides with bat and gloves last year.
Put up the order in One-Day Cup and biffed a few. Stood up nicely at times too
Taking the best from the Essex Leagues should be part of the Essex DNA
Fernandes made strides with bat and gloves last year.
Put up the order in One-Day Cup and biffed a few. Stood up nicely at times too
Taking the best from the Essex Leagues should be part of the Essex DNA
Reposted by The Grumbler
Simon Harmer has become the 4th South African to take 1,000 first class wickets. Charlie Llewellyn, Mike Procter & Alan Donald = the others. Harmer is only 1 of 2 cricketers anywhere who debuted in the 21st century to reach the milestone. James Anderson the other #cricketcounts
October 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Simon Harmer has become the 4th South African to take 1,000 first class wickets. Charlie Llewellyn, Mike Procter & Alan Donald = the others. Harmer is only 1 of 2 cricketers anywhere who debuted in the 21st century to reach the milestone. James Anderson the other #cricketcounts
You see, despite all the 'disruption', most players start & end their careers with counties
If they are as well-adjusted & high-calibre as Chris Woakes, they can see the value in this.
Yes, it is more emotional than financial but often more fulfilling
If they are as well-adjusted & high-calibre as Chris Woakes, they can see the value in this.
Yes, it is more emotional than financial but often more fulfilling
Chris Woakes extends playing career with two-year deal at Warwickshire
The allrounder retired from international cricket after being left out of England's Ashes squad, but will play all three formats for his county until at least the end of the 2027 season
www.thecricketer.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:55 PM
You see, despite all the 'disruption', most players start & end their careers with counties
If they are as well-adjusted & high-calibre as Chris Woakes, they can see the value in this.
Yes, it is more emotional than financial but often more fulfilling
If they are as well-adjusted & high-calibre as Chris Woakes, they can see the value in this.
Yes, it is more emotional than financial but often more fulfilling
Reposted by The Grumbler
🏏 New County #Cricket newsletter. Pls share and enjoy
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
No 170, Oct 16: The Grumbler's County Cricket Newsletter
🟣 Championship season in review 🟢 All the player moves and contracts 🟠 Legend back at Kent 🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks 🔵 Kookaburra killed off 🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free' 🟤 BBC commentary soars
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:47 PM
🏏 New County #Cricket newsletter. Pls share and enjoy
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
🏏 New County #Cricket newsletter. Pls share and enjoy
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
No 170, Oct 16: The Grumbler's County Cricket Newsletter
🟣 Championship season in review 🟢 All the player moves and contracts 🟠 Legend back at Kent 🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks 🔵 Kookaburra killed off 🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free' 🟤 BBC commentary soars
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:47 PM
🏏 New County #Cricket newsletter. Pls share and enjoy
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
🟣 Champ season in review
🟢 All the player moves and contracts
🟠 Legend back at Kent
🔴 Hants lose key coach to Warks
🔵 Kookaburra killed off
🟡 Gloucs 'debt-free'
🟤 BBC commentary soars
Blast group ticket sales
2025: 712k*
2019: 950k**
* See Kevin Howells interview
** www.espncricinfo.com...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds...
2025: 712k*
2019: 950k**
* See Kevin Howells interview
** www.espncricinfo.com...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds...
ECB reports record attendances as English summer lives up to the hype
Ticket sales top 3 million for the first time as ECB aim to build on support going into seismic 2020 season
www.espncricinfo.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Blast group ticket sales
2025: 712k*
2019: 950k**
* See Kevin Howells interview
** www.espncricinfo.com...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds...
2025: 712k*
2019: 950k**
* See Kevin Howells interview
** www.espncricinfo.com...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds...
A nice but dispiriting read. Sadly, seeing this a lot.
Lots of members quietly quitting (non-renewing) because the writing is on the wall* and, frankly, it just does not feel the same anymore.
* See the vote on the schedule. The 'cut' argument will keep returning until it is achieved
Lots of members quietly quitting (non-renewing) because the writing is on the wall* and, frankly, it just does not feel the same anymore.
* See the vote on the schedule. The 'cut' argument will keep returning until it is achieved
A sad read, really. Chimes with some of what @thegrumbler.bsky.social says In his newsletter. I’m still going to buy a season ticket (no membership at Northants either) but I live near the ground. If I move further away, would I just buy the odd ticket? Perhaps.
October 14, 2025 at 1:10 PM
A nice but dispiriting read. Sadly, seeing this a lot.
Lots of members quietly quitting (non-renewing) because the writing is on the wall* and, frankly, it just does not feel the same anymore.
* See the vote on the schedule. The 'cut' argument will keep returning until it is achieved
Lots of members quietly quitting (non-renewing) because the writing is on the wall* and, frankly, it just does not feel the same anymore.
* See the vote on the schedule. The 'cut' argument will keep returning until it is achieved
Felt inevitable that these two would be released.
Hope Richards, in particular, finds another county. And that is the acid test on letting go of any young player.
Made a great start but form and fitness issues meant he got overtaken
essexcricket.org.uk/...
Hope Richards, in particular, finds another county. And that is the acid test on letting go of any young player.
Made a great start but form and fitness issues meant he got overtaken
essexcricket.org.uk/...
October 10, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Felt inevitable that these two would be released.
Hope Richards, in particular, finds another county. And that is the acid test on letting go of any young player.
Made a great start but form and fitness issues meant he got overtaken
essexcricket.org.uk/...
Hope Richards, in particular, finds another county. And that is the acid test on letting go of any young player.
Made a great start but form and fitness issues meant he got overtaken
essexcricket.org.uk/...
Sunrisers Leeds? After Mumbai Indians London taking over from Oval franchise name
These name changes are showing how much control has been sold.
And do the opposite of the intention to grow the game’s appeal
These name changes are showing how much control has been sold.
And do the opposite of the intention to grow the game’s appeal
October 9, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Sunrisers Leeds? After Mumbai Indians London taking over from Oval franchise name
These name changes are showing how much control has been sold.
And do the opposite of the intention to grow the game’s appeal
These name changes are showing how much control has been sold.
And do the opposite of the intention to grow the game’s appeal
Been lots of head-scratching about this survey. More in this blog
Partly a product of lack of trust ECB have created.
Remember the survey that 'proved' need for H*ndred. Incl need for new format to grow game
Then it's sold & owners change it to T20 🤥
Partly a product of lack of trust ECB have created.
Remember the survey that 'proved' need for H*ndred. Incl need for new format to grow game
Then it's sold & owners change it to T20 🤥
Tell me what you want (what you really, really want)
Sport inc. asks the questions that the ECB omitted. Plus an empty echo in Delhi
sportinc.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Been lots of head-scratching about this survey. More in this blog
Partly a product of lack of trust ECB have created.
Remember the survey that 'proved' need for H*ndred. Incl need for new format to grow game
Then it's sold & owners change it to T20 🤥
Partly a product of lack of trust ECB have created.
Remember the survey that 'proved' need for H*ndred. Incl need for new format to grow game
Then it's sold & owners change it to T20 🤥
This annoys me
We tried it, extended it. Fans, coaches complain - dull games, not used by Eng ints but, typically, a bullish Key says it's great. 'Wants it every round'
Then, per DTel, he's not fussed, leaves decision to Dir of Cricket.
Crap leadership
www.telegraph.co.uk/...
We tried it, extended it. Fans, coaches complain - dull games, not used by Eng ints but, typically, a bullish Key says it's great. 'Wants it every round'
Then, per DTel, he's not fussed, leaves decision to Dir of Cricket.
Crap leadership
www.telegraph.co.uk/...
October 8, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This annoys me
We tried it, extended it. Fans, coaches complain - dull games, not used by Eng ints but, typically, a bullish Key says it's great. 'Wants it every round'
Then, per DTel, he's not fussed, leaves decision to Dir of Cricket.
Crap leadership
www.telegraph.co.uk/...
We tried it, extended it. Fans, coaches complain - dull games, not used by Eng ints but, typically, a bullish Key says it's great. 'Wants it every round'
Then, per DTel, he's not fussed, leaves decision to Dir of Cricket.
Crap leadership
www.telegraph.co.uk/...
Slightly surprised it did not go to Critchley
Only player to play every game in all comps.
2nd top run-scorer in Championship, third top wicket-taker.
Only player to play every game in all comps.
2nd top run-scorer in Championship, third top wicket-taker.
October 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Slightly surprised it did not go to Critchley
Only player to play every game in all comps.
2nd top run-scorer in Championship, third top wicket-taker.
Only player to play every game in all comps.
2nd top run-scorer in Championship, third top wicket-taker.
With Cook only playing six Championship games, if Porter had not stepped up so well we could have gone down easily
October 8, 2025 at 5:51 AM
With Cook only playing six Championship games, if Porter had not stepped up so well we could have gone down easily