Croft calm ahead of Friday night showdown

16 Aug 2018 | Cricket
Five days ago Glamorgan were third in the Southern Group of the Vitality Blast after winning five successive games, their players were confident and they were favourites to gain a quarter final place.

However, two defeats in three days against Somerset and Sussex - the latter a defeat at Hove on Tuesday - now means that they are in danger of not qualifying if other results go against them.

They are currently fourth but Kent, who are third, are a point ahead and have a game in hand over the Welsh county.  Sussex, who are a point behind, also have a game in hand and  need to beat Gloucestershire and Middlesex on successive nights. If they do, then a Glamorgan win again Surrey in their final game against on Friday will not be enough, unless Sussex lose one of their two games. 

Surrey are not out of contention either after beating Hampshire on Wednesday night.

Despite the head-scratching permutations, Head Coach Robert Croft remains relaxed. 

He said: "Although we were all disappointed with the defeat at Hove, we were up against arguably the best spinner in the world in Rashid Khan and a quartet of bowlers who have been operating in the IPL. We conceded too many runs and when you are chasing over 180 you need to play aggressively and that cost us wickets.

“That game has now gone, and our main focus is on beating Surrey. This squad have won seven games and is full of character and to have achieved what we have without any overseas players for much of the competition is testament to their hard work and application.

“What we must also not forget is that there is a lot of pressure on the other sides around us to win their games. In this competition anyone can beat anyone, and although Middlesex, Essex and Hampshire have only won four games between them you only have to look at their squads to see how dangerous they could be if the played to their true potential."

Article written by Edward Bevan for The ECB Reporter's Network