This is definitely one of the more difficult years to make predictions. There have been so many changes, and several teams have had to virtually rebuild their lineups after retirements, and defections for careers in poker, the IPL, etc.
Like someone else noted, Yorkshire could finish anywhere. But in the end, bowling is what will matter the most.
Agreed. As history shows us, Yorkshire's sustained success (most recently, alas, in the 1960s) has been when we were able to bowl sides out twice, not when we had batsmen at the top of the batting averages. Of course posting a good total is important, but often it's the ability to get the last few wickets that turns a draw into a win.
Hobson: "Well at least the oddsmakers have raised their predictions. The consensus view now appears to be somewhere between 4th and 7th."
Thankfully I was able to cash in with some "pre Rana's returning" wagers. It's amazing how many free bets there are out there. I laid a load of bets at virtually no risk, banked my deposit and meagre winnings then laid a bet on Yorkshire to win the CC. So if they don't I've not lost anything.
The best odds I got was a boylesports at a ridiculous 12/1 about 2 weeks ago. You can still get Ladbrokes at 10/1 and Ladbrokes also have better each way terms too. A place in the top 3 is at 1/4 of the odds as opposed to 1/5 of the odds everywhere else.
It looks like the WRF brethren are as undecided as the oddsmakers. I think we are in for a roller coaster season, but a successful one. I'm tipping the Tykes for at least one title, and a much improved performance in the short game.
Yorkshire for the title. Hoggard takes 40 wickets; Rashid 60; Rudolph, McGrath and Sayers score 1,000 runs each; and Gough leads us to the Championship in his final season. Throw in a one-day title and Yorkshire are back!!!!!!
I haven't voted ... simply because I admit to not having a clue where we are going to finish. All I can hope is that we do 'better' in the 1 dayers & stay competative in the championship.
Slightly pessimistic so far. Even the oddsmakers have us for 5th or 6th. IMO, If Rashid improves as a bowler and Morkle or Rana come good, we will contend for the title.
Not exactly resounding support for the team. If Rana plays we will be a force to be reckoned with. Even Morkle improves our attack on last year. And how much longer is Rashid going to take his wickets at 40 a piece? He looks et for a breakout year.
Go Tykes!
Yorkshire's Unofficial Anthem
1. Wheear 'ast ta bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee?
On Ilkley Mooar baht 'at
Wheear 'ast ta bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee?
Wheear 'ast ta bin sin' ah saw thee?
On Ilkley Mooar baht 'at
On Ilkley Mooar baht 'at
On Ilkley Mooar baht 'at
