Miles more choice for Dawson at the Oval
22 May 2018
Head coach Richard Dawson has added Craig Miles to the squad named for the opening two games in this season's Royal London Cup as Gloucestershire head to the Kia Oval to face Surrey in their third South Group fixture on Wednesday (11.00)
Miles' inclusion gives Dawson an extra bowling option on a ground where his height, at 6'4, could generate problems for the batsmen due to the traditionally generous bounce.
"They are usually decent wickets and if it's dry at the Oval there is bounce, and sometimes turn as well" Dawson said. "What you must do is keep the stumps in play, otherwise you become free to hit."
"Selection is one of the hardest parts of being a coach, especially after playing some very good cricket in the first two games. The players have done their best, won twice, and now it means any changes I think about are tactical rather than because people aren't doing well."
Squad :
Dent (c), Hankins, Howell, Roderick, Cockbain, J.Taylor, Higgins, Smith, Worrall, M.Taylor, Liddle, van Buuren, Hammond, Miles.
One of the most striking facets in the wins over Glamorgan and Essex has been the form of George Hankins as an opening batsman. His upright stance is distinctive, and Dawson hasn't been surprised by the rate at which his forceful style has produced runs.
"George has natural ability, and because he hits the ball at the top of the bounce he is set up to do that role" the head coach went on. "What is important for him is having a plan of how he's going to score against certain bowlers, especially against a varied attack that give you different challenges."
Certainly that was the case on Sunday, with Essex having two spinners and a left arm seamer in their armoury and with Surrey selecting Scott Borthwick, Gareth Batty and Sam Curran in both their opening matches it will be a similar challenge at the Oval - and one he hopes the batsmen embrace in a calm manner.
"There have been some big scores and it's about holding your nerve" Dawson added. "240 isn't an average score any more and the totals we've seen are ones that teams expect to both set and be able to chase."
Coverage:
You can follow the match via the live scorecard available on the website, or via Twitter @GlosCricket. Ball by ball commentary is also available on the BBC Sport website.
