Sri Lanka Cricket / Ryan ten doeschate / 27 June 2009 / Leave a comment

The Essex all-rounder reflects on getting Mark Ramprakash out, a tough night at Lord's made more bearable by the incredible restaurant and the signing of a mystery South African batsman...

We're right in the thick of the domestic T20 Cup competition and it's been a relief to see that attendances have still been strong despite the T20 World Cup just finishing.

This year's competition carries even more significance as the top three teams from each group will compete in Division One of next year's new T20 competition.

After last night's defeat to Middlesex, tomorrow's match against Hampshire at Chelmsford is a must-win for us in order to qualify for the latter stages. We'll have to pick ourselves up from a disappointing performance and get the job done without batsmen Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara, who were noticable exclusions from last night's team at Lord's.

Personally I've had very few opportunities to stand up in this competition and although it generally means that the team is doing well it is also highly frustrating. I had a good run with the ball last year but have only bowled a handful of overs so far, mainly because we've played three spinners and Rav has done the third seamer's job.

I managed to get Mark Ramprakash out on Thursday night which is always a highlight, and even more satisfying as I 'did him' with a good slowy. Ramps is a run machine and would feature on most bowler's 'least favourite batsman to bowl at' list. He has all the scoring shots and is equally prolific on the front and back foot which leaves very little margin for error.

Cookie has had a fantastic competition and his emergence as a T20 opener must give England a new option. He worked really hard on adjusting his game and has now discovered a method that really works. All good players can adapt and Cookie's come through after taking a lot of stick from the boys about being a 'blocker.'

Apart from the obvious good it's done for the team it also presents good signs for the Ashes which is only around the corner now.

As I've already mentioned we had a tough night at Lord's yesterday. The history and aesthetics of both the playing surface and surrounding stands make it a favourite for most cricketers and supporters alike but the players' restaurant is also incredible. The choice of mains and desserts are always impressive and the quality of the food could match a Michelin star restaurant. Apart from the a seaming pitch, a canny bowler, or possibly even the famous Lord's slope, the kitchen offers another potential pitfall for batters and bowlers and its important to not get carried away with the food.

Danni (Kaneria) has been the heart of our bowling attack this season at Essex and it's a big loss to see him go join up with Pakistan. I know he can't wait to play Test cricket again and with the way he's been bowling I expect him to match the skills and class of Muralitheran and Mendes.

It's not been officially announced but we've signed a South African batsman as his replacement. This may well work out better for us as we've been light on runs and we also have two good spinners in Tim Phillips and James Middlebrook who can now shine in Danni's absence.

After tomorrow we have a week off, which is heaven-sent for any county cricketer. I'll definitely be working on some skills but for the most part I'll be recharging the batteries for the remainder of the season. But before I can look forward to my time of rest I would like to make sure we qualify for the T20 Quarter-Finals.