Mellor challenges Staffordshire to get up for the cup after their strong start
ALEX Mellor says Staffordshire must continue to be students of the Twenty20 game after making a promising start to this season’s campaign.
Staffs have had a distinctly modest record in the short format since it was introduced into the National Counties Cricket Association programme in 2015.
The past two seasons have seen
T20 cricket put on the back burner at NCCA level because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it has returned this summer... with a seemingly revitalised Staffordshire making an early impact in Group One.
They claimed twin victories in their double header against Northumberland at Porthill Park to kick off proceedings, before winning one and losing one of Sunday’s encounters against Shropshire at Whitchurch.
“Three wins out of four isn’t a bad start,” said Mellor, who is the county’s playercoach.
“We are continually learning in every game. We now have an X-factor player in Riki Wessels (the former Notts and Worcestershire batsman) who has played this format all around the world.
“He offers plenty of advice to the guys and I hope they are learning from him. It’s not just a crash, bang, wallop.
“The big thing we’ve noticed is the players are learning, which is a massive * factor in our start. We’ve gone with a younger side this summer in T20s, with a little bit of experience thrown in as well.
“The guys are playing a lot more short format cricket and that helps them learn to adapt to situations in games.”
Mellor admits that education will continue, including learning from the mistakes which cost Staffordshire their perfect record in Sunday’s second game.
They appeared to be in control of proceedings, but lost their way to ultimately fall to defeat, which prevented them from backing up their morning victory.
“The second game was frustrating for us because we were in a commanding position,” added Mellor.
“Shropshire had put on what we considered to be a par score (145) and we had a really good platform and were ahead of the rate.
“But then a cluster of wickets really cost us. If you panic in Twenty20 cricket it does mean things go wrong.
“The first game was close at times, but the lads were calm and knew what was required in the chase, which is credit to them.
“They did everything we asked to get over the line in that one.”
Staffordshire are back in action this Sunday when they entertain Cheshire at Mellor’s home club of Leek.
The matches start at 11am and 2.30pm - and could prove pivotal to both sides’ chances of finishing top of the group and advancing to finals day.
Staffs currently top the standings, but Cheshire have two wins out of two after sitting out last weekend’s round of fixtures.
Cumbria are also two from two after starting off in style against Northumberland on Sunday.
“Cheshire have been a good Twenty20 side for a few years,” explained Mellor.
“But it’s all about whether we turn up on the day and perform - if we do, we have every chance of delivering positive results.
“If you do the basics well, better than the opposition, that’s often the key to T20 cricket.
“You often find teams win one game apiece, so a lot of the time it’s about adapting to that second game as well as performing in the first.
“Hopefully we can get a couple of wins on Sunday.
“It’s great to be playing at Leek and, I know I’m biased, but it’s one of the best grounds in the county.
“It’s a great fixture for the club to host.” All spectators are welcome to attend Sunday’s games, and refreshments will be available.