Smith - the talking point

One of the talking points on the blog in recent weeks has been Greg Smith and his likely departure from the club. I'm still a long way from convinced that there are numerous offers out there for the mercurial all-rounder and I've gone on record with my comments on his contributions to the club. I think he has a lot of talent, but he hasn't yet scored the runs nor taken the wickets that such talent should do.

The question remains, however, as to how we would replace him if he goes.There appears to be an all-rounder in the making in Peter Burgoyne, but it would be foolish to suggest that he could be a first team regular next season. Jonathan Clare could theoretically move up to number six or seven, but his batting has not yet revealed the consistency of such an important role.

I've been very impressed by the form this season of Gloucestershire's Will Gidman, who is closing in on a thousand runs at an average of over 40, while taking 43 wickets so far at just 22 runs each. I would suggest that makes him a contender for most improved player of the year by a distance. Nothing in his previous record at Durham suggested he was capable of such form, but he has moved to a county where he has been given responsibility and a fresh start and has thrived. A batting average of 12 and a bowling one that was nothing to shout about suggested that John Bracewell had made a mistake, but full credit to the Kiwi coach, he has produced a fine player for his county side.

That being the case, I'm just wondering whether a move for Ben Harmison might not be a bad idea if Smith goes? Like Gidman, Harmison junior has been a victim of his club's success and has struggled to establish himself. While his batting average in the twenties and bowling one in the thirties is nothing to get overly excited about, given his minimal opportunity it is not the worst either, positively Bradmanesque compared to Gidman's 'previous'.

I previously discounted the player as not being good enough for us, but perhaps I was hasty. Three centuries and seven fifties suggests a player who can play, while four 4-wicket innings highlights ability with the ball. Yes, two of those centuries came against lesser sides, but as things stand I am unaware of another player who is on the market that could step into this crucial role any better.

He will be 26 next summer. Too old to earn any money for us (most of which would go to Durham anyway) but having played enough cricket, like Wes Durston, to know his game pretty well. At his best, confident and, importantly, appreciated, he could turn out to be a good and affordable cricketer.

If we assume that Luke Sutton will gradually be replaced by Tom Poynton in the next couple of years - as has to happen, as Poynton is an increasingly able cricketer with bat and gloves - then the Derbyshire engine room will be crucial.

Irrespective of the makeup of the top five batting roles, having Whiteley, Harmison, Poynton and Clare in whatever order at 6-9 gives a combination of youth and vitality. Whiteley at present looks more of a batting all-rounder, while Harmison is perhaps at present the opposite. Clare has the ability to be the real deal as an all-rounder, especially if he can sort his footwork and technique early in his innings. With a good season behind him, he can winter in the knowledge that his shoulder is now A1 and he is ready to take the next step.

Much can happen in the course of a winter's fitness and net work. If we were to pick up Harmison and the Gidman effect happened with him, if Ross Whiteley's work with Mike Hendrick pays off as a bowler and Clare returns to the fray invigorated, we could have three fine all-rounders in there. Add in Poynton's boisterous stroke play and there is a lot of things to be excited about.

The side could then be completed with what the wicket requires. Knight if it is likely to turn, two seamers if not. Even before we consider an overseas player, the following notional twelve has a lot of potential:

Madsen
Borrington
Hughes
Durston
Redfern
Whiteley
Harmison
Clare
Poynton
Groenewald
Palladino
Knight

Add in Marks Turner and Footitt and there's competition for places again.

Of course, as always I welcome your thoughts...