Monday musings - Redfern signs for Leicestershire

Thirty-five days to go...

Today's the day that Daniel Redfern, erstwhile of this parish, secured pastures new and a two-year deal at our near neighbours, Leicestershire.

It represents an opportunity for Redfern to rebuild a career that appeared to be heading nowhere last season, when he slipped so far down the pecking order that his starring role was as a bit part off spin bowler in T20. On his rare appearances with the bat, he seemed to find a way of getting out, usually when he was on the point of being established at the crease.

It made painful viewing, especially for those who had followed his progress from the Academy, through to the second team and into the first eleven. In 2012 he had looked on the verge of something special and produced some brilliant innings, but his career would now appear to be at the crossroads.

I've said before that Redfern at his best is reminiscent of Neil Fairbrother, working the ball around and capable of brilliance, like so many left-handers, when given width outside off-stump. For some reason, last summer that strength had become a weakness and the number of catches to slips and gulley, as well as to the men in front of square, was indicative of someone whose game wasn't 'there'.

I wish him well and only the churlish would do otherwise. While there were issues off the pitch last summer, Redfern gave off his best in county colours. It is ironic that his debut for the Foxes will be against us and I only hope that a resurgence in his career comes after we've got that one out of the way...

Elsewhere, Doug Bollinger, a worthy and canny bowler, has signed for Kent after missing out on an IPL deal. I suspect he will do well and that county has done well to secure his services, as well as Brendan Nash, who will now play as a Kolpak. The latter has proved an inspired signing and has contributed well over the past two summers.

Finally tonight, the blog should hit the half million mark in hits tomorrow, at the regular winter usage level. To mark it, I will be starting the interview with Chris Taylor, which you don't want to miss. Before the season I will also be running another that I conducted with seam bowling legend Brian Jackson, who was both interesting and entertaining.

Then we'll be into the season and there will be the highs and lows to report on, all over again.

I'm hoping for a surfeit of highs this summer - but we'll see what you all expect in a pre-season poll that I will be running in the next few weeks.

See you soon!