It is well deserved. I thought he was vulnerable in the early part of the season, but he had the strongest summer of the three spinners on the staff. He contributed in all formats and got through a lot of bowling. He also produced some good and telling innings, showing himself capable of battling it out or playing some powerful shots.
Add in his excellent fielding, especially from his own bowling and there is a useful player there. I think - and crucially Mickey Arthur does - that he can get better still. Spinners are always slower to develop and if one speaks to a few, as I have, they considered themselves far better bowlers in their thirties than in their younger days. That is totally understandable, as in most trades and professions you will find the same thing.
I wish him well. He always gives his best and is a friendly and approachable bloke off the field. He likes his dogs too and that always puts me on anyone's side!
Congratulations on the new deal, Alex. We look forward to seeing you in action again in the summers ahead.
Yes, I personally think he deserves it. He has the right attitude to improve further and develop into a Liam Dawson type player.
ReplyDeleteI agree Sam. Think his best years lie ahead
DeleteGood news. I think his returns for this season are good bearing in mind some of the roads prepared. Let's hope we can have some pitches at Derby that turn on day 4.
ReplyDeleteI believe that just leaves Mitch Wagstaff without a deal for 2024 so far.
I don't know his situation. I assume he will be offered one, having not been released, but maybe his plans include studies, which would limit his availability?
DeleteYes I think he deserves at least another year. With his height, he can get some bounce as well as spin from the 'puddeny' Derby pitches.
ReplyDeleteThrilled for Alex as he’s really come on this season and on top of which he has the ability to score runs down the order which is always a bonus. He’s also one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet!
ReplyDeleteI also think he deserves another year, especially since the club have decided that Watt isn't worth using next season--but I still don't think he's good enough to be first choice in any format at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThat should be the second overseas player to my mind--which also means someone who can take Thomson's spot at no.8. I'm not convinced that the batting needs strengthening from overseas--it's the failure to take wickets which has been the biggest problem this year in playing terms.
Decent spinners who aren't being used in either the IPL, the World T20 or international games in April and May are going to be thin on the ground, especially those who can hold a bat. Ramesh Mendis might be worth a shout for the Championship, and Usama Mir for the Blast if MA's inside knowledge can confirm that he won't be otherwise engaged in the Caribbean!