Sometimes rumours are true and it would appear that this is one such occasion.
The signing of Martin Andersson on a two-year deal makes sense, because he is a cricketer of proven ability, who will probably improve with greater opportunity and a specific role in the side.
For some reason he has not always been a first pick for Middlesex, but I have always watched his career since he played for us on loan and he regularly does well. Yesterday I watched as he made a game-changing unbeaten 35 from 23 deliveries, as his side chased a challenging total against Northamptonshire.
He is the right age of cricketer to come to the county. He will offer a good bowling option, while his batting should improve. For me, it is somewhere between his first-class average of 21 and his List A one of 57. We watched him last week play a sensible knock against us and steer his side to a decent total with an innings of 46.
Perhaps not a spectacular signing, but certainly a solid one, a player with a point to prove. The recruitment of such a player, coming to his peak and with the ability to offer something with bat and ball, is something that I can get behind.
As always, I welcome your comments
Welcome (back) to Derbyshire, Martin!
I noted that too, Adam. Almost everyone who has commented on social media is disappointed to see him leaving. He only has just over 30 first last games in seven seasons.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a player who might thrive with more cricket and faith in him? He looks decent to me and we are picking him up at an age when he knows his game..
I was very surprised when I looked this morning at how few championship games he has played. Every time
ReplyDeleteI've watched him I've thought he looks a good cricketer. I look forward to seeing how/where he settles into the team.
He seems to have had a great season with the bat. Middlesex fan I spoke to on Saturday, says we are getting a good player, who is getting better. We do seem a bit top heavy with all rounders though, especially if Proctor is next...Kris
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ReplyDeleteSpoke to his mother at Lords, wanted
ReplyDeletehim to move north since his loan spell with us. She wasn't happy about the cost of living and playing in London.
Hopefully a good signing but when you consider we already have a number of all-rounders, where does he fit in? With Reece, Dal and even Chappell, I’m wondering if someone is leaving. Okay having a number of all-rounders but we surely need a specialist bat and the same applies to the bowling. I am not overly enamoured with bits and pieces cricketers although that’s probably a poor description of those players mentioned. Paradoxically, l am a big fan of the three and probably just ruined my argument in saying so but surely three all-rounders is sufficient in any eleven.
ReplyDeleteNotwithstanding my comments, l do hope that Martin flourishes in Derbyshire colours.
Nudger
Andersson is significantly better than Reece (now) and Dal (never plays) in T20 cricket. He opened the batting most games for Middlesex in the blast and could see him and Donald forming a destructive opening partnership.
DeleteIn the championship I’d expect it to be a competition between him and Dal for the bowling all rounder spot.
We certainly need a quality batter and bowler (id argue spinner) for next season but I agree with Steve, that's where you have to get the right overseas players in.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit he's not a signing that inspires me to think 2025 will be a turning point for Derbyshire cricket. A bit of a meat and potato all-rounder who has underdelivered with the bat in first class cricket and is not a kid. I of course hope he proves me wrong.
Tim, Chesterfield
If he gets enough game time at Derbyshire, he might thrive. But I also wonder if one of the other all-rounders is going to leave.
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