Will it happen? Who knows, but I hope so. There is a talented squad shaping up for next season and it only seems to require a talisman to lead on the pitch.
It is evident, however, that the overseas market is a challenge. Quite simply, most of the big names simply don't need the graft of the county game, when they can make more money in less time with the many franchise opportunities around the globe.
This week, Gloucestershire announced the signing of Australian all-rounder Liam Scott. He seems a decent player, but a batting average of 27 and bowling one of 30 is hardly spectacular. Meanwhile Hampshire picked up Jake Lehmann on a two-year deal as a 'local' player. Again a fair player, but in his early thirties he averages the same. I'm not sure what it says to the domestic players on their staff. Both signings could turn out to be brilliant, but on the face of it they are solid, rather than spectacular.
The ever more congested calendar makes overseas recruitment a real challenge. Derbyshire also need a third overseas player for the Blast and my guess is still a spinner, which seems our greatest need, especially with Alex Thomson and Samit Patel gone and Jack Morley not likely to play that format.
Speaking of overseas players, Blair Tickner continue to take wickets for New Zealand, but picked up a nasty shoulder injury in their last game, which looks set to rule him out for some time.
I wish him well, as I'm sure you all do.
Chris Rushworth, so often the bane of Derbyshire lives in his time leading the Durham attack, has announced his retirement from first class cricket. He has been an outstanding county bowler and I am sure will be equally effective as a coach at Warwickshire.
Were I to select a team of players who would scare our side, Rushworth opening the bowling and Nick Browne, of Essex, the batting would be the first names on the team sheet!
Finally today, Lancashire announced this week that Sir Jimmy Anderson will be their red ball captain in 2026. Unless anyone can tell me different, I assume that is the first time a knight of the realm has been a standing county captain.
At 43 he will also be the oldest skipper in the current county game. Wayne Madsen, two years younger, will simply need to keep playing to catch up...
He has the Cricket World Cup to look forward to before the next county season.
We're all Italy, aren't we?
See you soon!
Si, buongiorno
ReplyDeleteAndy
Impressive, Andy. I used to speak Italian when I was at school. Every night I would get home and shout 'Mam, ah'm 'ere'...
DeleteHasn't Wayne been named as captain of Italy for the World Cup? Sure I read that somewhere...
ReplyDeleteHe has indeed. Il capitano Wayne!
DeleteJewell averaged 32 when he rocked up so it wouldn't surprise me to see both Aussies do well. Reality is that Sheffield Shield is now a higher standard than County Cricket. Canny signings in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThey might, Hamez. I guess if you have only 6 teams the standard SHOULD be high?
DeleteSadly I think the top level of grade cricket in Australia would also quite often be competitive with County cricket.
DeleteThere are many reasons ranging from the ECB being so keen to sideline county cricket (and open disdain from England selectors/coaching team for it) all the way to the popularity of the Premier League these days but I don't think County cricket is in rude health to be honest.
It is undoubtedly getting far harder to sigh overseas players especially for more then a handful of games at a time. As we seem pretty well covered batting wise it’s even harder to get a decent overseas pace bowler for any length of time. The West Indies domestic season is very short so maybe taking a chance on a young up and coming West Indies pace bowler might be the answer although obviously it might be a little risky as their own league standard is now quite weak
ReplyDeleteHaving watched the NZ v WI test highlights, my guess is they don't have any "up and coming" fast bowlers. If they did they would be in the touring team. The bowlers on show in that series were pretty mediocre. They relied on 35yo Roach to carry the attack.
DeleteBeware of the Pear
I remain unconvinced of the worth of signing an overseas bowler. There are so few good ones available.
ReplyDeleteBest spend the money on home grown talent.
It needs to be a really good one, Ian. I thought Tickner would take more wickets than he did. Then again, Lakmal should have done. It's a long season and hard graft to get through..not for the faint hearted and it needs luck with injuries to do so
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