One of the many attractions of tomorrow's friendly between Australia and the Derbyshire Academy (at least the bowling side...) is the opportunity to have a look at some of the Australians with a view to one of them being our overseas player in 2011.
Like most of you, my preference would be to have Chris Rogers back for another year, a man who pretty much guarantees 1250 Championship runs and 100% commitment. As things stand, however, this is likely to be his last season at Derby unless he earns an international recall. Given the Australian depth of batting I'd have to say that seems unlikely, so we must enjoy Cap'n Buck while we can. Mind you, 200 tomorrow or Friday might do his cause no harm...
Some of the Aussies are out of reach of course. Ponting, Clarke and Watson need county cricket like I need two tickets to see Peter Andre in concert, but players like Marcus North (again) and Michael Hussey may be possibilities. The latter went on record earlier this year to say he fancied another county stint, though that may not be at this stage, of course.
I read today that Warwickshire are set to offer Michael Dighton, erstwhile of this parish, a short term deal to the end of the season, while they have also announced that they fancy signing Eoin Morgan from Middlesex when his contract runs out at the end of this season. If Morgan's stock continues to rise, he is likely to play marginally more county cricket in the next three years than me, so it might just be a vanity signing. I still have concerns over Ashley Giles' dual role as Warwickshire coach and England selector, which seems to give him something of an advantage when quality players come on the market. Maybe he'll go for Kevin Pietersen too, acquiring the best of talent like a multi millionaire acquires works of art.
There'll be a lot of this over the next few months, and rumours of Graham Wagg's departure at the end of the season rumble on. I don't know if he plans to leave or not, but there are two things that I would say. Firstly, he owes us nothing. He was given another chance at Derbyshire and has been a model professional since his arrival, a talisman on the pitch and a player who has always given total commitment. I hope no one plays the "lack of loyalty" card, as any one of us, offered the chance of more money to do our current job elsewhere, would do so without a second thought.
At the same time, life will go on. We've not had him this season, and we've done OK. Yes, we'd miss him, but we've missed Jon Clare too and for me he would be the natural replacement, already in the club. I would stress however that is IF Wagg leaves. There are lots of stories and everybody has one. John Morris will almost certainly have to reshape his squad this winter - not just Rogers, but probably Robin Peterson will be unable to return under regulations. He may decide there's a couple of bowlers need replaced too, but all these things go together. Who's to say, for example, that Langeveldt may not return as a Kolpak next year? That would sort a seamer's position, but we'd then need a spinner, unless Morris decides Smith, Needham and Durston could handle that side of things.
I don't see many batting changes at the county over the winter as I think we're well catered for, especially after the signing of Wes Durston, but the focus of attention may well be on the bowling.
Any Aussies worth signing?
Well rested and tanned I presume Peakfan?
ReplyDeleteApart from a possible overseas batting selection, I would agree that there is likely to be minimal change in that particular department. The youngsters should remain clear of Morris's axe, although I should imagine Sadler may slip away.
One line of thinking would suggest we make do with what we have got in the spin ranks, although my own leaning would be towards seeking a Peterson replacement. I believe it will be imperative that we seek to strengthen in that area if we want to mount a credible challenge in CC2 next year. There are few players to choose from though, that both meet the international appearances rule, but remain a peripheral/non-regular international, who is likely to be available all term. I have a couple of Indians and a New Zealander in mind, though I have not researched this one properly yet.
You hint at changes in the seam bowling ranks and I would concur. Both Hunter and Lungley are likely to be subject to careful review. I could not understand why the former was given a two year deal at the end of 2009. I would be disappointed, though not that surprised if Waggy left. However, I would be very unhappy if Uncle Ashley turned out to be the benefactor. His dual role, as you point out, raises serious questions.
The squad nucleus now looks reasonably good on paper. Perhaps we need a couple more good youngsters in the mix to help us comply with the new age related rewards and I would hope Morris is keeping a close eye on all 2nd XI activities in this regard.
MASTERVILLAIN
Noboby mentioned aussie phil hughes
ReplyDeletehes a good 2020 player as well.
Nice to hear from you again Master Villian - trust you keep well?
ReplyDeleteIf you're talking about New Zealanders and Indians I presume you mean as overseas player? They don't qualify as Kolpaks, only South Africans and West Indians currently do (plus Zimbabwe, if they'd any worth signing)
I'm sure Morris will be keeping an eye on the world and lower elevens of cricket to improve the side!
As for Hughes, yes, he's a fine player who might boost his claims with a good county season, as might Steve Smith, one who might be encouraged to have a season in England for development purposes.
Big winter ahead!