In my post earlier today I omitted to mention the key position that John Morris has to fill behind the stumps for Derbyshire next year.
I was as disappointed as most when Lee Goddard failed to translate talent into consistency, although the highly rated Tom Poynton had some harrowing days in the first eleven too. Poynton suffered from the erratic nature of Atif Sheikh and Mark Footitt in the early season and has failed to regain a place. Most recently he has suffered a chipped bone in his little finger, causing John Morris to bring in Steve Adshead, formerly of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Adshead has let no one down and was one of the few to come back from Horsham with his reputation intact. Innings of 49 and 31 not out left his game average almost Bradmanesque...
He will not be the only option this winter though. Some correspondents have mentioned young Leicestershire keeper Joel Pope as a possibility, while ex-Worcestershire gloveman Josh Knappett may also be considered after good displays for the Unicorns.
Whoever John Morris opts for has to offer us reliability behind the stumps and runs with the bat. We're not expecting Adam Gilchrist, or even James Pipe with the bat, but a reliable 25-30 average would do nicely at number eight, with anything else a bonus.
While an established player like Luke Sutton may be unhappy at Lancashire, the need to play young players might legislate against him. The salary for an established player could be too, though any wicket-keeper knows there's only space for one in every team, something that could convince a player to make more modest wage demands.
My preference as an established wicket keeper would be Northamptonshire's Niall O'Brien, a competent player behind the stumps and a hard-hitting batsman at the top of the order. He could be affordable and allow John Morris leeway in his budget to overhaul his team for 2011. As things stand, the only players that I would see guaranteed a place in a first choice side next year are Wayne Madsen, Greg Smith, Garry Park and Chesney Hughes.
Seven places up for grabs. Looks like a lot to write about this winter...
My first thought pointed towards O'Brien. He has the added experience of being comfortable playing up the order and can score quickly in one day situations. With an average in the mid 30s, he would look a fair bet at this stage, now that he has been ousted from the first XI at Northants.
ReplyDeleteMASTERVILLAIN
He'd be my choice too MV, but much will depend on his being released and wage demands. One thing in our favour is that most counties are wll off for a wicket keeper, so there would be less competition for the services of a given player.
ReplyDeleteNiall O'Brien would be an outstanding signing. Would be surprsied if we could pull it off though.
ReplyDeleteWe don't know that O'Brien is available and he misses lots of games playing for Ireland. Adshead looks a decent keeper and he can bat. I'd be happy to have him behind the stumps next season.
ReplyDeleteSutton is getting on a bit and doesn't hit the ball enough for the 20/20. We aren't like Lancashire who can afford a keeper for each format. Our keeper must be able to do well in all formats and I think that Adshead does.
DCCCFOREVER
Yes no complaints from me re Adshead. Good point re O'Briens Irish commitments! Adshead looked a good keeper and can obviously bat well.
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