Regular contributor notoveryet suggested in a comment to a recent article that Dominic Cork could be a worthwhile signing for Derbyshire - if not as a landmark signing, then one to set the T20 DJ scrambling for a copy of the old Peters and Lee hit "Welcome Home".
On the face of it there is some merit. The 'show pony' of Geoff Boycott's description has been replaced by a media-savvy, articulate and smart cricketer and man who has done a good job at Hampshire, captaining them with no little skill and contributing here and there when wickets or runs are required.
It would be unrealistic to expect much more of course. Cork is now 40 and his 22 championship wickets at 35 (albeit in the top division) are decent enough, if not spectacular. He averages over 20 with the bat too, so has obviously got something left in the tank. In the T20 he has captained the team especially well, aided by a wicket that turns more than most and the presence of three gifted spinners in the side. Indeed, seeing him skipper the more mature Shahid Afridi yesterday brought back memories of when he did the same at Derbyshire. I saw Cork very frustrated in Glasgow, when the Pakistani leg spinner bowled absolute tosh on the side of the wicket where Cork had no fielders, irrespective of how that field was set. Cork has only gone for seven an over in the T20 too, leading from the front with the new ball.
I could see him as a positive influence on young players, of which we have many, and with his son in the Academy setup there is additional merit in his potential return. Critics will recall the acrimonious times before he left and the departure for Lancashire, but, like most people, Cork has matured considerably since then. If he stayed fit, a move could be mutually beneficial.
For me there are two, maybe three major stumbling blocks. For one, Hampshire may offer him a new deal and will be able to offer more than us if they do. For another, Cork may decide to quit while he is ahead and in the top flight, then head off for what will surely be a successful media career.
Thirdly, and perhaps most important, time waits for no man. Cork at 40 is a fit bloke with plenty to offer. Yet the history of the game offers plenty of examples of players who went on for a season too long, becoming shadows of their former selves in so doing. Whether 41 year old Cork can still do it on the pitch is a moot point and he doesn't strike me as the sort of bloke who would want to simply go through the motions.
Yet the romance of a return would be interesting. The return of the prodigal son? I'm keen to see your thoughts on that one...
I think he,s a bit too long in the tooth peakfan. He is in decline as a player and whilst his experience would be of some help,i,m not sure he would still be able to perform as both he and we would wish. Like you say,next season could be a bridge too far. I would be reluctant to take on any player much past 35 or 36,especially a bowler. The mind might be willing,but the body will probably have other ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe return of Dominic "judge me by results" Cork ?? You've not been at those Jamaican woodbines, have you Peakfan ?? When he arrived at Hampshire the fans loved him for his all-out effort, joie-de-vivre etc. but the club then made the error of making him skipper. Great player but he isn't the same when given responsiblity & he's now too old anyway. Not for me I'm afraid but I'm sure it will stimulate some interesting discussion of the Marmite variety !
ReplyDeleteLOL ACD! He's not for me either on balance, but others may think differently...
ReplyDeleteDonny Scorpion
ReplyDeleteWhilst I have always admired Corks's enthusiasm I feel as with Katich I do not feel ecstatic about the thought of his return
Cork and Katich to return, yes please! Cork as captain and Katich as overseas player would be great. No disrespect to Krik but Cork would make a great Head of Cricket.
ReplyDeleteI think would have great contacts in the game and can obviously progess young players. Corky would need a coach and maybee this is where Krik could come in. I am not sure that Cork could get on with Mr. Grant though. I am not sure the County Ground is big enough for both of their egos!
Ben
He's a top player, a great guy and would walk into the current Derbys team. My preference would be to have him as player-manager, to be honest. Perhaps he would ask some questions about the ludicrous situation of Borrington - Borrington! - getting a 3-year contract whereas Smith is allowed to leave.
ReplyDeleteBen I think you're being unfair to Cork and Grant on the 'ego' comment.
ReplyDeleteDevon - Smith was offered a contract WAY ahead of what Borrington is on and turned it down as he wanted a salary that we cannot afford and/or cannot justify based on his performances.
It appears that some people have short memories as far as "Captain" Cork is concerned. Having been given the opportunity to run the whole show, the club was in a parlous state when he left due to his inability to "manage". I believe he went on the same man - management course as John Morris (they both managed to get their money back !!) & the vast majority of supporters were glad to see the back of him.
ReplyDeleteBoth him & John were great players but I think we should leave it there.
For me Corky would be worth a season, but would imagine his financial demands would put it out of the question.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have him in any leadership role though - don't think he's a great captain - just think his experience could provide leadership to the younger lads that way.
still lives in Derby
ReplyDelete