Some interesting comments on the rumoured interest in Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria on last night's post. I'll stand by last night's comments that he would be a good signing, but I'm somewhat sceptical that it would happen - at least, anytime soon.
As notoveryet rightly points out, the spot fixing allegations of last year have still to be found proven or innocent and until that happens it would be unlikely that the Pakistan Cricket Board would allow Kaneria back into county cricket. I understand there was interest in the player from Surrey this season and his signing was blocked. I am very much a believer in someone being innocent until proven guilty and will make no comment on his situation in this regard. What I would say is that a player of his calibre who became available would not want for suitors.
I wouldn't see his signing as similar to that of Venkat back in the 1970s. Although the Indian was a class act, we had two off spin bowlers ready for county cricket at that time in Geoff Miller and Bob Swindell. Now we have Tom Knight, who may be off to university and Peter Burgoyne who might benefit from the tuition he got from a world class spin bowler but isn't yet close to being a first team regular.
I also feel that, although we have more young batsmen of talent than bowlers, we may find a batsman a greater need. Theoretically next season we could otherwise have a top six of Borrington, Madsen, Hughes, Durston, Redfern and Whiteley - high on potential, but not especially rich in experience.
If Kaneria was in our sights and we could also pick up an experienced batsman from these shores it would be a different matter, but the budget may not allow for both.
Bit of a poser, eh?
I don't know who we will end up with, though I doubt it will be Kaneria. And while my preference would be for a batsman, I would take a world class performer with the ball over an average willow-wielder anytime - and vice-versa.
I think you are probably right on the Kaneria story. I am in agreement with your summing up. We probably need a batter more, but class is class and if he was secured with the addition of a decent young batsman into the bargain, I would be pretty happy.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting snippet tonight has been Durham's decision to release Ben Harmison. Similar averages to Ant Botha, but at 25, there could be some value in considering his merits. At 6'5", he should get some bounce and he has potential with the bat.
Certainly, we are quite well stocked on the seam bowling front, but his all round play could be an asset with Smith due to depart, albeit not quite a like for like replacement.
Age and budget may prove an issue. Even at 25 now, Krikken's cautionary note in reference to Lineker's age reflects the weight of importance now being placed on the aged related ECB funding. The challenge is finding good young 'uns before the next county.
On reflection, I this Whiteley's emergence and the introduction of Knight and Burgoyne says much for Krikken's realisation that he has to get the team's age composition better balanced. Not easy, when trying to improve results at the same time.
Typo work 5 final para 'think'
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