While we await news of the big names who we hope will transform our fortunes on and off the field, the club has been busy in securing the services of the best of its young talent.
Hence the news today that Alex Hughes has signed a new deal to the end of 2018, following on from most of his colleagues. I reckon that by the time that contract comes to an end, Alex will be skippering the county in at least one form of the game, likely the one-day cricket. That's assuming, of course, that we're not bringing in some Barlovian figure from overseas to transform our fortunes, which is highly unlikely, as Eddie Barlows are once in a century type of cricketers.
Yet Hughes could become a special player himself. His challenge next year is to prove that the encouraging displays of the season end were no fluke and his elevation to number three in the order is part of the natural progression of things. He has the technique - now to see if the powers of concentration are there and he can build a succession of big scores.
He did a good job in captaining the county in limited opportunities last year and seemed to enjoy the experience. A winter in Australia, where he will play alongside Ben Slater in Victorian A grade cricket, will do him the world of good, as it will Ben.
I'll be following their fortunes over the long, dark months and report on them when I can, as I will on Matt Critchley in Sydney, where he will work alongside some very good coaches.
Good luck to all of the lads, in weather considerably better than we will get here!
Yes good news about Alex signing an extension. I can only assume we are putting the finishing touches to Ben Slater's new contract as he is going down under and according to the clubs website his contract was to the end of the 2016 season.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very harsh on Durham as others have larger debts but the debts are placed elsewhere. The North East has large footballing followings but there must be the opportunity to develope cricket further, I would put one of my T20 franchises up there, so I think the ECB have been short sighted in their view. Relegation perhaps but further points docking no.
Good news, I was impressed with Alex at the back end of last season. Billy sees something in him which is good. I have always been a little skeptical about him as a player, wondered if his bowling is good enough and if he could bat top 6 but maybe he can. I do like his economy rate, always seems to be tidy even if not a massive wicket taking threat.
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