Keeping issue set for natural clarification

I'm not sure how many of you have picked up on this one, but there is an interesting piece on the Warwickshire website regarding Boyd Rankin.

The former Derbyshire bowler and Irish international says that he hopes to make a telling contribution next summer, which will be his last in the county game.

Why? Because Ireland's new international status will see Rankin and other Irish players classed as overseas players.

This has obvious ramifications for other counties and specifically for Derbyshire. It would be fair to assume that this will also be the last for Gary Wilson in the county game. However, with the player having signed a three-year deal, it could be that he will retain county availability to the end of that contract.

It would also be safe, I think, to assume that he would not be a number one pick for the overseas role, unless producing a summer of Bradman-like proportions in the interim period.

Thus the battle for the wicket-keeping role becomes more clear cut and a straight fight between Harvey Hosein and Daryn Smit. It makes the recent award of an extended deal for the South African more logical for some, no doubt, though  it was always so from my perspective, as you know.

As I have said before, I see the role behind the timbers as a two-way battle and expect Wilson to play, when available, primarily as a batting specialist. Both Hosein and Smit will get game time next summer and, while Harvey may well be the long-term incumbent, he can learn a lot from an acknowledged master of his trade.

I expect Harvey to be a very impressive player in a couple of years. Equally, I expect Daryn to be far better prepared for next summer than this year.

Surgery and recovery ate into much of last March and April.

Expect to see him back to his batting best next year.