Four recent concussions have seen the only logical consequence for the wicket-keeper/batsman. There are far more important things in life than cricket and Harvey will doubtless get support from the club and the Professional Cricketers Association as he forges a new career.
It is a desperate shame for the player and also for the club. He has always been an organised, technically correct batsman, one capable of accumulating steadily, if not usually quickly. Last season he started the year in fine form, his technique solid and his bat seemingly impenetrable. Sadly, the blows on the head that he received have had major consequences and his career has ended prematurely.
As a wicket keeper he was solid, occasionally spectacular. His record haul on debut at The Oval, when he looked slight enough to be collecting autographs, rather than catches, perhaps hindered him subsequently, as high expectations were set for a lad who had been promoted ahead of his time.
Like Tom Poynton before him, he has the time and opportunity to make a new career and, as a bright lad, he will undoubtedly do so.
Like all county supporters I wish him well.
It leaves Derbyshire, a county that at times has had three or four keepers on the books, with only Brooke Guest to call upon. The new Head of Cricket will look at that and decide whether a second keeper is needed, or the money could be better utilised elsewhere in the squad.
With loans fairly easily accessible, both options are very feasible and there will be good options out there if a permanent option is deemed the better one.
Very sad. Definitely a talented wicketkeeper and underrated batsman. He has my best wishes. On a completely different subject, has anyone noticed that Curtis Campher took 4 wickets in 4 balls for Ireland against The Netherlands yesterday and also scored the winning runs. A target for Derbyshire surely?!
ReplyDeleteCampher is a fine player, but would have to be signed as an overseas player, as Ireland now are a 'Test' nation.
DeleteIs he good enough for that? I haven't seen enough to decide, but suspect a few might fancy him as a T20 pick..
Very sad news. Good luck to Harvey for the future.
ReplyDeleteWe don't produce too many home grown talents who can hold down a place comfortably in the first team so to lose HH is very disappointing.
This is very sad, one of only a couple of Derbyshire players i would have loved my county to sign. Thought he had huge talent as a CC batsmen, although you never seemed too keen PF, despite your usually positive nature you always seemed to have a bit of a downer on HH. You seen far more of him than I so perhaps justified as not as good as appeared from a far. I imagine he must have contacts in place and something lined up in finance to do this now. What was his pathway to Derbyshire, was he ex public school?
ReplyDeleteEssex Fan
Not a downer, but I was realistic. I think he was an organised batsman who might have been good in the top four, as his scoring wasn't quick enough to score with only the tail for company.
DeleteAs a keeper, solid, good standing back, OK standing up.
But as others have said, he came through our academy and, we must hope that more do under Daryn Smit, than have done previously.
I wish him well, as we all do
Very sad. DCCC seem cursed on the back of Poynton, Burgoyne, Needham, Richard Johnson and now Hosein with premature retirements, just off the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteCurious that Will Pucowski the Aussie batter has had 10 concussions but still plays, whereas Hosein has had fewer concussions but has had to call it quits.
Think that one is down to the medical advice being given and the willingness to listen to it.
DeleteHarvey will make a great fist of his new career and likely do well having worked towards qualifications.
Not sure if Pucowski has a plan B, but advisors should be telling him straight he has to look after his future and health
I'm really sorry to hear this news. I'm a long-time Harvey Hosein fan and his ability to stick around at the crease rather than be content with flashy cameos was admirable. With a limited budget, I think it makes sense to strengthen other parts of the team rather than seek another wicket-keeper. The jury is still out on Brooke Guest, despite some promising performances, but I think he deserves a year as first choice to see if he can live up to the hopes people have of him as a batsman-keeper.
ReplyDeleteA great shame. Harvey was a solid batsmen and excellent keeper. I wish him well in his search for a new career.
ReplyDeleteMight the club want to find him a role even after retirement? There aren't many as articulate and well liked by all? His " twitter" interview yesterday was a measure of the guy, and he'll be a loss to cricket for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhether he wants to is another point? Retirement at 25 must hit very hard, and walking away completely may be the only way.