The latter is a somewhat bizarre turn of events. Having picked him but not played him in the recent series against Sri Lanka, he isn't picked for the next series, despite having no opportunity to impress or otherwise.
After the season he has had one would have expected him to be a shoo-in. For me, at 32 he must wonder how he gets back in. From a purely selfish perspective he could announce his international retirement and sign a two or three-year deal with us, but that is his call - and Mickey Arthur's, of course.
I would now expect him to be back for our remaining RLODC games and his presence will doubtless galvanise a team that seemed to lack confidence in the last game.
As for Chappell, he is a player I have always liked and a classic case of one who goes to a 'big' club and sees his career stagnate through a lack of opportunity. Both Gloucestershire and Middlesex wanted him, but the lure of Mickey Arthur and Ajmal Shahzad was strong.
He is tall, quick and aggressive, a similar type of bowler to Steve Kirkby in his pomp. He cited the bounce and carry at Derby as major factors, as well as, one assumes, not having to uproot his home life. I think he will do well, and will develop with both bat and ball.
It's funny, with Aitchison, Scrimshaw, Conners, Potts and Chappell, there's an argument that our greater need for another year is a quality spinner. Yet Suranga Lakmal should be back, as well as Anuj Dal and Luis Reece, so we don't lack seam options. That's even before we consider any development in Archie Harrison, who seems a very talented all-rounder.
I suspect a few surprises come the end of season, as the Head of Cricket seeks to put his own 'stamp' on the squad.
Chappell does indeed look like a good signing, and that's great news that we have Masood back.
ReplyDeleteI think where we are lacking is in specialist batsmen. This was exposed in the Royal London game against Glamorgan. Both Wood and Came have yet to convince that they have what it takes. Granted, neither has played that many games, but when they have played, their form has been patchy.
We need someone with experience, and who has demonstrated they can get big scores, and perhaps like Chappell, hasn't been getting enough game time.
Great news to have Masood back. I can't understand why he has not been selected by Pakistan. Their loss is our gain. I think that we have lost 2, drawn 2 and won 1 while he has been away. I would make him captain for the rest of the season to allow Billy to recover his form. Captain Chessy
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