Weekend warmer

It has been nice to get back to a semblance of normality in the last few days and catch up with my messages and my mail bag.

A couple of people asked if I thought that Mickey Arthur might be interested in Aamir Jamal, who has done so well for Pakistan in the series against Australia. 

While his team has struggled, Aamir followed an innings of 82 that featured some remarkable shots with 6-69 as his side took an unlikely first innings lead. More anaemic batting will probably see them whitewashed, however, although Aamir and Rizwan, the two main scorers first time around, will need to replicate their brilliance to give them any chance.

So to answer the question, yes, he will have taken note of the performance but will already be aware of what the player brings to the table. I think it is unlikely he will be in their squad for the T20 World Cup, as he is a little slower than many alternatives and goes at ten an over in his short form career so far. He could be a good asset in the four day game, lengthening the batting, zipping it around and worth an enquiry, perhaps. But there are plenty in that country and I am sure that the Head of Cricket has various irons in the fire depending on the eventual squad selection.

Mind you, Amir and Aamir would keep the proof-readers on their toes...

I still think he will split that second role and have a seamer for the four-day games and an all rounder for the Vitality Blast. 

Speaking of which, I have also been asked if I think there will be any interest in Josh Cobb, who it has finally been announced is leaving Northamptonshire. Cobb seemed to be on his way in the second half of last season, so no doubt there have been contractual niceties to conclude, before the parting of ways was confirmed.

There was a time when I would have grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He has been a long- time thorn in Derbyshire sides over the years, both with Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. 

However, after the winter of recruitment, I can't see how he would improve on what is already there. He is a powerful bat and a useful spinner, while he also has a good pair of hands in the field, even though weight fluctuations can impact on his mobility.

I'm not sure he brings anything different to the squad and in itself that is a favourable comment on how well Mickey Arthur has recruited this year. I cannot think there is money remaining in the budget anyway and our need for a second quality overseas player is greater with what budget is left.

I said a few months back that Mickey had recruited shrewdly in signing Mohammad Amir, as he knows he will be available for the start of the season through to the end of the Blast. That can't be said about too many players and it is interesting that counties have moved for those who they know they can safely recruit. Northamptonshire themselves look set to sign Sikander Raza from Zimbabwe, who won't be at the T20 World Cup, while Worcestershire have  signed Kiwi bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith to go with Usama Mir, who they must feel is far enough down the Pakistan pecking order to be a safe recruit.

There are still plenty of positions to be filled around the country and the next couple of months look likely to be busy. 

I am intrigued as to who Derbyshire will end up with and I think the signing will be crucial to our hopes of a much improved season.

I expected to do better anyway, but the right import could make it very special indeed...