David Lloyd, who has stepped down from the role, looked to be struggling at the end of last summer, when the challenges of establishing himself at a new club, some distance from his home and with injuries to contend with, became too much.
His struggles with his mental health have been well documented. He is a good cricketer, better than last season showed him to be. There were glimpses of form, with some delightful stroke play at times, but they came in cameos and he was unable to deliver the weight of runs that supporters - and he - would have liked.
Injuries to his knee and hand also limited what he could do with the ball. A player who has made his name as a solid county all rounder was thus restricted to one string of his talented bow. An excellent slip fielder, he often had to field elsewhere to protect his hand, so it is fair to say we didn't see him at his best.
He was able to turn back time and bowl the off spin of his younger days, but I'm sure he would have preferred the opportunity to show a new set of supporters his best game, without such challenges.
You never know what is going on away from cricket, either. Getting your young family established in a new area is not easy and all things considered, it was no real surprise that David struggled. Especially when asked to take the helm of a team that, let's face it, has hardly been successful.
That is a tough gig. Rikki Clarke was a terrific county cricketer for many years, but he found it challenging at Derbyshire after leaving Surrey, before moving to Warwickshire and enjoying an excellent career, back in the ranks. You could go through a number of players who both joined and left our county and struggled in pastures new. Sometimes you get the right environment, sometimes you don't, it is that simple.
I hope that David is able to enjoy being a respected advisor to the new captain and I wouldn't expect that announcement to be too long.
For me, there is only one real option, as I wrote last week.
If Wayne Madsen could be persuaded to take on the role that he held with distinction between 2012 and 2015, he is by far the best candidate.
It would be a good news story and one that would send us into the season with greater confidence.
Other than that? Brooke Guest, but my concern would be a colossal workload for a key member of the side.
Thoughts?
Would Madsen want it at this stage of his career? Only he can answer that.
ReplyDeleteIf it was to be Guest, he really would need to drop down the batting order…something I've been harping on about for 2 years.
Fair points both, Adam. But I agree re Guest, to bat 3, keep wicket and captain all season is a big ask. Otherwise I only see Chappell an option. But what do others think? Don't see either overseas doing it...
DeleteWhat about Donald? A former captain of England under 19's, undoubtedly talented, a new contract in the bag. This could be the responsibility he needs? Kris
DeleteMaybe, but not sure he is a certainty for red ball at this stage. Suspect he will succeed Patel as white ball though and down the line, who knows? The talent is there, for sure
DeleteGlamorgan fans were staggered when Maynard gave him the captaincy - wasn’t a guaranteed pick in any of the teams based on performance stats. A bit like Donald, with a couple of freak innings in 10+ year careers. Stats don’t lie over long careers and we lament that they haven’t been the best Welsh exports.
DeleteAs for the suggestion above that Donald would make a captain - well, he was relieved of his England Under 19 responsibilities by the coaches, and it would be unfair to go into further details here. He’s in the same category as David Lloyd - very average. Andrew
I'm not sure that him being 'relieved of his England U19 responsibilities' has any relevance some 9 years later...
DeleteHowever, I agree that he and Lloyd have been average, so far. I'm optimistic that will change this season, 🤞
What about if Guest took on the captaincy and Donald took the gloves? Less pressure on Guest, who is a very fine batsman, and Donald gets into the team as keeper, batting at six or seven. Or perhaps Dal would take on the captaincy. He's always a busy and keen cricketer.
ReplyDeleteWhoever gets the nod must be worth their place on merit , based on that it’s a short list !! Guest batting at 6 would have some longevity based on form and fitness.
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling to understand why the club, as yet, can not tell us who the new captain is. It's not as if Lloyd woke up yesterday and suddenly decided he no longer wanted to be captain. This will have been known for a while. Do they know who the new captain is? Of course they do.
ReplyDeleteI agree that if Wayne wants it, then he would be the obvious choice. Personally, I hope he doesn't. We are so reliant on his runs that I wouldn't want him given the extra pressure of captaincy. I would go for Guest, and expect him to slide down the order, if he wants to.
I can't agree with the suggestion of handing Donald the gloves. In my opinion, you can just about get away with it in T20, but not for 4 day cricket. I don't think Blair Tickner would be an advocate either...
Oh they know, Jasper. But it's another press release when they are ready to do so. Soon, I expect.
DeleteI agree, best keeper gets the gloves for me and that is definitely Guest. For me, he and Wayne are first on the team sheet
Just me being impatient then?! 😆
DeleteNot any more! 🤣
DeleteI don't remember Madsen being a particularly inventive or successful captain when he did it before. We can but dream that Guest is a budding Kim Barnett but the points made about where he bats are well founded. Would have to drop down the order and/or allow Donald to keep on occasions. Dal would be another idea but would he be secure of his place in the side and would he want it?
ReplyDeleteI doubt Nuj would want it, with his PCA work and his own challenges with his mental health last year. He is a key member of the side and I would be more than happy to see him back at his best as player only
Delete