It is very difficult to answer such a question, without knowing the available budget and the salary demands of particular players.
But someone who is out of contract and who I think would flourish, given greater opportunity, is Matt Montgomery at Nottinghamshire.
He has only had one first class innings this season and made 75, while in T20 he has found himself coming in at number eight, far too low for a player of his ability.
Lest we forget, he captained South Africa under-19s and although he seems to have been around for a long time, is still only 25.
It is hard to see how he gets more cricket at Trent Bridge, but I think he would prove a good asset to Derbyshire, an all-format player who bowls useful off spin in T20. Averages of 32 in red and 42 in white ball cricket can go upwards and I think he would be the sort of player to bolster the middle order, batting five in all formats and *maybe* replace Wayne Madsen at four in due course.
I would sooner sign someone like Montgomery, who I think has a high ceiling, than an older player who has gone as far as he can.
I think staying at Nottinghamshire would show a lack of ambition, because he has to be playing regular first team cricket at this stage of his career.
Were I his agent, that is what I would be telling him, anyway.
I think Montgomery would be a good shout.
ReplyDeleteBilly root/ Lewis goldsworthy/ George Bartlett/Steve eskanazi batting wise bowlers craig miles/ George Garrett one batsman and one of the 2 bowlers would strengthen the team nicely plus maybe spare wk and batsman Jonathan tattersall ( can’t get a game for Yorkshire anymore despite a batting average of 40 last season. Decent keeper too
ReplyDeleteSome decent names there, Ian. But only Root of the batters isn't contracted to the end of 2026. Miles and Garrett are both good bowlers, but injury issues have restricted their appearances, which would be a concern.
DeleteI like Tattersall, but do we need a third keeper? Is he a good enough bat to be a specialist?
Very true Steve. I wasn’t really aware of the contact situation with those players to be honest and that obviously does make a difference. In tattersalls case though I’d say he’s better then lavelle and also I don’t rate Donald as a keeper or really a red ball player and tattersall I personally think could be a decent top 6 batsman
DeleteYeah he and Billy Root have similar f/c averages so worth a thought, for sure.
DeleteAlso (I know not many will agree with me) for red ball cricket only possible overseas player kraigg brathwaite. Unlikely unless he gets a huge 2nd innings score in the current test to play for West Indies anymore. Over 30 but like shiv chanderpaul seems to love batting and said in the past loves the county game in England
ReplyDeleteWhat about the young lad who played for Ockbrook & Borrowwash in 2023! McMullan still has not been given a chance by a county and Khunti who topped the Second Eleven averages last year.
ReplyDeleteMcMullan is a fine player but I don't think he qualifies to play in England as things stand. He would also potentially need to decide between Scottish internationals or the county game. He would definitely be an asset, though.
DeleteKhunti may or may not want a cricket career as he seems to have a good job outside it? Hasn't been in the same nick this time, but can clearly play. Maybe he has been overtaken by Amrit Basra?
If he qualifies for Scotland then surely he qualifies to play in England as a local player. The Currie brothers , Davey, Tear, Jones, Umeed and Wheal all play in England as local players. I know McMullan is South African by birth but I assume like a lot of Saffers he has a UK passport.
DeleteNo Anon (please use a name) he qualifies for Scotland as he has been resident there for over 3 years. But my understanding is that he needs to do the same in England to qualify. In addition I think he retains SA citizenship/passport, which is a major issue. As it stands, I don't think he can play county cricket, unless signed as an overseas.
DeleteSorry for posting anonymously should be GZBaggy. I am not a lawyer so I do not know. However, contrast his case with Dean Elgar and Bradley Wheal who both play as local players.
DeleteI am not a lawyer either! But Elgar holds a British passport, which allows him to play as a local. So does Wheal, whose mother is Scottish. I should have a definitive answer on McMullen this week, all being well, but suspect the answer is close to what I have written
DeleteGoldsworthy and Green at Somerset are both useful players and spend time out of the Somerset side or on loan
ReplyDeleteEskinazi is a good player in all formats
Montgomery is also a very good player
I still think we need a loan for the final push in the Championship
I would fetch Eskinazi from London myself, Paul, but he is contracted till the end of next year and would likely want to stay down south, unless best mates with Martin Andersson! Same with Goldsworthy and I suspect Leicestershire would fancy Green, were he to become available. I would take Montgomery without a second thought...
ReplyDelete