Tuesday 14 October 2008

FP Trophy Draw

So, next year in a de-regionalised draw, we have Glamorgan, Essex, Northants and Lancashire.
I think we could do OK. Lancashire are nothing to be scared of these days, likewise Northants. Glamorgan don't look world-beaters either, which leaves the holders Essex.
While much rests on recruitment over the winter, at this stage I'd say we could give it a go.
Mind you, it is a one day competition... maybe I should revise that one!
On a different tack, Stuart Law is now available and there are suggestions he could do a job for us.
I'm not keen. He has been a fine player for nearly 20 years, but the signs last year were not good. He averaged 37 in the Championship, about the same as Stubbings and Birch. Meanwhile, in the one days he averaged 22 and 11. Not great is it?
Having rejected a suggestion that we sign David Hemp from Glamorgan on grounds of age, I can't see merit in signing an older player.
It would be going back to the days of signing Phil Sharpe, Ron Headley, Fred Rumsey et al. They all did things of note and none pulled up the trees at Derby. While accepting Law has been a class act, he would logically take the place of either Redfern or Smith next year, players who need matches to improve. For me it would be a retrograde step. Added to the above would be that his ICL links would bar us from the big money if we were to win the 20/20.
Sorry...I forgot. Excuse my cynicism but I've little grounds for one day optimism at present. Loved the comment from a pal the other day who suggested that our one day strategy was for Greg Smith to get a hundred every match! Until our batsmen learn to push it around to keep the score moving, to run fast between the wickets having placed the ball well and not to panic when the run rate goes to 6.4 an over, we'll always be poor at this game.
My old man summed it up nicely last week.
"Batting in one day matches is easy" he said.
"One good thwock and three or four sensible taps an over and you can't lose".
Over-simplified perhaps, but something to consider over the dark nights ahead.

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