Thursday 15 October 2009

Things starting to move elsewhere

Leicestershire's fans will be pleased by the performance of their overseas star for next season (and possible captain) Andrew McDonald in the Champions League T20 today.

McDonald bowled with control to take four wickets and looks a good player. His career average of around 37 with the bat and 28 with the ball doesn't suggest a world class cricketer, but he could do a good job for them.

I'm more surprised by Yorkshire's choice of Ryan Harris as their overseas player for 2010 and the signing is, I think, more indicative of the difficulties counties are going to face in getting a player who wants to come and satisfies the visa regulations. Harris is a decent cricketer, but his record suggests little more than that. He is known as a bowler who bats a little, but five first class fifties and a batting average of 18 doesn't look great. Nor does his bowling record of look spectacular and if I were a Yorkshire fan I'd be a little concerned tonight. They've lost Kruis, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Hoggard from their seam attack for next year and Harris will have a lot thrust onto his shoulders. At least, injuries permitting, they'll have him for the season and sometimes these gambles come off, but his three wickets at 45 each in a brief spell at Surrey doesn't look promising.

Elsewhere, Middlesex have replaced Murali Kartik as left arm spinner with Sussex's Tom Smith, Rob Key has ended speculation about a move to the Oval by signing a long-term deal at Kent, and Glen Chapple has been appointed Lancashire skipper for 2010.

Still no news from the County Ground, but I'm sure John Morris is busy as ever behind the scenes. Sometimes signings and contract extensions take time to organise but I'm sure that all will be revealed in good time. We just need to be patient.

See you soon.

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