It’s lighter outdoors, the clocks have moved ahead, however it’s nonetheless bitterly chilly and frosty. This will imply just one factor: the county championship is again. Oh sure! To get you within the temper, Rob has give you an XI of county stalwarts that he’ll be keeping track of this summer time. It’s a private XI (based mostly purely on gamers that he enjoys watching) who appear unlikely to play worldwide cricket this summer time. Take pleasure in.
1. Alastair Cook dinner: No actual rationalization wanted to pick out the previous warhorse again for one last yr for Essex. At one level it was commonplace for ex England gamers to return to the county ranks and move on their knowledge to the following technology (I keep in mind Messrs Gooch, Gatting and Lamb as examples) however this appears to be a rarity these days. Cooky is again for his fifth season as an Essex participant post-retirement, and it’s good to see him having fun with the sport nonetheless.
2. Luke Wells: The primary Lancashire participant in my XI. I used to be just a little sceptical when he signed as he had struggled for a few years at Sussex. Nonetheless, Luke is a participant remodeled from the supposed blocker at Sussex. He opens the innings with Keaton Jennings at Outdated Trafford and has developed his recreation significantly, attacking each seam and spin alike in all codecs of the sport, whereas his effective slip fielding and helpful leg spin additionally add to his all spherical price. The most effective signings Lancashire have made in my time as a fan. Most likely too previous to draw England’s consideration although.
3. Josh Bohannon: A participant who was tipped for England firstly of 2022 to fill the issue no. 3 place (however Ollie Pope was chosen as an alternative). I hope this doesn’t show to be a sliding door second for his profession. His extra adhesive type appears unlikely to slot in with the Bazball template though he possesses a effective all spherical recreation and Mike Atherton, who charges him extremely, has in contrast him to Jonathan Trott. His wonderful fielding provides to his price. Lancashire will profit if England ignore him.
4. Sam Northeast: A kind of gamers tipped for greatness, however has by no means someway managed a name up for England. Nonetheless, one of the elegant stroke makers on the circuit, and the scorer of a quadruple hundred final season. At all times a pleasure to look at. Ought to get pleasure from himself at Sophia Gardens this summer time. Ought to have a few seasons left.
5. Tom Abell (captain): One other effective county batsman, and a helpful 4th seamer. Additionally an skilled county captain, who gained a maiden call-up for the at some point sequence in Bangladesh solely to select up an damage. With England’s energy in white ball cricket, it appears unlikely he’ll win one other alternative pending an damage disaster, however Somerset will profit accordingly, notably with such a younger facet.
6. James Bracey (keeper): Quite a forgotten man for England now, however a strong keeper and batsman who was harshly handled in his two Assessments in 2021. Appears unlikely to get one other go for fairly some time at worldwide degree. Extra of a blocker, so provides stability a la Ben Foakes to the decrease order.
7. Jamie Smith. One other choice to preserve but additionally a superb all spherical fielder and effective attacking batsman, Smith is without doubt one of the greatest uncapped younger gamers I’ve seen. A lynchpin in my XI (even when he does play for rivals Surrey) and appears more likely to play for England because the white ball facet develops submit the upcoming World Cup.
8. Lewis Gregory: Has performed the odd white ball recreation at worldwide degree however appears destined to stay a wonderful home participant. A strong county seamer and helpful batsman, one in all many all-rounders within the county recreation whose profession has coincided with the maestro Ben Stokes. At all times a whole-hearted trier, and a participant I get pleasure from seeing do nicely.
9. Luke Wooden: A left-arm possibility, fairly sharp, and helpful batsman in addition. One of the enthusiastic cricketers at present enjoying, just a little like his namesake Mark within the power and character he brings to the sport. A participant who appears to “make issues occur” with the ball, so an ideal favorite at Lancs. Performed a few white ball video games for England final yr however down the pecking order so unlikely to function a lot barring damage.
10. Luke Fletcher: A legendary county bowler – virtually the Angus Fraser of his age – no frills however hits a size again and again at his appreciable top, and appears more likely to trundle in for a couple of years but. One of many nice county triers of his period. Appears to personify all that’s good concerning the county recreation.
11. Matt Parkinson: One other Lancastrian, who has been across the England squad with out enjoying a lot and now appears unlikely to play once more within the close to future because of Rehan Ahmed’s emergence. That stated, Parkinson is a superb county bowler who brings a unique risk to Lancashire’s assault. Must work on his fielding and batting although…..
Which county gamers will you be keeping track of this summer time?
Rob Stephenson
