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Hants squad for 2011


chrisobee
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Apologies that this covers aspects of several other threads but it seems somewhat difficult ( for me anyway :uhoh: ) to establish who exactly is going to be playing for us this year ! As far as I can tell the following are all likely to be fit and available for all or most games :

 

Lumb

Adams

Carberry

Vince

McKenzie

Myburgh

Dawson

Pothas

Bates

Briggs

Tahir

Cork

Jones

De Wet

Tomlinson

Griffiths

Wood

Howell

Riazuddin

 

 

Players with injury doubts :

 

Dimi

Kabir Ali

Balcombe

 

 

Unfortunate that Ervine is not returning though the signing of Myburgh suggested to me that was likely. Hopefully, as mentioned elsewhere, he will play 20/20 for us. I'd be surprised if he didn't assuming he is available since it would surely suit both sides.

I suspect I have still missed someone or something, probably injury related !

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I would, subject to injury expect the line up for the first Championship game to be:

 

Adams

Carberry

Lumb

Vince

McKenzie

Myburgh

Pothas

Cork cpt

Tahir

Tomlinson

Jones

 

I think Mascarenhas, if fit might still be at IPL. However with Ervine's all round experience gone it is so important to have him fit or find a good all rounder. I know Myburgh can spin it but this is early season when seam/swing will be what is needed. I also worry about Jones for my above team as if he breaks down during a game we have no one to turn to. Might even bring Griffiths in, dropping Myburgh and pushing Pothas back to 6, Cork Tahir and Tomlinson up with Griffiths coming in at 10.

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Due to all the injury doubts I have recalled some of the older players.

 

Marshall

Greenidge

Richards

Gray

Nicholas Capt.

Parks Wkt.

Sainsbury

Warne

White Good old Butch.

Shackleton

Roberts.

 

God bless those playing for the team in the sky...

 

Just some of my favourites over the years...

 

Fair to say all of those would be in contention for my best ever Hampshire X1. Would have to add the likes of Robin Smith, David Gower, John Crawley and Paul Terry from the batting perspective. Recalling dear old Malcolm Marshall, God rest his soul, would really be some miracle !! Quite probably my favourite player of all time, not just the first name on Hants team sheet but a world X1.

Trevor Jesty would also be an automatic pick, quite how he only played in a handful of ODI's for England will remain a mystery to me though at least Wisden recognised him in their 5 players of the year in the early 80's.

I just came across this on Cricinfo regarding our 1973 Championship Year, as always a good read :D

 

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/132409.html

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Nice to look back at the 73 season. I was a near neighbour of Peter White and was good friends with his kids. The eldest, Colin, was Assistant Groundsman at The Dell, before going on to be Head Groundsman at Spurs.

 

Pete had only just been appointed scorer in 73 and he told Colin and me about the 66-1 odds. We both had a couple of quid on it and as the bookie in Swaythling was my cousin, took great delight in collecting at the end of August.

 

One small error in the article. Chris and Tim Murtagh are Andy's nephews, not his sons. Andy skippered my club side after he left Hants.

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Have we lost Abdul Razzaq then? He is a superb batsman.

 

He was obviously signed only for 20/20 last season. As we discovered players we "signed" such as Shahid Afridi didn't join us in the end. I guess it's a question of looking at the options, Tahir will clearly be one of of our 20/20 overseas players and I'm sure we have signed another, can't remember his name !!

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He was obviously signed only for 20/20 last season. As we discovered players we "signed" such as Shahid Afridi didn't join us in the end. I guess it's a question of looking at the options, Tahir will clearly be one of of our 20/20 overseas players and I'm sure we have signed another, can't remember his name !!

 

No we have not yet signed a second overseas player for the T20 yet

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No we have not yet signed a second overseas player for the T20 yet

 

Which explains why I couldn't find anything on the Hants website :blush:

Maybe I was thinking of Myburgh or De Wet, I just remember something. This clearly illustrates why I started this thread !!

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Just playing Devil's advocate for a bit, although I agree Ervine is a great player and has been instrumental in us winning 3 one-day trophies in the last 6 years, i'm just concerned that he may take the place of one of our younger players and impede their devolopment. I've been watching Hants since 79, and in terms of depth of squad this is the best we've had in my opinion. We may not have any world stars like Marshall, Greenidge, Smith or Warne, but we have some really exciting youngsters. I'd hate to see them leave us like Tremlett due to lack of opportunity.

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I think Tremlett leaving was more a case of needing a change to revitalise his career though. His last couple of seasons at Hampshire were pretty poor statistically (although when I saw him he often bowled ok) and he had fallen well down the England pecking order (despite doing well when previously playing for them!). At the time I was disappointed to see him go as he was a Hampshire product who had done well for us but I just got the impression that things had got a little stale at Hampshire and he was coasting a bit.

 

In regards to Ervine, it's Myburgh's signing that is more likely to block younger players, Dawson specifically as he bowls part-time spin as well. I guess Hampshire originally signed him to cover for Ervine's likely departure. We've got a big squad but have lots of injury doubts and people like Lumb at the IPL at the start of the season. Cork missed the start of last season because he was commentating on it, no idea if he's planning to do that this year though. I expect there will be a lot of rotation of the seam bowlers so I'm sure Wood and Riazuddin will get games, especially in the one day stuff. By the law of averages I'm sure a couple of others will pick up injuries throughout the season too!

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I think Tremlett leaving was more a case of needing a change to revitalise his career though. His last couple of seasons at Hampshire were pretty poor statistically (although when I saw him he often bowled ok) and he had fallen well down the England pecking order (despite doing well when previously playing for them!). At the time I was disappointed to see him go as he was a Hampshire product who had done well for us but I just got the impression that things had got a little stale at Hampshire and he was coasting a bit.

 

In regards to Ervine, it's Myburgh's signing that is more likely to block younger players, Dawson specifically as he bowls part-time spin as well. I guess Hampshire originally signed him to cover for Ervine's likely departure. We've got a big squad but have lots of injury doubts and people like Lumb at the IPL at the start of the season. Cork missed the start of last season because he was commentating on it, no idea if he's planning to do that this year though. I expect there will be a lot of rotation of the seam bowlers so I'm sure Wood and Riazuddin will get games, especially in the one day stuff. By the law of averages I'm sure a couple of others will pick up injuries throughout the season too!

 

Yep, I pretty much agree with this. Even at County level there is too much cricket. Corky for one played too often last season in my view as we we were lacking options. Injuries definitely seem more prevalent these days so back up is needed though getting the right balance is a thankless task as the Ervine situation indicates. I suspect we signed Myburgh as a replacement but when Ervine agreed to stay we weren't going to say no ! The younger players will get chances, especially in the one day games, but as with Bates last season it's likely injuries etc; will allow opportinities in the 4 day game.

I always regarded Tremlett highly but a move was the best option I am convinced, agree it is sad when a local lad leaves but good he's regained the form he showed in glimpses with us and always seemed capable of.

Dawson bowled very little last year, I seem to recall Weston Saint stating he was going to play primarily as a batsman. I have faith in our Management team that they'll strike a good balance so everyone gains match experience, the WI 20/20 series was excellent in terms of experience of different conditions.

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  • 4 weeks later...

On paper we seems to have the best squad for years. At full strength we could line up:

 

Carberry

Adams

Lumb

McKenzie

Ervine

Pothas

Mascarenhas

Cork

Kabir Ali

Imran Tahir

Jones

 

With Myburgh, Vince, Dawson, De Wet, Briggs and Tomlinson also pressing for a spot

 

BUT - of that first choice bowling attack, Dimi, Kabir, Simon Jones are carrying injuries, and Cork, while still playing v well, is probably in his last season. Also, Bates may be adequate cover for Pothas behind the stumps but has still got to develop a lot to fill his place as a batsman.

 

I think the batting is just about the strongest since the mid-80s time of Greenidge/Terry/C & R Smith/Nicholas - and I think we'll end up playing six batsmen this year. The problem this poses is that Dimi gives the side balance at seven. Four bowlers is a bit light and Ervine is at best a sixth bowler (glad he's back as a batsman tho'). Given his performance in the Caribbean T20 maybe Myburgh will do some bowling? What do people think - what's our best lineup?

 

Finally the captaincy - having fill-in skippers is obviously not ideal - although Cork did a great job last year. There was a rumour on the BBC 606 that Jimmy Adams was going to get it. Anybody ITK?

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I'd play Vince ahead of Lumb in the four day stuff every time.

 

It's quite hard to work out our team really because of the IPL and injuries. As you mention above our first choice bowling attack is very injury prone so I expect that if fit they will be rotated quite a lot. Read an interview with Jones recently where he said he was aiming to play around 8-10 Championship games this summer. Probably can't expect too much else from Ali either really and Cork is probably too old to play every game now. I guess it's quite likely that these two will just rotate in and out of the side where possible.

 

Adams would probably be the sensible choice for captaincy as he plays in all forms of the game and doesn't have the question marks surrounding his availability like Cork, Mascarenhas (I've heard he could be finished) and Pothas do. McKenzie would be another option but wouldn't be very long-term.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hants playing 2 day friendly v Surrey. No surprise most of yesterday was rained off but some action today. Simon Jones and Kabir Ali bowling which is good to see. Full squad :

 

Dawson, Howell, Myburgh (wearing number 98 lol), Vince, Bates , Pothas+ , Cork* , de Wet, Wood , Riazuddin, Ali , Tomlinson , Griffiths , Jones.

 

According to Hants CCC twitter: " I can see the newly muscled-up Michael Bates in the outfield as we speak practising his diving catches ! "

 

http://ht.ly/4pmsK

Edited by chrisobee
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Hants v Middx, another 2 day friendly :

 

Hampshire team Dawson, Howell, Myburgh, Vince, Ervine, Pothas, Cork, de Wet, Wood, Jones, Griffiths, Riazuddin.

 

Middx team : Robson, Newman, Housego, Malan, Dexter*, Berg, Simpson+, Rayner, Crook, Murtah, Finn, Collymore.

 

For Hants, Briggs and Adams resting after tour of WI. Lumb = IPL, McKenzie = South Africa, Carberry, Ali, Balcs, Dimi, Tahir = all getting back to full fitness. Thanks to @Hantscricket on Twitter.

 

Edit: Bates likely to keep wicket though not batting.

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Slightly worrying about Carberry if he's still recovering from the injury he had that ruled him out of the England Performance Squad in December. Suggests he's unlikely to play the first Championship game at least anyway.

 

Yes, seems unlikely he will be fit otherwise I'm pretty sure he would take some part in this friendly. With Lumb at the IPL we might have Howells opening. In the game v Middx they are 96-2.

Bowling :

 

de Wet (5-1-8-1), Griffiths (7-0-23-1), Howell (5-2-13-0), Cork (5-2-14-0), Jones (5-0-14-0), Wood (3-0-15-0)

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Starts this Friday! Pretty hard to predict with the injury doubts but I'll give it a go...

 

Adams, Dawson, Myburgh, McKenzie, Vince, Ervine, Pothas, Cork, Tahir, Jones, De Wet.

 

Assuming that Carberry isn't going to be fit and I doubt they'll risk playing Jones and Ali in the same side in case one of them breaks down! Howell could get a chance ahead of Dawson if he out-scores him in this match and Tomlinson might play ahead of Jones if he isn't 100%.

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Starts this Friday! Pretty hard to predict with the injury doubts but I'll give it a go...

 

Adams, Dawson, Myburgh, McKenzie, Vince, Ervine, Pothas, Cork, Tahir, Jones, De Wet.

 

Assuming that Carberry isn't going to be fit and I doubt they'll risk playing Jones and Ali in the same side in case one of them breaks down! Howell could get a chance ahead of Dawson if he out-scores him in this match and Tomlinson might play ahead of Jones if he isn't 100%.

 

Looks good, Tahir won't be joing til later in the Summer so I presume Briggs will come in?

 

Still - that means that Carberry, Lumb, Dimi and Ali could all come in when fit - strong squad this year. Just need to get a settled top 4 for me.

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Has done it a bit in 2009 and I think once or twice last year too. Apparently Tahir isn't coming until next month now so looks like Briggs will play on Friday.

Yeah Imi has just had an operation. As for Briggs starting Cork suggested as much at the Forum last night.

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Yeah Imi has just had an operation. As for Briggs starting Cork suggested as much at the Forum last night.

 

Was anything said about Carbs last night?

 

Ive just tried the Solent I-Players recording of the forum and instead got some numpty from Radio Kent playing Mike and the Mechanics. FFS. :x:x

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I wasn't aware Dawson could open the batting... :-o

 

He isn't an opener, made 0 v Middx today. Adams will open of course but with whom I would not know. I'm hoping McKenzie has arrived from South Africa now ? Tahir not being here isn't a problem as we have Briggs. At least Myburgh looks a very good player so will certainly strenthen the squad.

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He isn't an opener, made 0 v Middx today. Adams will open of course but with whom I would not know. I'm hoping McKenzie has arrived from South Africa now ? Tahir not being here isn't a problem as we have Briggs. At least Myburgh looks a very good player so will certainly strenthen the squad.

 

Couldn't Pothas open up?

 

I have to say, very excited with Kolpak signings. :)

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Think we have the best squad for years on paper - only trouble is that there are question marks against virtually all the first teamers:

 

Carberry - carrying an injury

Adams - needs to be rested after NZ twenty20/Hants in the Carribean/England Lions in the Carribean

Lumb - playing in the IPL

Pothas - still recovering from injury - may just play as a batsman?

Mascarenhas - still injured - back for the twenty20 at the earliest

Kabir Ali - recovering from injury

Jones - recovering from injury

Imran Tahir - broken thumb at the world cup - so I guess Briggs will play despite also needing a rest (like Adams). Looks like Tahir won't be here until June - by which time half of the championship matches will have been played. Guess early season isn't really the best for spinners though

 

So - my stab at predicting the team for Friday:

Howell, Myburgh, Pothas (as a batsman), Vince, McKenzie, Ervine, Cork, DeWet, Kabir Ali or Jones, Bates, Briggs

 

Which actually doesn't look like a bad team - just wish that the fixture schedule was different as it seems we play all the likely championship contenders in the first few matches!

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If Carberry is out, I will try to speak to him or one of the other players this evening I think the team might look like this in batting order:-

 

Adams (vice captain)

Myburgh

Vince

McKenzie

Ervine

Howell or Dawson

Cork (captain)

Bates (wk)

Kabir Ali or Jones

Briggs

De Wet or Griffiths

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Can now confirm Carberry out for the beginning of the season as he has not recieved medical clearance for his blood clotting problem. Tomlinson also injured at present and will not be in the squad for Friday's match.

 

On a more positive note, McKenzie arrived at the Rose Bowl today and is ready for Fridays opener. Any more news and I will let you all know.

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Spoke to Nick Pothas, he will be wicket keeper batsman.

 

Spoke to Rod Bransgrove. Kabir Ali is about 2 games away from playing. He is working very hard, if fact a bit too much and he has a little injury. Bransgrove could not talk more highly about his and Simon Jones application and enthusiasm to get fit and playing again.

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