George Dobel reporting that we've won the race to sign Northest. Rod only willing to say that we've put our best offer to him, and we're waiting for him to decide. Will be great news if true. Also sounds like it is having an impact on our overseas situation. If Northeast wasn't to come, we'd have no option but to replace Bailey with a batsman. But if he did come, then potentially it allows us to look at a different position should we so wish for Bailey's replacement (although letting Carberry go, and Slug seemingly being past it, and Vince potentially away with England, I suspect an overseas batsman would still be a strong possibility). This is of course assuming that Bailey doesn't do a U-turn, and return for his second year afterall.
Excellent. Personally, assuming Bailey doesn't return, I would like to see us get in an overseas seam bowler. Adams, Alsop, Vince, Northeast, Rossouw, Dawson, McManus, Berg, Abbott, Overseas, Crane. A good overseas seam bowler and that's a strong lineup.
And with Ervine, Holland and Fidel as decent cover. Plus Topley for the one game that he's fit for. However, getting a decent overseas bowler isn't easy. Invariably they're playing international cricket, or IPL, or are asked by their national board to rest. In which case, an overseas opener I think would be a good shout. I don't think I'm comfortable with Adams AND Alsop. (Or opening with McManus, to allow Holland to fit in like we did at times last season).
No Ashes test match down here in 2023, despite the rumours. In fact, not a single test match between 2020 and 2024. ECB have decided to confine all test matches across the five years to the six historic venues. (Durham have already had test status removed, but it means us and Cardiff get screwed over). Edgbaston confirmed as the permanent host of Finals Day. Trent Bridge will become the new host of the One-Day Final. In addition to both venues already being within the above six... We get awarded two t20s in 2020, one t20 in 2021, two t20s in 2022, one One-Day in 2023, and one t20 in 2024. That's worse treatment than usual for us.
Absolutely shocking decision. And to then try and gloss over it with the fanfare of giving us one of the new T20 franchises...!! No wonder they wheeled out the CEO to comment rather than Rod Bransgrove as I'd imagine he is absolutely gutted.
Australia successfully chase 244 to win v NZ. England v NZ no longer a dead rubber though we have to win by about 20 runs. Student won the TUI catch a million. TUI beer had a competition where you win a million dollars if you wear a TUI shirt and catch the ball in the crowd. Real life changer for that lad. Hope he's smart and it makes rather than ruins his life. Keep working, lad....this opens opportunities.
The Echo are now confirming the signing of Northeast too. Such great news. Meanwhile, Bailey confirmed in a live interview in Australia during the week that he indeed won't be returning.
Potentially a great signing by Hants. Big loss for Kent and Will miss him, a very good player and captain.
Go back a few months, and there were rumours of Morne Morkel becoming the next big name to join county cricket as a kolpak. Well he's just announced his international retirement, after the conclusion of the SA-Aus series that begins later this week...
That’s quite the signing. Maybe not quite the player he was (although still averaging mid-40s in Tests over the last year or so) but still a high quality batsman. That Hampshire batting line up looks much stronger this season.
