Very annoying to read that the ECB's rule change before Christmas - which, amongst other things, prevents Championship players from featuring in the PSL this season (the PSL starts late and therefore clashes with the Championship - is seemingly going to result in Vince signing a t20-only contract. Same with TKC at Somerset. I'm not sure what the ECB were thinking their rule would achieve, preventing players from playing in any overseas competition (except the IPL) which clashes with their domestic contract.
Hopefully it's just this year though as the PSL moves back to its usual slot next year. Although the Telegraph says Vince could still play CC later this season on a pay-as-you-play basis. I know it also also says there are no plans for him to play red ball cricket this summer but come on, if Hants are right in the title hunt, will he really want to sit out while the team he's captained for nearly 10 years goes for glory?
The t20 World Cup is in the usual PSL slot next year, so I suspect it'll remain in April-May next year too. And thereafter, I suppose the risk it that the PCB decide to permanently keep the PSL in April-May. There's often a lot of international cricket played during its usual Feb-March window (usually involving the likes of Australia, NZ, SA, SL). Whereas in April-May this year, it doesn't clash with any international cricket. And that's because it instead clashes with the IPL. Now sure, the PSL will miss out to any player who is wanted by the IPL. But it still leaves a decent chuck of overseas players - most of whom have been signed up in the last day or two - and with full availability.
It's probably best if I don't get started on another rant about 'franchise cricket'! You can't blame Vince or anyone else for chasing the money but what I'd basically say is "James, you have a 'franchise', i.e. side, it's called Hampshire and come and play for us!" We're the ones who gave you a professional contract, supported you as you broke into the England team, made you club captain etc. etc. It would be great to go back to the good old days...
My vote would be for Prest to take over the number 4 berth and that would leave the number 7 spot open for either Albert or Organ if they're keen to play a second spinner. That's assuming that they'll open with Orr and Middleton at the start of the season. I wonder if that also means that they'll start looking at an overseas batsman rather than Abbas as an overseas option for the Championship this year.
Thanks for that, a Google search didn't find anything, wasn't asking the right questions I guess? Just noticed he racked up 76 for the Gulf Giants, who lost by 6 wickets!
I see Rocky Flintoff became the youngest player to score a maiden century for the England Lions - 16 years 291 days. The previous youngest player to do this was his dad, aged 20 years 28 days. Even more remarkable is that he was batting at number 9.
We're also being linked with Jack Edwards, who is a young-ish all-rounder (and I believe vice-captain at New South Wales). Again, unclear which format(s). Vince would know him from the Sydney Sixers. Watching Ellis and McDermott win the Big Bash this morning, I'd rather just get them both back for the Blast, if possible.
I wouldn't mind us going for that Mitchell Owen! What an extraordinary knock earlier. Also named MVP of the tournament.
Pretty amazing to go from only ever playing 13 t20 matches in his career before this competition - scoring a total of just 79 runs - to scoring 452 runs in 11 innings, and playing one of the greatest innings in a final ever. He just destroyed Thunder.
Well that's one overseas player confirmed for next season - Abbott has extended his contract for another year. Excellent news - despite his age he's still a quality bowler.
Looks like Abbas won't be coming back this year. Reading an article on CricInfo it says the 2nd overseas slot will likely be a batter. Makes sense with Vince's absence.
