Thompson given a chance to reach his full potential
With the news that former ODI squad member Callum Thompson has been released from CW Black. The Stedingham Star caught up with National Coach, Tharmilan Loaganathan, to get his views on the situation.
A known fan of the young all rounder, who previous had played under Loganathan Under 19 level. Loganathan felt that this was a massive opportunity for Thompson to reach his full potential.
With a lot of clubs around Cricket Web struggling for depth in batting, this could be big chance for Thompson to play as genuine all rounder. In the last couple seasons Thompson has basically played as lower batsmen and filled in the 5th bowling spot. But this wasn’t really his natural game, as he showed a couple seasons back when he was opening the batting and bowling for CW Black in One Dayers, due to their lack of depth at that time. His form in this role saw Thompson make the ODI squad and an opportunity to play a similar role could once again see the all rounder push for national selection.
With Zac Gelman preferred to Callum Thompson in the recent CW A Squad its seems Black have already got a ready made replacement. But the success of Black recently has been the duel role that both Wilson and Thompson played. There will be big pressure on rookie all rounder Blake Donald, if Black choices to continue with the same type of team balance.
Looking at all four clubs Thompson would be a major asset at any of these clubs. CW Blue has struggled recently with batting depth when Internationals are away, with a tail starting from No 6. Also with the departure of Andy Cloete to Black and the retirement of Matt Smith there would an opening at the top of the order in both disciplines in One Dayers
With the departure of Markus and Mamesh, as well as the uncertain future of Dauth, CW Red will be looking for batting reinforcements to cover those losses. The likely losses of Watt, Kennett and Clapham to international duty will also require additional support to Reddlapalli in the seam bowling ranks.
Green in the past has struggled with the bat and the loss of Goughy to Black, would open up a spot in the Green bowling line up, in One Dayers at least. The addition of a player like Thompson would also likely help a player like Cunningham, who has played his best cricket in the past with a 2nd all rounder in the side.
Colts have added reinforcements with the bat, but still seem to lack some depth, especially after the retirement of Gary Nayak. With the potential losses of Wilson, Thomas or Wright to national duty, there would also be a need for seam back up. Add that with the opportunity to continue his successful partnership with Mike Wilson, Colts could prove to be an attractive option.
But the real question is who has enough room under their cap to sign him up. Reds and Blue still yet to re-sign their 4th Central Contracted players in Dauth and De Silva respectively. How much impact has the off season signings of Fitzsimmons, Bulter and Wilson have had to Colts’ wages? Could Green be the dark horse and provide an early indication the salary cap is worthwhile to spread the talent better? Watch this space to see where Thompson eventually desides his future lies.
Tharmi Loganathan, Stedingham Star