*Official* English Domestic Season (2004)

[Rich2001]

If the courts would have had to allow him to play, then why did Northamptonshire not pursue the legal action? Phil Jaques would be the backbone of an otherwise unconvincing batting lineup. Money should not be a problem because if Northamptonshire won their case the ECB would have had to pay their costs.

This is what Northamptonshire said on the matter....


"But Northants have decided not to pursue the matter following talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

A club statement read: "After considerable thought and consultation, the committee fully support the need for regulations which focus on the development of cricketers who are committed and qualified to play for England.

"In view of the above, the application to register Phil, as a result of holding a British passport, has been withdrawn."

Jaques could qualify to play for England in three years if he spends the majority of each year in the UK, but he told BBC Sport last September that he wanted to give himself every chance of playing for Australia."

To be honest though why don't they just get him as a Overseas player, as he must be better than their current 2nd overseas player (Johann Louw), who I can say I have never heard of at all - Lang' might be able to fill us in a bit though


Talking of Overseas players Kent have announced they are on the hunt again after Symonds broke into the Australian Test team, if he is continued to be picked and what with his One Day spot as well he could miss the entire season.... So where is your money who are we looking at?

 

[a massive zebra]

To be honest though why don't they just get him as a Overseas player, as he must be better than their current 2nd overseas player (Johann Louw), who I can say I have never heard of at all - Lang' might be able to fill us in a bit though

Yeah that seems a good idea. I would be very surprised if Johann Louw scores 1500 runs or whatever it was that Jaques made last year. Must admit im not too familiar with the South African either.

Talking of Overseas players Kent have announced they are on the hunt again after Symonds broke into the Australian Test team, if he is continued to be picked and what with his One Day spot as well he could miss the entire season.... So where is your money who are we looking at?

I dont think Symonds should continue as a Test player. He might be dropped in favour of Katich or even Hussey if the selectors have any sense. All the same, one-day commitments may render his position at Kent untenable, so perhaps Kent also need another overseas player.

 

[Rich2001]

I dont think Symonds should continue as a Test player. He might be dropped in favour of Katich or even Hussey if the selectors have any sense. All the same, one-day commitments may render his position at Kent untenable, so perhaps Kent also need another overseas player.

His One Day commitments aren't to big a problem as he will only be away a couple of weeks in total (and we will have cover, so we have been told), however if he is picked in the Test series as well he won't be able to just pop back each time he is selected as 12th man so would basically have to be dumped.

 

[Craig]

Talking of Overseas players Kent have announced they are on the hunt again after Symonds broke into the Australian Test team, if he is continued to be picked and what with his One Day spot as well he could miss the entire season.... So where is your money who are we looking at?

Seeing as though Essex signed Scott Brant, they could look at Shaun Tait who with his firey pace could be used as a strike weapon if Kent's pace attack is looking blunt.

Mathew Elliott perhaps purely because of a batting sense.

Who knows? Neil McKenzie?

 

[Rich2001]

Seeing as though Essex signed Scott Brant, they could look at Shaun Tait who with his firey pace could be used as a strike weapon if Kent's pace attack is looking blunt.

Mathew Elliott perhaps purely because of a batting sense.

Who knows? Neil McKenzie?

It better be a batsman, or a batting All-rounder at a push as we must own thw entire leagues quota of bowlers in our squad (I think we have 11/12 who have represented the first X1 in the last year or so) yet only have about 2 back up batsman in total.

Like you say it could be anyone but iam hearing they have a short list of 6 now and just need to finalize things with 1 of those.

 

[Langeveldt]

wanted to give himself every chance of playing for Australia."

To be honest though why don't they just get him as a Overseas player, as he must be better than their current 2nd overseas player (Johann Louw), who I can say I have never heard of at all - Lang' might be able to fill us in a bit though

I'd love to be able to fill you in, but i havent seen a lot of him either.... He has played for EP and Griqualand west... Although his stats arent too bad, it remains to be seen if he will fit into the new Central side when all the freestaters join the team... Maybe he will find a Dutch passport behind the sofa

 

[age_master]

North signs fo Durham - will be interesting to see if he or Clarke do better with the bat

 

[marc71178]

North is a replacement (a lot like Hussey) - so will likely not score as heavily as Clarke.

Either way, it is a worry to see what are probably the next 2 youngsters to break into the side getting experience in English conditions.

 

[chris.hinton]

North will be a Good Signing for Durham, he score 750 runs

 

[marc71178]

Depends how many games he actually plays.

A whole season and 750 is not a good season.

 

[luckyeddie]

somehow, I cannot get very enthusiastic.

Must be something to do with supporting Derbyshire.

 

[chris.hinton]

Derbyshire are not that bad really With Cork on Fire... you did Beat Surrey last year in the C and G trophy

 

[chris.hinton]

Worcestershire Country Criucket Club have finished Buliding a new Stand. The Stand in question is going to be named after Basil D'Oilvera who was one of Worcesters Greatest ever players. Graeme Hick will Open the Stand on the 4th May, Before the National league game against Northants

 

[luckyeddie]

Derbyshire are not that bad really With Cork on Fire... you did Beat Surrey last year in the C and G trophy

It was certainly the case last year Chris that Derbyshire could beat anyone on their day - but di Venuto is out for the season and Cork is now a Lancashire player.

How on earth do you replace a player who was prepared to play an entire season with a broken ankle?

 

[chris.hinton]

I totally Forgot about Cork going to Lancashire.

Looking at you squad they is no quality now without Di Venuto and Cork gone

Ali is a Good Bowler and Welch is handy and Dean should realise his talent but apart from that it looks bare.

 

[chris.hinton]

Metcheck have reported that it going to be a Poor Summer

lets hope that they are wrong

 

[luckyeddie]

Metcheck have reported that it going to be a Poor Summer

lets hope that they are wrong

Hmmmmm.

I remember you chipping in that the Edgbaston test v SA last year was going to be washed out all 5 days - did that come from Metcheck too?

I reckon that if it was pouring with rain and Metcheck forecast rain, they'd still only have a 50:50 chance of getting it right.

I'm sticking with my knee and the seaweed and pine cones - excellent summer again this year.

 

[Langeveldt]

somehow, I cannot get very enthusiastic.

Must be something to do with supporting Derbyshire.

Hehe, i hope to get up to the county ground this summer... (Ive got friends in Hull who go)...

Some things you have going for you...

1. A new grandstand, so people cant laugh at the ground as much

2. The only grass bank at a FC ground in the United Kingdom

3. The best value food at any sporting venue ive been to

4. A woman in the shop who recognizes me...

5. Floodlights a possibility???


I would far rather spend my money at Derby than at Lords.... Even if the standard of cricket isnt as flash

 

[PommieMacGill]

about the Warwickshire situation with how many staff they have. I agree with a lot of what you say about them having too many but if you look through the squad at least most of the squads younger players like Squire's and Mee's are local boys, at least they're not imported from other counties.

AND i like how they offered a 15 year-old Moeen Ali a contract two-years ago. Not many counties would offer a youngster of that age a pro contract. Thumbs up to them on that one.

Moeen Ali - http://usa.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/PLAYERS/ENG/A/ALI_MM_01046597/

 

[age_master]

Either way, it is a worry to see what are probably the next 2 youngsters to break into the side getting experience in English conditions.

well if any of your youngsters are good enough to make the NSW lineup for next season im sure they would be welcome to come out for some experience out here