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Post by John W on Dec 11, 2023 22:04:02 GMT
when do the players return to training? I always thought it was November, but it's now well into December and it's all quiet on the indoor fitness, rivington pike run in terms of social media posts. At tonight's Xmas bash it was mentioned that the players had been back in training for 8 weeks. |
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Post by chris on Dec 12, 2023 13:52:00 GMT
when do the players return to training? I always thought it was November, but it's now well into December and it's all quiet on the indoor fitness, rivington pike run in terms of social media posts. At tonight's Xmas bash it was mentioned that the players had been back in training for 8 weeks. |
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Post by Slipstream1 on Dec 12, 2023 16:08:45 GMT
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Post by chris on Dec 12, 2023 16:48:23 GMT
This reads as if he was their 2nd or 3rd choice!
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Post by hariseldon on Dec 13, 2023 14:10:42 GMT
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Post by Phil on Dec 13, 2023 16:07:10 GMT
This reads as if he was their 2nd or 3rd choice!
I'd have been amazed if he was first choice having won no games with Gloucestershire last season. |
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Post by anyportinastorm on Dec 13, 2023 17:50:00 GMT
How can you appoint someone with that record? Obviously not the first cab off the rank and a relatively cheap option. The equivalent of Liverpool appointing Neil Warnock. |
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Post by chris on Dec 13, 2023 21:25:20 GMT
How can you appoint someone with that record? Obviously not the first cab off the rank and a relatively cheap option. The equivalent of Liverpool appointing Neil Warnock. |
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2023 17:53:08 GMT
KENT
Kent wicketkeeper Harry Finch has extended his contract until the end of the 2025 season.
The 28-year-old former Sussex player moved to Canterbury on a short-term deal in 2021.
Finch was signed on another short-term contract in 2022 before signing a two-year deal at the end of that season.
"I've loved my first full season at Kent and I'm really pleased to be able to extend my contract at the club," Finch told the club website.
Finch's Kent debut came against his former county Sussex, having been released the previous season.
The right-handed batter was recruited by Kent for the game due to a shortage of available players caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He scored a century in that match and the following season was brought back as part of the Kent side that beat Lancashire in the final of the One-Day Cup.
"Winning the One-Day Cup in 2022 is one of the highlights of my career and hopefully we can add to that in the coming years," Finch added.
"Getting into the Championship team and playing an important role with bat and gloves was really pleasing for me and I can't wait to get back out there and help the team win games and trophies.
"We've got a really exciting squad of players that are only going to get better - it's a great place to be."
Kent avoided relegation from Division One of the County Championship on the final day of the 2023 season with a draw against Lancashire.
WORCESTERSHIRE
Worcestershire have re-signed Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir for next year's T20 Blast.
Usama, 27, topped both the county's bowling and batting averages in 2023.
He made 132 runs at an average of 44.00, while taking 19 wickets at only 7.29 runs per over to help his side reach the North Group quarter-finals.
"Spin continues to play a major role in this format, and we are delighted to have acquired him again for 2024," said Pears head coach Alan Richardson.
"It's great to get things tied up this early in terms of one of our overseas signings for 2024."
Usama, part of Pakistan's squad for the World Cup in India, was originally signed as a stand-in for the opening three group matches this year - because of main signing Mitchell Santner being late back from Indian Premier League duty.
But he then returned to play the final seven group games and the quarter-final, to deputise for the injured Michael Bracewell.
SUSSEX
Sussex have signed India's Cheteshwar Pujara and Australia's Daniel Hughes as overseas players for 2024.
Pujara, 35, has played for Sussex for the past two seasons.
The right-handed batter will play the first seven County Championship games before he is replaced at the top of the order by Hughes.
Head coach Paul Farbrace said of Pujara's return: "His experience and calmness in matches is a fantastic asset for our team."
Speaking to the club website, Farbrace added: "He is not just a high-quality player but is also a high-quality person."
His top score for the county is 231 which he made against Derbyshire in 2022 in a stand of 351 with Tom Haines.
He will play in both the T20 Blast and the County Championship after taking over from Pujara in June.
"Playing county cricket has been a long-held ambition for me," he said.
"I am delighted to get that opportunity at Sussex. I respect the strong traditions of the club.
"The plans that exist for team are exciting and I look forward to getting to Hove and helping Sussex with success along the way".
Sussex announced the signings of seamers Nathan McAndrew and Jayden Seales in November to share bowling roles as overseas players for the 2024
season.
MIDDLESEX
Middlesex have signed Warwickshire fast bowler Henry Brookes.
The 24-year-old right-arm seamer, who will move to Lord's in January on a three-year deal, follows this winter's exit of younger brother Ethan Brookes to Worcestershire.
Brookes took 80 wickets in 31 first-class matches for the Bears, as well as 77 wickets in 60 white-ball games.
"Henry is someone we've been keeping a close eye on for some time," said director of cricket Alan Coleman.
"He is a player with a huge amount of genuine talent, who can bowl with real pace and aggression, and is someone we believe will add a completely different dimension to our attack.
"He is still young and has huge potential to develop into one of the best bowlers in the country, and we're delighted that he'll be doing so in a Middlesex shirt."
He took 5-25 against Southern Brave to become only the third player to take a five-wicket haul in the competition.
Middlesex's financial plans are being overseen by the England and Wales Cricket Board after the governing body sanctioned the county in September for breaches of financial regulations.
"The challenges we face financially dictate that we are having to make some really difficult decisions for the long-term good of the club," said Middlesex chief executive Andrew Cornish.
"Making these calls however, which positively impact on our financial position, can give us the opportunity where appropriate to invest in our playing squad. The signing of Henry Brookes is a great example of this."
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Post by Admin on Jan 5, 2024 17:53:22 GMT
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
All-rounder Josh Cobb has left Northamptonshire by mutual agreement.
The 33-year-old had a year left on his contract but will now look to continue his career elsewhere.
Cobb played 201 games for Northants after joining them from Leicestershire and was man of the match for scoring 80 as they won the T20 Blast in 2016.
He only scored 76 runs in eight T20 appearances last summer and also played three matches as they were relegated in the County Championship.
"Winning the T20 Blast in 2016 is one of the highlights of my career so far and I hope the club can return to those glory days in the future." said Cobb, who has also played for Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
"I'm looking forward to what the future holds in the next stage of my playing career."
Cobb has scored 12,873 runs in all formats during his career, including 12 centuries, and taken 131 wickets.
WORCESTERSHIRE
Worcestershire have signed New Zealander Nathan Smith as an overseas player across all three formats for the 2024 season.
The 25-year-old all-rounder follows the pre-Christmas signing of Pakistan spinner Usama Mir for T20 Blast duty.
Fast bowler Smith has so far played his domestic cricket in New Zealand, first for his native Otago, then Wellington.
The former under-19 international was selected for New Zealand A duty against India in 2020.
"We have been monitoring him for some time. His pace and ability to swing the ball will provide us with a significant boost.
"He can also contribute valuable runs down the order, and is an outstanding fielder. And he is a great character."
Smith added: "I've heard a lot of good things about the club from other Kiwis who have played at New Road. I can't wait to join up with the rest of the squad and hit the ground running."
SUSSEX
Seamer Sean Hunt has signed a two-year contract extension with Sussex.
The 22-year-old's new deal runs until the end of the 2026 season.
The left-armer, who came through the Surrey academy system, has taken 45 wickets in 19 first-class matches since signing for Sussex in 2021.
"Sean was one of our real breakthroughs last summer. He grew in confidence and started to show the quality that he has," Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace told the club website.
"He is a fantastic team man, really popular with everyone at the club, and a player we all want to succeed.
"The whole coaching and support staff are rightly very proud of Sean and all have really high hopes for his continued development and progress."
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Post by Admin on Jan 8, 2024 17:28:20 GMT
GLAMORGAN
Ex-Pakistan and Scotland coach Grant Bradburn is Glamorgan's new head coach, signing a three-year deal until 2027.
The New Zealander, 57, succeeds former County Championship head coach Matthew Maynard and limited-overs leader Mark Alleyne.
The Welsh county had already signalled their intention to revert to a single coach for all formats.
"To have the opportunity to coach Glamorgan is a huge honour and a privilege," said Bradburn.
"My simple aim is to create a winning environment with an awesome culture.
"Together we will quickly identify a brand of cricket in all formats that most importantly inspires the players and, in turn, attracts everyone within the club to be excited and proud of our teams."
Bradburn signed a two-year deal with Pakistan in May 2023, but left after they missed out on the World Cup semi-finals.
The former Test off-spinner had previously been Pakistan's fielding coach and was Scotland's head coach between 2014-2018.
He will officially start the Glamorgan head coach role on 1 February.
"With international experience and a passion for developing players and staff, I am really looking forward to immersing myself alongside our Glamorgan network of coaches to develop quality players within our programmes," said Bradburn.
"I'm not taking this role expecting just to compete in the County Championship. I will bring a desire for Glamorgan to be contenders in all formats and am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club soon.
"I will bring fresh eyes which I believe will be healthy for the club."
Glamorgan start 2024 at Lord's
Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace had been leading the search for a single head coach to lead the county across all formats in 2024.
The role had been split in 2023 as Maynard led the Championship team while Alleyne took charge for shorter formats.
Maynard stepped down, along with chief executive Hugh Morris, following a disappointing 2023 at Sophia Gardens.
"We're delighted to have a coach of Grant Bradburn's quality joining us at Glamorgan for the next three years at least," said Wallace.
"He has a wide range of experience as a coach and right across high performance and will add a great amount to the club from top to bottom."
In the wake of Maynard's exit, ex-Glamorgan wicketkeeper Tom Cullen said the county had been held back by their policy of appointing former players - such as Maynard, Wallace and Morris - to management positions, which he regarded as "cronyism".
Ex-England fast bowler Simon Jones joined the calls for change at his former county.
However, in turn Glamorgan great Michael Hogan played down suggestions there was a need for major changes at the club saying "I'd have to disagree with it for the most part."
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Post by Admin on Jan 13, 2024 7:51:40 GMT
MIDDLESEX
Middlesex have extended the contract of right-arm seamer Ishaan Kaushal.
The 21-year-old has one year remaining on his rookie contract and will then be promoted to a professional deal until the end of the 2026 season.
Kaushal made his debut last season, making five appearances in the One-Day Cup and claiming three wickets.
"He is fast becoming a player that will challenge for a regular place," Middlesex director of cricket Alan Coleman told the club website.
"We are thrilled with the progress that Ishaan continues to make. It's always hugely satisfying when you see a product of your own academy developing into a fine young cricketer, and Ishaan has all the attributes needed to become a fine pace bowler in years to come.
"He works hard at his game and is keen to learn from the more senior players within the group, which will stand him in terrific stead moving forward.
"He made an encouraging start to life as a first XI cricketer in 2023 and we are very much looking forward to seeing his game continue to develop over the next three years."
Kaushal took one wicket, and was the unbeaten batter, on his debut in a dramatic three-run defeat by Essex at Chelmsford in August.
"I am incredibly happy and grateful to sign an extension with Middlesex - my childhood club," Kaushal said.
"I've been here since I was 12 and it's a dream come true to play at Lord's."
SOMERSET
All-rounder Lewis Gregory has been named Somerset County Championship captain for the 2024 season.
The 31-year-old replaces Tom Abell, who announced in November he was stepping down after seven years in the role.
Gregory progressed to Somerset's first team from their academy in 2010 and has scored 6,000 runs and taken more than 550 wickets.
He was already captain of the club's T20 Blast side and led the team to the title last summer.
"I'm lucky enough to have been here for a while now and played under a number of great captains," he said.
"To be able to lead the boys in the four-day format is a massive honour and it's something that I'm very proud to be able to do."
Devon-born Gregory captained England Under-19s before being called up to the senior side in 2015.
He has played in three one-day internationals and nine T20 internationals for his country, with the last coming in 2021.
Craig Overton will act as Gregory's vice-captain.
"Lewis has thrived under the captaincy in T20 cricket. He is a natural leader and is held in the highest regard by his team-mates and the staff at the club," said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry.
"He is highly regarded across the whole changing room, has extensive experience, has a natural ability to gain the followership of others and is the natural choice to take on the prestigious role."
ESSEX
Former South Africa captain and opening batter Dean Elgar has signed for Essex on a three-year contract.
The 36-year-old will help fill the gap left by Sir Alastair Cook, who announced his retirement in October.
Elgar scored 5,347 runs in 86 Tests and ended his international career after the recent series against India.
"The club have been pushing for honours in recent years and I'm eager to contribute to further success," he told the Essex website.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my previous experiences in county cricket and I'm really looking forward to joining up with the squad ahead of the season."
He is a second signing for the team ahead of the new season - after Essex finished runners-up to champions Surrey in 2023 - following the arrival of wicketkeeper Jordan Cox from Kent.
Elgar has county experience with Somerset and Surrey and has scored 16,676 runs in first-class cricket, including 48 centuries.
The left-hander hit 185 against India at Centurion in December to help South Africa to an innings victory - though the series ended 1-1.
"Dean brings a wealth of talent and experience that will undoubtedly strengthen our squad for the 2024 season," said Essex head coach Anthony McGrath.
"His achievements in the international arena speak volumes about his capabilities and we are excited to witness his impact at Essex."
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Post by oldhamexile on Jan 13, 2024 10:23:04 GMT
Elgar was fought over by Essex and Somerset, like for like replacement for Cook, they'll be strong this year. I've read that Middlesex are going without an overseas this season, guess that's a financial decision.
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Post by Admin on Jan 15, 2024 12:22:56 GMT
SUSSEX
England players John Simpson and Tymal Mills have been named as Sussex captains ahead of the 2024 season.
Wicketkeeper-batter Simpson has joined from Middlesex and has initially been given the job for the first seven County Championship matches.
Fast bowler Mills will be skipper for the T20 Blast - unless he is picked by England for the T20 World Cup.
"If he is, then we will reassess that situation," head coach Paul Farbrace told the Sussex website.
Mills, 31, has played 16 T20 internationals and taken 234 wickets overall in the game's shortest format, playing in domestic competitions all round the world.
Simpson, 35, made three appearances for England in 50-over matches in 2021 and has scored more than 9,000 runs in first-class cricket, including 10 centuries, and taken 626 catches.
Explaining why he has not yet been given the red-ball captaincy for the entire season, Farbrace said: "He wants to make sure he's absolutely the right person to be captain.
"He also wants to make sure it allows him to be the best player he can be, both as a keeper and a batter.
"It's a very sensible decision and there's a natural break after seven games in the Championship anyway."
Farbrace has set twin goals of promotion from Division Two of the Championship, having finished third last summer, and qualification for T20 Blast Finals Day.
They will begin the new season with a home Championship fixture against Northamptonshire, who were relegated in 2023, on 5 April.
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Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2024 7:42:33 GMT
KENT
Kent have announced Jack Leaning has signed a new contract extension and been named the club's new vice-captain.
Leaning, 30, will stay with the Canterbury-based side until at least the end of the 2026 season.
The former Yorkshire batting all-rounder joined Kent in 2019 and will deputise for Daniel Bell-Drummond in the Championship team and Sam Billings in the limited-over side.
"I'm extremely excited to see what the future holds at Kent," Leaning said.
"I was quick to make sure that I could commit to as many years as I could here going forward."
"These past few weeks, I've spent a lot of time with both my teammates for winter training but also with the guys in the club office, seeing how we as players can contribute towards more off-field success as well as on it.
"Together we're an extremely ambitious club and want to remain right up there with the Test-hosting counties."
Leaning, who has made 118 appearances for Kent, scored an unbeaten 220 in his second match for the county after joining from Yorkshire.
The right hander said he was "honoured" to be the new vice-skipper and has already captained the side on 32 occasions.
He also helped Kent to the T20 Blast title in 2021 ending a 14-year wait by the county for a trophy and was subsequently named the club's batter of the season that year.
Kent's director of cricket, Simon Cook added: "With captaincy being under a new model, it's important to maintain a consistent and balanced voice across formats.
"Jack is one of the leaders of our dressing room and shares our ambitions. I'm looking forward to seeing him lead our One-Day Cup side if he's available for us."
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