Thanks once more to our Feeder Team

[procswrongfoot]

Middlesex manage to come up trumps once more.......really didn't expect us to be signing someone with such a glowing young reputation like Tom Lace.

So after the signings of Ryan Higgins and George Scott from Middlesex, we can now add Tom. Additionally, of course, our other Tom (Tom Smith) is also ex Middlesex. I did previously wonder if we would try and sign up Ethan Bamber from Middlesex, to help bolster our bowling options, after his short loan spell with us last season.

With Bracey, Charlesworth and Lace we have some exciting young batting talent. Personally, I do hope that we can still also persevere with opportunities for George Hankins, as I still firmly believe in him having the ability to becomie a really productive batsman.

Now if we could only get Whittingham fit (a real genuine quick) and somehow find a real match winner spinner, then we could potentially put out a much more balanced bowling attack.

After a brief peruse of the Middlesex forum (MTID), I think it safe to say that the natives are not happy. The exploits of Ryan Higgins since leaving them has continued to annoy them. To now lose Tom Lace has only added to their angst.

Interesting that living and playing for a London side was always previously seen as being a big attraction. Not sure that living in London is now becoming affordable for young cricketers and was interesting to read that Tom Lace was looking forward to living in Bristol.

[scrumpjob]

This signing is very tasty indeed.

Suspect he goes straight in to open alongside Dent.

[procswrongfoot]

Personally, I would be rather surprised if we saw him opening.

Last season when he played against us (on loan at Derbyshire) he batted at 4. I rather suspect that he will most likely slot into our line up batting at 4 or 5.

Would rather surprise me if Charlesworth does not continue to open with Dent. Both are natural openers, although I would confess that having two left handed openers is not really my ideal combination. GvB to continue at 3, where his relative success has rather surprised me of late.

Anyway, very encouraged to see that we now have some real selection decisions to make, rather than having an eleven that almost picks itself.

[scrumpjob]

Oh I agree.

With Roderick on his way I think Lace is his replacement and will be superb competition for Bracey with both strong enough to bat in the top order at the same time.

Out of interest do you think any of Drissell, Goodman, H.Hankins or the brothers Price will prove good enough to break into the side?

And I'd really value your thoughts on the bowling speed thread.

[procswrongfoot]

Regarding the 5 youngsters mentioned above, I find it difficult if not impossible to predict their likely cricketing futures. Sorry to sound rather pessimistic, but statistically the vast majority of promising young cricketers fail to make the required grade. Accordingly, I would be personally delighted if 2 out of the 5 managed to become decent county cricketers.

Apart from the accompanying blurb from the County, announcing their signings, I have absolutely no knowledge regarding Ollie Price or Dominic Goodman. Additionally, I have not actually seen Harry Hankins play live, nor Tom Price (very surprised at his recent debut opportunity). From what I can tell, Harry certainly seems to have the build / stature of a pace bowler.

Of the 5 players mentioned, George Drissell will be the most well known to the majority of us. Sadly, George has a very difficult path ahead of him, as have all off break spin bowlers unfortunately. Lack of of realistic appearances / bowling opportunities and a real danger of trying to convert him into the norm containing slow bowler ("dart thrower") for white ball cricket.

For me, a rather bizarre memory of George relates to his batting. Who could forget the match against Sussex at Cheltenham (2018), where he bravely marched in (first wicket down) as night watchman to face a fired up pace attack of Archer and Robinson. Subsequently to be joined by Matt Taylor as second night watchman. Amazingly, I seem to remember Richard Dawson later admitting that we had a third night watchman padded up and ready if needed (David Payne I think). Came rather close to creating a most unusual record for the history books.

This awful pandemic has obviously created great financial uncertainty for cricket in the future. Very hard to avoid cost cutting measures, with the likelihood of smaller squads and making it even more difficult for young cricketers to be retained and progress.