Down by the Riverside 2023

[Durhamfootman]

does this read like a man prepared to make a move?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66022429

I reckon so

[captaincolly]

does this read like a man prepared to make a move?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66022429

I reckon so

Me too.

[KingOttis]

does this read like a man prepared to make a move?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66022429

I reckon so

Me too.

It seems a bit of an indulgence to go for a T20 specialist who is nearly 33. I know we're crap in that format, but I'd rather go for better value for money, preferably for an all-format player.

[captaincolly]

does this read like a man prepared to make a move?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66022429

I reckon so

Me too.

It seems a bit of an indulgence to go for a T20 specialist who is nearly 33. I know we're crap in that format, but I'd rather go for better value for money, preferably for an all-format player.

Fair point.

[Durhamfootman]

well, we payed a shed load of money to Parnell and Turner and we're only one win better off than the utterly woeful season that we had last year. Maybe we need multi format overseas players instead.

Cobb is an outstanding T20 player (when he hasn't had the rug unceremoniously pulled out from underneath him), just as Sowter is an outstanding T20 player. It's the one format where we just haven't made any real progress in 20 years (even Colly couldn't turn it around) and success would be highly lucrative. We seem to have money suddenly and we're streets behind at least a dozen counties. After seeing the fruits of the highly unusual Sowter signing it suddenly makes sense to me

My feeling is that the day is not too far away where T20 becomes a season long Friday night staple and the day of the highly paid overseas T20 pro is confined to whatever replaces the Silly in Razzle Dazzle August.

[captaincolly]

well, we payed a shed load of money to Parnell and Turner and we're only one win better off than the utterly woeful season that we had last year. Maybe we need multi format overseas players instead.

Cobb is an outstanding T20 player (when he hasn't had the rug unceremoniously pulled out from underneath him), just as Sowter is an outstanding T20 player. It's the one format where we just haven't made any real progress in 20 years (even Colly couldn't turn it around) and success would be highly lucrative. We seem to have money suddenly and we're streets behind at least a dozen counties. After seeing the fruits of the highly unusual Sowter signing it suddenly makes sense to me

My feeling is that the day is not too far away where T20 becomes a season long Friday night staple and the day of the highly paid overseas T20 pro is confined to whatever replaces the Silly in Razzle Dazzle August.

Yes. Thats the alternative argument- if we are going to take the T20 seriously we're going to probably need more specialist types like Sowter. Cobb would fit the bill.

[Durhamfootman]

You give Cobb the same deal Sowter has, do what you like, play in the Hundred, go off and do the global T20 circuit to suit you, but you turn up here for the Dribble and win matches for us. Some counties do (have done) that with OS players that return year after year (Rashid Khan, Biter Afridi, Christian), but it doesn't have to be like that. Think Topley, Jordan, Mills, Hales, Samit, Bopara............ or Sowter. There will be others around the counties

[captaincolly]

You give Cobb the same deal Sowter has, do what you like, play in the Hundred, go off and do the global T20 circuit to suit you, but you turn up here for the Dribble and win matches for us. Some counties do (have done) that with OS players that return year after year (Rashid Khan, Biter Afridi, Christian), but it doesn't have to be like that. Think Topley, Jordan, Mills, Hales, Samit, Bopara............ or Sowter. There will be others around the counties

I was on the fence but you have convinced me. I think he'd be very handy.

[captaincolly]

Seems as if Ollie Robinson has got a gig in the dreaded 100 so we can probably write off the RL 50 campaign. I'm assuming Raine and Carse will be involved, Potts too ? And de Loose.

[westoelad]

Seems as if Ollie Robinson has got a gig in the dreaded 100 so we can probably write off the RL 50 campaign. I'm assuming Raine and Carse will be involved, Potts too ? And de Loose.

It's a development tournament and most counties will be severely weakened. Opportunity for Macintosh.

[Durhamfootman]

I thought Mackintosh did pretty well for us last year.... in the CC at least (I don't remember a thing about the 50over). Scored a half century, looked very competent behind the stumps in his couple of matches.

[Durhamfootman]

interesting article in the cricketer by Nick Friend. He's written a piece on Ollie Robinson and how well he and Durham suit each other.

It also rather reads as though Kent have realised they made a massive mistake and will try to lure him back. Jordan Cox will also move out at the end of the season (to Essex) leaving them very short. He spends almost no time with friends and family since his move and seems to miss that, despite being delighted with the way his move has worked out for his career.

I don't know how long his contract is with us (I'd hazard a guess at 3 years) so it's entirely possible that in a couple of years time, with his career booming, that he might be tempted to go back home as undisputed no.1 wk

we'll have to keep an eye out for that

[captaincolly]

interesting article in the cricketer by Nick Friend. He's written a piece on Ollie Robinson and how well he and Durham suit each other.

It also rather reads as though Kent have realised they made a massive mistake and will try to lure him back. Jordan Cox will also move out at the end of the season (to Essex) leaving them very short. He spends almost no time with friends and family since his move and seems to miss that, despite being delighted with the way his move has worked out for his career.

I don't know how long his contract is with us (I'd hazard a guess at 3 years) so it's entirely possible that in a couple of years time, with his career booming, that he might be tempted to go back home as undisputed no.1 wk

we'll have to keep an eye out for that

Think it is a 3 year deal but also that his heart was with Kent and he was reluctant to leave so it wouldn't be a surprise if he eventually goes back - let's hope not!

[captaincolly]

Matt Parkinson joining Kent for the RL50 competition. I see that the Pretorius announced mentioned he'd play 3 red ball games - wonder if it all means we're getting Todd Murphy after the Oval test?

[Durhamfootman]

that was the plan, if I understand it correctly.