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That seems like a very odd arrangement

Durhamfootman wrote:That seems like a very odd arrangement

He was planning on retiring as a player at the end of the season just ended & will start a coaching job at ( I think) one of the NZ state sides. However that job doesn't commence until partway through next years English season. Hampshire needed an overseas player for the start of the season & it fitted in with his schedule.
Could be a very astute signing ( fitness permitting!) with so many 4 day games at the start of the season. He is probably still a very dangerous bowler especially in helpful conditions.

He's a kolpak is he not?

captaincolly wrote:

Durhamfootman wrote:That seems like a very odd arrangement

He was planning on retiring as a player at the end of the season just ended & will start a coaching job at ( I think) one of the NZ state sides. However that job doesn't commence until partway through next years English season. Hampshire needed an overseas player for the start of the season & it fitted in with his schedule.
Could be a very astute signing ( fitness permitting!) with so many 4 day games at the start of the season. He is probably still a very dangerous bowler especially in helpful conditions.

that makes sense, if he isn't too expensive, and he can stay fit. I suspect, but don't know, that he's struggled to be fit for the start of a season, 2 years running, but I suppose it isn't really that much of a gamble from Hants point of view

Hampshire wrote:He's a kolpak is he not?

You're right, forgot about that! Notts had Siddle playing this year I think? AA has been around for years so is no longer an overseas player.

Andre Adams is probably Hants' first AA since Adrian Aymes!

Balcombe's opted not to renew his contract as offered for a year and Bates has been released but Benks says we're trying to help him find a new county.

A shame but not at all surprised, Balcombe will be very good somewhere, he just needs a long run in a side. Bates has been going backwards for a while now, best of luck too him, but he just isn't good enough with the bat.

Easily the best keeper in the county game can't keep a place in a squad, shows how time have changed.

Would be tempted to place money on us picking up Bates.

Shame to see Bates go, but if having him and Balcombe off the wage bill allows us to strengthen our bowling attack over the winter, then I'll be very happy.

Will Smith won Players player of the year last night.

Vince got batsman of the year

Tommo and Coles shared bowler of the year.

Bates surely won't be without a county for long..

Congrats Hants - about time too!

I have a sneaky feeling that you will do a better job of it than we did.

braveneutral wrote:Congrats Hants - about time too!

I have a sneaky feeling that you will do a better job of it than we did.

Promoted sides have not done too well in recent years. About 10 years ago Notts won CC2 with Hants runner-up (prob 3 sides promoted in those days) & the following year (Warnegate Year!) Notts won CC1 with Hants runners-up again!

Balcombe has moved to Surrey, good move for them.