Lancashire 2014: The red rose blooms once more.
Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 7:24 pmFollowing the briefest of stints down in the secon\d division, where we were a rather large cut above the rest, Lancashire are back with the big boys and ready to take the LVCC title once again.
After that rather emphatic and probably slightly optimistic opening barrage, it’s time to have a quick look at what the upcoming season holds.
The end of last season saw Moores finally taking some action over consistent underperformance and our lack of top quality talent in the side. While I was a little surprised to see Moores (S) be taken off our books, the truth of the matter is he has never fulfilled his promise since joining us from Worcs back in 2010. While he has been a major part of our one day team averaging under 20 for the 2012 season and never looking like challenging for his place back last season, it was probably time to part ways. If Derbyshire can get the best out of him, it will be a very good signing for them. The other big name to fall under the axe was Cross, it’s not hard to feel slightly sorry for Gary given the way Sutton was brought in over giving him the chance in 2006, but even when he finally got his chance in 2010, he’s never managed to average over 30 for a season. Promise and loyalty is no longer enough to buy you a place in the team is the message that is coming out loud and clear. There is no doubt a few more who’ll be on last orders this season.
Our big signing was of course an England international in the form of Buttler. While I had my reservations about him missing time due to international commitments, this is now perhaps becoming a huge issue given the current state of affairs over the ownership of the England gloves. I reckon we’ll be lucky to see much of him in the coming seasons and hope Alex Davies can step up to the plate.
There are at least some major positives coming out of last season: Our bowling attack remains one of the strongest around, and although we may lose the services of Kerrigan at some stage, we have Parry to fall back on and the Hogg / Chapple partnership will give many opening batsmen cause for concern. This will likely be the mighty Glen’s last season, so no doubt he’ll want to go out on a high. Finally Luke Reece is the first Lancashire batsman I’ve been genuinely excited about in years, the step up to facing Division 1 bowlers will be tough for him, but he’s got a simple technique and a good head on his shoulders which should serve him well. I’d not be surprised if he’s in England’s view by the end of the season.
Anyway, that’s quite enough of that. Here’s to another Red Rose county championship winning team!
After that rather emphatic and probably slightly optimistic opening barrage, it’s time to have a quick look at what the upcoming season holds.
The end of last season saw Moores finally taking some action over consistent underperformance and our lack of top quality talent in the side. While I was a little surprised to see Moores (S) be taken off our books, the truth of the matter is he has never fulfilled his promise since joining us from Worcs back in 2010. While he has been a major part of our one day team averaging under 20 for the 2012 season and never looking like challenging for his place back last season, it was probably time to part ways. If Derbyshire can get the best out of him, it will be a very good signing for them. The other big name to fall under the axe was Cross, it’s not hard to feel slightly sorry for Gary given the way Sutton was brought in over giving him the chance in 2006, but even when he finally got his chance in 2010, he’s never managed to average over 30 for a season. Promise and loyalty is no longer enough to buy you a place in the team is the message that is coming out loud and clear. There is no doubt a few more who’ll be on last orders this season.
Our big signing was of course an England international in the form of Buttler. While I had my reservations about him missing time due to international commitments, this is now perhaps becoming a huge issue given the current state of affairs over the ownership of the England gloves. I reckon we’ll be lucky to see much of him in the coming seasons and hope Alex Davies can step up to the plate.
There are at least some major positives coming out of last season: Our bowling attack remains one of the strongest around, and although we may lose the services of Kerrigan at some stage, we have Parry to fall back on and the Hogg / Chapple partnership will give many opening batsmen cause for concern. This will likely be the mighty Glen’s last season, so no doubt he’ll want to go out on a high. Finally Luke Reece is the first Lancashire batsman I’ve been genuinely excited about in years, the step up to facing Division 1 bowlers will be tough for him, but he’s got a simple technique and a good head on his shoulders which should serve him well. I’d not be surprised if he’s in England’s view by the end of the season.
Anyway, that’s quite enough of that. Here’s to another Red Rose county championship winning team!
