Close Season Transfer Gossip

[Lee Johnson]

i hope smith stays at Kent, as Alex Loudon has just been signed by Warwrickshire

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

Do you know how much Fleming is going to be available? Gallian might still get to lead for a few games anyway.

The Notts batting line up is looking very strong for next season though. You shouldn't struggle with relegation!

New Zealand have no commitments during the English domestic season. Fleming, according to Chris Cairns and Mick Newell, did not want to live in London thus ruling out Surrey. The other option was Somerset. Notts was the obvious choice especially as Chris Cairns was telling him how great it is there!!

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Zoysa for one. The new seamer who models himself on McGrath for another.

I'd have no problem with any county picking ANY of the Sri Lankan side, really: the batting depth is stunning and there isn't a lame duck int he side.

The problem is that the Sri Lankans regularly pick our domestic season as a time to hold a home Test Series. Even Murali will only be around for half of the summer.

[Andy Mellon]

Middlesex sign Scott Styris! I reckon this is a good move for Middlesex who need someone to replace Cook who's left for Kent. Not only should Styris provide decent middle-order batting (43 average at Test Level) but also should find some success in English conditions for his bowling. Coupled with New Zealand's paucity of international cricket next summer; he should prove a good signing and shows, along with the signing of Ed Smith, that Middlesex are after honours next year.

Plus, Blowers gets to see a bit more of 'George.C.Scott'!

So, do you agree with me? Good signing, or more excess baggage?

[Andy Mellon]

Another signing, this time for Hants as they take on the former Zimbabwe international, Sean Ervine. He's only 21 and could easily qualify for England in 5 years time. Is it right for Hants to be taking on such a player? Is he of sufficient class to be playing county cricket? How long will it be before all of the Zimbabwe rebels are plying their trade in the UK?

Hants have also signed former Nottinghamshire seamer Richard Logan - though I must confess, I've never even heard of this guy. Notts Exile - any details about him?

[Lee Johnson]

I think Ervine is a good player, he showed real potential in his few games for the Zimbo's before it all went wrong. I'm not sure on the rights and wrongs of these rebels playing county cricket but at leat Ervine is one of the better quality ones around.

[Teatime FatCat]

I'd agree - the bit's I've seen of Ervine mark him out to be a better allrounder than Blignaut or Travis Friend. I think he plays off-season for South Australia.

[Lee Johnson]

He does play for South Australia, as you say he's got more abut him than Blignaut and miles more than Friend. He's more of batsmen who bowls but his bowling is more than useful. He'll improve hampshire no ends in the one day game, the engine room of there middle order goes Ervine, Pothas and dimi, not a bad 6,7, and 8 i reckon

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

Hants have also signed former Nottinghamshire seamer Richard Logan - though I must confess, I've never even heard of this guy. Notts Exile - any details about him?

Can be quick but will lose far more one day matches for you than he will ever win. He'll bowl more long hops and full tosses than you've ever seen from a county seamer! He's not bad on his day but they don't come along often enough.

Good to see Pietersen has joined him at the batting paradise known as the Rose Bowl!! Proved he's a mercenary by going for the money. I look forward to him having his worst season yet as Hampshire get relegated - sorry Hants fans. Your county hasn't helped itself in many folks eyes by signing Ervine. The guy has no place playing in OUR country as a NON-foreigner. None of those Zimbos should be over here unless nominated as an overseas player. I hope he fails too.

Bitter me ?? Never!!

[Andy Mellon]

Well, the transfer moves seem to have died down in recent weeks, but contract negotiations are still ongoing in several cases.

Firstly, Essex seem to still be investigating whether Alex Tudor would be worth a risk. Also, since they have released overseas player Scott Brant, there is an opening for an overseas player which looks likely to be filled by Kiwi all-rounder Andre Adams.

Secondly, Glamorgan have been anxiously signing contracts with two up and coming Welsh starlets, David and Adam Harrison. David, who was selected for the World-A-Team England A-Team has won Glamorgan's young player of the year 2 years in a row and Adam is thought to be an even better prospect.

Durham have signed Aussie paceman Callum Thorp in a Kolpak deal as both his parents are British and Durham are also looking at South African international Dale Benkenstein who would also be eligible under Kolpak rules. This would be in addition to their existing overseas pair of Ashley Noffke and Mike Hussey.

There is also a lot of discussion over Brett Lee joining an English county, with Leics, Middlesex, Surrey and Worcestershire looking interested. Also, Chris Schofield is being looked at by Sussex.