2006 English Domestic Season Build-up

[greg]

I see Andy Bichel and Mitchell Johnson have signed for Essex for next season.

Know absolutely nothing about Johnson so any information from our Australian users would be gratefully recieved.

[Collyisamackem]

I know nothing about Johnson, but Bichel is a very handy all-rounder now, he's a great signing, though their attack now looks a little old with him and Gough being in the same team.

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Collyisamackem

I know nothing about Johnson, but Bichel is a very handy all-rounder now, he's a great signing, though their attack now looks a little old with him and Gough being in the same team.

I know nothing about Johnson, but I believe that our Aussie contingent have selected him for the Australia WAT A-Team. I think Bichel is only filling in for Johnson when he's off on Australia A Team duty this year. I hope he's fast, Essex need a good 24 year old Australian fast bowler. Mind you, we took on Kasprowicz at a similar age, and developed him for the benefit of Glamorgan in subsequent years. He was ok for Essex, but nothing special.

[Vrock]

Bichel should be a good solid player, he is also a handy bat now. Johnson of what I have seen from him has potential, he hasn't done amazingly for the Aussie senior team but he should develop well at Essex.

Essex will be without their opener Jefferson after sustaining a wrist injury after opening a window. BBC Link here.

[Quagmire]

Johnson is an exciting new prospect for Australia Dennis Lillee calls him a once in a generation bowler which is a big wrap coming from a bowling great like him. He has had some injury problems over the years but he will hopefully do well in county cricket

[greg]

Cheers Rowan.

[Jonny88]

Anyone think that Somerset can get promoted to the 1st divison of the country championship this season, we have some fanatasic young players, James Hildreth, england in 5 years - mark my words. With the signings we have made we will have good strength in depth and with Blackwell as a leader we can compete and get promoted. the one day cricket its a diffeent matter but we are improving and I have ever hope of hanging on to the Twenty20 trophy.

[cantplaycantalk]

Well it is starting to feel like the new season is really just round the corner, first reports are coming in from the pre-season warm up tour, final adjustments made to the squad. Hussey out and Maher in for Durham.

Looking forward to another year with anticipation

[Collyisamackem]

The same Jimmy Maher who just cracked a double-century for Queensland. I'll have that. Hope Huss isn't going to miss too much of the season though...

[Vrock]

Glenn McGrath is looking into playing a month stint in County Cricket before the Ashes this year. Should be interesting who he signs for.
Link here.