2014 Hampshire Thread

[Durhamfootman]

That seems like a very odd arrangement

[captaincolly]

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.

[Hampshire]

He's a kolpak is he not?

[Durhamfootman]

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

[captaincolly]

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.

[Centuryclub]

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

[Hampshire]

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.

[SaintPowelly]

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.

[Making_Splinters]

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.

[st_brendy]

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.

[SaintPowelly]

Will Smith won Players player of the year last night.

Vince got batsman of the year

Tommo and Coles shared bowler of the year.

[andy]

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

[braveneutral]

Congrats Hants - about time too!

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

[Centuryclub]

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!

[SaintPowelly]

Balcombe has moved to Surrey, good move for them.