A Retiring Cricketers Team of 2018

Autumn Test and ODI series are in full swing. However, I can’t help looking back upon the careers of cricketers who have bowed out after the latest season in England. The following twelve players make a pretty strong team, too.

He may not be a household name but Johannes Myburgh’s popularity with the Somerset faithful earned him a warm round of applause when he left the field at Taunton for the last time in August. The Pretorian had been at the county for only five seasons yet his one-day performances in particular, including a 42-ball T20 century against Essex a few months ago, endeared him to West Country crowds.

In his native South Africa, Myburgh had once played alongside Jonathan Trott, who also migrated to England to further his career. He did pretty well out of it, too. He eventually qualified for England and, after making piles of runs for Warwickshire, made his debut in the 2009 Ashes series. After a few years his Test batting average was way up in the sixties but by the time he retired in 2015 it was back at a still-decent 44. Although an even better 50-over batsman, he was still doing a sterling job alongside Ian Bell in the County Championship in 2018, striking 124 in his penultimate match.

Another South African-born batsman, Nick Compton has also called it a day. Part of the great Compton cricketing dynasty, he began and ended his county career at Middlesex but it was at good old Somerset that he reached his peak. In 2012, he came within a whisker of achieving the traditional landmark of 1000 runs before the end of May in 2012 and played 16 Tests for England. His steady style seemed well suited to five-dayers but he made only two centuries and was discarded two years ago He’ll be fine as an eloquent pundit, I’m sure.

Former Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams is also retiring at the age of 38. Despite his immense value as batsman and fielder to his county, he never quite managed a full senior international appearance ad, after a mediocre 2018, it was probably a good time to step back.

Paul Collingwood was another one-county stalwart, representing his home side of Durham for more than two decades. Including his 300+ appearances for England, he has quite with more than 30,000 runs, 400 wickets and 600 catches to his name. Not as tabloid-friendly as KP, Flintoff et al, he was nonetheless one of England’s finest all-round cricketers for a decade and was still an effective contributor to Durham’s cause into his 40s.

Will Gidman, who has also quite the game, was another all-rounder but who enjoyed a relatively brief stint at the top on the county circuit. He was already 26 when, alongside older brother Alex, he enjoyed a stellar season for Gloucestershire. Notts enticed him away in 2015, followed by Kent but his best cricket was behind him when he left the game aged 33.

Like Gidman, South Australian Stephen Crook may not be a familiar name but for the last several seasons he was a huge hit at Northamptonshire. His seam bowling and big hitting helped the county to two T20 titles but apparently his interests extend well beyond cricket so he won’t be bored in retirement.

Sean Ervine is probably better known, and for numerous summers was a banker in my fantasy cricket team. For Hampshire, he didn’t necessarily make loads of hundreds or collect five-fors but he was one of those consistent all-rounders who would always do a job for you. He split acrimoniously from the Zimbabwe set-up in 2004, otherwise he may have enjoyed more international success.

James Foster must be one of the unluckiest of England players in recent times. One of the best wicketkeeper batsmen in the country he had the misfortune of being a contemporary of Chris Read and Matt Prior, and picked up only seven Test caps in 2001 and 2002. However England’s loss was Essex’s gain and he was a hero at Chelmsford, regaining his place in 2017 to win the Championship crown. He lost his spot this year, though, and at 38 reluctantly stepped down.

James Tredwell was another whose England career was restricted by a parallel career; in his case, Graeme Swann. The mild-mannered, follically challenged Kent off-spinner was never destined for superstar status and he must be one of the very few cricketers who played for two different counties simultaneously (not in the same match obviously!) in different formats.

Another massive Fantasy Cricket points scorer in the past several seasons is Steve Magoffin. A bit of a county journeyman, the Aussie seamer was regularly near the top of the wickets table and bowling averages while at Sussex between 2012 and 2017 and he retires with a total of 597 first-class wickets at an incredible average of just 23.60. Understated, unsung but often unplayable.

Finally a mention for Andy Hodd. His whole career seems to have been spent as understudy, first to Tim Ambrose or Matt Prior at Sussex, then Jonny Bairstow at Yorkshire but when he did step up into the first XI he accumulated more than 5,000 senior runs and 400 dismissals. It seems fitting to make him my 2018 retirees’ twelfth man. Sorry, Hoddy!

Hampshire Hustle to the Top

As the Champions Trophy launched at The Oval, Edgbaston and Sophia Gardens, there were only 6 County Championship fixtures played this week. Only one was sufficient to see newly-promoted Hampshire hand bottom club Warwickshire a drubbing by an innings and 94 runs at the Rose Bowl. Southampton stalwarts Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine found rare form and made big centuries in a huge partnership of 367. Ervine proceeded to 203 before young Sukhjt Singh bowled him, one of six victims in only his third first-class match. Despite a century stand by Trott and Barker, Warwickshire had to follow on with over a day remaining. Leading wicket-taker Kyle Abbott duly claimed 4-32 and Ervine polished off the tail.

Headingley hosted the second Roses game in a few weeks but this time Yorkshire came out with the victor’s 16 points, beating Lancashire by ten wickets inside three days. In only his second first-class outing of 2017, Ryan Sidebottom was his usual miserly self and young gun Ben Coad made another major mark by taking 6-25 on the first day. Adam Lyth was the only man to pass 50 in the whole match, advancing to three figures for the first time this season. Meanwhile, his opposite number Haseeb Hameed continued to struggle, making his return to the Test Eleven look somewhat doubtful.

If Dean Elgar was British, or at least had not already represented the Proteas, he’d be a shoo-in to replace the Lancastrian. He scored another century for Somerset, as did all-rounder Luke Gregory, but the weather at Lord’s ensured there was to be no win for either side. At least another 2017 struggler, Tom Abell, enjoyed some fourth day batting practice, albeit against the likes of Compton, Gubbins and wicket-keeper Simpson! His side now face Yorkshire in a bid to register a first Division One victory of the summer, while Essex and Surrey meet for a chance to displace Hampshire at the top.

In the second rung, Nottinghamshire opened up a thirteen-point lead over Kent despite failing to beat Derbyshire at Trent Bridge. Missing Pattinson, Broad and Ball, their makeshift seam attack failed to bowl out their visitors twice. Billy Godleman top-scored with 121 for Derbyshire. Meanwhile, Worcestershire’s 100% record was destroyed by Sussex at Hove. Whilst the home team were earlier rocked by Luke Wright’s sudden resignation as captain, it didn’t prevent them marching to an innings defeat of a Worcester team unhealthily reliant on the runs of Daryl Mitchell. So much so that he has now been in my last three Teams of the Week! Luke Wells scored 158 while Wiese and Philander collected ten wickets between them.  

In the remaining fixture, Durham suffered another loss and still can’t boast a positive figure in the points column. It didn’t help that their bowling line-up had a very unfamiliar look. Extra kudos then to the inexperienced Paul Coughlin, whose ten wickets in the match made him the most successful bowler of the week, even in defeat. It was a very close-run thing, though, because Northants were running out of steam and the rain was falling steadily at Chester-le-Street before they crossed the line with a ball to spare.

Durham now face an arduous challenge in Kent, and it falls to Gloucestershire to halt Notts’ seemingly straightforward path to an instant return to the top flight.

Team of the Week: Mitchell (Wor), Elgar (Som), Steel (Dur), Wells (Sus), Ervine (Ham), Rossington (Nor +), Gregory (Som), Philander (Sus), Buck (Nor), Coad (Yor), Coughlin (Dur).

Middlesex and Yorkshire in Two-horse Race

The domestic international season may have ended, but the County Championship is entering its decisive phase, and it’s set up for a gripping finale!

For one dreamy day, it seemed that Somerset might actually be in with a genuine shout for that elusive first title. Well, if Leicester City can win the Premier League, why not? As a few weeks ago, Taunton was transformed into a spinners’ track, and the wickets tumbled against Warwickshire. No good if you had tickets for the last two days, nor if Jeetan Patel had taken full control. Fortunately for the home side, it was first the teenage Dominic Bess who caught the eye with 6-28 then, as Clarke and Wright threatened to snatch victory, Jack Leach completed his own six-for, and the job was done by 31 runs.

Now, if only Yorkshire and Middlesex could fail to win their matches…. It wasn’t to be. At Headingley, after setting up a first innings lead over Durham of 195, the champions decided against enforcing the follow-on. Alex Lees was in excellent form but it was opening partner Adam Lyth who reached three figures second time around. The four-pronged seam attack of Sidebottom, Brooks, Bresnan and Patterson achieved what Onions, Rushworth et al could not, and Yorkshire triumphed by 228 runs.

Meanwhile, Middlesex were embroiled in a much tighter contest at Trent Bridge. The first three innings were completed for between 240 and 247, leaving Middlesex 235 to win. Steven Finn, Jake Ball (including a first-over hat-trick!) and Ollie Rayner were all in the wickets, and at 25-3 the home side threatened to spoil the London party plans and keep Nottinghamshire’s survival hopes intact. However, an unbeaten 85-run partnership between Simpson and Franklin brought 20 points to Middlesex and a paltry four to Notts, condemning the latter to a surprise relegation. Middlesex now lead the division by a solitary point and the two counties have yet to play each other!

In the other fixture, Hampshire had the better of Surrey at xxx. They racked up almost 600, including centuries by Tom Alsop, Sean Ervine (revelling batting up the order) and Ryan McLaren. Liam Dawson had another ineffective game with the ball and Surrey easily batted out the final day. They at least have avoided the drop but Hampshire remain in trouble.

In the second tier, Essex remain twenty points clear at the top despite not playing. Kent suffered an unexpected ten-wicket defeat at Beckenham, as Northamptonshire twice dismissed them for under 250. To rub salt in the wound, Ben Duckett struck an excellent 208 all by himself. Rory Kleinveldt was the pick of the bowlers, sending back the first four Kent batsmen in the second innings inside seven overs.

They still look favourites to join Essex in Division One next year, but Sussex are now in third place having thrashed Leicestershire by an innings inside two days. Steve Magoffin was well supported by Jofra Archer, David Wiese and Ollie Robinson, and Leicester looked down and out. At least the won’t finish bottom again this year. Glamorgan were at the wrong end of another three-day defeat at Cardiff, as Gloucestershire kept their own promotion ambitions alive.

Derbyshire next meet Leicestershire in a bit to notch a first Championship victory of the summer and might actually succeed. At the top, an encouraging weather forecast should ensure Essex’s progress to division champions as the Welsh travel to Chelmsford. A Sussex win at home to Worcestershire could make things interesting in the final week, as Kent have to sit this one out biting their fingernails.

In the Championship title race, Yorkshire entertain Somerset. This will be set up for the seamers and I can’t see Chris Rogers’ men living with Andrew Gale’s side. The ECB are reluctant to allow the England stars leave to play for their counties, which will hurt Yorkshire more than Middlesex. That’s probably their intention! Middlesex face a tricky trip to Lancashire, who are not yet out of the relegation mire.

Team of the Week: Duckett (Nor), Lees (Yor), Alsop (Ham), Ervine (Ham), Patel (Not), Simpson (Mid, +), McLaren (Ham), Leach (Som), Archer (Sus), Bess (Som), Ball (Not)

Northants Rollercoaster Ride

For once, most of the Championship fixtures produced a positive result, which makes for interesting movements in both divisions. The week began with the Nat West T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston where Yorkshire were heavily fancied to secure the first leg of a possible Treble.

Ironic that David Willey, who joined them from Northamptonshire to boost his chance of an England career, experienced defeat to Durham in the semis then could only watch as his old side progress to the final. Three years ago, Willey practically won the climax single-handedly but in 2016, it was a good all-round bowling performance and a rumbustious 80 from Josh Cobb which took the trophy back to Wantage Road. They may have a small squad and little money but one strong point of Twenty 20 is that just about anyone can win it.

In the four-day game, it was a fantastic festival fixture at Scarborough for Yorkshire, who advanced to within five points of leaders Middlesex. They hammered nervy Nottinghamshire by 305 runs. Gary Ballance hit an unbeaten hundred before declaring, but his seamers had a field day. Thirty-somethings Tim Bresnan and Jack Brooks nabbed fifteen cheap wickets between them, with Willey unable to make the team.

Surrey also made short work of Lancashire at The Oval, and must surely be safe from relegation with two matches remaining. Sam Curran top-scored with 96 and it was nice to see Mark Footitt taking 7-62 on a rare outing for the Londoners. At Taunton Somerset had the better of Hampshire, as a terrific run-a-ball eighth wicket stand of 217 by Van Der Merwe and Craig Overton, with his debut hundred, set the visitors a tricky last afternoon target. However a second century of the game by Sean Ervine secured the draw.

At Chester-le-Street, almost two days’ play were lost, so Ian Westwood’s 127 and Jeetan Patel’s 5-32 for Warwickshire were in vain. Both counties sit in mid-table, looking anxiously over their shoulders.

Northants are struggling in Division Two but after scoring 551 in their first innings at New Road, a second victory of the season beckoned. Keogh, Crook and Chad Barrett all reached three figures, the latter becoming the county’s highest scorer for a number ten in their history! It was only the 27 year-old South African’s second first-class game, too. However, after some creative declarations setting Worcestershire 401 to win in 80-odd overs, another hundred by Daryl Mitchell and Joe Clarke’s 125 helped reach the target. It also kept them in contention for promotion.

However, Essex and Kent remain above them, each claiming innings victories this week. The leaders dented Leicestershire’s hopes at Grace Road inside three days, thanks largely to Jamie’s Porter’s eighth wickets and an assured 154 from teenager Dan Lawrence, whose first-class average now stands at a fine 47.

Kent also thumped Gloucestershire on the road at Bristol. Sam Billings and Darren Stevens plundered 258 in 49 overs while Hardus Viljoen was the pick of the Kent bowlers. The margin of victory would have been far greater had Hamish Marshall not shown admirable resistance in each innings.

It was a much closer affair at Cardiff, where Sussex just held on to edge Glamorgan by two wickets. Like Marshall, Chris Nash scored more than anyone else in each outing, but it was Ben Brown and George Garton who survived nine awkward overs to see them home. Sussex are still very much in the hunt to go up, with a game in hand. Beating Kent next week at Hove will do their chances a world of good. Lose, and they needn’t bother booking hotels around Lord’s or Headingley next summer.

Now for an honourable mention for Charlotte Edwards. Deposed as England captain, she nevertheless led the Southern Vipers to triumph in the inaugural Women’s Super League T20 tournament at Chelmsford. One in the eye for Mark Robinson!

Bank Holiday weekend sees the Royal London Cup semifinals. Somerset might be confident in their visit to Warwickshire but I fear they are too dependent on Hildreth, Trego and Jayawardene. Meanwhile, Yorkshire have another attempt at a one-day trophy, meeting Surrey in Leeds. I don’t know if they’ll have Root and Bairstow available, but it could be an away victory of Jason Roy is also released. And there’s a certain David Willey….


Team of the Week: Mitchell (Wor), Nash (Sus), Ervine (Ham), Marshall (Glo), Billings (Ken +), Stevens (Ken), Crook (Nor), Bresnan (Yor), Brooks (Yor), Porter (Ess), Footitt (Sur)

Hampshire undisputed one-day Kings!

AFter losing that last-ball thriller at Lord's, Jim Troughton and Warwickshire can at least look back on the season with huge fondness. They won the one that mattered, the County Championship, although a league and cup double sounds even more impressive. Meanwhile, Hampshire have shown how to win cup finals yet again, and twice within three weeks, too.

On the face of it, they are the stand-out side in short-form cricket, yet they weren't the most impressive in either CB40 or T20 group stages. However, they deserved to triumph at the Cardiff Finals Day, when Dmitri Mascarenhas, Neil McKenzie, Sean Ervine and Chris Wood led the troops to victories over Somerset and Yorkshire.

In the 40-over competition, they smashed highly-fancied Sussex in the semis but it was always going to be a tight match today, especially as Jimmy Adams had neither Mascarenhas or spinner Danny Briggs to call upon with the ball. On paper, Hampshire definitely had a squad to return to Division One of the Championship, but the btasmen scored too few runs and the bowling was too inconsistent. In knockout cricket, consistency is less important; you just need a few match-winners. And Hampshire have so many who could put in a good performance, from Carberry and Vince to Katich and McKenzie, Dawson and Briggs. The former pair both finished amongst the most prolific batsmen in the CB40 season, while the bowling spoils were more evenly shared.

Sean Ervine admitted that the controversial tied final with Somerset in 2010, the one Marcus Trescothick confesses still haunts him (and me!), was even tighter but the pressure imposed by Jimmy Adams and Kabir Ali proved too much for Neil Carter to get the touch needed to win for Warwickshire. Two trophies, but they really need to escape Division Two in 2013 to prove they're not just a useful one-day outfit. Of ourse, the cash from a successful Champions League T20 run would come in very handy, and if Hampshire could put one over the favoured IPL franchises it would be a big boost to the whole county game.