Middlesex CCC
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Luke Hollman signs two year deal
Discussion started by chunkyinargyll , 08 November, 2019 16:07
After the departure of Ollie Rayner and the naming of Nathan Sowter in Oval Invincibles’ squad for The Hundred, it was important that Middlesex gave a contract to (or signed from elsewhere) another spinner, so it is great that Luke Hollman has signed his first professional contract.
The fact that Sowter will be unavailable for much or all of our 50-over campaign means that Hollman stands a great chance of playing for our first XI in 2020, and will also be in contention if Sowter gets injured or if we feel the need to select two spinners for a particular match. Previously, an alternative way to get a second spinner into our side would have been for Dawid Malan or Paul Stirling to do some bowling, but the departures of those two players reduces the likelihood of us seeking that option, which is good news for Hollman.
Something else which works in Hollman’s favour is that he is capable of contributing with the bat, so if he is named in our side, then all won’t be lostif when our top-order get out cheaply.
Hopefully Hollman will enter next season on the back of performing well for England in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa in January and February.
Although Hollman has beaten Thilan Walallawita in the race to sign a contract, it seems that Walallawita remains in our plans, as he was one of eight Middlesex players to volunteer for the Felix Project on Monday night. Indeed, it wouldn’t take much for Walallawita to be required for our 1st XI, as he could come into contention if either Sowter or Hollman become unavailable and we require two spinners in a match. Indeed, this scenario could well happen in the 50-over competition, as Sowter will be unavailable, and the fact our overseas player berth will be filled by Peter Handscomb means that we can’t bring in an overseas spinner.
The fact that Sowter will be unavailable for much or all of our 50-over campaign means that Hollman stands a great chance of playing for our first XI in 2020, and will also be in contention if Sowter gets injured or if we feel the need to select two spinners for a particular match. Previously, an alternative way to get a second spinner into our side would have been for Dawid Malan or Paul Stirling to do some bowling, but the departures of those two players reduces the likelihood of us seeking that option, which is good news for Hollman.
Something else which works in Hollman’s favour is that he is capable of contributing with the bat, so if he is named in our side, then all won’t be lost
Hopefully Hollman will enter next season on the back of performing well for England in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa in January and February.
Although Hollman has beaten Thilan Walallawita in the race to sign a contract, it seems that Walallawita remains in our plans, as he was one of eight Middlesex players to volunteer for the Felix Project on Monday night. Indeed, it wouldn’t take much for Walallawita to be required for our 1st XI, as he could come into contention if either Sowter or Hollman become unavailable and we require two spinners in a match. Indeed, this scenario could well happen in the 50-over competition, as Sowter will be unavailable, and the fact our overseas player berth will be filled by Peter Handscomb means that we can’t bring in an overseas spinner.
Lets us hope the two years are used wisely.
England U19's and Middle 2nd XI have both tended to bat Luke at about 8, which suggests they both think his leg spin is his stronger suit, but he did top the Middlesex County League batting averages, opening the batting for North Middlesex and scoring 818 runs at 54.4 (3 hundreds three fifties)
[www.middlesexccl.com]
Note the club describe him as an all rounder. Important, because his batting ability could help get him in the side. Maybe even a potential number 6 one day.
[www.middlesexccl.com]
Note the club describe him as an all rounder. Important, because his batting ability could help get him in the side. Maybe even a potential number 6 one day.
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