By Barmy Kev
April 16 2006

A new season beckons after a long winter where some of our squad have been recharging batteries, others working on their technique, while we have had some international representation too. Barmy Kev presents his annual Barmy Kev prediction (BKP). So what can we expect from our players? I have been studying last season form, pre season developments to assess what lies ahead giving a Barmy Kev prediction. (BKP).

Andrew Strauss (OBE)- Another mainly successful winter with England, now captaincy the latest feather to Andy’s cap in what has been a phenomenal rise to fame. However, his performances for us will be very limited and out of our hands. If last years showing anything to go by, I am sure we’d prefer our team not to be disrupted.
BKP- to keep his OBE status (Only Bats for England)

Ben Hutton- Struggled, especially in early part of last season. Got bogged down and had more blocks than a Lego set. He came out of shell as season progressed. His captaincy decision-making came under scrutiny especially after Essex fiasco and seemingly losing control against Glous at Southgate. However, he will learn from these mistakes and will develop.
BKP- Put Lego set away, will score more freely and will have eye on clock for 1 dayers.

Ed Smith- Last year 1200+ runs average of 40, yet seemed to be disappointing season by his high standards. If Ace or other Ed in England set up, even more required an am certain he will produce goods.
BKP- A spectacularly successful 2nd season as Ed of our class.

Owais (ACE) Shah- Absolutely fantastic scoring in all forms last year, which lead to England call. Maybe out of England 1 day reckoning after recent disappointments, but will be knocking on test door if more “viruses” occur to England’s top order. Meanwhile, will continue to score heavily for us.
BKP- Will make it difficult for England selectors to leave him out

Ed Joyce- Excellent in CC. I’ll never forget his 190 against Notts batting with tail one of best innings I’ve ever seen at Lords. Was in contention for England place but winter developments have put him down pecking order, but will look again to score heavily to show potential.
BKP- Same as Ace.

Eoin Morgan- Next in line if any drop outs after showing more of his potential with Ireland in winter.
BKP- Chances to kick start first class county career.

Nick Compton- Perhaps unlucky not to have had more opportunities last year after good season in 2nds. This year with need for more depth, Morgan seems to have usurped him in reckoning and will need to grab any first team opportunities with both hands.
BKP- His hairdresser will be busy again this season.

Billy Godleman- Just out of school and now talked of as a future England international. May have to rely on a “meaningless” 1st class game for chances.
BKP- Will be eased into 1st team action

Scott Styris- Our best overseas signing for a while. His awesome hitting was a great asset in 1- day games. His bowling proved productive in longer matches. Never seemed to click at both disciplines at same time. Was always enthusiastic in field and a good team player.
BKP- Roll on June for some match winning performances.

Jamie Dalrymple- While last year form not as good as hoped, was picked for Academy, where they only realised he was a bowler in last match of tour. His hard hitting in 1-day games was main contribution to Middlesex and expect more fireworks.
BKP- Hutton to realise he is a bowler quicker than Solanki.

Paul Weekes- Crucial middle order runs in CC with consistently solid innings opening in 1 dayers. Still chips with a wicket or two and out bowled Shane Warne at Southgate. His fielding is now a liability but his other performances compensate.
BKP- One more cameo for our stalwart.

Chris Peploe- Not a wicket taker but had some very economical 1 day bowling performances. His batting has developed.
BKP- will be useful 1 day all rounder.

David (Knocker) Nash. His batting at 7 missed. Unlucky last year in his 1 championship performance his back gave up, after 2 fruitless sessions without a chance. Will play a more significant role this year.
BKP- Pressure on Scotty to provided.

Ben Scott- In 1 day game behind the stumps to medium pacers few better and a valuable asset here. Slight improvement in batting, but will need to improve more, as Knocker will be threat for place in championship matches. Hopefully, trip to OZ will prove to pay off.
BKP- Will rise to challenge with improved batting, but won’t play every game this year.

Johann Louw- A good, although not sensational signing with a proven pedigree in county cricket. His death bowling and late order hitting will provide all round quality missing last year.
BKP- Louw will swing to carry us home in tight finishes

Chris Silverwood- The final piece of our jigsaw. Hopefully will stay clear of injuries and prove Yorkshire wrong.
BKP- Silverwood to provide us with Silverware.

Mohammed Ali- I’m not convinced by this signing. Rejected by Derbyshire and plucked from Hertfordshire. A very average career record. Has Embrury seen something we haven’t?
BKP- To float like a butterfly, but unlikely to sting like a bee.

Alan Richardson- A marvel last year. Carried our attack almost single- handed, until he was ready to drop. Should have better support this time round.
BKP- Will be doing work of 1 player not 3 this season.

Chad Keegan- Not expected to be seen much, until later on in 1 dayers. Pity, as we will miss is all round game and effervescence
BKP- To remain fit and set the 1 day scene alight in August.

Mel (Scary) Betts- His radar improved as season went on. Suffered with injuries. Useful all round contributions. A valued squad member.
BKP- Still has part to play if he can continue with 6 ball overs.

Chris Wright- Will be disappointed with zero wicket return last year. Claim to notoriety breaking R*mps hand. Winter in Sri Lanka might be of benefit. Needs some success in 2nds before can be considered.
BKP- No less 1st class wickets than last year.

Chris Whelan- Heard good things about the boy, but with depth in bowling will have to wait his turn.
BKP – Good season in 2nd X1


As far as the team is concerned we cannot hide away from the fact that we survived by the skin of our teeth. Ultimately, factors out of our hands kept us up. While, our batting was mainly strong our ability to bowl teams out let us down. However, with some shrewd signings to bolster our attack and hopefully less injury problems, I believe we can be a challenge to the best. Our lack of quality spinner may be our stumbling block in sustaining a title push.

Our 1-day form was more encouraging and with our extra strength, I can see us realistically challenging for a trophy.