By Edward Hall
April 17 2002

Owen Parkin and Dean Cosker have both been named in Glamorgan’s 12-man squad for the season’s opening Championship game against Derbyshire. Andrew Davies and Alex Wharf have been left out of the squad. Parkin and Cosker were the only two surprises in the squad selection, with the other 10 names being as predicted. This means that Glamorgan are almost certain to go into the game with just five specialist batsmen, Croft, Wallace and four seam bowlers. Simon Jones and Darren Thomas are set to play alongside Michael Kasprowicz, who will play his first game for the county. David Hemp will open the batting, playing in his opening first-class game for the side since returning from Warwickshire.

It seems unlikely that Glamorgan will pick Cosker on Friday morning, so Owen Parkin will probably be given a go. He has been out of favour in the Championship side for a while now, playing only 1 first-class game last season. The omission of Alex Wharf is not surprising, but the exclusion of Andrew Davies is an odd decision. Davies recorded fairly good figures in the tour to South Africa, and looked promising last season in the Championship games. Parkin has now been round for a while without settling into the one-day or four day team. At 29, this selection could be a recognisation of the fact that, with Jones and Davies breaking through, time is running out for Owen. The early season conditions will certainly favour Parkin’s brand of swing bowling.

We must now just hope that the weather holds out so we can see the bowlers in action.

Glamorgan 12 for Championship match v Derbyshire starting on Friday: James, Hemp, Dale, Maynard, Powell, Croft, Wallace, D Thomas, Kasprowicz, Jones, Parkin, Cosker