By Barmy Kev
October 15 2006

Barmy Kev has carried out an assesment of players performances compared with pre season expectations. Vinny stated twice at forum we should consign 2006 season to dustbin. However, an analysis of many of our players under performances needs to be carried out first

Pre season I listed expectations for each squad member, giving a Barmy Kev prediction. (BKP). These have been resurrected and stated in italics. 

 

I have now given a brief assessment for each player followed by a Barmy Kev Rating (BKR) 

 

 

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)

 

Only played one game in which he scored a duck and 141 in a lost cause.  His England career, continuing to thrive and we will be lucky to get any kind of showing in future.  

BKR-6/10

 

 

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.

 

Sadly suffered from loss of form, lack of confidence and quick shingles. Form picked up after illness  recovery. Will do better without pressure of captaincy.

BKR-4/10 

 

 

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.

 

My BKP perhaps was a tad optimistic, after a series of failures that earned the “Ed the Duck” title. Yet, especially once was batting at 4-which at times was like opening- he improved. Actually a managed a respectable 1075 runs at average of 37.07.

BKR- 6/10

 

 

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.

 

Will be disappointed by his standards his performance this year, despite 1038 runs at 37.07.  Lapses in the field proved costly. There were some excellent hard hitting 1 day knocks.

BKR- 6/10

 

 

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.

 

Well has done better than Ace and has moved up the England pecking order. Having recovered from a serious injury, maintained form including a sublime career best of 211 against Warks.  A class act throughout. 

BKR 9/10

 

 

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.

 

Struggled in county championship and showed his lack of experience. Had a few cameos in 1-day games and scored a mature 50 with tail at Somerset.  Great potential certainly there

BKR-5/10  

 

 

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.

 

Hairdresser redundant as was given an early chance taken with a century and ever present since.  Scored 4 more tons and scored 1207 runs at average of 46.42. With a bit more consistency can go from strength to strength.

BKR-8/10

 

 

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

 

Wasn’t given an opportunity, even for last meaningless game.  Showed potential in 20/20 game at Essex when nearly batted us to victory by himself.

BKR- 5/10   

 

 

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.

 

Sadly, no match winning performances.  Carried our insipid 20/20 team. They were some good county championship innings, but overall poor bowling.  Also, negative captaincy that gave us little chance of winning games. More expected from an overseas player

BKR-5/10

 

 

 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 better bowler than Solanki.

 

England and Middlesex have now realised he can bowl.   Despite becoming an England 1-day regular and fringe of test place, rarely produced the goods for us

BKR-4/10

 

 

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.

 

If Embers had his way no more cameos as our “legend” was out of team from start, offered to be loaned out and only picked out of desperation.  Showed what he is a capable of with match saving ton at Scarborough. Not enough to persuade a new contract as we look to future

BKR-6/10  

 

 

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.

 

His 1-day bowling proved to be relatively economical and can be an asset in this form of game. However, in championship bowled a load of pies and 12 wickets at 78.66 not good enough and seemed to suffer from lack of confidence.  His lack of progress is worrying.

BKR-3/10

 

 

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.

 

Called up to bolster mid order mid season. Started with 50 not out and at no. 7 managed to average 46. Did little wrong behind the stumps.

BKR-8/10

 

 

 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.

 

Was half right, but batting failed to improve, averaging 15.  His 1-day batting better and often provided good acceleration. Keeping was mixed.   Superb stumping of KP against Hants turned game, but missed a simple stumping against Sussex.

BKR-3/10

 

 

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.

 

How Louw could have we stooped.  A return of 46.79 is not what is expected from overseas player. Was often lumbering in field and only redeemed himself by some powerful lower order batting.   However, one of our worst overseas signings ever.

BKR-1/10.

 

 

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.

 

Carried our attack single handedly, alas to no Silverware. 61 wickets at 25, with little support.  Deserved player of season

BKR-9/10

 

 

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.

 

No knockout punches and just provided some gentle sparring. Was overlooked when we short and now has been discarded.

BKR 2/10   

 

 

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.

 

Sadly injury meant he did hardly any work, apart from 40 overs 4-121. The good news is, as I write he is 2 weeks away from full fitness.

BKR 5/10 

 

 

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.

 

Started promisingly bowling limited amount of overs. Then seemed to lose form and suffered from another injury.  Always, enthusiastic but doubts now on whether he is MTHD.

BKR 5/10 

 

 

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.

 

Had in fact little part to play as injury had final say.  In his 26 overs 4-88, which put him top of our bowling averages.  

BKR 6/10

 

 

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.

 

Managed 5 more, but at cost of a dreadful 93.8 going for 5+ runs an over. Often bowled short and wide and John Lever has lots of work to do, if he is going to realise his potential. Has improved batting this season.

BKR- 2/10

 

 

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.

 

With all injuries might have got more than the 1 Pro 40 match. But was one of victims of injury crisis.

 

 

Pre Season I thought

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.

 

Post Season thoughts

I would now like to consign 2006 to the dustbin.